DUMAGUETE & NEGROS ORIENTAL | Travel Guide + Itinerary + Budget + Map

Tuesday, August 09, 2016

Dumaguete & Negros Oritental Travel Guide

Negros Oriental is one of the two provinces that make up Negros Island. It is bounded by Negros Occidental on the west, the island of Cebu on the east and island province of Siquijor on the southeast. It has a total of 25 towns including Dumaguete City (the City of Gentle People), its capital.

Most tourists who visit the province usually enter—both by ferry and plane—via Dumaguete City. With that in mind, I would be basing this travel guide with Dumaguete as the base of operation. This actually makes sense as not only are there numerous hotels and restaurants in the city, but it is also centrally located when it comes to the tourist spots within the province. And indeed, the province has a lot to offer (including the nearby Siquijor Island, which is usually part of the tours in Dumaguete); gushing waterfalls, pristine lakes, historic buildings, breezy boulevards, beaches, sandbars, good food and yes, the gentlest of people.

 

 

► HOW TO GET TO DUMAGUETE

From Manila and Cebu, there are planes flying daily to the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport. As of this writing, they have yet to carry any international flights though. Alternatively, there are also numerous ferries that dock at the Dumaguete Port, which is right within the city; from the nearby Siquijor Province, to Cebu, Tagbilaran and all the way to Dapitan, Dipolog and Zamboanga in Mindanao. If you’re coming from Bacolod City, you may also travel to Dumaguete by land, if you don’t mind long trips.

BOOK A DUMAGUETE BUS, FERRY, PRIVATE TRANSFER, FLIGHT ONLINE

Metro Manila to Dumaguete Travel 
1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME FARE: PHP2,700.00+/- ONE WAY 
CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 2 to 3 Times Daily | (02) 7020-888
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 2 Times Daily | (02) 777-5932
Cebu to Dumaguete Travel 

40 MINUTES TRAVEL TIME FARE: PHP1,600.00+/- ONE WAY

CEBU PACIFIC - Flies Once Daily | (02) 7020-888
Bacolod to Dumaguete Travel

FROM BACOLOD SOUTHBOUND TERMINAL ○ ABOUT 5 TO 6 HOURS ○ FARE FROM PHP290.00+/- ONE WAY
● CERES LINER - Every Hour Daily | (034) 434-2386 | (034) 434-2387
Bohol to Dumaguete Travel
VIA TAGBILARAN CITY PORT ○ ABOUT 2 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP700.00+/- ONE WAY
OCEANJET - Sails once daily | (0932) 873-4885, (0922) 857-2300
● WEESAM EXPRESS - Sails daily | (038) 501-8823
Cebu to Dumaguete Travel
VIA CEBU PIER 1 PORT ○ ABOUT 7 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP350.00+/- ONE WAY
LITE FERRIES - Sails 6 times weekly to Larena Port | (032) 254-0383
Dapitan to Dumaguete Travel

VIA DAPITAN PORT ○ ABOUT 4 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP320.00+/- ONE WAY

COKALIONG SHIPPING - Sails 4 times weekly | (065) 212-2461, (0939) 906-8864
GP LINES - Sails 4 times weekly | (032) 255-8695
Dipolog to Dumaguete Travel 

VIA PULAUAN PORT ○ ABOUT 4 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP330.00+/- ONE WAY
ALESON SHIPPING - Sails twice daily | (065) 212-8652 to 53
Siquijor to Dumaguete Travel

VIA SIQUIJOR PORT ○ ABOUT 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP136.00+/- ONE WAY
● DELTA FERRY - Sails daily | (035) 420-1111, (035) 420-0888
● GL SHIPPING LINES - Sails 6 times weekly | (035) 480-5534, (0915) 891-1426
OCEANJET - Sails daily | (0923) 725-3734
MONTENEGRO SHIPPING LINES - Sails twice daily from Larena Port | (035) 422-3632
● M/V SIQUIJOR ISLAND - Sails every Saturday
Zamboanga to Dumaguete Travel
VIA ZAMBOANGA PORT ○ ABOUT 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP136.00+/- ONE WAY
GP LINES - Sails once weekly | (032) 255-8695



