When everything seems to be not okay, traveling to Dumaguete City is one of the best things to do to recharge, reflect and rejuvenate. Aside from being known as the “City of Gentle People,” in 2014 the Forbes magazine also recognized the city as “One of the Best Places in the World to Retire.”
As soon as you arrived in Dumaguete City, captivating wildlife and hiking trails, charming waterfalls, and most friendly locals will welcome you whole-heartedly. To get you more excited to travel to this developing city, here is the list of things to do in Dumaguete.
Watch the sunset at Rizal Boulevard
Watch the sunset with the person you love the most at the city’s popular landmark, Rizal Boulevard with less pollution and less car honking compared to Metro Manila. After the sun is set, you will see more locals, as people of all ages prefer to stay at Rizal Boulevard to bond with friends, eat, and hang out together, since affordable food-dining options are near at hand.
Fall in love with nature
The untouched, pristine waters and dramatic spots of falls, and rivers in the province never fail to amaze the travelers. These are the things to do in Dumaguete that the metro cannot bestow upon you.
Make the most out of your trip in Dumaguete and do not miss any of these natural attractions:
Pulang Bato Falls– The mere fact that the stones here in Pulang Bato are red, you can also enjoy the refreshing and cool water due to its surrounding hills and mountains.
Casaroro Falls– Tucked in the middle of Valencia Mountains, Casaroro Falls will test your faith, because you have to take 300 more steps, rock climbing, and river crossing just to get here.
Swim with the turtles
Make sure to visit Apo Island around 7 until 11 in the morning to swim with the friendly turtles, along with the 600 species, and 400 different types of corals! The GMA’s “Biyahe Ni Drew” dubbed the Apo Island in Dumaguete City as one of the top diving spots in the Philippines. Aside from snorkeling and swimming with the turtles, you have an option to trek on top of Apo Island to enjoy the breathtaking spot of the lighthouse, as well as the panoramic view of the coastline.
Capture memories at Belfry Tower
For more than 200 years, this used to be the watchtower during the World Wars to foresee strange activities and even incoming danger. To this date, only the Belfry remains as the oldest tower in Dumaguete City, where local and foreign travelers can take photos, light up a candle and say a prayer at the in-house grotto.
Experience the island life you’ve always wanted
Visit Lake Balanan and rent a cottage to spend a wondrous night in between the Siaton’s mountains. No internet, no air-conditioned room and only with nature sound and authentic delicious meals make a trip to Lake Balanan all worth it.
This list of things to do in Dumaguete makes simple pleasures perfect for people longing to enjoy life away from the hustle and bustle in the metro.
