Dumaguete & NegOr: In the Know

Did You Know?

- In March of 1942, Bais City became the Capital of the Philippine Commonwealth government. This happened during the time of President Manuel Quezon. Pres. Quezon en route to Australia stayed in Bais for a few days and ran the commonwealth government affairs in this city.

- Silliman University is the oldest American university in the Philippines, established in 1901.

Silliman Hall, circa 1905

- On October 29, 1904, seven Sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres established its first foundation in the Philippines in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. Since then, it has spread to different parts of the country with more than 70 institutions including hospitals, sanitarium, and home-for-the-aged under its helm making it the largest religious educational institution in the country.

- Apo Island has one of the most diversified and houses a large number of coral species in the world according to UNESCO.

- In 1784, Negros became a corregimiento, a separate military district with a government of its own. Later on, Negros printed its own currency.

- In May 1919, the first fully mechanized sugar mill in Negros Oriental began operating, the Central Azucarera de Bais, owned and managed by the Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas or the Tabacalera.

CAB Train relic

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Stay at Zen House Dumaguete

Dumaguete City has gained popularity among different tourist mixes throughout the years. With the significant influx of tourists also came the establishment of additional hotels and other accommodation facilities. Therefore, despite being a relatively small city, Dumaguete has quite a number of decent and affordable places to stay.

The Explore Dumaguete Team understands that there are certain groups who prefer to stay in a house rather than a hotel. With the growing popularity of Airbnb accommodations, Explore Dumaguete has partnered with Zen House Dumaguete to host our guests. Zen House Dumaguete is a cozy Japanese-inspired home near the airport, nestled in a nice and quiet local residential neighborhood in Sibulan just 10-20 minutes away from the city proper. It features two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a spacious comfort room, porch and garden - a perfect place to relax and feel at home after a long day of exploring. You may check the listing here:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21829785?location=Dumaguete%2C%20Central%20Visayas%2C%20Philippines&search_id=4ddfb9ac-a4f6-43b7-92ed-2edb8a1464a3&federated_search_id=260a8601-a876-43a0-90dd-e02bf275996d

Staying in a house rather than a hotel has its certain perks. Although you cannot enjoy certain services that hotels offer (e.g. 24-H front desk, daily housekeeping, etc.), you will be able to do the following:

- Cook your own meals so you can save on eating out (Yayyy!)

- Congregate in the living room

- More space to move around

- Socialize with the locals and learn more about local culture

- Save more on accommodation costs.

E-mail us at exploredumaguete@gmail.com or visit Zen House Dumaguete's listing on Airbnb if you wish to book the house for your Dumaguete stay.

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DUMAGUETE TOURS

(updated as of October 15, 2018)
Explore Dumaguete offers affordable tour packages and/or car rentals for visitors who want a hassle-free trip that maximizes their time in Dumaguete City and its neighboring towns. 

Explore Dumaguete Tour Packages are arranged customized trips inclusive of a personal driver / guide and private land/boat transfers. The aim is to provide full service, seamless, hassle-free, and most importantly a responsible travel experience so tourists can enjoy more, learn more, and make the most out of their trip. We can also customize your tours based on the places that you want to visit. All of our tour packages are exclusive to your group and there will be no "joiners" so you can maximize your time and enjoy your tours to the fullest.

If you want to request for a quotation for your group, email us at exploredumaguete@gmail.com and let us know:

• which Explore Dumaguete package you want
• how many people are in your group
• when you're coming to Dumaguete
• what time you will arrive in Dumaguete and what time you will leave

Explore Dumaguete Package 1: Dumaguete 

Highlights: Silliman University, Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete City Cathedral and Belfry, SU Anthropological Museum (optional), Freedom Park (optional), Sidlakang Negros Tourism Village (optional), SU Marine Laboratory (optional), Restaurant of choice (Lab-as Seafood Restaurant / Hayahay; Sans Rival Bistro; etc.)

This is our half day welcome tour around Dumaguete aka "The City of Gentle People", "The University Town". Familiarize yourself with the local spots and landmarks as well as the culture, food, and the people of our laid back city.