► GETTING AROUND DUMAGUETE & NEGROS ORIENTAL

Dumaguete Transportation

The main mode of transportation in Dumaguete City is the tricycle, the minimum fare is PHP10.00. Single motorbikes called habal-habal are also numerous and much cheaper, albeit a bit more dangerous, at PHP8.00 per passenger. Traveling to the nearby towns, jeeps and buses, both air-conditioned and ordinary, are available at their respective terminals. The best way to go around the province and not to mention the cheapest, is by renting a motorbike (PHP400.00/day - Kokoi’s Motorbike Rental 0926-9230455).


► TOURS IN DUMAGUETE

Dumaguete Tours

While most of the tourist spots in Dumaguete and around Negros Oriental can be toured DIY-style, most hotels in the city offer organized tour. These are definitely more comfortable and less of a hassle, but the downside is it’s much more expensive (except, apparently, for the Apo Island tour). I personally haven’t used any of these tour groups, so I really can’t recommend any; for your perusal, simply Google Dumaguete Negros Oriental tours, and choose to your heart’s delight.


► SPEAK NEGROS ORIENTAL

Dumagueteños, as the locals of Dumaguete are called, mostly speak Cebuano with a few fluent in Hiligaynon. The same goes for the Negrenses of Negros Oriental. Most are well-versed in Filipino and English, so it’s quite easy to communicate with its people.


Speak Negrense

Thank You – Salamat kaayo
Good Morning – Maayong Buntag
Good Afternoon – Maayong Hapon
Good Evening – Maayong Gabii
How Much? – Tagpila?
Where is… – Hain ang…




►WHERE TO STAY IN DUMAGUETE & NEGROS ORIENTAL

With Dumaguete being the center of commerce and education in Negros Oriental, there isn’t any shortage of accommodations to stay in; posh hotels, budget rooms and a few resorts. With the university being so near, however, make sure to book ahead of your stay. There are instances when almost all of the lodging houses would be fully booked due to conventions and events happening at Silliman. For other towns in Negros Oriental, resorts and small hotels are also available, although on a limited number. 

Apo Island Accommodations
Apo Island Resort DauinAPO ISLAND RESORT
Room Rates: From PHP800.00
Address: Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 226-3716 | (0939) 915-5122 | (0917) 701-7150
GPS Coordinates: 9.079366, 123.268040
PHOTO FROM APOISLANDRESORT.COM
H-H Rooms Apo IslandH-H ROOMS
Room Rates: From PHP150.00
Address: Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental
Contact Number:
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM PINAYTRAVELISTA.COM
Marios Homestay Apo IslandMARIO'S HOMESTAY
Room Rates: From PHP300.00
Address: Lagoon Ave., Brgy. Apo Village, Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (0906) 361-7254 | (0919) 622-3671
GPS Coordinates: 9.077304, 123.268719
PHOTO FROM MARIO’S SCUBA DIVING AND HOMESTAY
Ronor's Lodging Apo IslandRONOR’S LODGING
Room Rates: From PHP500.00
Address: Lagoon Ave., Brgy. Apo Village, Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (0915) 775-2422 | (0916) 920-5272
GPS Coordinates: 9.076149, 123.269213
PHOTO FROM BLISSFULGURO.COM
Dumaguete Accommodations 
Bethel Guesthouse DumagueteBETHEL GUEST HOUSE
Room Rates: From PHP1,000.00
Address: Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035)225-2000 | (035) 422-8000 | (0917) 320-1484
GPS Coordinates: 9.306322, 123.310054
PHOTO FROM BETHEL GUEST HOUSE
Honeycomb Tourist Inn DumagueteHONEYCOMB TOURIST INN
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Rizal Boulevard cor. Locsin St, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 225-1181
GPS Coordinates: 9.307272, 123.309777
Hotel Nicanor DumagueteHOTEL NICANOR
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: San Jose St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 421-0787 | (035) 226-3330 | (0922) 889-4911
GPS Coordinates: 9.307948,123.308197
La Residencia Almar DumagueteLA RESIDENCIA ALMAR
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Rizal Blvd., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 225-7100
GPS Coordinates: 9.309562, 123.309259
PHOTO FROM LA RESIDENCIA ALMAR
Islands Leisure Boutique Hotel DumagueteISLANDS LEISURE BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA
Room Rates: Click Here
Address: Hibbard Avenue, Bantayan Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (0915) 349-1132
GPS Coordinates: 9.325137, 123.307075
Plaza Maria Suites Inn DumaguetePLAZA MARIA SUITES INN
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Bishop E. Surban St., Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 225-7994
GPS Coordinates: 9.306712, 123.308397
Sta. Monica Beach Club DumagueteSTA. MONICA BEACH CLUB
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Brgy. Banilad, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 400-9399 | (0906) 478-9018
GPS Coordinates: 9.27774,123.302452
Manjuyod Accommodations 
Manjuyod Sandbar Overnight HutsMANJUYOD SANDBAR HUTS
Room Rates: From PHP2,500.00
Address: Brgy. Campuyo, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 402-8338 | (0917) 300-5945
GPS Coordinates: 9.614079,123.165533






