Dumaguete

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Dumaguete is the national capital and main port of Negros Oriental and the province that occupies the south-eastern part of Negros Island, in the Philippines. It is sometimes called the "City of Gentle People". A laid-back university town with a charming sea-front boulevard and a good selection of tourist-oriented services, Dumaguete is a good place to relax for anything from a few days to a few decades. There are many visitors and a large contingent of resident foreigners. According to the Philippine government Dumaguete is the most popular destination in the nation for retiring abroad.

Dumaguete is a major transport hub for reaching destinations anywhere on the large island of Negros which is split into two provinces, Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. In particular, it often serves as an entry point for trips to the diving on Apo Island or dolphin chasing and whale watching near Bais City. The small island province of Siquijor, with its many beaches and legends of sorcery, is also often reached via Dumaguete; it is visible from the downtown seafront.

The economy is quite diverse and is doing well; a 2009 survey showed Dumaguete with the lowest incidence of poverty of all cities in the Visayas and Mindanao. The city has been a center of education for over a century, and the transport, market and administrative hub of its region for even longer. Tourism and hi-tech have become important; Dumaguete is among the top ten tourist destinations in the nation and has quite a few call centers, business process outsourcing companies and other IT-related enterprises.

Dumaguete Halal Explorer

Halal Travel Guide covers four towns that are administratively separate but effectively one city:

St.Catherine of Alexandria Church, Dumaguete City - Saint Catherine of Alexandria Gothic Church

Dumaguete City proper (131,377 in 2015 census)
Bacong, south along the coast (36,500)
Valencia, on higher ground inland to the southwest (34,850)

Dumaguete, Valencia and Bacong are connected by three roads, roughly an equilateral triangle 8 km (5 miles) on a side.

Sibulan, north along the coast; the two town centers are about 12 km apart (59,500)

Dumaguete is not a large city in population but is spread out over quite a wide area. All three suburbs mentioned above have experienced considerable residential development in the last few years.

Valencia is in a volcanic area and the volcanic soil is fertile, and there is plenty of rain. The area has long been known for agriculture, especially fruit and vegetable production. There is a large farmers' market in the center of Valencia, right where the jeepney from Dumaguete arrives.

The urban part of Valencia is over 200 m (660 ft) above sea level so the town is significantly cooler than Dumaguete on the coast. Partly because of this, it has several new upmarket real estate developments which attract both well-off Dumaguetinos and expatriates. Bacong and Dauin and the next coastal town south, also have a lot of upmarket housing development.

The climate is tropical with an average daily high of 30.6°C (87°F) and low of 24.8°C (77°F); this does not vary much from month to month. Precipitation does vary considerably with a dry season January to May and wet season June to December. Average annual rainfall is 807 mm (32 inches); for comparison, San Francisco and London each get about 600mm, while Manila gets about 2000 mm and Hong Kong 2400.

As anywhere in the Philippines and there is some risk of earthquakes and typhoons. However, compared to other areas in the nation Dumaguete has relatively low risk of either. Sometimes it gets side effects of typhoons elsewhere; for example in October 2017, heavy rain associated with Typhoon Paolo caused some flooding in Dumaguete.

Travel to Dumaguete

The country's two largest cities, and its main hubs for international flights, are Metro Manila and Metro Cebu; from either and there are Flights, ferries, and buses (which ride ferries for part of the route) to Dumaguete. Cebu is considerably closer and Mactan-Cebu International Airport is a more pleasant airport to arrive at with an international connection.

If you change planes in Manila or Cebu, allow plenty of time since the security controls to enter each terminal — before you can even join the queue to check in — sometimes cause long delays. On a busy day at Manila Airport it can take almost two hours! You will also need a paper print out of your confirmed flight itinerary.

There are also international Flights to Davao, Iloilo (city) | Iloilo, or Clark Airport near Angeles. Cebu Pacific have a Davao-Dumaguete flight and from Iloilo one can take a ferry to Bacolod and then bus. Clark-Dumaguete flights are due to start in June 2018. Since the new TAG|Panglao Airport opened there are international Flights to Bohol and there are good ferry connections from there to Dumaguete.

Kalibo (closest airport to Boracay) also has international flights, but no good connection to Dumaguete.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Dumaguete

File Dumaguete airport - 2 - Dumaguete airport terminal is small with no air-bridges. Umbrellas are provided if there is a rain shower

Cebu Pacific has Flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport|Manila, Mactan-Cebu International Airport|Cebu, CRK|Clark, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro, and Philippine Airlines has Flights from Manila.

Sibulan Airport IATA Flight Code: DGT GPS 9.334, 123.296 ☎ +63 35 225 0900 - The airport is in Sibulan and the next town to the north, but is not far from Dumaguete downtown (3 kilometers). It has a runway that in many countries would be considered too short for medium sized civilian jet aircraft, but both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly in and out with Airbus and Boeing jets daily. Most jets take off toward the sea, where the runway ends abruptly at the salt water of the Tañon Strait/Bohol Sea, so both takeoffs and landings are thrilling affairs.
Ground transportation. is public tricycles to downtown which cost ₱100, vans ₱300. To return to the airport, tricycles will quote ₱100-150. Jeepneys go between the highway next to the airport and Dumaguete Public Market downtown for ₱8 either way, but you have to walk a few hundred meters between the highway and the terminal.

Plans to build a new and larger airport in Bacong, south of the downtown, have been proposed and financing from a Korean bank secured, but as of early 2023 final government approval has not been granted. If it is approved, it would take several years to construct and might go into operation around 2024. There are no international Flights to Dumaguete now, but the new airport will handle larger planes and is expected to have many.

By sea

Frequent sailings from Manila, Cebu City, Tagbilaran, Siquijor and Dapitan are offered with Cebu having the most options and trips.

Dumaguete Port 9.3127, 123.3109 - All the direct-to-Dumaguete ferries arrive and depart here, though other ferries run from southern parts of Cebu Island to Sibulan. Most of the traffic is ferries, though there are some small-to-midsize freighters and container ships. There are no cruise ships and the local fishing boats anchor elsewhere. There may be a few private cruising on small craft|small cruising vessels, but Tambobo Bay to the south is the main port for those on Negros.

