Dumaguete is dubbed “The City of Gentle People” and also referred as a university town because of the presence of four universities and a number of other colleges. It is situated in the province of Negros Oriental and a popular educational destination for students of surrounding provinces and cities in Visayas and Mindanao.

As a tourist destination, Dumaguete is among the top ten most visited tourist spots in the country. So we listed the top ten popular attractions that are frequently visited by tourists and visitors alike. Here are them:

1. Silliman University

Founded by Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard and Laura Crooks in 1901, Silliman University is the first and oldest American university in Asia. The oldest standing American structure in the Philippines can be found here, the Siliman Hall. Other famous landmarks of the university are the Katipunan Hall, Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium and Silliman Portals.

2. Dumaguete Belfry Tower

The Dumaguete Belfry Tower is the oldest surviving structure in Dumaguete City and a reminiscent of the Spanish occupation of the province of Negros Oriental. It is more than 200 years old and gone through several restorations. Beside it is the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral and fronting it, is the Rizal Park.

3. Rizal Boulevard

Also known as Dumaguete Boulevard, Rizal Boulevard was named after the great hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Before going to Dapitan for his exile, he passed by Dumagute City and wander along its serene and beautiful shores. The boulevard is considered as a historical site because of the latter and it is one of the most captivating attractions in the city.

4. Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium

Situated in Silliman University, the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium is the largest fully-functioning theater outside of Metro Manila and was built in 1972. Its architectural design is acknowledged all over the world, making it a world-class theater. Silliman University continues to maintain and preserve the auditorium as the center for culture and arts in the Central Visayas.

5. Dumaguete Zoo

Another attraction that is situated in Sillman University, Dumaguete Zoo preserves critically endangered Philippines species It is well-funded by the university and maintained by the Centre for Tropical Conversation Studies (Centrop). There is an entrance fee of 10 pesos upon entering the place.

6. Silliman University Anthropology Museum

The Anthropology Museum at Silliman University is a must visit in which it exhibits many of the country’s artifacts. It was established in 1970 by Dr. Hubert I. Reynolds to house the collection of the Cultural Research Center that started in 1964. The collection that can be found here are rare and priceless which dates back as early as 200 BC.

7. Angtay Golf and Country Club

One of the best courses to play golf, Angtay Golf and Country Club is strategically situated in the heart of Dumaguete City. T is a 21-hectare land where one can practice and perfect their golf swings while enjoying the panoramic views. It has a function room and a restaurant which serves the best food.

8. Silliman Hall

Another structure that is situated in Silliman University, it is the first and the oldest building inside the campus. It was built in 1903, two years after the birth of Silliman Institute (now Silliman University). For many years before the Luce Auditorium was built, the hall serves as a venue for social gatherings and corporate dinners. It houses the Anthropology Museum on the second floor.

9. The Christmas House

A highly interesting attraction in the city that easily gets the attention of the people, the Christmas house is where the young and young-at-heart flock when Christmas season comes. The Spanish-styled mansion is owned by Dr. Rico Absin, a practicing anesthesiologist in the city. He successfully converted his house into a well known attraction in Dumaguete.

10. Dumaguete City Public Market

The most popular destination in the city that a tourist will not forget to visit is the Public Market which is composed of 10 buildings with 934 stalls. It is the best place to search for locally produced fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat and spices. Shopping here is the best experience a tourist could have.

Other attractions:

Aside from the historical structures, there are also natural wonders that can be seen near Dumaguete City. They are the Lake Balinsasayao and Danao (twin small lakes but deep crater lakes situated in Sibulan), Lake Balanan (tourist will enjoy the breathtaking scenery here), Apo Island (one of the Philippines’ popular dive spot located in the municipality of Dauin) and the Forest Camp (a mountain resort situated in Valencia).

How to get there:

There are direct flights going to Dumaguete City from Manila and Cebu. Tourists can also travel to Dumaguete via RoRo or ferry from Cebu. From Bacolod, tourists can also take take an eight-hour bus ride bound for Dumaguete through Ceres Bus Line. From Cebu, it is advisable to take a bus ride so that you can enjoy the scenic coastal views upon going to Dumaguete.