► WHERE TO EAT IN DUMAGUETE

Dumaguete is very rich when it comes to food scene. There are various restaurants all over the city catering to almost every kinds of cuisine. The main food area is along Rizal Boulevard, but you can still find interesting hole-in-the-wall types of eateries and restaurants on the side streets of the city. To complete your Dumaguete food experience, don’t forget to drop by the painitan at the public market, the evening tempurahan at Rizal Boulevard and the famous Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries at San Jose Street. 

Cafe Antonio DumagueteCAFE ANTONIO
Type: Pizza, Pasta, Burger
Address: San Juan cor. Sta. Catalina Street, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 421-0449
GPS Coordinates: 9.309504, 123.309007
Don Roberto's DumagueteDON ROBERTO'S BAR & RESTAURANT
Type: Bakery, Pizza, Pasta
Address: Gov. Perdices St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 225-3909 | (035) 422-7451
GPS Coordinates: 9.310090, 123.307734
PHOTO FROM ELALJANELASOLA.COM
Gabby's Bistro DumagueteGABBY'S BISTRO
Type: Filipino, Western, Japanese
Address: E. Rovira Drive, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035)422-0827 loc. 2
GPS Coordinates: 9.327213, 123.304242
PHOTO FROM RJDEXPLORER.COM 
Qyosko DumagueteQYOSKO
Type: Filipino
Address: Perdices cor. Sta. Rosa St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 422-7745
GPS Coordinates: 9.151293, 123.500258
Qu4dros Grill DumagueteQU4DROS GRILL
Type: Carinderia, Lechonan 
Address: Locsin Street, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (0917) 485-2786 | (035) 225-4475
GPS Coordinates: 9.307073, 123.308828
Massive Munchies Dumaguete

MASSIVE MUNCHIES
Type: Sandwiches, Pasta
Address: Locsin Street, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 522-3769
GPS Coordinates: 9.306931, 123.308879
Mel's Cafe Dumaguete

MEL'S CAFE
Type: Filipino, Western
Address: 2nd floor, UTH Bldg, Sta. Catalina St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (0906) 481-5019
GPS Coordinates: 9.307322, 123.308817
PHOTO FROM ELALJANELASOLA.COM
Painitan Dumaguete

PAINITAN AT PUBLIC MARKET
Type: Native Delicacies
Address: Dumaguete Public Market, Perdices St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Open Hours: Early Morning to Late Afternoon
GPS Coordinates: 9.305215, 123.306059
Sans Rival Bistro Dumaguete