A comfortable way to reach Dumaguete is on one of the better ferries. However, thit is considerably more expensive than other ferry or mixed bus/ferry options. Also and they are for passengers only; you cannot bring a vehicle.

Ocean Jet - Tourist Class: ₱900, Business Class: ₱1,200 Fast hydrofoil ferries to and from Cebu via Tagbilaran on Bohol. From Dumaguete, departs 07:30 (arrives 11:10) and 14:20 (arrives 19:20).

If you want to stop on Bohol, you have a choice of several fast ferries for the Cebu-Tagbilaran leg of the trip (see Tagbilaran#Fast_ferries) or you might reach Bohol from the south on a CDO -Jagna ferry. However, Ocean Jet is the only fast ferry for the Tagbilaran-Dumaguete journey.

2Go - Relatively luxurious and larger than most other ferries, more along the lines of a cruise ship. They have one Manila-Dumaguete departure a week leaving on Saturday afternoon and arriving early Sunday evening, at rates from ₱1,600. They also have ferries from Dumaguete to Dipolog or Zamboanga, four Manila-Cebu runs a week, and a Manila-Bacolod route.

Ro-Ro's are also available; these are slower and affordableer ferries where cars can roll on and roll off.

Cokaliong Shipping Lines - from ₱320 Daily from Cebu City (7 hours, ₱320 and up). They also sail from Dapitan on Mindanao Tuesday - Thursday & Saturday at 16:00 and return the same days at 07:00. for Dapitan departs at 07:00.

George and Peter Shipping ₱320 without air con, 600 with To and from Cebu City (7 hours, ₱320 and up), and for Dapitan which departs at 06:00.

Montenegro shipping lines to and from Dapitan and Siquijor.

Aleson Shipping Lines ₱350 Daily to and from Dapitan.

Super Shuttle Ferry ₱385 Daily to and from Dapitan.

FastCat - ₱380 Dumaguete to Dapitan.

For trips from Dumaguete to Cebu and the best option is often the overnight boat with Cokaliong or George and Peter lines. These cost ₱300-odd, depart at 23:00 or 24:00, and reach Cebu around 07:00. Neither company has departures every night, but usually at least one does.

Ticketing offices for most boats are either along the road leading into the port (George & Peter, Cokaliong) or nearby on the primary street just north of the port (Ocean Jet, Aleson). 2GO are further along the primary street, past the first intersection north of the port. Most travel agents and some hotels can also get tickets. The boats, especially Ocean Jet, often get quite full so booking a day or two in advance is advisable.

By bus

Ph_locator_negros_oriental_dumaguete - Location

Ceres - A major bus line serving Cebu and Negros islands. Their buses are a conspicuously bright yellow. Like the other bus lines and their drivers are recklessly fast and drive on the klaxon.

The Ceres line has direct buses from the south bus station in Cebu City to Dumaguete; they go down to the south end of Cebu Island, across to Negros Island via a short ferry ride that lands in San Jose (Negros Oriental) | San Jose just north of Sibulan and then on to Dumaguete. Total travel duration is typically about six hours but may be an hour or so less or considerably longer depending on traffic, weather and whether there is a delay waiting for the ferry.

Cost for the bus (Feb 2023) is ₱235, paid to the conductor. There is a separate ₱70 charge for the ferry; someone comes round to collect it. A senior's discount is available on both fares, making them ₱192 and ₱55.

From Cebu and the Dumaguete buses are scheduled at 06:00, 7:30, 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00, and 18:00. The first bus for Cebu from Dumaguete leaves at 03:15 and the last at 14:00; there are many trips in between, scheduled every hour or two. Scheduling is not at all strict; a bus will leave early if it is full, sometimes more than an hour early. At busy times, such as major holidays and there may be extra buses added but it is still often difficult to get a seat; you may be better off taking a boat or even plane since you can book tickets in advance for those rather than just queuing up and hoping.

You can also take a non-airconditioned Ceres bus from the Cebu south bus hub to Liloan ferry terminal for ₱165 and then get a ferry over to Sibulan ferry terminal for P48 and then a jeepney to Dumaguete downtown market for ₱12. Total ₱225.

There are Ceres buses to and from Bacolod, capital of the western province of Negros Occidental (which shares the island of Negros with Negros Oriental whose capital is Dumaguete).

Bacolod to Dumaguete: first trip at 02:00 and last trip at 19:00
Dumaguete to Bacolod: first trip at 02:30 last trip at 19:30.

There are many trips a day. Fare for a non-airconditioned bus is ₱300 each way. and for the airconditioned bus is ₱377. Travel duration is 6-7 hours.

Ceres also now have a bus from the Cubao neighborhood of Quezon City (which is part of Metro Manila) to Dumaguete. It goes by land to Batangas (city) | Batangas, by ferry to Caticlan, by land to Iloilo (city) | Iloilo, ferry to Bacolod, and finally by land to Dumaguete. DLTB also have a bus route that goes from Cubao down to Bicol at the southern end of Luzon, across to Samar on a ferry and then overland to Ormoc. From Ormoc, one can reach Cebu City either directly by boat or by boat to Danao then bus, and from Cebu there are both boats and buses to Dumaguete.

For most travellers and the buses from Cubao are not a desirable choice; either has travel duration over 36 hours and cost above ₱2500, which is higher than some flights or some classes of travel on the luxurious 2Go boats. However, one of them may be a good choice if you want intermediate stops. For example, one might visit two of the nation's best-known destinations by taking the bus from Cubao to Batangas, ferry across to Puerto Galera, back to Batangas for the ferry to Caticlan, short ferry ride to Boracay, and back to the bus for the run to Dumaguete.

