Dumaguete City Sights and Landmarks Guide, Philippines

Being a gateway to the mystic towns of the province of Negros Oriental, Dumaguete serves as the drop-off point of every trip. However, the city itself is as fascinating as its neighboring towns. Being a city that has seen a good deal of history unfolding under its very eyes, it is almost imperative to visit this town.

Dumaguete is almost synonymous to Silliman University. This oldest Protestant academic institution is the main attraction of the city. It was built and reached peak popularity in the city of gentle people. A snapshot together with its old buildings is the perfect souvenir when you are in Dumaguete.

Just within the Provincial Capitol Complex at the center of the city, a park basked with green lawn, imposing trees and multihued and vibrant flowers greet the eyes or welcome visitors. Such a marvelous place is called the Aquino Freedom Park after the assassinated hero and Senator Benigno Aquino.

Every year in October, you should be lucky enough to be present at the Buglasan, the festival of all festivals in the city. It brings the best dance contingent from all over the province clad in costumes of colorful fabrics and intricate designs for a whole week of street dancing as well as merrymaking. It is the province’s statement of the Dumaguete’s important role as a tourism hub in the Visayas.

Likewise, the international Rondalla Festival, one of the most unique of all festivals in the Philippines, happens only in Dumaguete. February of every year the local Provincial government as well as the National Commission on Culture and the Arts gather the best Rondalla musicians from all over the world to showcase their talents in this one week festival. The beautiful symphony of music backed by the innate talents of these Rondalla experts is an unforgettable adventure.

Of course, who would not want to visit the famed world-class dive sites in Apo Island? Take a dip into an ecosystem of various marine flora and fauna and be captivated by its magnificence. Likewise, whale and dolphin watching in the nearby town of Bais is equally breathtaking.

 Lake Balinsasayao in Sibulan is the perfect venue for nature trekking with its lush green forests and equally beautiful water, rich in carp and tilapia. For those seeking a new adventure, canyoning in Pulang Bato Falls is a chance to see firsthand the reddish rock surrounding falls. Spelunking in the various towns can also be a good option with the numerous caves in Negros oriental.

The whole province of Negros Oriental with Dumaguete as its capital is blessed with unending sights of natural beauty. It seems as if God choose the island as recipients of never-ending wonders of nature. Truly, a Dumaguete visit should be atop anybody’s list of vacation destinations.