SANS RIVAL BISTRO
Type: Pastries, Cakes, Pasta, Rice Meals
Address: San Jose St. cor. Rizal Ave., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 225-4440 | (035) 422-9482 | (0918) 943-5989
GPS Coordinates: 9.308008,123.309578
Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries Dumaguete

SANS RIVAL CAKES & PASTRIES
Type: Pastries, Cakes, Pasta, Rice Meals
Address: San Jose St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 225-4440 | (035) 225-4393
GPS Coordinates: 9.307778, 123.309109
Tempurahan Dumaguete

TEMPURAHAN
Type: Streetfood
Address: Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental 
Open Hours: 6:00PM Onwards 
GPS Coordinates: 9.310187, 123.309370


► WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN DUMAGUETE & NEGROS ORIENTAL

While there may not be that much one can do and see in Dumaguete City, its neighboring towns make up for it big time. The four main tours in Negros Oriental are located in Bais City (Manjuyod Sandbar tour), Valencia (waterfalls tour), Sibulan (lake tour) and Dauin (Apo Island tour). You can do and visit all four, but it would cost a bit of money (see budget section) and time, as most of these are done on a per day basis. And this doesn’t even include the neighboring province of Siquijor just yet (check the separate Siquijor guide at the bottom part of this travel guide)!

Bacong Tourist Spots 
Bacong ChurchCHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE
Address: Brgy. North Poblacion, Bacong, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.246027, 123.295474
PHOTO FROM WIKICOMMONS
Bais Tourist Spots 
Dolphin Watching BaisDOLPHIN WATCHING
Address: Tanon Strait, Bais City, Negros Oriental
Boat Fee: From PHP3,500.00
     (10pax, inclusive of Manjuyod Sandbar & Talabong Mangrove)
GPS Coordinates: 9.577731, 123.244877
PHOTO FROM PINASMUNA.COM
Lag-It Beach BaisLAG-IT BEACH
Address: Tanon Strait, Bais City, Negros Oriental
GPS Coordinates: 9.596096, 123.170219
PHOTO FROM LAG-IT BEACH FB FANPAGE
Talabong Mangrove Park BaisTALABONG MANGROVE PARK
Address: Tanon Strait, Bais City, Negros Oriental
Boat Fee: From PHP3,500.00
     (10pax, inclusive of Manjuyod Sandbar & Dolphin Watching)
GPS Coordinates: 9.570980, 123.158510
PHOTO FROM CITYOFDUMAGUETE.COM
White Sand Reef Bais WHITE SAND REEF
Address: Tanon Strait, Bais City, Negros Oriental
GPS Coordinates:
Basay Tourist Spots 
Camangyawon Beach Basay

CAMANGYAWON BEACH
Address: Tiabanan St., Basay, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates: 9.408628, 122.637092
Nagbo-Alao Beach BasayNAGBO-ALAO CAVE & BEACH
Address: Brgy. Nagbo-Alao, Basay, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates: 9.391639, 122.663744
PHOTO FROM AGODA.COM
Bayawan Tourist Spots 
Niludhan Falls CanlaonNILUDHAN FALLS
Address: Brgy. Dawis, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP5.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.595596, 122.888013
PHOTO FROM MYNOMADICHABITS.COM
Canlaon Tourist Spots 