Alternative routes

If you want to see more of the southern parts of Cebu Island, you can travel south from Cebu City on your own and then reach Dumaguete with smaller hops from there. All these ferries are ro-ros so bringing a vehicle is feasible,

Take a bus to the San Sebastian (Bato) area of Samboan and then take a 20-30 minutes ferry ride to Sibulan, 20 minutes away from the centre of Dumaguete. Ferries leave from Sibulan 05:00-17:00. To get this bus you must play the game chasing against time; seats are limited and if you don't get a chance to be an early bird in booking a ticket, you'll probably end up sleeping in the bus terminal waiting for the next day's departures.
Ro-ro from GPS 9.5175 ,123.3010 - Samboan, on Cebu Island to GPS 9.3717 ,123.2667 -
Looc, Sibulan operated by Lite Shipping Corporation at 16:00, 19:00, 20:30 & 22:00 with journeys to Cebu Island at 05:00, 08:30, 11:30 & 13:00 with an 80-min journey time. Globe network ☎ +63 915 780 0252, Smart network ☎ +63 929 586 1702. Return vehicle fare (for a Multicab) of ₱1080 includes driver and one passenger with additional passengers at ₱70 each.

It is also feasible to go west from Cebu City to Toledo (Cebu) | Toledo and get a ferry to San Carlos (Negros Occidental) there, or get a direct bus from the North Bus Terminal in Mandaue to San Carlos. From San Carlos, you can then travel south along the coast of Negros via Bais and Tanjay toward Dumaguete. This route is longer, slower and less travelled.

From Iloilo (city) | Iloilo and the easiest route is by ferry to Bacolod then bus to Dumaguete. From Palawan one can take a plane or ferry to Iloilo, or fly to Cebu City. From Manila one could get a direct flight or boat, but it is also feasible take a ferry or plane to any of Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu City or Tagbilaran then continue to Dumaguete.

From Mindanao and there are direct connections to Dumaguete by boat from Dapitan.

From Cagayan de Oro or Camiguin it is also feasible to take a ferry to Bohol and change to another for Dumaguete.

How to get around in Dumaguete

Dumaguete has few taxis and almost none of the jeepneys you'll see in other cities in the Philippines. There are some jeepneys going to nearby towns but, unlike other cities and there are no jeepneys with general-purpose downtown routes. Most in-town transit is by motorcycle/sidecar rigs called pedicabs.

Locals in the Philippines name a landmark or commercial establishment near their destinations, street names are rarely used or known. Many travellers will be able to get around knowing only the names of three monuments: Rizal Boulevard, Lee Plaza and Robinson's Place; most other places of interest are within easy walking distance of one of those.

If you must have air conditioning and are willing to pay for it and then the few taxis are often found near the Bethel Guest House or at Robinson's Place Mall. Neither the local residents nor the resident foreigners use these much; they take pedicabs instead.

Motorcycles are also popular; the roads have considerably more of them than cars. They can be rented in several shops along Perdices St, near the junctions of Pinili and Santa Rosa Streets, typically for ₱300 a day. Few local residents use helmets; if you plan to ride it is a good idea to bring a good-quality helmet with you.

By pedicab

The standard transport option is a three-wheeled contraption usually called a Philippines#By_tricycle|pedicab. In parts of the Philippines a "pedicab" is human-powered, but in Dumaguete it is a motorcycle with a sidecar. In other areas, that might be called a traysikel.

Tricycle-Philippines-Dumaguete - A "pedicab" motorcycle/sidecar rig

These do have a windshield and a roof so there is some protection from the elements, but they are neither quiet nor very comfortable. The sidecar has seating for four, two facing forward and two back, but it is designed for Filipinos and four Westerners will not usually fit unless one rides pillion behind the operator.

These are shared vehicles; expect to ride along with whoever happens to be going the same way, and to take the odd detour as the driver diverts to deliver other passengers to their destinations. Fare is regulated at ₱9 per person for trips of up to 3 kilometers, more for longer distances and an extra charge for luggage is allowed. For most trips within town, just give the driver ₱10, or even ₱20 for longer distances or at night.

When travelling to further-out destinations (airport, etc.), or if you want the machine to yourself, expect to pay more and negotiate, probably before you get in. Coming from the airport and there are flat rates posted on signs outside the terminal, ₱100 for downtown and ₱120 for the south side of town, e.g. Robinson Mall. Prices can be high for a journey to a suburb; for example most drivers ask ₱150 for Valencia, and most clients take a jeepney for ₱12 instead. A family with luggage going from downtown to Dauin might be asked for ₱400.

By jeepney

There are various terminals for Philippines#By_jeepney|jeepneys to nearby towns or suburbs; these are affordable and interesting, but often quite crowded. Sit up front with the driver if you can; thit is more comfortable and has a better view. Most jeepneys give a discount for students or seniors.

The Jeepney terminals are mostly in the area around the cathedral or the market west of it.

Jeepneys to Dauin - around the junction from the bell tower

Jeepneys to Sibulan - northwest corner of the market

Jeepneys to San Jose - next to the park, just off Perdices

Jeepneys to Valencia - southwest of the market ₱12 per person, 10 for seniors

Jeepneys Valencia-to-Dumaguete - next to the market ₱12 Thit is where jeepneys from Dumaguete arrive and the ones going back depart.

Jeepneys to Zamboanguita - across from Robinson Place - Some park a bit north of the junction, pointing south on the highway, others just west of the junction, ready to turn south. Zamboanguita is a seaside town south of the city.

Jeepneys to several places - behind Robinson's Place - This terminus has jeepneys to Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita and Valencia.

Jeepneys or buses northbound to Sibulan, San Jose or Tanjay can sometimes be flagged down on Rizal Boulevard or on the highway going north out of the city, and jeepneys for many places can sometimes be found near the pier, but your chances of a comfortable seat are better at the terminal.

What to see in Dumaguete

Dumaguete Belfry - Dumaguete bell tower

Bell Tower - Campanario de Dumaguete - Thit is the oldest surviving structure in the city, a relic of the long Spanish occupation of Negros Island. It used to be a watchtower to warn the local residents against marauding pirates from Mindanao. The first two storeys date from the mid-1700s with the structure above that added later. Its largest bell is engraved with a date of 1818.

