Karlo Pacana
16 Reasons to Fall in Love with the City of Gentle People
Planning to visit Dumaguete in the next few days? Are you looking for places to eat, hotels to stay, or things to do? Would you like some more convincing before packing your bags?
City of Gentle People
The King of Sinulog is off to the City of Gentle People, a favorite among travellers being the gateway to the best of the Visayas. Here are 16 more reasons to fall in love with this university town:
1. Painitan sa palengke
For an authentic taste of Dumaguete daily life, head to the public market to sample popular snacks such as budbud—sticky rice sticks wrapped in banana leaves—and sikwate, a traditional hot chocolate drink made from pure tablea. You can choose from the plain, chocolate, or kabog (millet) varieties of budbud. This local treat typically costs around PHP50 per serving.
2. Historical buildings that will surely spark your curiosity
The city is full of landmarks usually found on tourist brochures but what really captured my curiosity and attention is an abandoned green ancestral house in Rizal Boulevard. I could imagine this house being renovated and transformed to a café or restaurant like what they did with Sans Rival Bistro.
3. Fried chicken on a food cart for only 10 pesos
Not only was I stunned with its price, but I was surprised by its mouthwatering goodness. I swear I could eat more than five pieces of this bad boy if only I was not on a shoestring budget.
4. Approachable and friendly people
While I was having a late night stroll at Rizal Boulevard, three kids just randomly approached me. Seeing I was carrying a camera, they asked if I could take pictures of them with which I happily obliged.
5. Feel like a college kid all over again
Since it is a university town, you’ll see students everywhere. You’ll be flooded with college memories when you go on a free campus tour of Silliman University, guided of course by student volunteers who will share to you some insider stories about their academic life.
6. Early morning walks at Rizal Boulevard
Wake up about 5 in the morning and you’ll see the locals break a sweat along the boulevard while waiting for the sun to rise over the pier.
7. Be inspired by Bossing Tempura’s entrepreneurial success
With a selling point of five increasing levels of spiciness, Bossing has grown his simple tempura business by expanding it with other branches scattered at most of the campuses still at the same price of PHP4 apiece.
8. You’d want to drive a motorcycle because everybody is using it
Although the attractions are easily accessible by foot or tricycle, you’d want to rent your own motorcycle just for the fun of it. That way you could have a do-it-yourself city tour at your own pace.
9. See the most photographed Acacia Tree in Silliman University
The reason behind its popularity is its perfect symmetry, but only a few people know of its spooky story, that its branches were once used to hang Japanese soldiers captured during World War II. Chills down my spine!
10. Get your sweet cravings satisfied at Sans Rival Bistro
Sans Rival is more or less synonymous with Dumaguete. Drop by for a quick meal and some pasalubong to your loved ones at home.
11. Sing your hearts out at Wat Ever Family KTV for only 49 pesos per hour
Happy hour is from 11AM to 6PM. You know where to find me.
12. Cap off the night at Hayahay Treehouse Bar & Viewdeck
Hayahay means convenience, easiness and comfort. A typical meal for two costs around PHP400, San Miguel Pilsen costs about PHP40, with a full band playing standards on most days. Need I say more?
13. Deer-spotting at A.Y. Reyes Zoological and Botanical Garden
A simulated natural habitat of Philippine wildlife that has about 23 species of trees and 16 species of various mammals, reptiles and birds with an entrance fee of PHP10. This place is actually quite romantic.
14. Cultural tour at Sidlakang Negros Village
Native houses represented by all the towns of Negros. Right beside the Organic Produce Market, buy a cup of fruit salad for only PHP10.
15. Affordable accommodation at Go Hotels and Bethel Guesthouse
Room prices at about PHP1000 good for two. Go Hotels Dumaguete is near Robinsons Place while Bethel Guest House is at Rizal Boulevard.
16. All-day breakfast at Gabby’s Bed and Breakfast
A place to nurture your creativity, a typical meal for two would cost around PHP300. This is my happy place when in Dumaguete.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and visit Dumaguete and fall in love with the city like the King of Sinulog did. Later!
Dumaguete Travel Tour Packages You Should Try
Follow and Subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com on Facebook , Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more Travel related updates.