Inyawan Falls CanlaonINYAWAN ENCHANTED FALLS
Address: Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates:
Quipot Falls CanlaonQUIPOT FALLS
Address: Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 
PHOTO FROM CITYOFDUMAGUETE.COM
Apo Island Tourist Spots 
Apo IslandAPO ISLAND
Address: Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.078620, 123.270973
PHOTO FROM BLISSFULGURO.COM
Dumaguete Tourist Spots 
Dumaguete CathedralDUMAGUETE CATHEDRAL
Address: Perdices Street, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.305279, 123.307511
Rizal Boulevard DumagueteRIZAL BOULEVARD
Address: Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
Open Hours: 24 Hours Daily
GPS Coordinates: 9.307259, 123.309823
Silliman University DumagueteSILLIMAN UNIVERSITY GROUNDS
Address: Hibbard Avenue Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
Contact Number: (035) 422-6002
GPS Coordinates: 9.313093,123.305708
Silliman Museum DumagueteSILLIMAN UNIVERSITY ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUM
Address: Rizal Blvd., Brgy. Bantayan, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 422-6002 (loc.207) | (0916) 680-5714
Entrance Fee: PHP30.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.331118, 123.309071
Mabinay Tourist Spots 
Cayaso Cave MabinayCAYASO CAVE & UNDERGROUND RIVER
Address: Mabinay, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM ANAETHANE.WIX.COM
Crystal Cave MabinayCRYSTAL CAVE
Address: Brgy. Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental
Guided Tour Fee: PHP400.00 (Including Pandalihan and Panligawan Cave)
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM FINDINGHENRU.COM
Pandalihan Cave MabinayPANDALIHAN CAVE
Address: Brgy. Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental
Guided Tour Fee: PHP400.00 (Including Crystal and Panligawan Cave)
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM FINDINGHENRU.COM
Panligawan Cave MabinayPANLIGAWAN CAVE
Address: Brgy. Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental
Guided Tour Fee: PHP400.00 (Including Pandalihan and Crystal Cave)
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM FINDINGHENRU.COM
Manjuyod Tourist Spots 
Manjuyod White Sand BarMANJUYOD WHITE SANDBAR
Address: Brgy. Campuyo, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental
Boat Fee: From PHP3,500.00
     (10pax, inclusive of Manjuyod Sandbar & Talabong Mangrove)
GPS Coordinates: 9.614079,123.165533
Siaton Tourist Spots 
Antulang Beach SiatonANTULANG BEACH
Address: Brgy. Siit, Siaton, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.046087, 123.126504
PHOTO FROM ROAMINGCOUPLE.COM
Lake Balanan SiatonLAKE BALANAN
Address: Brgy. Sandulot, Siaton, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP50.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.134195, 123.001869
PHOTO FROM REIDISCOVERY.COM
Tambobo Bay SiatonTAMBOBO BAY
Address: Siaton, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates: 9.056455, 123.116262
PHOTO FROM LOONEYPLANET.NET
Sibulan Tourist Spots 
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes SibulanBALINSASAYAO TWIN LAKES
Address: Brgy. Enrique Villanueva, Sibulan, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP25.00
Boat Fee: PHP350.00 per hour (up to 6pax)
GPS Coordinates: 9.353715,123.177496
Valencia Tourist Spots 
Casaroro Falls ValenciaCASARORO FALLS
Address: Valencia, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP10.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.278452, 123.205350
PHOTO FROM LANGYAW.COM
Red Rock Hot Spring ValenciaRED ROCK HOT SPRINGS
Address: Pulangtubig, Valencia, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP20.00
GPS Coordinates:
Nailig Lake ValenciaNAILIG LAKE
Address: Valencia, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.247794, 123.173228
PHOTO FROM DEAMARI.WORDPRESS.COM
Pulangbato Falls ValenciaPULANGBATO WATERFALLS
Address: Red River Valley Resort, Brgy. Malabo, Valencia, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP20.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.319668, 123.194497
Yagumyum Lake ValenciaYAGUMYUM LAKE
Address: Valencia, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.251102, 123.186563
PHOTO FROM PANORAMIO.COM


► FESTIVALS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL

Negros Oriental FestivalBUGLASAN FESTIVAL
Location: Negros Oriental (rotational) | Festival Date: 2nd week of October, yearly

