Welcome to Dumaguete, the City of Gentle People! Nestled in Negros Oriental, Dumaguete is a charming destination bursting with rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. If you’re a budget traveler seeking your next adventure, Dumaguete should be at the top of your list!
Read on as we provide a comprehensive guide to exploring the city on a budget. We have a sample itinerary for a day tour in Dumaguete covering its highlights to tips on transportation, accommodation, and dining. Discover the gems of Dumaguete without breaking the bank!
How to Get to Dumaguete
Getting to Dumaguete is relatively easy. Here are several options depending on where you’re coming from:
By plane: If you’re traveling from other parts of the Philippines or internationally, Sibulan Airport is your gateway. Several airlines offer flights to Dumaguete from major cities like Manila and Cebu. While planes are the fastest option, they can be more expensive, especially if not booked in advance.
By ferry: Dumaguete is a port city, so it’s accessible by ferry from neighboring islands like Cebu and Bohol. Several ferry companies operate routes to and from Dumaguete Port. Ferry trips offer scenic views during the journey and can be more affordable than flying, but travel time can vary.
By bus: If you’re already coming from the Negros region, bus travel is a great economical option. Several bus companies provide services to Dumaguete, offering both ordinary and air-conditioned buses. However, buses are generally slower and take more circuitous routes than ferries or planes.
By car: This is only available if your vehicle is already in Negros or you choose to rent a car once you arrive there. Currently, no ferries allow cars to travel onboard. Having a personal vehicle can greatly extend your exploration range, offering flexibility and convenience for travelers who prefer exploring at their own pace.
General tips to save money on transportation
- Book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons
- Opt for off-peak hours to get cheaper fares
- Look out for promo codes or discounts offered by transportation companies
- Use online booking platforms for better deals and convenience
- Pack light to avoid paying extra fees
Where to Stay in Dumaguete
When it comes to finding accommodation on your day trip to Dumaguete that won’t break the bank, you’ll be pleased to discover a variety of budget-friendly options ranging from cozy hostels to charming guesthouses. However, one standout choice for budget travelers is Go Hotels Dumaguete.
This budget hotel in Dumaguete offers stylish and spacious rooms with all the essentials for a comfortable stay without the hefty price tag. Situated in a convenient location, it provides easy access to Dumaguete’s many attractions, dining spots, and transportation hubs, including the biggest mall in Dumaguete, near the bus terminal, making it a quiet refuge after a long day of adventure.
What’s more, Go Hotels Dumaguete prides itself on offering affordable rates without compromising quality, ensuring you get the most value out of your stay. With excellent service and modern amenities, it’s the perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers exploring Dumaguete.
What to See in Dumaguete: A Day Tour Itinerary
A thrilling day tour through Dumaguete’s top attractions will charm solo travelers and groups alike.
1. Rizal Boulevard
Begin your day with a stroll along Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete’s iconic waterfront promenade. Lined with palm trees overlooking the sea, this spot is ideal for a scenic walk, taking photos, or relaxing on one of the benches.
Many restaurants and cafes also dot the street, perfect for a morning meal or coffee and a snack. Moreover, you can enjoy its bars and nightclubs if you’re looking for a more exciting way to end your day.
2. Silliman University
Visit the sprawling campus of Silliman University, the first American private university in the Philippines and a center for education and culture in Dumaguete. Observe its historic buildings, lush gardens, and museums. Of note is the Anthropology Museum. Admission fees are minimal but require a prior reservation.
3. Bell Church
Experience a little slice of Chinese culture at the Bell Church. Admire the intricate architecture, colorful pagodas, and serene gardens of this Taoist temple. Don’t forget to ring the bell for good luck, and remember to dress moderately when visiting religious sites.
4. Forest Camp
If you want something more in tune with nature, escape the city to Forest Camp, a serene nature resort in the mountains surrounding Dumaguete. Enjoy swimming in natural pools, ziplining through the forest, or simply relaxing in a hammock amid the tranquil surroundings. Entrance fees are affordable, and you can bring your own food for a budget-friendly picnic.
What to Eat in Dumaguete
Of course, your Dumaguete day tour isn’t complete without sampling the local culinary offerings! Here are some must-try foods for your trip:
1. Budbud Kabog
A local delicacy made from millet or kabog rice, Budbud Kabog is a sweet and sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves. You can find it at the public market or enjoy it for breakfast at the popular local café Painitan, where it’s often paired with sikwate (local hot chocolate). This budget-friendly treat offers a taste of traditional Dumaguete fare.
2. Silvanas
Treat yourself to Silvanas, a popular dessert that originated from Dumaguete. These frozen cookie sandwiches are made with buttercream, meringue, and cashew nuts, creating a rich and creamy indulgence. Head to Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries to sample these delectable treats, and consider sharing a box with friends to save on costs.
3. Tempura and Balut
No local food list is complete without a hint of street foods. Visit the stalls along Rizal Boulevard at night to sample tempura and balut—an interesting combination of deep-fried seafood and the Filipino delicacy balut.
Budget-Friendly Dumaguete Delights
Dumaguete is the ideal place to visit on a budget because its many charms are not only affordable but immensely rewarding. The city offers many diverse attractions that won’t break the bank, from its rich history and vibrant culture to its breathtaking natural beauty.
Now is the perfect time to plan your trip to Dumaguete and experience the City of Gentle People for yourself. And when it comes to accommodations, look no further than Go Hotels! We provide the perfect home base for your Dumaguete adventure.
Don’t miss out on exclusive promos and packages. Book your stay at Go Hotels Dumaguete now to secure the best rate! Visit our contact page for more information and start planning your budget-friendly getaway in Dumaguete or any of our other affordable hotels in the Philippines.
