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There are various tourist spots in Dumaguete that you must not miss if you are planning to go there. Shortlisted below are the most visited sites and historical sites in the city.
Dumaguete Belfry
Built in the year 1811, the Dumaguete Belfry or Bell Tower was used by the early locals as a way of avoiding pirate attacks. This historical structure stands tall next to the St. Catherine of Alexandria Church facing the Rizal Park. Through out the years, renovations have been made to restore the tower’s beauty while still retaining its antiquity, which continues to gain distinction.
Rizal Boulevard is named after the country’s National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. It has been said that he made a stopover at this famous landmark of Dumaguete and strolled around before leaving for Dapitan, Dipolog City where Spanish officials had him exiled under suspicion of leading a revolution.
This historical place also serves as a Dumagueteño’s day break getaway. Everyday, crowds can be seen enjoying the natural sea breeze and enjoying the pleasures of simple life.
St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral
This Cathedral was built during the Spanish times the same year the Belfry was erected. It has an open exterior where everyone is welcome to enter, pray, or just view its tranquil interior design.
Founded in August 28, 1901, Silliman University is the oldest American university in Asia and the first Protestant school established in the Philippines. Its old hallways have withstood the destructive events of World War II. Guests are recommended to view its old architectural structures along the busy streets of Dumaguete.
Dolphin and Whale Watching at Bais Bay
Located less than an hour away from the airport, Bais Bay is a haven for various species of dolphins and whales. You may see these friendly creatures swimming on the ocean as if partying for their freedom in their huge sanctuary. Some whale and dolphin species you can find are pantropical spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, long snouted spinner dolphins, melon headed whales, short finned pilot whales, pygmy sperm whales, pygmy killer whales, and dwarf sperm whales.
Outside the Borders
Tourist spots never end inside the town itself. The most exciting and remarkable places in Dumaguete can also be seen outside the city borders.
Located at the rough mountains of Valencia less than an hour’s drive from the city proper, Casaroro Falls is considered as a top destination for adventure tourists. At 100 feet in height but narrow unlike most waterfalls, the water gushes down intensely due to the high volume and gives the waterfall a solid white appearance. It is the most photographed waterfall in the whole province o f Negros. Its stiff and difficult trail is an exciting experience for adventure trekking.
Situated in Mabinay, Negros Oriental, Odloman cave was determined by the Belgian and Dutch cavers to be the second longest cave in the Philippines. Some of the popular chambers are Pandalihan, Panligawan and Gasidlak. Over 100 passage are noted here which is definitely a haven for spelunkers.
The Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao
The twin lakes of Balinsasayao (the collective name for Lakes Danao and Balinsasayao) are two small but deep freshwater crater lakes. Rising at 1000 feet above sea level and separated by a mountain ridge, Lake Danao lies to the southeast of the edge and Lake Balinsasayao to the northwest.
Considered as a natural park, its reserves are rich in different kinds of species of fish, forest animals and trees. Even the tallest tree in the country can be found here, the Almagica tree, which grows a rarely 60 meters in height. The Japanese night heron, an uncommon species, have been recorded to be seen in this area.
Apo Island is included on the Philippines’ top 10 most popular snorkeling and dive spots. The marine reserves are protected by the National Integrated Protected Area Act (NIPA), sheltering over 400 species of coral reefs and 600 documented kinds of fishes. It is a key player to Negros’ tourism and in fact has been featured in a number of diving magazines.
In 1996, the people of the Apo Island won an award for the best managed reef in the Philippines. The cash prize from this award was used for the innovation of the roadways to the town. Until now, the management of the Apo Island and its marine reserves are still protected not only by the government but by the concerned citizens of the island.
Siquijor Island is known by its nickname of “Island of Fire.” The stories of witches and shamans from this island give it this impression. But despite this, Siquijor Island still remains to be a top tourist destination, having easy access from Dumaguete City and various tourists’ spots via ferry.