GAPNOD FESTIVAL
Location: Sibulan | Festival Date: June 12 of every year

HUDYAKA SA BAIS
Location: Bais City | Festival Date: September 30 of every year

KASADYA-AN FESTIVAL
Location: Dumaguete City | Festival Date: 3rd Week of December, yearly

PINASKUHAN FESTIVAL
Location: Dumaguete City | Festival Date: September 17th of every year

SANDUROT FESTIVAL
Dumaguete City | Festival Date: 2nd Week of November, yearly
PHOTO BY KRYSTEL MARIE ROSALES


► WHAT TO BUY IN DUMAGUETE

For traditional tourist souvenirs like ref magnets, keychains and t-shirt pasalubong, there’s only a single shop in Dumaguete City where you can buy these, Handumanan. But if you’re looking for something more unique to bring back from your Negros Oriental trip, head on over to the public market painitan for budbud kabog, which can last for a few days—enough to withstand the travel back home—and Sans Rival’s Silvanas. Bring back a few of these back home and your friends would treat you like royalty for a few days, lol.

Budbud Kabog DumagueteBUDBUD KABOG
Price: From PHP20.00
Where to Buy: Painitan stalls at Dumaguete Public Market
Address: Dumaguete Public Market, Perdices St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Open Hours: Early Morning to Late Afternoon
GPS Coordinates: 9.305215, 123.306059
Silvanas DumagueteSILVANAS AND SANS RIVAL
Price: From PHP125.00 (pack of tens)
Where to Buy: Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries | Sans Rival Bistro
Address: San Jose St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 225-4440 | (035) 225-4393
GPS Coordinates: 9.307778, 123.309109
Handumanan DumagueteTOURIST SOUVENIRS
Price: From PHP20.00
Where to Buy: Handumanan Souvenir Shop
Address: Perdices St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (0936) 119-1282
GPS Coordinates: 9.309019, 123.307533


► DUMAGUETE & NEGROS ORIENTAL TOURIST SPOTS MAP

Dumaguete & Negros Oriental Tourist Spot Map

 


► DUMAGUETE & NEGROS ORIENTAL SAMPLE ITINERARY

Dumaguete City can be explored in a single day. But that’s only the city itself where there really isn’t that much to see. To really appreciate the place, you need to go a bit farther, making Dumaguete as your homebase of sorts. To fully explore most of the accessible tourist spots in Negros Oriental, you need at least four full days. You may, however, choose only those places you’re interested to visit, so feel free to shuffle around the itinerary to your preference and budget constraints.

Most tourists who visit Dumaguete also go see Siquijor, so if you’re going that route, allot an additional day. I purposely didn’t include Siquijor on this itinerary since it is a separate province in itself, you may refer to my travel guide for the said island on the bottom of this article.

DAY ONE
Arrive in Dumaguete City
Hotel early check-in (or leave your bags there if not possible)
Breakfast at public market painitan
Tour around Dumaguete
   - Dumaguete Church & Belfry 
   - Silliman University walk
   - Visity Silliman Museum
Lunch at Sans Rival Bistro
Visit Balinsasayao Twin Lakes
Walk around Rizal Boulevard for the sunset (this place faces the east, but you still get pretty nice colors during sunset)
Dinner at tempurahan

DAY TWO
Breakfast at hotel (or painitian)
Depart for Valencia tour
   - Casaroro Falls
   - Pulangbato Hotsprings + Lunch
   - Pulangbato Falls
   - Balinsasayao Twin Lakes
Dinner in Dumaguete *END OF TWO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY THREE
Breakfast at hotel
Depart for Bais & Manjuyod tour
   - Dolphin watching
   - Manjuyod White Sandbar + Lunch (bring your own)
   - Talabong Mangrove Park
Dinner at Dumaguete *END OF THREE-DAY ITINERARY

DAY FOUR
Breakfast at hotel
Depart for Apo Island
Visit Bacong Church
Apo Island Daytour *END OF FOUR-DAY ITINERARY



