Explore Dumaguete

PVL Suites welcomes you to Dumaguete!

Dumaguete is the capital city of Negros Oriental, south of the Philippines. It is nicknamed The City of Gentle People, and you’ll find out why this name stuck with the city once you get to know its people and walk its roads.

The city, which successfully melds together both a laid-back and progressive environment within its bounds, is known to be home universities that house students from all over Philippines and the rest of the world. It boasts not only of being an educational hub for southern Philippines, but of its sites, its food, and its people.

Sites

Unplug from your busy world and spend a day to yourself (or with others). You could either choose to stay indoors and chill, or stand in the midst of nature and just take it all in. Diving spots, lakes, and beaches are easily accessible from the heart of Dumaguete City — all you have to do is know where to go and how to get there.

Check Out:

  • Silliman University. The first American university in Asia, Silliman is one of the top universities in the Philippines. Walk around the campus and spot various historical memorabilia, visit its Anthropology Museum, or say a prayer in the Silliman University Church.
  • Rizal Boulevard. Easily accessible from the city center, Rizal Boulevard lines the Dumaguete harbor fronting Siquijor Island and the Western Nautical Highway. The boulevard is always buzzing with activity — from families having a picnic, to friends just hanging out, to lovers spending time together — and is a great spot to watch the sunrise from while you’re here.
  • Apo and Sumilon Islands. Apo and Sumilon are part of one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world, so it’s no surprise that divers flock to their shores in excited anticipation of what they would be able to see under the water. Corals and marine life here are preserved and supervised by Silliman University.
  • Balinsasayao Twin Lakes. Balinsasayao and Danao are two land-locked emerald lakes that sit between four mountains: Mahungot, Kalbasan, Balinsasayao, and Guidabon. You can do kayaking or paddleboarding, or go hiking on trails and get a chance to see a rare Philippine spotted deer, among others.

 

Food

You’re in the birthplace of the widely renowned silvanas, but don’t just stop there. The city is home to so much food stalls, restaurants, and bars, that you can actually eat your way around the city and rediscover how great cooks Filipinos really are. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals where to eat and what to eat while you’re there — you’ll be surprised at how much food you can learn to love within a short span of time.

Check Out:

  • Hayahay Treehouse Bar and View Deck. Hayahay faces the harbor, and welcomes people with great pizza, beer, and music. With a wide-ranged menu that goes from pizza to seafood to the usual Filipino favorites, a full, happy stomach is guaranteed for you.
  • SansRival Cakes and Pastries. Since we’ve already mentioned it, head on out to SansRival and take a bite of their famous silvanas and cakes. And any journey to Dumaguete is not complete until you get to take some home to share with family and friends.
  • Lab-as Seafood Restaurant. A well-loved mainstay in the city since 1988, head to Lab-as for great seafood dishes. Try their famous sinuglaw, the Dumaguete Express, and their sizzling blue marlin.
  • Lantaw Native Restaurant. The food in Lantaw not only screams undeniably Filipino — even their interiors do. Don’t forget to try their crispy pata, crispy pancit, and grilled tuna belly.
  • Or choose to walk along Rizal Boulevard towards Escaño Avenue, and take a pick out of the various street food sold along the waterfront.

People

Dumaguete is an incredibly friendly city, whose people embody the Filipino spirit of hospitality, understanding, and joy. Aside from feeling right at home with the people in the city, the annual festivals held in Dumaguete are must-go activities for anyone who would want to experience how the City of Gentle People party and celebrate.

Check Out:

  • Buglasan Festival. The Buglasan Festival, which is celebrated in mid-October, is most-awaited as it is known as the “festival of festivals” in the whole of Negros Oriental. It showcases the different cultures and traditions in the province, and is really a great celebration of Negros Oriental as a united and happy family of towns, cities, and municipalities.
  • Sandurot Festival. A festival in honor of the patroness of Dumaguete, Sta. Catalina de Alejandria, the Sandurot Festival highlights the friendliness and genuine happiness and hospitality of Dumaguete. It is celebrated on the third week of November, and reflects the city’s culture, religion, unity, and harmony imbued in several shows and events.