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Known to Filippinos as the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete is the capital of the island of Negros Oriental, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, as well as its largest port. The province occupies the southeastern half of Negros Island, and the city sits on a southern coastline where Negros Island nearly touches Cebu Island. Dumaguete has benefited tremendously by Cebu’s growth in popularity among tourists. Visitors frequently take the ferry to Dumaguete to enjoy the dolphin and whale watching available there, and to try the beaches and the diving sites. The city is also known as a university town. With a population over 100,000 people, about 30,000 of them are students at Silliman University. Silliman is a popular college, located next to and thoroughly intermixed with the downtown area. Other universities in the area are the Foundation University and Negros Oriental State University.
Dumaguete has recently enjoyed a vibrant economic surge, due to growth in solid industries such as retirement and telemarketing. Transportation is well served by the Sibulan Airport and the Dumaguete Pier. Within the city some attractive landmarks are the Silliman Bell Tower and the promenade along Rizal Street, facing the beautiful waters of the Mindanao Sea. If you have an interest in science and history, a trip to the Silliman Anthropology Museum and Whale Bone Museum might be a great excursion. The local area is filled with natural attractions such as Casaroro Falls and the Mabinay Caves. Casaroro Falls are located about ten miles inland due west of the city, and they require some travel to reach. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes if you want to climb to the top of the Falls. Dolphin and whale watching is best out by Bais Bay, and you can get a boat to the Bay easily at the Dumaguete port. You can also try a pastry or two at the Sans Rival café, one of the oldest cake shops in the city, set on Rizal Boulevard on the promenade. Here is a quick list of some hotels you might want to try while visiting Dumaguete…
Plaza Maria Luisa Suites Inn
A moderately priced, family-run and homey establishment, the Plaza is located close to the park square near Rizal Blvd. Offering 20 rooms with clean and modern interiors, service includes local breakfast and amenities usually reserved for more luxurious hotels! The Plaza features a rooftop pool and the Tico Café, as well as the Alley, where breakfast is served on the second floor.
Bethel House
Another moderately priced hotel, the Bethel is a five-storey building with 69 rooms and suites. Located in the center of the town along the Boulevard of Dumaguete, the hotel has an excellent view of Mount Talinis across the bay. The Bethel does not advertise its status as a non-smoking, non-alcoholic hotel. Pets are not permitted.
Honeycomb Tourist Inn
The Honeycomb is a moderately priced inn situated right on the scenic Rizal Boulevard promenade. Featuring 6 clean and cozy rooms with air conditioning, the Honeycomb offers full amenities and digital services. A coffee shop and a Restobar provide good food and music each night, and a Filipino breakfast is complimentary every morning.