Filipinos generally are known for our special traits that even people from other countries looked up in amazement. Can you imagine people who can still smile despite being trapped in a calamity or serious problems? Sa Filipinos lang applicable yan. Resilience and our positive outlook in life is our great asset.
The city of gentle people
Gusto rin nating maging masaya at we love beauty pageants and beautiful places, and that’s why we are fun of fiestas and other celebrations. And what more fun is to spend your much-needed vacation in a place known as Dumaguete – The City of Gentle People.
Buglasan Festival
One important celebration among the Negrenses is the annual Buglasan Festival. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of October. Known as the festival of all Festivals since this is a celebration participated by as far as Bayawan in the south and Canlaon in the northern part of Negros Oriental. Each cities and municipalities come together in unity by endorsing their local products and showcasing their culture through dance as presented in their own local festivals.
During the 10-days of this year celebration which starts on the 13th of the month, daily events like Balak competition, Rondalla, Balitaw, Modern and Hip-Hop dancing and live Bands are happening at LAmberto Macias Sports and Cultural Complex. Selection of Miss Negros Oriental is done on the first weekend of the celebration. The ultimate highlight of the celebration is the Street dancing, Festival competition and Fireworks Display which will happen in the 22nd of October 2017.
How to get to Dumaguete?
Manila to Dumaguete
From Manila, you can always travel by air via Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines with daily schedules. It takes less than an hour for the travel by air from Manila to Dumaguete. The airport is located in Sibulan, which is a 15-minute ride to Dumaguete City. You can ride on PUJ’s/Multicabs or by tricycle for a minimal fare. Private vans are also available in the airport area.
Or you may travel by sea. 2Go Travel sails from Manila to Dumaguete every Sunday of the month at 8:00 PM on board the ship St. Michael of Archangel. Sailing time is approximately 26 hours.
Going to Dumaguete from Cebu
If you are coming from Cebu, Cokaliong Shipping Lines and George & Peter Lines are alternating daily for the route Cebu to Dumaguete. Sailing time is Seven hours.
There are also Ceres Bus located at the South Bus Terminal in Cebu who carries passengers for Cebu to Liloan Santander or Cebu to Bato, Samboan, wherein passengers will transfer into a ferry which will transport them to Sibulan/Dumaguete. There are also Ceres Bus with Direct schedules from Cebu to Dumaguete. The bus will be transported on board LCT barges of Maayo Shipping or Lite Ferries.
There are also regular flights should you choose to fly from Cebu for Dumaguete. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies daily in a 30-minute ride.
Bacolod to Dumaguete
You may travel by land from Bacolod to Dumaguete City. Ceres Bus have schedules for the route via San Carlos City or via Mabinay.
Dipolog to Dumaguete
George & Peter Lines, Aleson Shipping, Cokaliong, Montenegro and FastCat carries passengers for the route Dipolog to Dumaguete daily in a four-hour sailing time. 2Go Travel also has schedule, departing Dipolog every Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 in the morning.
Zamboanga to Dumaguete
St. Michael the Archangel also carries passenger for the Zamboanga to Dumaguete trip via Dipolog once a week. The ship will depart from Zamboanga port every Tuesday off the month at 9:00 PM.
Where to stay in Dumaguete?
Hotels, Pension Houses, Homestay and Bed n Bath abounds in Dumaguete which are located in the city proper. Choose the best place to suit your needs, your taste and the price.
What to do in Dumaguete?
There are lots places of interest you may visit once you are in Dumaguete, the following are the top picks:
- Silliman University
Voted as one of the best Universities in Asia, Silliman University which was founded last 1901, produces top caliber graduates holding key positions in their respective fields.
The university was opened to the public to emphasize the importance of the Filipinos Cultural heritage not to mention one of the oldest building which was used as a garrison during the Japanese occupancy.
- Rizal Boulevard
An afternoon stroll in the nearby Rizal Boulevard takes away the stress of the day. The port area is located nearby and it has been a great place to grab alight snacks of tempura and puso during night time.
- Twin Lakes of Danao and Balinsasayao
Located in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, or a few minutes ride from Dumaguete is the cool and breathtaking view of the twin Lakes of Danao and Balinsasayao. You can visit the place by taking a bus or a jeepney from Dumaguete for a P15 fare for Sibulan highway. From the highway you may take the habal-habal ride (single motorcycyle) on a sabot-sabot basis (agreement).
4. Dolphin Watching in Bais and Manjuyod Sandbar
If 1ou love the sand, experience a trip to Bais and Manjuyod on board Ceres Bus. Once you reach the place, you can always find bancas (boats) to take you to the Sandbar which is clearly visible during lowtide. The place is being compared to Maldives in Asia.
- Spelunking in Mabinay
Known as the cave capital of Negros Oriental, Mabinay has more or less 400 caves and one of the recent choice is the Crystal Cave in Bulwang Mabinay, with awesome stalctites and stalagmites formation. Other caves found in the municipality are Mambajo Cav, Panligawan Cave and Odloman Cave. Guides are available to tour you in the different sites.
- Trekking in Cuerno de Negros
Are you the type who loves to climb mountains? Trekking in Mount Talinis is the best experience. The terrain uphill is so challenging but once you got to the top you can see the ultimate beauty of nature. Mt. Talinis also referred as the Cuerno de Negros or Horn of Negros because of its form, is located in Valencia, a town who is also rich in Hot Springs and Cold Rivers and Falls.
- Diving in Apo Island
Barely 17 kilometers from Dumaguete City is the municipality of Dauin, your jumpo off point to Apo Island which is a 40-minute ride by boat. The island is a marine and coral reef conservation area.
There are several diving points and it is better to arrange for guides who are willing to educate/lecture you in the process. If you’re a no-no to diving, you may try snorkeling in the coral garden of the island where you can see different coral formations and colorful school of fishes. You can have a close encounter swimming with the turtle.
You have so much reason to choose Dumaguete as your dream get-away considering that foods are much cheaper and fruits are abundant. Crystal clear seawaters and white Sand beaches are so inviting around the coastal area of Negros Oriental.
The Philippines is composed of more than 7,000 islands, blessed with nature. How about thinking of your next travel plan? Do you want to experience nature at its best? Why not take US, as YOUR preliminary guide?
Choose the Philippines! Choose Us!
Like and Follow us on Facebook: Pinoy Helpdesk!!!