Lovelee T.
I love Go Hotels Bacolod! Very budget-friendly and right beside the mall, just a stone's throw away from restos just in case you get hungry. Very convenient. The room is very decent, not too small but just right. Clean toilet. Nice staff and calling cabs are never hard. For less than P1,000/night, this is worth it. Also very near public transportation.
Yhanyelle
Go Hotels Butuan is the best hotel in Butuan City. I really enjoyed my stay. I stayed for 3 nights. The hotel staff are the best. Every time we pass by the front desk, they never forget to greet us and give their warm smiles. They assist you in everything. It is connected to the mall so we just have to go down if we need anything. The room is clean and cozy, we got the King Bed and it was very comfortable. Wi-Fi is OK though, only for browsing. If ever you visit Butuan, make this hotel your priority.
AlainOMac
A positive experience here with Go Hotels Dumaguete.
We arrived late ready to check in after a tiring journey from Bohol only to find out that we made an error in booking the hotel via booking.com. We booked in March instead of February, which made us panic a bit. However, the staff were very accommodating and arranged a room for us which was a huge help especially we arrived at 9 pm! First experience staying at this hotel, and I am happy to say that the room and bathroom were very clean! They were also very knowledgeable and were able to recommend good places to visit like Balanan Lake and Hayahay/Lab-As restaurants. If the transport was needed they were helpful in fetching transport for us. We were so happy with the service and the rooms (as well as impressed with Dumaguete in general) we decided to stay an extra night which the staff promptly and efficiently arranged for us. Thank you for the positive experience!
Normi
Go Hotels Iligan's rooms were really clean and spacious. I loved the separate shower and toilet. Hotel staff and guards are all approachable and always willing to help. It's very convenient that the mall is only a few steps away from the hotel. All in all, it was a stay worth more than what we paid for.
Amazing Pinay
I really love to stay at Go Hotels. My first hand experience in staying at GO Hotels was in Butuan City. Now, for the Dinagyang Festival, I have stayed at Go Hotels Iloilo. For me, the trademarks of Go Hotels are clean rooms, comfy bed,s and pillows, and outstanding service. Oh...I really love their rooms, clean and amazingly comfortable. During my stay, I noticed that they are NCov ready. Precautionary measures are being observed. I noticed that the front office personnel including the security guards are wearing face mask. Hand gel and sanitizers are also available at the counter. And, as a bonus for a foodie like me, the property is located within the vicinity of Robinson's mall. You will never be hungry with the number of restaurants nearly. FYI, Ribshack has just opened their branch there.
John Aldrin Kameda
Go Hotels is always satisfying with its services, so is Go Hotels Ermita. They have great hospitality service catered to their guests. The front desk is friendly and accommodating. The rooms are clean, fresh, and very comfortable to people who travel a lot like us. Their midnight staffs are amazing as well especially their managers and auditors. I hope to check-in more in this hotel.
Al. N
I can't believe this hotel is considered a budget hotel!! The room is bigger than what I’ve expected. Clean rooms and attentive staff are what await every guest. Checking in and out is very easy and hassle free. The building is probably no more than 3 years old (if older, for sure doesn’t look like one) and was kept well maintained so it's still got that brand new look inside and out. There is a restaurant and a reasonably priced massage place on the ground floor. There are a few more specialty restaurants within a few feet from the building and a small Korean grocery store. If you want to hear some live music, the building next to it is Budoy’s resto-bar where they serve cheap drinks and good food too. A few minutes cab ride (15 mins) is Davao airport and a big SM mall Lanang (around 10 mins). On a tight budget and still wanted to enjoy Davao? Book your next stay at Go Hotels Lanang, you won't be disappointed!!
Maria
Go Hotels Mandaluyong is our go-to place to stay in Manila. Not only is it affordable, but it's also conveniently located to the places we need to go when we are in Manila. Public transport and the bus stop is nearby. And there are a lot of restaurants to choose from inside the nearby mall.
Ray
Whenever I'm in Ortigas for business, this is my go to place. It is just across from the Robinson's Galleria and within walking distance to all the 24-hour restaurants along Emerald Avenue. The facilities are always clean and the staff will go out of their way to help you. Highly Recommended!
Craig
This is the 3rd time we've stayed at this hotel. It's very clean and comfortable. It's located in a shopping mall so you have a big selection of shops of restaurants close to the hotel. Very good value for money.
Christian R.
I had a very amazing and wonderful experience at Go Hotels Airport Road. The staff are all accommodating and really willing to help me. All my needs are well-provided. Price is good and cheap with the quality they have. Amazing bed sheets, very clean, amazing view. I really slept well.
Colm Doran
Go Hotels North-Edsa's reception staff was excellent. The room was great. Everything worked perfectly. No nasty surprises. I'd definitely stay again.
WengGuina
My parents-in-law booked 2 nights in Go Hotels Timog and the room was spacious for the price. The staff are very accommodating. Convenient stores are nearby. Overall, I recommend the place.
Lowell
The overhead rain shower was simply amazing! After a busy day in the heat, that shower was a pleasant treat! The location was great, right next to Robinson's mall! The location was also perfect as a base-camp for taking trips each day! The staff were both friendly and accommodating! To top it all off, the price was very affordable! Will definitely stay there each time I visit Puerto Princesa!
Kimo Quinones
We had great time staying at Go Hotels Tacloban. Great ambiance for us. Nice room with fast wifi connection. Just beside Robinsons Mall and one ride away from nearby places. They have parking space for free. Very accommodating staff. Thanks!