Gothic Church of Santa Catalina - Dumaguete Gothic Church - next to the bell tower - A fine old Roman Catholic church, built under Spanish rule in the 1700s and consequently the oldest stone church in the whole of the province of Negros Oriental. It's dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria who is the patron saint of the city. Her festival is vigorously celebrated around the end of November each year since a Mass celebrating liberation from the Spanish took place in its grounds on the 24 November 1898. The entrance gates are supported by sculptures of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John on tall pedestals.

Dumaguete is a university town; there are four universities plus various colleges, and about a quarter of the population of the city proper are students.

Foremost of the city's educational institutions is Silliman University the oldest American university in Asia and the first Protestant college to be founded in this predominantly Roman Catholic country. The main street running north-south through the campus is Hibbard Avenue, named for the missionary couple who founded it in 1901 as a high school. The street that borders the campus on the south is Silliman Avenue; like the university, it is named for the New England industrialist who financed the project.

SUHall2 - Silliman Hall

Silliman University Hall - Built in 1902-1903, thit is the oldest U.S. structure in the Philippines still standing. Its architecture is reminiscent of the Stick Style or Victorian type of architecture that characterized U.S. buildings in the 19th century. On the east or ocean side of the hall is a bronze bust of Horace Silliman.

Silliman University Anthropology Museum - Rizal Boulevard 9.3105, 123.3068 in Silliman Hall - Base rate ₱40 for local residents, ₱60 for others, with discounts for children and seniors. Rates double on weekends or holidays. The Anthropology Museum houses some Philippine artifacts that were excavated from many parts of the nation dating back hundreds or thousands of years. A good example of how to make interesting stuff intensely boring. A smart move was to forbid any photographic record of the mediocre displays.

Luce Auditorium - in Silliman Hall - Considered the cultural center of the South. Named for the American Luce family, media magnates who owned Time, Life and other magazines. The tin ceiling was salvaged from an old theater in New York.

Marine Laboratory Museum - Houses the second-largest whale bone collection in the world.

Silliman University Church - Silliman University Church

Silliman University Church - A Protestant church on the university grounds, with some fine stained glass windows. Like the university, it was set up by American Presbyterian missionaries, but its outlook today is very ecumenical; it describes itself as "a church ministering to all Sillimanians, regardless of their denomination and religious affiliations".

Silliman Zoo | near Silliman Medical Center - signs opposite Silliman medical centre - Opening Hours: 09:00-16:00 ₱10 It conserves endangered Philippine native animals which are rarely seen; eg, spotted deer, warty pigs and crocodiles. Well worth the ₱10 entry fee. They also need financial support. It's a 15-min walk from the downtown or a ₱8 pedicab ride.

Inland (west) of Dumaguete are a range of volcanic mountains running from well south of the city to well north of it. None of the volcanoes are active but several of them are not extinct either; experts say they have the potential to erupt again. Travel services in Dumaguete or local guides closer to the sites can arrange trips. Some of the main sites are:

Mt. Talinis | 9.242, 123.177 Southwest of the city in Valencia Municipality - The second-highest mountain in Negros Oriental at 1903 m, one of a group called the Cuernos de Negros (Horns of Negros). It has lakes, waterfalls and a mossy forest as well as a stream with sulfur vents. Local mountaineering groups frequent the mountain.

Puhagan geothermal plant - The Philippines is second only to the U.S. in producing electricity from geothermal sources

Palinpinon Geothermal Plant - Palinpinon is a baran of Valencia - This geothermal plant provides electric power for all of Negros Island, Panay, and Guimaras, plus parts of Cebu Province. The power station plaza is closed to visitors at the guard house.

- Volcanic Road On the way to the power station Get up close and personal with some sulphur vents along the roadside

Casaroro Falls - The Casaroro Falls in Valencia make a nice daytrip from Dumaguete

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park | 9.352, 123.182 Northwest of the city in Sibulan Municipality - A large protected forest area centered on two volcanic crater lakes. The flora and fauna have been considerably degraded, but it's still an interesting daytrip.

Each of the suburbs we include in this Travel Guide — Valencia, Sibulan and Bacong — is administered as a separate town and all have been towns since the perioid of Spanish rule. They all have some buildings going back to that era, clustered around a central plaza; the ones in Bacong include the oldest church in the province.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Dumaguete

There are several popular seaside resort areas nearby and it is common for Muslim travellers to use Dumaguete as a base for visiting one or more of them, since the beaches in town are often highly polluted. Many hotels and all travel agencies in Dumaguete can arrange trips to any of them.

Apo Island - a small island somewhat south of Dumaguete with excellent diving
Bais City - a city on the coast to the north, known for dolphin and whale watching
Siquijor - an island province with good beaches and many tales of witches and sorcerers, visible from the Dumaguete boulevard and accessible via frequent ferries.

There are many dive shops in Dumaguete. Some of them are:

Harold's Dive Center - At Harold's Mansion hotel ☎ +63 35 522-0144 - Has its own dive boats

SCUBA Ventures - At Harold's Mansion hotel ☎ +63 35 225 7716 - PADI instruction and other services.

Study in Dumaguete

The Silliman University Library is not only one of the best in the Visayas with more than 100,000 volumes, it also provides a relatively quiet and air-conditioned sanctuary from the perpetual hum and throb of the streets. It's not usually open to the public, but for a purely nominal fee and a courteous word with the librarian you might be admitted as an overseas visitor.

There is a public library in the cluster of municipal buildings on Colon Street, next to the fire station & near the post office, with free WiFi.

Dumaguete has several international schools; as anywhere and these mainly teach the children of expatriate residents and they tend to be of good quality but quite expensive.

