Dumaguete City: In Retrospect [Part1]

Though still recovering from a sickness, I traveled alone from Cebu City by bus and by ferry just to reach the City of Gentle People, Dumaguete City.

I was only there for 2 days and 3 nights (January 21-23am). I was supposed to be with Jellie & Ryan but they did not push through with the trip so I had to do it alone. As expected, Dumaguete is a laid back city, with no traffic lights, motorists not wearing helmets, no taxis and very few PUJs and private vehicles — things which I like and things which primarily make Cebu City crowded.

Dumaguete City’s way of life is comparable to that of Bantayan and Iloilo’s. It’s really relaxed and the city is still holding on to its heritages. For those who are fed up with traffic and the busy, polluted streets of the metros (Cebu or Manila), Dumaguete is the perfect place to rewind to the old, peaceful times. If you have also spent much time relaxing on the beach already, then it’s time to visit the quaint place of Dumaguete.

Basically, what I did there was just explore the place. I didn’t push myself to discover everything in one weekend (because I’ll know I’ll be back often). I was brought though to one of Dumaguete’s pride, Silliman University. Another post will be for this one.

Also, from now on, when I think of Dumaguete, I think about food. I started to love eating very much and Dumaguete is a great place to practice this eating-much habit. We ate at Cafe Antonio, City Burger, Sans Rival, and at the sidewalk of Rizal Boulevard (separate posts for the aforementioned places). Added to the simple yet great food is the perfect ambiance.

At night, we stopped by Aquino Freedom Park (or just Freedom Park). The last stop was Rizal Boulevard (or just Boulevard). Again, there will be separate posts for these places.

I didn’t take lots of pictures; I only took enough. I will show the photos in the coming posts to this Dumaguete City series. I will save everything that I have to say in the last post in the series. For the meantime, here are some basic info in getting to/staying in Dumaguete.

How I got there

From Cebu South Bus Terminal, I rode an air-conditioned Ceres bus going to Lilo-an Port (signage says Bato Oslob via Lilo-an Port). Fare is Php169 and I don’t know why but there are no bus stops along the way. From Lilo-an Port, I rode a ferry for Php62 which took me to Sibulan, a town next to Dumaguete City. From there, one can take a pedicab to take you to Dumaguete proper. As for me, somebody fetched me from the port so I didn’t have any problems commuting.

Where I stayed

I stayed in Hotel Camila which is just about near everything else so there’s no problem getting to places. Room is clean, rates are affordable, generally relaxed and safe.

Watch out for the next posts in the Dumaguete City series!

This post is continued in Dumaguete City: Sans Rival [Part 2]