When looking for a relaxed and peaceful location, Dumaguete City, a serene seaside village, is one of the most suggested places to visit! 

Dumaguete City, referred to as the City of Gentle People, offers its tourists a stunning view of the Bohol Sea and a variety of experiences that will leave them with lasting memories.

Just for you, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 activities to add to your Dumaguete bucket list. Read on to learn more!

Things to Do in Dumaguete

1. Try street food along Rizal Boulevard.

You can unwind, stroll, and enjoy the afternoon breeze on Rizal Boulevard. Take the chance to snap a photo with the #DumaGetMe Signage at the Rizal Boulevard Sea Deck!

Benches, trees, and food stands are all present here. Even more food stalls with tables and chairs emerge in the evening as the street lights up. 

Balut and tempura, made Dumaguete-style, are among the street food available here!

2. Take a breather at Aquino Freedom Park.

The Ninoy Aquino Memorial Freedom Park is a peaceful, refreshing spot of green located close to the center of a busy metropolis like Dumaguete. It is the ideal location for a break from touring and relaxing!

The area is filled with fountains, trees, and flowerbeds. The elegant white provincial capitol building, encircled by wide walkways and tall trees, is also in the park. 

3. Watch dolphins in Manjuyod Sandbar.

Manjuyod Sandbar, known as the “Maldives of the Philippines,” boasts pristine seas and breathtaking ocean views. Locals sell and prepare fresh fish in tiny boats while you wait for the sandbar to appear at low tide. 

If you’re fortunate, you might see bottlenose, long-snouted spinners, and pantropical spotted dolphins!

4. Explore the Bird Sanctuary in Talabong Mangrove.

A reserve for mangrove forests is the Talabong Mangrove Park. It is a serene setting ideal for anyone who enjoys being in tune with nature and trees!

You can enjoy the soothing sea breeze and the breathtaking ocean vista here. The area is also ideal for birdwatchers depending on the season, since migrating species find refuge here.

5. Pray at Chinese Bell Church.

At the southern end of Rizal Boulevard, there is a vibrant Taoist temple called the Chinese Bell Church. It’s certainly worth a visit if you’d like to explore a place of worship other than Catholic churches.

The peaceful setting is also ideal for strolling, praying, or taking pictures with your loved ones!

6. Hike Mt. Kanlaon.

With a height of 2,430 meters, this highlight of Mount Kanlaon Natural Park is incomparable. Filled with animals, scenic views, and hot springs, Mount Kanlaon is a climber’s paradise!

7. Explore Apo Island.

Apo Island is well-known worldwide for its profusion of fish, turtles, and stunning coral gardens. 

In the marine reserve that surrounds the island, there are 650 known species of fish and over 400 different types of coral! It makes sense that it has grown in popularity as a snorkeling and scuba diving location. 

On the island, you can also hike and walk to the lighthouse.

8. Discover Mt. Talinis.

With its numerous volcanic lakes, Mt. Talinis is a natural gem that offers breathtaking climbs. Lake Kabalin-an, twin lakes Balinsasayao and Danao, and Lake Kabalin-an are all located in the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park.

9. Visit the Filipino-Japanese Amity Memorial Shrine.

Built on a sturdy concrete base with three angles, this historical obelisk represents peace and brotherhood between the nations that fought in the war—the Philippines, the United States of America, and Japan!

10. Check out Lake Balanan.

This freshwater lake is located deep within a forest and is encircled by thick rainforests and sweeping mountaintops. This lake was naturally formed in 1925 due to a tectonic earthquake.

The magnificent body of water is now fed by three adjacent creeks and rivers that lost their way during the earthquake. 

You can easily explore Lake Balanan if you want to. Spend a few hours swimming, relaxing, and admiring the scenery!

11. Relax at Tierra Alta.

Valencia’s Tierra Alta Residential Resort’s Tierra Alta Lighthouse offers magnificent views you shouldn’t miss!

The ideal site for a panoramic view of Negros, Dumaguete City, and Cebu is here. Here, you’ll discover a lighthouse, a pool, a restaurant, a bar, and other facilities ideal for a wedding or birthday party!

12. Learn the history of Dumaguete at the Cata-al World War II Museum.

Visit the Cat-al World War II Museum in Valencia to learn more about how Dumaguete was affected by the war. 

The Cat-al family’s private property houses the museum, which houses a sizable collection of wartime relics gathered by a father who served in the military and his son, Felix. 

You’ll be astounded at everything they gathered, including tools, grenades, machine guns, field manuals, uniforms, even bones and teeth!

13. Have a good time at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park.

The Twin Lakes of Sibulan are one of Negros Oriental’s most popular tourist destinations. It comprises Lake Balinsayao and Lake Danao, two little yet deep freshwater lakes!

On a clear day, the Twin Lakes’ water reflects the blue sky, creating the ideal relaxing environment. The lakes are encircled by slender mountains covered in unique plant life on all sides.

14. Explore Pulongbato Falls.

The name Pulangbato (Red Rock) comes from the dialect terms “pula” for red and “bato” for rock. 

True to its name, Pulangbato is a “red princess” as the cold waters cascade down the falls and through the river, passing over the naturally reddish rocks of the Red Rock Valley!

The Pulangbato Falls are bordered by red cliffs and lush green vegetation, creating the perfect scene. The red beauty’s location is sufficiently removed from Valencia’s city proper, making Pulangbato a practical and restful getaway!

15. Have a day trip adventure at Forest Camp.

No, it’s not Bali – it’s just Valencia’s renowned Forest Camp! 

Less than 30 minutes away from the city proper, this camp boasts nine cold spring swimming pools that are modeled after river-created lagoons in nature.

A 90-meter zip line inside the building spans the river and the swimming pool. A hanging bridge built of wood materials is also present. 

For those who enjoy a modern workout, it also boasts a skating bowl and a climbing wall.

Dumaguete City has everything you could want, including historical structures that have endured for hundreds of years, waterfalls, hot springs, and thrilling underwater excursions.

Have a great stay!