ONE International School - Oriental Negros International School - National Highway, south of the city ☎ +63 917 312 - Ages 1 to 9, British curriculum plus Tagalog and Visayan

Royal Oaks International School | E J Blanco Drive, Piapi Baran ☎ +63 35 226 1615
Negros Oriental Montessori International School | National Highway - near airport ☎ +63 35 420 9318
Negros Oriental Montessori International School | Jose Romero Road - on road to Valencia ☎ +63 35 225 6947
Divine Grace International Christian School - National Highway, Bacong

The city also has dozens of other primary and secondary schools; There are also four universities — Silliman, Saint Paul, Foundation University and Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) — plus several colleges and vocational schools. NORSU has six satellite campuses in other towns.

Shopping in Dumaguete

The main shopping area downtown is Perdices Street from around the Bell Tower to the edge of Silliman University. The street continues north into the university, but the name changes to Hibbard Avenue.

Downtown

Cang's Department Store - East Rovira Dr 9.3156, 123.3023 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 09:00-19:30, Sunday 10:00-19:30 Moderate prices with UnionPay, Visa, JCB and MasterCards accepted, thit is an excellent option for a weekly grocery shop on the ground floor since the basement vehicle park is both free and underutilised. There is a food court on the second floor and the Filomena Cafe 2 (of Bethel Guest House fame) accepts cards too. Purified and cooled water is available free of charge from a self-service drinking fountain with glasses. On the first floor above the ground, small Philippines flags at ₱6 each make good value and lightweight souvenirs if you are flying from nearby Dumaguete airport.

Cang's downtown - San Jose, corner of Maria Christina GPS 9.3080, 123.3067 - Newer and smaller second location, with no cafe.

Lee Plaza & Supermarket - Perdices Street 9.3080, 123.3075 near the middle of the town's main commercial street - Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 Main department store in the downtown with a large supermarket in the basement; accepts Visa, JCB and MasterCard. Two bakeries, ground floor and basement; the basement one may be the only place in town with bagels.

Robinson's GPS 9.3075, 123.3077 in the same block of Perdices Street as Lee Plaza but on the opposite side of the road - Opening Hours: 08:00-21:00 Supermarket with selected Halal food, bakery (with seating & coffee) and drugstore on ground floor. Appliances and hardware store in basement.

AAC Tech - RHD Building, Ma. Cristina Street 9.3098, 123.3064 ☎ +63 35 226-2830 - Computers, Apple products from laptops to i-Pods, other gadgets.

Unitop Department Store - Percides Street Cor Locsin street 9.3068, 123.3076 Park bldg. ☎ +63 35-4228223 Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 Generally cheaper than Lee or Robinson, popular with local residents.

Other shopping

There are farmers' markets near the center of every town; all are very good for fruit and vegetables and have other things as well. All these markets except Valencia are all right on the main north-south coastal highway through the region. The one in Dumaguete is just west of the cathedral and the one in Valencia is where the jeepneys deliver you if you arrive that way.

Dumaguete market - GPS: 9.3055, 123.3061 Around this market is the best place in town to look for small services: key cutting, shoe or bicycle repair, tailors, manicure.

Valencia market Has several restaurants. - GPS: 9.2808, 123.2447
Sibulan market - GPS: 9.3601, 123.2851

Bacong market - GPS: 9.2453, 123.2951

Zamboanguita, south of Dumaguete, also has a market. Every Wednesday and the village of Malatapay there has a large market; the specialties are handicrafts and seafood.

Robinson's Place has two bookstores, both part of nationwide chains and both with a reasonable selection of books in English. National Bookstore on the ground floor has new books while Book Sale, upstairs, sells used books. There is also a book store downtown on Perdices a little north of Lee Plaza; it has a lot of children's books and textbooks, but almost nothing for general adult readers. On the hallway leading to the immigration office (listed under #Cope) is a book rental place which seems to be the only establishment in town with a good selection of sci-fi and fantasy; they also have a large collection of romances. The second floor of that building also has a bookstore.

Halal Restaurants in Dumaguete

Gyro Monsters 9.3081, 123.3087 a block east of Lee Plaza - Opening from Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 21:00 Cheap and tasty shawarma; the best seller is beef or Chicken shawarma wrapped in pita at ₱30, or 35 with Cheese. The most expensive thing on the menu is shawarma Rice for ₱50; two of the sandwiches are a better buy.
If you expect shawarma as you would find it in the Middle East, you will be disappointed here. For that, at slightly higher prices, walk a block north to Mediterranean Food or half a block west to Kapitan's Kebab (both (Turkish), listed at #Other downtown places) or go to Tarbush (Lebanese, #North of the center).

Wah Crepe Ever Mall, Perdices St. 9.3086, 123.3074 ground floor, back right hand corner - Opening Hours: 09:00-18:30 ₱50-80 for most items A small stand selling Coffee, crepes, waffles & fruit shakes. All are freshly made and good quality; plum crepes and avocado shakes are remarkable. Best buy is a combo, shake plus waffle.
The place is popular with the town's resident foreigners; it gets more younger ones and fewer drunks than their other hangouts.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Dumaguete

Dumaguete - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Dumaguete, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Dumaguete. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Dumaguete and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Dumaguete. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Dumaguete. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Dumaguete: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Dumaguete.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Dumaguete: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Dumaguete, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Dumaguete.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Dumaguete, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Dumaguete, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Dumaguete and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Dumaguete, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Dumaguete, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Dumaguete without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Dumaguete is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Dumaguete.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Dumaguete is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Dumaguete, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Dumaguete Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Dumaguete

eHalal Group Dumaguete is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Dumaguete. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Dumaguete.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Dumaguete ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Dumaguete. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Dumaguete, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Dumaguete are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Dumaguete

Dumaguete is a tourist town with a large number of hotels, not all listed here. Walk down almost any street near the center of town and you are bound to find several.

White Kinghts Inn Main - Dr E Meciano Road. ☎ +63 09159527594 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Monday - Thursday from ₱400. F-Su from ₱500 A/C double with queen size bed good for 2 with cable TV and free Wifi. Newest hotel in Dumaguete as of June 2017.