► DUMAGUETE & NEGROS ORIENTAL TRAVEL BUDGET

The budget for traveling in Dumaguete itself is not the expensive; in fact, you can simply walk to most of the tourist spots in the city. But once you get out of Dumaguete and start to explore the surrounding towns in Negros Oriental, your tour budget would start to skyrocket, especially if you’re traveling solo. The best way to save on tours is to rent a motorbike (PHP400.00 per day) in Dumaguete and explore the provinces of Sibulan, Valencia and Dauin (Apo Island) on your own. If you don’t know how to drive a motorcycle, your next bet is to share the expenses with fellow travelers, especially for the Manjuyod Sandbar tour and Apo Island ferry crossing.

TOUR: PHP7,433.00 Solo | PHP7,916 Couple (PHP3,958.00 each)

  Balinsasayao Twin Lakes: PHP825.00 Solo | PHP900.00 Couple (PHP450.00 each)
  ○ Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Fare: PHP440.00 Solo | PHP480.00. Couple (PHP220.00 each) 
  PHP10.00 - Tricycle to jeepney terminal
  PHP15.00 - Jeep to Amlan (alight at La-laan junction in San Jose)
  PHP400.00 - Motorcyle with guide (2-way, good for 2pax) to the lakes
  PHP15.00 - Jeep to Dumaguete
  ○ Balinsasayao Fees: PHP385.00 Solo | PHP420.00 Couple (PHP210.00 each)
  PHP25.00 - Entrance fee
  PHP10.00 - Parking fee
  PHP350.00 - Boating fee

  Valencia Tour: PHP408.00 Solo | PHP516.00 Couple (PHP258.00 each)
  ○ Valencia Sibulan Fare: PHP358.00 Solo | PHP416.00 Couple (PHP208.00 each)
  PHP10.00 - Tricycle to jeepney terminal
  PHP24.00 - Jeep to Valencia
  PHP200.00 - Motorcyle with guide to Casaroro
  PHP100.00 – Pulangbato Falls & Red Rocks Hotspring (additional option)
  PHP24.00 - Jeep to Dumaguete
  ○ Valencia Fees: PHP50.00 | PHP100.00 (PHP50.00 each)
  PHP10.00 - Casaroro Falls entrance fee
  PHP20.00 - Red Rock Hot Springs entrance fee
  PHP20.00 - Pulangbato Falls entrance fee

  Manjuyod Sandbar Tour: PHP3,960.00 Solo | PHP4,020.00 Couple (PHP2,010 each)
  ○ Manjuyod Sandbar Fare: PHP460.00 Solo | PHP520.00 Couple (PHP260.00 each)
  PHP10.00 - Tricycle to bus terminal
  PHP50.00 - Bus to Bais
  PHP200.00 - Motorcycle (good for 2pax) to Capiñahan Wharf
  PHP200.00 - Motorcycle (good for 2pax) to bus station
  ○ Manjuyod White Sandbar Tour Fee: PHP3,500.00 Solo | PHP3,500.00 Couple (PHP1,750.00 each)
  PHP3,500.00 - Good for 10pax, inclusive of dolphin watching, Manjuyod Sandbar and Mangrove tour

  Apo Island Tour: PHP 2,210.00 Solo | PHP2,420.00 Couple (PHP1,210.00 each)
  ○ Apo Island Fare: PHP2,060.00 Solo | PHP2,120.00 Couple (PHP1,060.00 each)
  PHP10.00 - Tricycle to bus terminal
  PHP25.00 - Bus Bayawan City, alight at Malatapay Market in Zamboangita
  PHP2,000.00 - roundtrip ferry to Apo Island (good up to 4pax)
  PHP25.00 - Bus to Dumaguete
  ○ Apo Island Fees: PHP150.00 Solo | PHP300.00 Couple (PHP150.00 each)
  PHP100.00 - Island entrance fee
  PHP50.00 - Marine sanctuary snorkeling fee

