A Welcomed Respite: Watatrip Guide to Dumaguete
Have you ever been to Dumaguete?
Known as the “City of Gentle People,” this enchanting city whispers tales of azure waters, swaying palm trees, and a vibrant tapestry of cultures.
It is the capital of Negros Oriental in Visayas, and apart from its hospitable, friendly locals, the city is also recognized as a “University Town” being home to the oldest American-established university in Asia – Silliman University.
Beyond academia, Dumaguete is renowned for its captivating underwater world, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for a tranquil break, come to Dumaguete, where the kindness of the people, the allure of nature, and the historical monuments will leave you speechless.
Here are six (6) places that we think you should include in your Dumaguete itinerary:
Silliman University
The Philippines’ first American school is Silliman University, a private research university in Dumaguete. It was founded in 1901 by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions.
The Silliman Hall, the Silliman University Anthropology Museum, the Silliman University Zoo, the Silliman University Marine Laboratory, and the Silliman University Church are all popular stops on a Dumaguete tour.
ADDRESS: Hibbard Ave, Dumaguete City, Philippines

Campanario de Dumaguete
A historical must-see in the city is the Campanario de Dumaguete.
In the 1760s, Moro pirates from Mindanao roamed the quiet towns of Dumaguete in quest of enslaved people. The townsfolk constructed the Campanario de Dumaguete, popularly known as the Dumaguete Belfry, the oldest in Visayas, to warn the townspeople.
Tourists now come here to light candles, pray, and buy rosaries and religious symbols from the neighboring new souvenir shop.
ADDRESS: Dumaguete Belfry, corner Perdices St, Dumaguete, 6200 Negros Oriental

Liquid Dumaguete
“Eat, sleep, and dive” at this tropical beachfront boutique resort. This relaxed resort is located on a rocky beach on the Bohol Sea, 12 kilometers from the province’s main city of Dumaguete and 16 kilometers from Sibulan Airport.
Liquid Dumaguete has 14 beachside nipa huts, 6 deluxe air-conditioned rooms, and 8 standard fan rooms. The thatched-roof, beachfront cottages include balconies with sea views, free Wi-Fi, modest furnishings, ceiling fans, and en suite bathrooms with cold-water showers.
It also has a pool bar and garden restaurant, a massage hut, and an ocean full with aquatic creatures perfect for snorkeling and diving.
FB: @liquiddumaguete
ADDRESS: Bulak, Dauin, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental 6217, Philippines

Santa Monica Beach Club
Located in Barangay Banilad, a 10-minute drive from cultural attractions including the Silliman University Anthropology Museum and around 0.5km away only from Sibulan Airport, Santa Monica Beach Club is an amazing accommodation due to its proximity to many tourist attractions in Dumaguete. They even offer exclusive tours around Dumaguete and Bacong.
Some of the amenities of this 3.5-star hotel include an outdoor pool and a poolside bar, a private beach, a lovely garden for tourists to meander in and a parking lot and conference facilities.
There are 21 nonsmoking rooms available, each having a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a mini-fridge-bar, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Website: http://www.stamonicabeachclub.com/
ADDRESS: Banilad, Dumaguete City, Dumaguete, Philippines

Sta. Teresa Resto
Sta. Teresa Resto is a dining place downtown that serves cheap Filipino and Asian cuisine. It’s a turo-turo style resto wherein food is ready to eat, and you just have to point out the dishes you want to order.
The overall feel inside the establishment is homey, making it a comfortable stop for people – tourists and locals alike who just want to enjoy some good yet affordable Filipino cuisines.
ADDRESS: San Juan St, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries
Looking for a place to purchase your pasalubong? Search no more. Head over to Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries, a well-known bakery and pastry shop that is famous for its delectable and well-known Sans Rival cake, a Filipino confection of layers of buttercream, meringue, and cashew nuts.
Aside from sans rival, they also have Brazo de Mercedes, a soft and frothy cake with custard filling, L’Opera, a three-layer cake with chocolate and light custard in between, complemented by nuts and a mild frosting flavor, and Torta, a mamon-like pastry.
FB: @sansrivalcakesandpastries
ADDRESS: #3 San Jose Street, Dumaguete City, Philippines

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