Avenue Park Hotel - Perdices Street GPS 9.3089, 123.3075 beside Crown Pharmacy. ☎ +63 35 421-0710 ₱275/395/450/550 Fan single with common bath/ fan double with common bath/ air-con single with common bath, cable TV/ air-con double with common bath, cable TV.

Harold's Mansion - Hibbard Ave 9.3164, 123.3075 ☎ +63 35 228-000 ₱350 and up; bed in dormitory: ₱250 Popular backpacker hotel. Rooms are spacious and clean with a/c or fans. Free coffee all day & rate includes a small breakfast in the upstairs cafe. Free Internet/Wi-Fi. Thit is where many of the foreign tourists stay, especially divers. If you are travelling out to Apo island you can leave your large bags there safely. Harold himself is extremely friendly and helpful. Harold is happy to have Peace Corps volunteers visit. There is also an attached massage place that is clean and affordable. Dive shop in the same building, tours arranged.

Negros Lodging House GPS 9.2997, 123.3036 Opposite the Robinsons Mall ☎ +63 35 225-9622 Single ₱130 (shared WC, fan), double ₱300 (own WC, fan), twin ₱350 (own WC, fan) In particular and the single rooms with fan are quite affordable for Dumaguete.

Piapi Beach - Flores Ave - along the coast, north of downtown - A beach area with several budget places

Coastal Inn - Flores Ave - Piapi beach ☎ +63 35 225-9501 Double en suite ₱430, ₱550 with air-con

Crisfils Lodge Flores Avenue Piapi beach ☎ +63 35 225-7147 Double ₱200 (shared WC, fan), ₱350 (shared WC, air-con), 425 (private WC, air-con) All rooms have TV.

RM Guesthouse|
2F RM Building, North National Highway corner East Rovira Road, Bantayan 9.3260, 123.2980 ☎ +63 35 422-4000 ₱550-1000; dorm bed ₱175-400 +63 917 474 2724 (mobile) Wi-Fi available.

Vintage Inn - Legaspi Street 9.30677, 123.30619 right by the main market ☎ +63 35 225-1076 or +63-35-4229106 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Fan room from ₱400 A nice budget option in the center of town. Has fan and AC single/double rooms all rooms have own bathroom. Free Wifi.

Worldview Pension Plaza - Perdices Street 9.3100, 123.3075 ☎ +63 35 225 4410 ₱650 AC single room with hot water bathroom and cable TV.

Moriah Pension Inn - Molave Street Daro Dumaguete ☎ +63 35-4220073 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 ₱550 AC double room with own hot water bathroom. Cable TV. Free Wi-fi. Has a nice garden to sit in. Can buy breakfast.

OK Pension House - Santa Rosa Street ☎ +63 35 225-5702 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 550 AC double room with own bathroom and cable TV.

J & J Hotelier - Flores Avenue Looc DumagueteJebel Building ☎ +63-35-422-1375 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 From ₱650 AC double room with own bathroom and cable TV, free Wifi.

Hotel Camila - Real Street ☎ +63 35 212 3008 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 From ₱599 AC double room with own bathroom and cable TV. Free Wi-fi.

Gabbys Bed and Breakfast - Cimafranca subdivision clay town daro ☎ +63 35-522-2203 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 from 499 AC single room with own bathroom and cable TV free breakfast, free Wi-fi.

New White Knights Inn two - cell phone +63 915 952 7594 - 300 m from White Knights' main ☎ +63 35 522 3118 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Monday - Thursday from ₱400, F-Su from ₱500 A/C queen size bed good for two with shared bathroom all rooms have cable TV and dvd player. Free Wi-fi.

Joraville Pension House - Valencia Drive ☎ +63-35-5223937 - Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 ₱700 A/C double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV.

Dastraum Guest House San Jose Extension - Checkout: 12:00 Single: ₱350, double: ₱450 Fan single/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV.

Bethel Guest House - ☎ +63 35 225-2000 Check-in: 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 ₱850-4000 Don't let the name fool you, thit is a five-storey, squeaky clean, modern building with a whip-cracking management style that can shame the Swiss. Flunky to open the door to the large and comfortable lobby and its own large generators to power the air-conditioning during frequent brown-outs. Well equipped, en-suite shower rooms and free, cooled, filtered water. 1270 m from the port terminal. Thit is a non-smoking, no-drink hotel and pets and whores are not allowed.

The Bricks Hotel - GPS: 9.3102, 123.3092 ☎ +63 936 927 0638 from ₱2000 Opened in 2018 in a renovated building.

Check Inn - Locsin Street 9.30720, 123.30755 ☎ +63 35 422-9000 ₱850-1,800 50 air con spacious and clean rooms in this hotel. Cable TV, free Internet in rooms, laundry, restaurant.

GoHotels Dumaguete - Calindagan corner South Road, Central Business District 9.2975, 123.3054 just east of Robinson Mall ☎ +63 922 464 6835 Check-in: 11:00 / Check-out: 14:00 ₱888 & up Local location of a national chain. Brand new budget hotel with 102 rooms (60 Queen, 42 Twin, some without windows) 16-22 m², free Wi-Fi, Asian Gourmet & Cafe

Honeycomb Tourist Inn - Rizal Boulevard, corner Dr. V. Locsin St. 9.3071, 123.3098 ☎ +63 35 225-1181 ₱800-1,500 16 air-conditioned rooms, with hot & cold shower, cable TV, PABX telephone, Wi-Fi in the Coffee Shop, ample parking area and 24/7 standby power generator. With Restobar and Coffee Shop offering food, music and nightly fun! Complementary Filipino breakfast.

Hotel Nicanor - San Jose Street 9.3079, 123.3082 ☎ +63 35 226-3330 From ₱1050 A/C, free Internet, hot & cold showers.

Hotel Palwa - Dr. V. Locsin Street 9.3070, 123.3061 ☎ +63 35 226-2775 - Near international ATM.