Dumaguete Tour: PHP30.00 Solo | PHP60.00 Couple (PHP30.00 each)
  Silliman University Anthropology Museum Fee: PHP30.00


ACCOMMODATION: PHP3,000.00 Solo | PHP3,000.00 Couple (PHP1,000.00 each)
  PHP1,000.00 - Cheapest accommodation in Dumaguete
                x 3 - Nights

FOOD: PHP1,000.00 Solo | PHP2,000.00 Couple (PHP1,000.00 each)
  PHP100.00 - Average cost of a meal per person on a carinderia
           x 10 - 4 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner 

4 days 3 nights budget total for a solo traveler: PHP9,433.00
4 days 3 nights budget total for two persons traveling together: PHP11,916.00 (PHP5,958.00 each)



► EXTEND YOUR DUMAGUETE TRIP


Dumaguete to BacolodBACOLOD CITY
Bacolod Travel Guide
Travel Time: 5-6 hours away by bus
Departure Point: Dumaguete Ceres bus terminal
Suggested Number of Days: 3 days
Dumaguete to Siquijor

SIQUIJOR PROVINCE
Siquijor Travel Guide
Travel Time: 1 hour away by ferry
Departure Point: Dumaguete Port
Suggested Number of Days: 1 to 2 days

Dumaguete & Negros Oriental Travel Guide Itinerary Budget
DUMAGUETE & NEGROS ORIENTAL TRAVEL GUIDE, ITINERARY & BUDGET 
UPDATED AS OF JULY 5, 2016

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16 comments

  1. Sobrang mahal nyan! wala bang pangbudgetarian haha

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    Replies
    1. Hi Honey! The visit to Manjuyod Sandbar and Apo Island is actually what made the travel budget a bit high. If you remove those, it's quite affordable na :)

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  2. Hello po, ma contact number po ba kayo ng habal habal ? plan ko po kasi puntahan yung twin lakes, casaroro and pulang bato falls in one day, possible po ba yun? hehe Thank you :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi, sorry I don't have any. Maybe you can ask help from your accommodation when you're there :)

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    2. I am planning to do a DIY day tour in dumaguete city on June 2018...based on those articles I read there's a lot of habal2 going to Casaroro falls in valencia terminal.. that will be our way going there

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  3. hi po ask lang po if yun boat for Apo may contact po kayo or public po sya?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tania, to go to Apo Island, you'd need to ride a ferry from the port near Malatapay Market in Zamboangita. From there, there are regular ferries that would take you to the island.

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  4. Is there Uber/Grab in Dumaguete City? Or rent a car perhaps? Thanks. ��

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jen, as of now, there are no Grab or Uber rides available in Dumaguete City. As for car rentals, there probably is, try asking your hotel for such. :)

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  5. This guide is freaking awesome! ♥ Thank you so much for this. I'm currently making our own itinerary for our Duma-Apo-Siq tour. (next year lol) This is very very helpful :D Will throw questions at you in the future, if you don't mind haha. Thanks again and stay awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks April! Sure, if you have any questions about Dumaguete and its neighboring towns, just ask here (so it can also help other readers) :)

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  6. Thank you for this, Lakad Pinas! Is it possible to go to Manjuyod sand bar in the morning and then go to lake balinsasayao in the afternoon? Hindi ba bitin sa time? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We actually did that, Manjuyod Sandbar in the morning, then Lake Balinsasayao in the afternoon. We didn't feel stretched for time. But note that we have our own van with us at the time. :)

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  7. Hello. I may be tracing to Dumaguete in November
    I have my accommodation taken care of
    What is an ideal budget for the rest .
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, I posted a detailed budget guide on the article :)

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  8. Great post, ayos nang list, tsaka pag-pupunta kayo sa Dumaguete try nyo visit yung guide sa dumagueteneo.com. may tours sila at packages.

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