8 Unforgettable Dumaguete Tourist Spots for First-Time Visitors

Dumaguete is a beautiful city located in the southern part of Panay Island in the Philippines. The city has a history dating back to 400 years and is known for being one of the finest examples of Filipino hospitality. With its white sand beaches, mountains, coral reefs, and clear waters, Dumaguete tourist spots will leave lasting impressions to be carved in your memory.

The top Dumaguete tourist spot would have to be the Manjuyod Sandbar. With its stunning blue waters and unique stilted huts, it’s been dubbed the "Maldives of the Philippines.” It’s also one of the country’s longest sandbars, which is why it's popular among tourists and locals alike. Explore a little further out into the Tañon Strait and you might encounter some playful dolphins.

Address: Campuyo, Bais City, Negros Oriental

Contact Information: info@manjuyodsandbar.com

After a day of swimming, you’ll want to hang out at Dumaguete’s Rizal Boulevard. Fun fact: It was named after the country’s National Hero as he loved to visit this boardwalk whenever he was in the city. Like him, you can do your musings here while waiting for the sun to set. This Dumaguete tourist attraction is also the best place to check out the local street food scene.

Address: Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental

Don’t miss out on Dumaguete’s famed Silvanas. A Dumaguete tourist spot, the bakery that makes them has been around since 1977 and now sells more than pastries. It’s conveniently located along Rizal Boulevard, so you might as well make a stopover for these homemade goodies. We recommend taking some home for your family and friends, too.

Address: #3 San Jose Street 6200 Dumaguete City

Contact Information: 0918 943 5989 | sansrival@sansrivalsrfdi.com

Operating Hours: 8:30am-8pm (Sun-Thurs) 8:30am-9pm (Fri-Sat)

You might be surprised to find that one of Dumaguete's tourist spots is a university campus. That’s because it’s a historical ground, with buildings dating back to the 1900s. Most people who opt to tour the campus usually head to the University’s Anthropology Museum to learn more about the city’s rich history of the Marine Mammal Bone Museum, which houses a collection of whale bones.

Silliman University Anthropology Museum 

Address: Real Street, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Contact Information: 422-6002 local 414

Operating Hours: 8:30-11:30am and 2-4:30pm (Mon-Fri)

Casaroro Falls near the town of Valencia in Dumaguete is a paradise in hiding. To get to the place, you’ll have to trek down a flight of terrain trails, then navigate through muddy streams before you reach the majestic falls. Reward yourself at the end with a refreshing dip in the basin or cool down on the boulders and just admire the 100ft waterfall. A Dumaguete tourist attraction worth visiting!

Address: Taft St, Valencia, Negros Oriental

Have you ever dreamed of swimming with turtles? Dumaguete can make that dream come true when you visit Apo Island, on the coast of Dauin. A Dumaguete tourist attraction, this small island offers one of the best snorkeling experiences in the world and is home to native sea turtles. Before returning to the mainland in the late afternoon, spend the rest of the day relaxing on the white pebble beach.

Address: Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental

Mount Talinis is the Dumaguete tourist spot for hikers and mountaineers. You’ll have to schedule out a whole day if you want to make it to the top and be prepared for the steep climb as it is the region’s second tallest mountain. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and bask in the beauty of nature when you get to the peak.

Address: Mount Talinis, Valencia, Negros Oriental

One of the most tranquil places you could visit in Dumaguete is the Twin Lakes, which is why it’s the perfect place to connect with nature. The two lakes are namely Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao and are used as the city’s primary water source. Swimming is prohibited, but other activities you can partake in instead are kayaking, strolls, and birdwatching. This is a Dumaguete tourist spot worth adding to your itinerary!

Address: Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, Sibulan, Negros Oriental

Operating Hours: 8am-5pm (Mon-Sun)

Contact: (035) 421 0325 | btlnp.cenroii@gmail.com