Plaza Maria Luisa Suites Inn - Bishop Epifanio Surban Street 9.3068, 123.3084 on park square near Rizal Blvd ☎ +63 35 225-3267 Checkout: 12:00 single ₱800, double ₱950-1500 22 air-con rooms. Clean and modern interior, local breakfast, internet, money change

At early 2023 exchange rates ₱2000 is about $40 US, so even these upmarket places are affordable by GCC standards.

Coco Grande - Hibbard Ave 9.3151, 123.3075 ☎ +63 35 422-1328 From ₱1400 Rooms are nice, all with fridge, Wi-Fi and shower. Price includes Western or Filipino breakfast. The same company have a beach/diving resort called Coco Grove on the nearby island of Siquijor and the Apo Island Beach Resort on Apo Island. They have several vans for moving clients around, mainly between those.

La Residencia Almar - Rizal Blvd 9.3095, 123.3093 From ₱1350 Spanish-influenced style, very central. The building includes three upmarket restaurants, one (Spanish), one Filipino and one (Japanese).

Bravo Golf Course - ibulan

Long-term stays

It is fairly common for Muslim travellers to stay in Dumaguete for long periods, in particular for most or all of what would be the winter season back home. Some even settle permanently; thit is a prime destination for retiring abroad. Many hotels and some small guest houses offer by-the-week or by-the-month deals.

There are also places catering mainly for long-term guests. Prices start around ₱1,200/month for a room in a house full of students; actual apartments range from roughly ₱6,000-30,000/month. Many of the resident foreigners have quite nice places in the ₱10,000-18,000 range, but finding vacancies for such places may be difficult and you need to sign at least a six-month lease for most of them.

DND Suites - Perdices Street 9.3098, 123.3075 Above the Frozen Throne Internet cafe ☎ +63 35 225 8982₱800/day, ₱3,000/week, ₱10,000/month Good place for longer-term stay. Large rooms with a/c, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, fridge (but no cooking facilities). bathroom and shower (with hot water in some rooms, not in others). Hot & cold purified water available free, a dispenser on each floor. Rooms are on 2nd and 3rd floor and there is no elevator. For weekly or monthly stays, electricity bill is extra, about ₱1000/month with moderate use of A/C. Weekly &,monthly rates are not always available; when it is busy they will rent only by the day.

Dumaguete Studio Apartments - Palinpinon Road 9.312, 123.268 ☎ +63 35 421 1343 - A/C, Internet, cable TV, microwave & gas stove, swimming pool. No children. Strictly no smoking, anywhere in the compound. Inhabited mostly by retired western men with Filipina wives or girlfriends.

There are real estate agents (web search will find a dozen, or you may notice signs around town) who can connect you to anything from by-the-month lodging to buying property of various types. A foreigner cannot legally own land in the Philippines, but they can buy a condo in their own name or start a company which can own land.

Outside town

West of downtown there are several highland resorts mainly oriented to outdoor activities. These are in a forested area and are reached via Taft Street which starts a bit north of downtown Valencia and runs west along a river.

Valencia Forest Camp Taft Street, Valencia 9.2879, 123.2311₱90 per person for swimming Accommodation includes a backpacker dormitory, treehouses and nipa huts. Has two swimming pools.

Tejero Highland Resort and Adventure Park - Taft Street, Valencia ☎ +63 35 400 3977 swimming ₱60 per person A development with ziplines, ATVs, Segways, slide, and natural pools, a ₱12 Jeepeny ride from downtown Dumaguete.

Harold's Eco-lodge - Dorm bed ₱250, rooms from ₱500 This place has the same owner as Harold's Mansion in downtown Dumaguete; you can book and arrange transport there.

South of the city is a coastline well provided with dive resorts, which we cover in the articles on the coastal towns. Listed north-to-south, those are:

Bacong, included in this Travel Guide
Dauin - about 20 kilometers from Dumaguete
Zamboanguita

Either Dauin or Zamboanguita has boats to Apo Island which has some of the best diving in the region. Transport to the island, and lodging there, can also be arranged through tour agencies or hotels in Dumaguete.

Siaton - near the southern tip of the island, with the scenic Lake Balanan in the mountains inland of it and a harbor popular with people Cruising on small craft.

Beyond Siaton, around the junction onto the southwest coast of the island, are several more towns, also often reached via Dumaguete. These are a bit off-the-beaten-path, not well-developed as resort destinations. Listed east-to-west:

Santa Catalina (Negros Oriental) | Santa Catalina
Bayawan
Basay (Negros Oriental) | Basay has some of the finest fishing in the nation.

Beyond those is Negros Occidental; the nearest resort area there is Sipalay, not highly developed or heavily touristed but with good beaches and diving. Thit is a popular destination for Dumaguete or Bacolod residents who want to get away from it all.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Dumaguete

Dumaguete is generally a safe city. Police are quite visible, especially along Rizal Boulevard.

Traffic can be distinctly hectic; there are no traffic lights and few stop signs in the town, and you rarely see policemen directing traffic. Most of the oddities of Asian driving are seen in Dumaguete: running without lights at night is common, motorcycles fairly often do interesting things like going down the wrong side of the road or ignoring one-way traffic signs, and so on. On the positive side and the traffic is not remarkably fast and there are few traffic jams and, compared to some other Asian cities, Dumaguete has fewer drivers who seem obviously insane to western observers.

Pedestrians should be quite cautious in Dumaguete. The traffic is challenging, some roads lack sidewalks, and even if there is a sidewalk, it may be blocked by parked motorcycles. Both roads and sidewalks are often seriously uneven — some have holes that could easily break a leg, and many more could turn an ankle — so it is crucial to watch your step.

As in any tropical area and there is risk of sunburn; it is quite important for newly arrived visitors to exercise caution.

Medical Issues in Dumaguete

Health risks in Dumaguete are not large but, as for most travel, it is worth checking with your doctor and possibly getting some vaccines before setting out. The area is tropical, so see also hot weather and tropical diseases.

