Things to Do in Dumaguete: University Town, Apo Island and Siquijor

Dumaguete in Negros Oriental is known as the City of Gentle People, and it is one of the most liveable small cities in the Philippines — compact, walkable, unhurried, with a large student population that gives it a markedly different atmosphere from other provincial capitals.

It is also a genuinely good base: some of the best diving in the country is half an hour away, and Siquijor is a short ferry ride.

The city

Rizal Boulevard — the seafront promenade that functions as the city's living room. People walk it at dusk, street food carts set up, and the view across to Cebu and Siquijor is the reason to be there at sunset.
Silliman University — founded in 1901 and the first American-established university in the Philippines and in Asia. Its campus of wooden American-era buildings is open to walk through, and the Silliman Anthropology Museum is worth an hour.
Dumaguete Belfry and St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral — the bell tower dates from the 18th century, built as a lookout against raiders.
The public market — good, cheap, and a proper working market rather than a tourist one.
Sans Rival — the local patisserie institution, known for silvanas and sans rival. This is the standard pasalubong.

The student population means the food and coffee scene punches well above the city's size, and prices are low.

Diving and the coast

This is the real draw for many visitors.

Apo Island, about 45 minutes by boat from Malatapay, is a community-managed marine sanctuary and one of the best-known dive and snorkel sites in the country. Green sea turtles are reliably seen in the shallows, often within snorkelling depth. The sanctuary is a genuine conservation success story, managed by the island community itself.
Dauin, a short drive south, is a muck-diving destination in the same class as Anilao — sandy slopes full of unusual small species, and a favourite of underwater photographers.
Manjuyod Sandbar, north of the city, is a long white sandbar that appears at low tide, sometimes called the Maldives of the Philippines. Check tides before booking.

Apo Island etiquette: do not touch or chase the turtles, do not stand on the coral, and keep your distance. Guides enforce this and visitor numbers are capped.

Inland

Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao — two crater lakes in forest up in the hills, about an hour from the city. Cool, quiet, and good for kayaking.
Casaroro Falls, in Valencia — a narrow, dramatic waterfall reached by a long stairway and a short scramble.
Pulangbato Falls and the surrounding hot springs in Valencia.
Mount Talinis, for serious hikers.

Siquijor

Siquijor is a 45-minute to hour-and-a-half ferry from Dumaguete, and it is one of the most rewarding short trips in the Visayas. The island has a long-standing reputation in Philippine folklore for healers and folk magic, which is part of its character rather than a tourist gimmick, and it also has excellent beaches, waterfalls and a very relaxed pace.

Ferries run frequently from Dumaguete port. It works as a day trip but deserves an overnight.

Practical notes

Getting there — Sibulan Airport, just outside the city, has flights from Manila and Cebu. Ferries connect to Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Mindanao.
Getting around — the city is walkable; tricycles cover the rest. Hire a van or motorbike for Valencia, the Twin Lakes and Dauin.
When to go — the dry season, roughly November to May, for the best diving conditions.
Allow three to four days, more if adding Siquijor properly.
It is cheap. Dumaguete is one of the better-value destinations in the country.

FAQ

What is Dumaguete known for? Silliman University, the Rizal Boulevard seafront, and as the gateway to Apo Island diving and Siquijor.

Can I see turtles at Apo Island? Yes — green sea turtles are reliably seen, often at snorkelling depth. Do not touch or chase them.

How do I get to Siquijor? Ferry from Dumaguete port, roughly 45 minutes to an hour and a half.

Is Dumaguete walkable? The city centre and the Boulevard are. Use tricycles or hire transport for the rest.

Where is the muck diving? Dauin, a short drive south, in the same class as Anilao in Batangas.

How do I get to Dumaguete? Flights from Manila and Cebu into Sibulan Airport, or ferry from Cebu, Bohol or Siquijor.

How many days do I need? Three to four for the city and diving; add two if you are doing Siquijor properly.

Last verified: August 2026. Ferry schedules, dive operations and tide-dependent sites change — confirm locally before travelling.

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