Dumaguete
A friendly seaside university town, and a relaxed base for turtles, reefs, waterfalls and crater lakes.
Quick answer
- What it is: the capital of Negros Oriental, a laid-back seaside city known for Silliman University, founded in 1901.
- Apo Island: a community-run marine sanctuary since 1982, famous for snorkelling with sea turtles.
- Nearby: Dauin's dive sites, the Twin Lakes, Casaroro Falls, the Manjuyod sandbar and Siquijor.
- Getting there: flights from Manila and Cebu, or ferries from Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor.
- Best time: roughly December to May for calm seas.
Dumaguete is the capital of Negros Oriental, on the southeast coast of Negros Island. It has the easy feel of a college town: Silliman University, founded in 1901, sits right by the sea, and the evenings belong to Rizal Boulevard, the palm-lined promenade along the water.
The city itself is small. Its real appeal is what lies within an hour or so: Apo Island’s reefs and turtles, the dive sites of Dauin, jungle waterfalls and crater lakes in the hills, the Manjuyod sandbar, and a short ferry ride to Siquijor.
Top things to do
- Snorkel with turtles at Apo Island, a marine sanctuary run by the island community since 1982.
- Dive the Dauin coast, known for muck diving and small, strange sea creatures.
- Walk Rizal Boulevard at sunset, and visit the Silliman University campus and its anthropology museum.
- Watch dolphins in Bais Bay and wade out on the Manjuyod sandbar at low tide.
- Kayak the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao, or hike to Casaroro Falls.
- Take the ferry to Siquijor. See our Siquijor guide.
Areas to know
| Area | Why go |
|---|---|
| Dumaguete City | Rizal Boulevard, Silliman University, cafés and restaurants |
| Dauin and Zamboanguita | Dive resorts, Malatapay market and boats to Apo Island |
| Valencia and the hills | Casaroro Falls and cool mountain air |
| Bais and Manjuyod | Dolphin watching and the sandbar |
When to go
The calmest seas for Apo Island and Bais Bay are roughly from December to May. June to November is wetter, and boat trips can be cancelled in bad weather, though Dauin’s diving runs most of the year. See our guide to the best time to visit.
Getting there and around
Dumaguete’s airport in Sibulan has flights from Manila and Cebu. Ferries connect Dumaguete with Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor; there is also a short crossing from Sibulan to Liloan at the southern tip of Cebu. In town, tricycles are everywhere. For day trips, use buses heading south, or hire a driver. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
Where to stay
Stay in Dumaguete near Rizal Boulevard to walk to restaurants, or in Dauin for beachfront dive resorts close to Apo Island.
What to eat
- Silvanas and sans rival, buttercream and cashew meringue sweets the city is famous for
- Budbud kabog, a sticky millet cake wrapped in leaves
- Street barbecue and grilled seafood near the boulevard
Day trips and next stops
Take the ferry to Siquijor for a few days of waterfalls and beaches, or cross to Oslob and Moalboal in Cebu. See our Cebu guide and our Bohol guide.
Boat schedules, sanctuary fees and dive rules change. Check with your dive shop or the local tourism office.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Apo Island?
Go to Malatapay in Zamboanguita, about 45 minutes south of Dumaguete, then take a boat of around 30 to 45 minutes. Many dive shops in Dauin run day trips.
Should I stay in Dumaguete or Dauin?
Stay in Dumaguete for restaurants and nightlife, or in Dauin, 30 minutes south, if diving is the main reason for your trip.
What is the Manjuyod sandbar?
A long white sandbar in Bais Bay that appears at low tide, often combined with a morning of dolphin watching.
When is the Malatapay market?
On Wednesdays, a lively country market near the Apo Island boats.
Can I visit Siquijor from Dumaguete?
Yes. Fast ferries run to Siquijor several times a day, in about an hour.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
