Things To Do In Dumaguete City Philippines

Nestled in the Philippines’ Visayas region, Dumaguete City, often dubbed the “City of Gentle People,” offers a blend of serene beauty, cultural heritage, and adventurous escapes. You’ll often see it in reference to “Dumaguete City Negros Oriental Philippines” where Negros Oriental is the province that Dumaguete City is located!

Whether you’re a foodie, an adrenaline junkie, a couple seeking romantic moments, or a family on vacation, Dumaguete and its surrounding areas have something special for you. In this blog, we’ll journey through the best places to eat, adventure, and explore, including tourist spots in Dumaguete Philippines like Pulangbato Falls, Casaroro Falls, and the pristine Apo Island!

Places to eat in Dumaguete City

One of the great things about the Philippines is it’s food! You will find a wide amount of food options in Dumaguete City ranging from Filipino to Korean to German dishes! This list will grow as I have time to move my reviews over, so make sure you keep an eye out if you want to learn more about the best places to eat in Dumaguete City!

• Why Not?: Located right along the water in Dumaguete City, Why Not? offers a full range Swiss, German, Thai and Filipino menu and a friendly dining experience. The staff were all extremely welcoming as we entered the building and shortly after being seated, the city had a brief power outage! The team immediately tended to us to ensure we were okay and had what we needed until the power was restored a few moments later. I would say they went above and beyond to be helpful. The food was all prepared quickly and was delicious!

• Max’s Restaurant at Paseo Perdices: This was the first place I ever tried the famous Filipino dish, Halo-Halo or mix-mix. It’s made from a mixture of jellies, tapioca pearls, fruit, beans, corn, shaved ice, condensed milk, and ice cream. I know it sounds crazy (trust me, beans?) but it is one of the tastiest things I tried during one of my many visits to the Philippines! I highly recommend it!

• The Barn at Mango Ranch: This awesome American themed restaraunt offers a full menu of Filipino and American dishes. You have the choice of indoor or outdoor dining and there is a bar on-site if you’re interested in drinks. We chose to sit outside to enjoy the picture-esque Western theme that they have built outside. The wait staff was very attentive even though we were dining away from most of the other patrons and ensured that our needs were met all evening!

• Jolibee: This is the Hallmark of fast food in the Philippines and you will find that it is extremely popular in Dumaguete City as well. You’ll often find the intersection downtown busy as patrons move in and out of the Jolibee located there on the street! Jolibee chicken is becoming more popular in the United States and they are currently looking to expand to over 60 cities!

• The Henry Resort: We stopped by here to check out the plants and for breakfast. Not only do they have some absolutely massive pothos and other gigantic plants to check out, but the classic breakfast was tasty and was extremely pleasant to have while seated out among the trees on a beautiful morning. Eggs, toast, and bacon accompanied by orange juice was the perfect touch to a perfect morning in Dumaguete City.

Street Food in Dumaguete City

When in doubt, keep your eyes open while roaming the streets of Dumaguete City. You can always find declious food being cooked and served from street carts all around! Some of the best food I’ve ever eaten has come from the famous street food vendors! Stay curious and eat great food!

Dumaguete Philippines: Unleashing the Adventurer Within

Dumaguete and its outskirts beckon the adventurous soul with more than just waterfalls and marine life; there are caves, lakes, and mountains waiting to be discovered. These are some of the top local and tourist spots in Dumaguete Philippines!

• Casaroro Falls: Previously mentioned but worth the extra detail, Casaroro Falls is nestled in the heart of a lush forest and is accessible via a challenging trek down steep steps and over boulders, making it a rewarding experience for those who venture there. Expect to encounter 335 steps down to the 40m high falls, so come prepared for both directions!

• Mabuhay Dive Center: Located in nearby Lipayo, Dauin, this dive center is the gateway to some of the best diving spots in the area, offering a chance to explore the underwater world and its vibrant marine life. We regularly take our GoPro to the area and snorkel!

• Apo Island: One of the coolest islands I’ve had a chance to visit while traveling in the Philippines! Not only will you have the chance to swim alongside gigantic sea turtles, but you will be able to walk among the island and enjoy their crafts and their local food! It’s delicious, by the way!

• Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao: These two crater lakes, surrounded by lush forests and rich biodiversity, offer a peaceful retreat and activities like kayaking, bird watching, and hiking. Expect a fun hike down to the lakes and an opportunity to take a raft across the lake to the watchtower. I highly recommend taking the raft trip! You’ll see the lakes from a perspective like no other!

• Pulangbato Falls & Sulfur Vents: This was a fun little half-day trip!  The sulfur vents in Pulangbato are natural geological formations and geothermal activity from which sulfuric gases escape into the air. Pulangbato which translates literally to “red rock” is quite a proper name given the reddish hue of the rocks in the area, a coloration effect caused by the high sulfur content. These vents contribute to the distinct red color of the soil and rocks surrounding the falls and the area’s hot springs. It’s smelly, but a cool experience! The Falls are also worth stopping at along the way! Not only will you find an awesome double waterfall for those instagram and tik tok shots, but there is a cool outdoor area to swim and to enjoy a meal.

Other Dumaguete Spots

• Mabinay Caves: Known as the caving capital of the Philippines, Mabinay offers numerous caves, each with its own unique features and challenges.

• Lake Balanan: This serene lake, surrounded by lush forested mountains, provides a tranquil escape and opportunities for kayaking and nature walks.

• Mount Talinis: Also known as Cuernos de Negros, this volcanic mountain provides challenging trails for hikers and mountaineers, offering stunning views and encounters with diverse flora and fauna.

Note: You can also find videos of my experiences at some of these places on my Facebook located HERE!

Turning Up the Romance in Dumaguete City

Dumaguete isn’t short of spots that set the stage for love and intimacy, offering more quaint cafes and picturesque locales for those precious moments together.

• Rizal Boardwalk: Where the golden hues of sunset meet the gentle lap of waves against the shoreline. This popular waterfront promenade, lined with towering palm trees and historical landmarks, offers a picturesque setting for lovers to meander hand in hand. As the day fades, the boulevard comes alive with a soft glow from the street lamps, casting a dreamy light on the faces of strolling couples. Here, amidst the gentle breeze and the soothing rhythm of the sea, romantic moments are made! Whether it’s sharing a cozy meal at one of the seaside restaurants, sitting on a bench while watching the boats glide by, or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere, Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City is a lover’s haven, weaving magic into every moment spent together.

• Alivio Massage and Spa: This wonderful little Spa offers several massage types and will cater to couples sessions. We showed up without a reserveration was greeted with kindness and was promptly added to the schedule to be seen within the next 10-15 minutes. The atmosphere is very calm and relaxed and the prices are very reasonable considering the quality of what you receive. Your partner and yourself will be in a closed room together away from other patrons. Your therapist will ask you questions to make sure that they are giving you the type of massage you are hoping to experience. We had a great time and I may have fallen asleep! Whoops!

• Atmosphere Resorts & Spa: Nestled in nearby Dauin, this resort is ideal for couples seeking luxury and relaxation, with stunning underwater scenes for diving enthusiasts.

• Café Mamia: Cozy and intimate, this café is perfect for couples looking for a quiet spot to enjoy some freshly baked pastries and coffee.

Kid-Friendly Discoveries

Exploring Dumaguete with children is a delight, with educational and fun activities that cater to curious young minds and energetic spirits.

• Dumaguete Science and Technology Park: A place where learning meets fun, this park offers interactive exhibits that engage children in science and technology.

• Forest Camp: A little outside the city, this nature resort has pools fed by natural springs, hanging bridges, and picnic areas, making it a fantastic spot for a family day out.

Wrapping Up the Dumaguete City Experience

Our journey through Dumaguete City and its surroundings uncovers a place rich in culture, adventure, romance, and family fun. Each corner of the city and nearby areas offers a unique story and experience, from the bustling streets filled with culinary delights to the tranquil natural sites perfect for exploration and relaxation.

Dumaguete City is not just a destination; it’s an experience that caters to all. With its rich history, vibrant community, and natural beauty, it’s a place where memories are made. So, whether you’re seeking an adventure, a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or just a peaceful retreat, Dumaguete has something special waiting for you.