Despite being a bustling city and having a thriving economy, Dumaguete retains its laid-back lifestyle. And pair that up with the kind-hearted nature of the locals, it’s no wonder why tourists love to stay longer (maybe even forever!) in Dumaguete.
Here are 7 best tourist spots you need to see for yourself, and find out what makes Dumaguete so special.
Manjuyod Sandbar
The famous Manjuyod Sandbar is in between the towns of Bais and Manjuyod, in North Bais Bay. You’ll need four things to get there: low tide, good weather, about an hour’s drive from Dumaguete city, and a 20-minute boat ride from the pier in Bais.
Manjuyod Sandbar was dubbed as “The Maldives of the Philippines.” But take note that it’s not a luxurious destination despite its moniker.
There are also a handful of cottages over the powdery white sand and sparkling waters. The cottages, however, are basic and just have few to no amenities.
Nevertheless, the Manjuyod Sandbar offers an experience you won’t get anywhere else. From afar, the cottages look like they’re floating on the waters. And it feels like you’re walking all over the ocean when you’re already standing on the sandbar yourself!
Besides taking loads of pictures and soaking up in the waters, you can also engage in water sports activities. Boat operators can take you water tubing around the sandbar.
Tañon Strait
There’s just some kind of excitement in witnessing how animals behave in their natural habitat. That’s why dolphin watching is such a popular activity in Tañon Strait, Bais.
You’ll see spinner dolphins live out their life in the ocean. That’s so much better than seeing them stuck in a tank as aquariums do.
Dolphins are curious creatures. So you might see pods of them examining or playing near the boats. The clear waters make it easy to spot dolphins, and the boat ride itself is just slow enough as to not hurt or scare them.
While it may seem fun to swim or feed the dolphins, both actions are not allowed to keep you and the dolphins safe. March to October are the best months to go dolphin watching. But April and May are the busiest months.
Pulangbato falls
Pulangbato falls in Valencia may not be the best waterfall for people who expect to see nature in its raw and untouched state. Nevertheless, Pulangbato falls is still an interesting tourist spot you have to put on your itinerary.
The waterfall itself has been preserved. But you’ll notice that there are structures and a resort established in the area to cater tourists.
Pulangbato falls is about 30-feet high and has distinct red rocks. That’s why its name was derived from the words pula (red) and bato (rock).
So, what makes the waterfall turn red? Locals say the sulfur deposits make the rocks appear red-orange in color. Its water comes from Okoy River Valley at the foot of Mount Talinis, which may be an active volcano.
Despite the presence of sulfur, you can swim in the waterfalls. Just avoid wearing light-colored clothes, unless it’s alright that they get stained!
Apo Island
Apo Island is nothing less than magical! It’s a small volcanic island with a land area of just 74 hectares. But the best part of Apo Island is actually underwater — the 106 hectares of pristine coral reefs with thriving marine life.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are the best things to do in Apo Island, without a doubt. A crowd favorite here are the turtles.
Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles like to feast on the seagrass on the western part of the island. And the best part is that they’re found in shallow water. So you can just go snorkeling and you’ll already get to swim with these amazing creatures!
But if you’re capable, better go scuba diving. Besides turtles, you’ll catch sight of large pelagic schools, frogfish, bannerfish, mantas, batfish, nudibranchs, and reef sharks.
Makawiwili ridge
The Makawiwili Ridge — also known as the “Saddle in the Sky” — is straight from a hiker’s dream. It has a stunning view of lush mountain peaks and fluffy clouds all around.
But as the famous quote goes, “good things don’t come easy.” So expect to go through a challenging hike to see the wonders this mountain is keeping. You’ll definitely be so awestruck, that you might not notice your heart pumping!
You’re welcome to camp when you reach Makawiwili Ridge. And it’s a unique experience on its own! You get to sleep with the sight of a million stars over your head, and wake up to a refreshing view of the sunrise.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
A volcanic eruption several millennia ago resulted in 90-meter deep craters. Rain and stream deposits filled the craters with water as time passed by.
Today, they are two lakes separated by a mountain ridge. They’re the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes.
You’ll encounter two viewing platforms as you hike at the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park. The first platform overlooks Balinsasayao, which is the larger lake of the two. Meanwhile the second platform has a 3-tier watchtower overlooking the twin lakes.
Various species of forest trees, fruit-bearing, and flower plants dot the area around the lakes. And because of the rich flora, you’ll notice a lot of birds as well.
Keep an eye out for the famed Flaming Sunbird! In fact, Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park has become a popular spot for bird watching enthusiasts.
Hiking here is both relaxing and amusing. You get to witness a mother earth’s work of art, and you’ll encounter plants, trees, and bird species that you might’ve seen on books or the internet only.
To preserve the beauty of nature, the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural park lives by the saying ‘Take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time, leave nothing but footprints’.
Sans Rival Cakes and Bistro
No better way to cap off your trip in Dumaguete than by taking home treats for your friends and family (or just for yourself)!
The Sans Rival Cakes and Bistro is a charming restaurant along Rizal Boulevard. But the place is more than just a place to have a hearty meal and refreshments.
What once was a little cake shop has become a well-known name across the country, and a part of Dumaguete’s history.
Sans Rival Cakes and Bistro is actually the family’s ancestral home that has been turned into a restaurant. This big old house has become a home to thousands of local and international tourists visiting Dumaguete.
But more importantly, this place is home to bite-sized desserts, rich cheesecakes, delightful birthday cakes, and the famous Sans Rival Silvanas.
We doubt the locals haven’t convinced you to get silvanas. But if you haven’t heard of it, then imagine this: a layer of buttercream sandwiched between two cashew-meringue wafers coated with cookie crumbs. Sounds delish, right?
Take home some of this classic Filipino treat! It will surely sweeten anyone’s day — literally!