Explore Dumaguete Package 2:  
Dumaguete-Valencia-Bacong

Highlights: Silliman University, Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete City Cathedral and Belfry, SU Anthropological Museum, Valencia, Tierra Alta, Filipino-Japanese-American Shrine, Forest Camp,  St. Augustine of Hippo Church, Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Stone Craft, Restaurant of choice

This is a whole day tour of Dumaguete and the adjacent towns of Valencia and Bacong. Valencia is our highland attraction overlooking the coastal towns. Bacong is known for its 19th century church and stone craft products and souvenirs. Learn our Negrense culture, taste our fresh seafood and local delicacies, experience our way of life!
You can also opt to do Dumaguete-Valencia or Dumaguete-Bacong only or pick specific spots that you want to visit.

Explore Dumaguete Package 3: 
Tañon Strait Whale and Dolphin Watching

Juvenile Spinners porpoising [Click photo to enlarge] 

Highlights: Bais Bay, Southern Tañon Strait Cruise, Manjuyod White Sandbar, Talabong Mangroves

Learn and see up close the playful spinner dolphins and other species like the Risso's and spotted dolphins. How easily can you spot the gentle and shy dwarf sperm whale and melon-headed whales? This Explore Dumaguete Tour is an eco trip and cruise along the southern Tañon Strait aboard a dolphin watching boat.

Observe and learn the unique behavior of these beautiful marine mammals in their natural habitat. Know the interesting characteristics and oceanography of Tañon Strait and find out why these marine mammals converge in this area. Then, bask and swim in the shallow and clear waters of white sand beach in the middle of the sea - The Manjuyod White Sandbar. This eco trip is one of the best short cruise experience you have yet to try.

Explore Dumaguete Package 4: Apo Island

Highlights: Sea Turtles Pawikan Interaction, Malatapay Wednesday Farmer's Market, Baluarte Rock Formation, Sea Turtle Marine Sanctuary, Lighthouse, Pebble and White Sand Beach

To see and swim up close with our sea turtles are the main highlights of this trip. Learn about the conservation of these endangered species and the rich marine flora and fauna of Apo island. 

Beach bum, explore the island by foot. Thrill seeker, climb the Baluarte Rock. Apo Island offers world class diving and is often cited as one of the ten best dive spots in the world.

Explore Dumaguete Package 5: Oslob

Highlights: Whale Shark Interaction, Scenic seascape of Southern Cebu, Tumalog Falls, Sumilon Island

Swim with the gentle giants of the sea, locally known as Tuki or Butanding. Enjoy the beach and afterwards take a dip and cool down at Tumalog Falls. The island hop to the sandbar of Sumilon is an optional activity for visitors who wish to explore and stay longer.

Explore Dumaguete Package 6: Balinsasayao

Highlights: Kabalin-an Pond, Lake Balinsasayo and Lake Danao, Azalea Restaurant / Alimyon Cafe /Jo's Chicken Inato by the Sea

This is a scenic adventure trip going to the serene and quiet environment of our Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park. This is a favorite site among bird watchers and nature lovers. Kayak by yourself or hire a boat guide to take you through the lake. Lush, green, and serene, this trip offers one a break from the norm of urban life.

Explore Dumaguete Package 7: Siquijor

Highlights: Siquijor Church, Capilay Natural Springs, San Juan Beach, Old Banyan Tree, Cambugahay Falls, Lazi Church and Convent, Salagdoong Beach Resort

Known for its supernatural healers and lore, Siquijor's true magic is its natural assets. Explore Dumaguete Tours Siquijor offers to our visitors white sand beaches, authentic old churches, gentle waterfalls and pools, beautiful rice paddies, and mangrove conservation areas. Be enchanted with this mystical island's natural beauty and discover the real magic of Siquijor.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN EXPLORE DUMAGUETE PACKAGE!

Other Areas of Interest:

-Pulangbato Falls (Valencia)
-Red Rock Hot Spring (Valencia)
-Highland Brew (for coffee lovers): a local cafe in Baslay, Dauin, serving coffee from their own produce. Escape the bustling city life and go on a serene drive up the mountains and finally indulge in a cup or two (or more) of Baslay's famous brewed coffee while enjoying a scenic view of the ocean (and Apo Island!) at more than 700 meters above sea level.

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