A few vaccines may be of particular concern:

The city has many stray dogs and cats, and some rats, so rabies vaccine may be a good idea.
A vaccine for the mosquito-borne disease dengue fever came on the market in 2016. Dengue is widespread in the Philippines and Dumaguete has some mosquitoes (though not many), so this might be a wise precaution. On the other hand, this vaccine has now been mostly taken off the market.

The city has many health services — doctors, dentists, pharmacies, optometrists — and, as elsewhere in the Philippines and indeed most of Asia and these services are often much cheaper than in higher-income countries. There are exceptions when imported products, such as dental implants or certain drugs, are required for the treatment.

Dr. Myrine Garupa - dentist maimai161093@ ☎ +63 920 918 7821 9.3070, 123.3064 Opening from Monday to Saturday 08:00-18:00 A dentist many of the local expatriates use. Implants are expensive at ₱65,000 but most services are affordable by GCC standards. She does not offer procedures under general anesthesia.

Hospitals & clinics

Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital - GPS: 9.3243, 123.2991 ☎ +63 35 225-0950 A public hospital (the others are privately run). It has the lowest costs, but sometimes the longest waiting times.

Silliman University Medical Center - GPS: 9.3166, 123.3041 ☎ +63 35 225 0839 Where many of the local expatriates go.

Holy Child Hospital - GPS: 9.3062, 123.3075@ ☎ +63352250510 Next to the cathedral, very central.

Social Hygiene Clinic, part of the city health office at the City Hall on Colon Street, offering free testing for

Pharmacies

The Generics Pharmacy - TGP | utl= https:// Door No. 4 GF Forex Bldg No. 46 San Jose Street across the street from the side door of Lee Plaza A national chain with several branches in Dumaguete

Generika Drug Stores. Noblefranca Street. phone 035-4210421 low cost drug store.
Negros Grace Pharmacies. Twin arcade building. Perdices Street.

Telecommunications in Dumaguete

Internet service is generally very good; Dumaguete is one of the hubs of the fiber optic network that connects the nation. Most hotels and some Halal restaurants offer free Wi-Fi; connection speed is fine for text, photos and most graphics but music or video streaming is sometimes jerky.

There are a number of fairly large Internet cafés; they cater mainly to people playing online games, so they provide reasonably powerful computers with nice screens and a fast connection. One is above the #Budget|Scoobie's coffee shop on San José, another is at Harold's Mansion, and several are around the junction of Perdices and Silliman to catch the student trade, including Frozen Throne a half-block south on Perdices which opened in late 2015 so it has relatively new machines.

If you rent or buy a place, home Internet service starts around ₱700 a month and ranges up to over ₱10,000. Most foreign residents opt for a package that includes cable TV and fast Internet for something in the ₱1400-2500 range.

Cell phone connections are fast and reliable anywhere in the city itself or in central areas of the major suburbs, but can be quite flaky in some outlying areas.

Cope in Dumaguete

Oriental Negros Capitol - Negros Oriental Capitol

Dumaguete has frequent (once every few weeks) "brownouts" and the local term for a complete shutdown of electrical power; these are nearly all planned shutdowns announced in advance by the power company, and are usually several hours on a Sunday. Locals often cope with them by having a day out at a resort in some nearby area, most commonly Dauin to the south or Amlan to the north. Valencia may also be an alternative, and has a Sunday market, but some Dumaguete brownouts include Valencia.

Caltex Filling Station GPS 9.3213, 123.2996 - Opening Hours: 24/7 Accepts AmEx, JCB, UnionPay, Visa & MasterCards for fuel and knicknacks in the air-conditioned Minibar with alcohol removed attached.

Bureau of Immigration Dumaguete Office - Door 8 Lu Paga Bldg 38 Dr V. Locsin Street GPS 9.3070, 123.3072 - A bit hard to find, down a long alley/hallway off to the right. There is a small sign near a large Huillier pawnshop sign. ☎ +63 35 225-4401 Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 ₱2150 for most extensions The Dumaguete office is small and sometimes overloaded because there are so many foreigners in town so you will often need to wait a while, at least in winter when demand is highest. Get a number from the security guard when you arrive. As of early 2023 and they accept extension applications only up to 14:00 Monday-Friday and you can usually pick up the passport after 14:00 on the next working day.

Negros Oriental provincial tourism headquarters - EJ Blanco Drive, Piapi GPS 9.3215, 123.3019 - Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00 Near the Sidiakan Negros handicraft outlet.

Post Office - GPS 9.3047, 123.3096
Buglas Isla Co-working above Allegre restaurant on the boulevard Space and services for digital nomad workers.

Smoking

Smoking is not encouraged in Dumaguete; a municipal ordnance prohibits smoking in public places, including on the streets or in restaurants, and most or all hotels prohibit smoking in the rooms. However, a few cafes have smoking areas and some hotels provide a patio or balcony area where nicotine addicts can indulge.

Lighters Galore small stand, upper floor at Robinson's Place A wide selection of lighters and cigarette cases, notably a range of electric lighters from around ₱250 up to ₱1800. These are not disposable and do not burn a fossil fuel, so arguably they are rather green. Also convenient, completely windproof and unlikely to set hair or beard afire; they just need to be recharged, most via USB.

For those who prefer a vaporizer:

Vape Avenue Santa Catalina above Mafioso restaurant, listed at #Other_downtown_places Vaporizers, spare parts, and a good range of liquids for them

Travel Next from Dumaguete

Nearby major cities are Bacolod and Cebu City; there are buses to both and boats to Cebu. Popular tourist destinations nearby include Siquijor, Bohol and Apo Island.

The Dumaguete-Bacolod bus route passes through several places that may be worth a stop. Mabinay, up in the mountains about halfway, is a center for spelunking; the area around it has many caves but lodging choices are not brilliant. Kabankalan is where the road reaches the sea again, on the west coast south of Bacolod, and has some beach resorts.

Bais City, 44 kilometers north of Dumaguete, is known for dolphin and whale watching, and also has public ballroom dancing in the plaza, mangrove swamps, and a 7-km long white sand bar that is washed clean twice daily by each high tide. Oslob on Cebu Island is known for whale sharks.