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.
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
40 MINUTES TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE: PHP1,600.00+/- ONE WAY
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies Once Daily | (02) 7020-888
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
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
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
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
VIA PULAUAN PORT ○ ABOUT 4 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP330.00+/- ONE WAY
● ALESON SHIPPING - Sails twice daily | (065) 212-8652 to 53
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
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
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
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.
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 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
Room Rates: From PHP150.00
Address: Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental
Contact Number:
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM PINAYTRAVELISTA.COM
MARIO'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
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
BETHEL 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
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
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
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 & 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
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
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 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
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 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
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
Type: Filipino
Address: Perdices cor. Sta. Rosa St., Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 422-7745
GPS Coordinates: 9.151293, 123.500258
QU4DROS 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
Type: Sandwiches, Pasta
Address: Locsin Street, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Contact Number: (035) 522-3769
GPS Coordinates: 9.306931, 123.308879
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 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
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
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
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)!
CHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE
Address: Brgy. North Poblacion, Bacong, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.246027, 123.295474
PHOTO FROM WIKICOMMONS
DOLPHIN 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
Address: Tanon Strait, Bais City, Negros Oriental
GPS Coordinates: 9.596096, 123.170219
PHOTO FROM LAG-IT BEACH FB FANPAGE
TALABONG 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
Address: Tanon Strait, Bais City, Negros Oriental
GPS Coordinates:
CAMANGYAWON BEACH
Address: Tiabanan St., Basay, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates: 9.408628, 122.637092
NAGBO-ALAO CAVE & BEACH
Address: Brgy. Nagbo-Alao, Basay, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates: 9.391639, 122.663744
PHOTO FROM AGODA.COM
NILUDHAN FALLS
Address: Brgy. Dawis, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP5.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.595596, 122.888013
PHOTO FROM MYNOMADICHABITS.COM
INYAWAN ENCHANTED FALLS
Address: Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates:
QUIPOT FALLS
Address: Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM CITYOFDUMAGUETE.COM
APO ISLAND
Address: Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.078620, 123.270973
PHOTO FROM BLISSFULGURO.COM
DUMAGUETE CATHEDRAL
Address: Perdices Street, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.305279, 123.307511
RIZAL BOULEVARD
Address: Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
Open Hours: 24 Hours Daily
GPS Coordinates: 9.307259, 123.309823
SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY GROUNDS
Address: Hibbard Avenue Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
Contact Number: (035) 422-6002
GPS Coordinates: 9.313093,123.305708
SILLIMAN 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
CAYASO CAVE & UNDERGROUND RIVER
Address: Mabinay, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM ANAETHANE.WIX.COM
CRYSTAL 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
Address: Brgy. Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental
Guided Tour Fee: PHP400.00 (Including Crystal and Panligawan Cave)
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM FINDINGHENRU.COM
PANLIGAWAN CAVE
Address: Brgy. Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental
Guided Tour Fee: PHP400.00 (Including Pandalihan and Crystal Cave)
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM FINDINGHENRU.COM
MANJUYOD 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
ANTULANG BEACH
Address: Brgy. Siit, Siaton, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.046087, 123.126504
PHOTO FROM ROAMINGCOUPLE.COM
LAKE BALANAN
Address: Brgy. Sandulot, Siaton, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP50.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.134195, 123.001869
PHOTO FROM REIDISCOVERY.COM
TAMBOBO BAY
Address: Siaton, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates: 9.056455, 123.116262
PHOTO FROM LOONEYPLANET.NET
BALINSASAYAO 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
CASARORO FALLS
Address: Valencia, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP10.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.278452, 123.205350
PHOTO FROM LANGYAW.COM
RED ROCK HOT SPRINGS
Address: Pulangtubig, Valencia, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP20.00
GPS Coordinates:
NAILIG LAKE
Address: Valencia, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.247794, 123.173228
PHOTO FROM DEAMARI.WORDPRESS.COM
PULANGBATO WATERFALLS
Address: Red River Valley Resort, Brgy. Malabo, Valencia, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: PHP20.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.319668, 123.194497
YAGUMYUM LAKE
Address: Valencia, Negros Oriental
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.251102, 123.186563
PHOTO FROM PANORAMIO.COM
► FESTIVALS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL
BUGLASAN 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: Du