Wondering what to do in Dumaguete City? CEBU INSIDER has compiled the 10 Fun Things to Do in Dumaguete in 2023!
Dubbed “The City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental is a charming small city with less than 200,000 residents. This hidden gem is home to centuries-old architectural wonder that welcomes travelers as they arrive on the scenic boulevard.
Also known for being a university town for its four universities, it’s a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, perfect for families traveling with kids, couples looking for a romantic getaway, or solo travelers seeking new adventures.
Home to thousands of expats, Dumaguete is the perfect base for people who want to live in a quiet city that’s not as big as Manila or Cebu but has access to basic services. And whether you are looking for dive sites, beaches, and other points of interest, Dumaguete is surrounded by world-class tourist attractions, such as Apo Island in Dauin, Manjuyod Sandbar in Bais City, Siquijor, and whale shark watching in Oslob.
Welcome to Dumaguete City, a place that offers plenty of beaches, good food, historical sites, and a plethora of unforgettable experiences to behold. Here are 10 Things to Do in Dumaguete in 2023:
1. Visit Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church
First on our list is the Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church, also known as Cathedral Church for locals. It’s a stunning stone church that was built in the 1700s, featuring a beautiful facade with statues of Saints Peter and Paul. Take a picture in front of the church as a souvenir or attend mass if you’re here on a Wednesday or Sunday.
When visiting the Cathedral, don’t miss the Belfry. It’s a watchtower located on the left side of the church, which was built in the early 1800s as a lookout for pirate ships that were prevalent during the time.
The Belfry is believed to have saved many residents in Dumaguete from being kidnapped and sold as slaves. Today, it no longer serves its original purpose, but it remains a staple symbol of the city’s rich history.
2. Try Local Delicacies at Rizal Boulevard
Never leave Dumaguete without taking a stroll at Rizal Boulevard. It’s the hub of the city and residents from all walks of life diverge here to jog, walk their dogs, practice breakdancing, play volleyball, and enjoy local street food.
People start coming around 4:00 PM, so if you want to do some people-watching, sit on one of the cement benches on the boulevard, order some tempura, and savor the cool breeze that comes from the sea.
And of course, a visit to Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries across the boulevard is a must when visiting the city. They make the popular silvanas, a Filipino sweet pastry of layers of buttercream between cashew-meringue wafers, and topped with cookie crumbs.
Many flavors are available, such as chocolate, strawberry, and ube, but my favorite is the original butter, which goes perfectly well with a cup of brewed coffee.
3. Hike Mount Talinis
Mount Talinis is the second tallest mountain in the province, rising at 1,864 meters above sea level. Hiking the summit takes about 4 hours, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the southern part of Negros.
If you love hiking, mountain climbing, or you want to escape city life, hiking Mount Talinis is the perfect adventure for you.
4. Unwind at Sulfuric Red Rock Hot Spring and PulangBato Falls in Valencia
Located in Valencia, which is a town located west of Dumaguete, the Red Rock Hot Springs and PulangBato Falls offer unique experiences for tourists. The area literally has red boulders, and thus, the name.
Take a relaxing dip at the sulfuric hot spring, which is believed to bring about various health benefits to the skin and body. Once you’re done, visit the PulangBato Falls, where a small bridge will take you to the fall’s basin.
5. Relax at Forest Camp Resort in Valencia
Forest Camp Resort is one of the most popular places to relax and unwind with families and friends on a weekend. It’s located beside the Banica River, where the resort’s natural pools are fed by the river’s waters.
There’s a lot to do here, such as horseback riding, swimming in the pools and in the river, and eating halo-halo, and other Filipino food. They even have a skate bowl. On some days, they even have events, such as Full Moon parties, skate competitions, and live bands.
6. Visit Casaroro Falls in Valencia
A few minutes from Forest Camp is where you’ll find Casaroro Falls, the tallest waterfall in the province. Its drop is 30 meters, and getting to it requires some level of fitness. There are 350 steps to go down, and even when you’ve reached the bottom, you’ll still need to do some walking to reach the drop.
There’s not much to do here, though you can take a dip in the water. I have to warn you, though, as the rocks and boulders can get slippery, so be careful and wear appropriate footwear if you plan to see Casaroro.
7. Visit Balinsasayao Twin Lakes in Sibulan
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes are two freshwater lakes located in Sibulan, a town south of Dumaguete. There’s Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao, which are perfect places to connect with nature.
There’s lush greenery all around here, so it’s a great spot to think, meditate, or simply enjoy what nature has to offer. You can rent a boat or kayak, and paddle on the lake, enjoying the stillness and peaceful forest that surrounds it.
8. Go Snorkeling in Apo Island in Dauin
Do you want to swim with green sea and hawksbill turtles in their natural habitat? If yes, then you need to go snorkeling off the coast of Apo Island in Dauin.
Dauin is around 30 minutes from Dumaguete and Apo Island is a 45-minute boat ride from town. It’s a marine protected area since the 1980s, so the waters around the island are thriving with coral reefs and marine life.
There are over 400 coral reef species here and of course, the magical turtles that will swim with you as you snorkel or dive in its waters (if you’re lucky). It’s a great spot for travelers who love diving and exploring life under the sea.
9. Go Dolphin Watching at Manjuyod Sandbar in Bais City
One of my most memorable adventures was dolphin watching in Bais. We arrived in Bais (an hour from Dumaguete) around 6:00 AM and started our boat ride. After about an hour, there they were! A group of dolphins from afar started swimming toward our boat, and as they got closer, we could hear their squeaks, and they swam around the boat as if guiding and joining us to our destination.
It was a good 10 minutes of these beautiful sea creatures swimming and jumping around us and you’ll want to get as close to them as you can, so sitting on the edge of the boat will give you the best experience.
After dolphin watching, the boat operators will take you to Manjuyod Sandbar, which is dubbed the “Maldives of the Philippines.” We were able to swim in the waters and eat our lunch at noon, and as the day progressed, the sandbar started to appear at low tide, and it was magical. The sand was pristinely white and it felt like we were standing in the middle of the ocean.
We left just as the sun was setting, and it was one of the most beautiful experiences I ever had.
10. Take a Side Trip to Siquijor
And lastly, since you’re already in Dumaguete, why not go on a day trip to Siquijor island, also known as Isla del Fuego? It’s only a 45-minute boat ride if you take a fast craft, and it’s filled with white sand beaches, waterfalls, and of course, the mystical healing practices the island is known for.
There’s also so much to do and see in Siquijor that it warrants a completely different list of 10 things to do. So maybe in another list soon.
Your Complete Dumaguete Travel Guide
Visiting Dumaguete will make you want to imagine living here. Life is slow but not too slow that you become lazy. There’s always something to do, new restaurants to try, and places to see. But it also makes you pause and appreciate the beauty of nature, adventure, and most of all, making memories with the people you love.
Experience Dumaguete and the abundance of nature and things to do around it, and once you leave, you’ll be craving to plan your next visit to the “City of Gentle People.”
Got more questions about what to do in Dumaguete? Drop them in the comments! We will get back to you ASAP!
For updates, follow CEBU INSIDER on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Maui Lezama is the author of this guide. She is a fashion designer by day and content writer by night, spending her time equally between Dumaguete City and Siquijor.
