Dumaguete, situated in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines, is well-known to be the center of tertiary studies for both Visayas and Mindanao residents. It is most famous for Silliman University and 3 other universities, not to mention the beautiful beaches and the amazing historic landmarks.
Here are 10 great reasons to visit this beautiful city soon:
(In no particular order)
#1 - Rizal Boulevard: This is one of the oldest historical landmarks of Central Visayas. Enjoy a leisurely walk with your friends, spouse or family here and watch the nice view of the ocean. This relaxing spot offers many bars and restaurants for its local or foreign visitors alike. And if you are feeling sporty, you can jog here in the early morning and just have the thrill of people watching at the same time.
#2 - Scuba and Snorkeling: Register with an agency for an excellent diving and snorkeling experience in Dauin, Apo or Oslob. Enjoy swimming with the turtles, eels, praying mantis shrimp, blue ribbon eel, etc. as you explore this exciting island. Whether you are already an expert or a newbie diver, you’ll surely love this activity in Dumaguete especially in the company of very warm and professional guides and instructors. Let’s take the plunge!
#3 - Pulangbato Falls: Take a day off at Pulangbato Falls, where you can swim, have your packed grilled barbecue and a refreshing drink. You can find this wonderful place from Valencia proper. The water seems reddish in color due probably to its reddish rock formations. But once taken out of the pool, the water turns clear. Cool, isn’t it?
#4 - Center for Tropical Studies (CENTROP): The Center for Tropical Studies began as a tree planting project in the 1960s. And later on, in 1990, the Philippine Spotted Deer started to be bred in captivity there for the first time. Consequently, by 1996, this garden housed over 20 other endangered animal and plant species. Go check it out and donate for this conservation institution, located at Silliman University in Dumaguete City.
#5 - Mount Talinis: Seek fun and adventure, doing sight-seeing, trekking, climbing, biking, taking photos, etc. at Mount Talinis. This delightful mountain is also called Horns of Negros, and is about 6, 243 feet above sea level, making it the second highest mountain in Negros Island, next to Mount Kanlaon. Going to this pretty volcano takes 9 km from the southwest of Valencia municipality and 20 km from the capital of the province, which is Dumaguete City.
Surrounding and within Mount Talinis is a rich biodiversity. You can see in the lakes around it freshwater shrimp, snails, carp and tilapia species. It also has 92 kinds of trees, wild orchids, edible berries and tree ferns with broad leaves. Fauna that can be found here include boars, civets, chickens, pigeons, monkeys, leopard cats, tarictic hornbills, Philippine spotted deers, Negros bleeding –hearts, Philippine tube-nosed fruit bats, Visayan warts pigs, etc. Smorgasbord! :-)
#6 - Casaroro Falls: Believed to be the most photographed waterfall in the Negros province, Casaroro falls is located in Valencia, Negros Oriental. It stands stall at 100 feet, and maybe narrow but flows majestically into a deep basin and then moves towards a stream. Rent a van with your group and hire an expert guide from Valencia. Otherwise, you can join a guided tour by booking with a travel agency. Never miss this epic chance!
#7 - Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao: Dubbed as Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park on November 21, 2000 due to proclamation 414, Lake Balinsasayao, together with Lake Danao and Lake Kabalin-an plus the surrounding areas with a vast total area of 19, 810 acres, has become a protected area, due to its rich biodiversity and ecosystem.
Furthermore, since these lakes are on top of a mountain, it has cold waters; however, you may swim, hike, kayak, take pictures, or just chill during your boat ride around here. Serenity to the max!
#8 - Silliman University: Founded in 1901 by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, Silliman University is the first American University in the Philippines and the whole of Asia. Only 5 universities in the entire Philippines have the ‘’Institutional Accreditation” by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP)”, and Silliman is one of these.
Take the time to visit Silliman University Anthropology Museum when you go to Dumaguete City; it is found at Silliman Hall, southeast from the main campus. Marvel at the artifacts displayed there, such as simple tools, basketry, weapons, clothing, musical instruments, etc. which reflect the culture of ethnic tribes in the Philippines. Sillimanian anthropologists excavated in the 1970s ancient urns and pieces of porcelain, too, dating back to the Sung period in the 12th century. What a stunning vintage visage!
#9 - St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral: Intricate, solemn, modern, are just some of the best ways to describe Catholic church, St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral. Located at Perdices Street, Dumaguete City, this sublime church has been there for hundreds of years albeit, it has undergone several renovations. Moreover, just a stone’s throw away, is the Campanario de Dumaguete, another yet historical landmark in this city, built in the 1760s, as a watch tower, used to warn the residents about an impending attack of the Moros, during the time of Don Jose Manuel Fernandez de Septien, a parish priest during that period, who established this ancient structure. In 1867, it had additional two layers called the bell tower, via the instruction of then ruler, Fray Juan Felix dela Encarnacion. What a gem!
#10 - Shopping spree: Shop till you drop if you can at Lee Plaza Dumaguete, where just about everything you need can be bought, at reasonable prices. It has an excellent food court too, with great food choices to boot. This nice mall is very near Rizal Boulevard, Silliman University, churches, restaurants, and hotels.
Also recommended is Robinsons Place Dumaguete at Calindagan/Dumaguete Business Park; and many other stores and shops in the city worth your scrutiny, even as you just play it by ear, but cheer!
Dumaguete, here we come!