Great Stays - Shaira’s Guidebook
MALLS...
Places to go to when you need to go shopping for clothes and groceries. :)
Robinsons Place Dumaguete is a shopping mall located in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. It is the first full-service largest shopping mall in Negros Oriental and is a major component of the Dumaguete Business Park and IT Plaza in Brgy. Calindagan. It features an activity center, two atria, and an al fresco dining area.
Located in its vicinity a public transport terminal which serves the commuting public coming from north and south of Dumaguete and the rest of Negros Oriental, as well as even those from the neighboring provinces of Cebu, Siquijor, and some areas in Mindanao.
A good place to go to when you want to shop for groceries, clothes and want to find a pool of restaurants to choose from. :)
18 locals recommend
Robinson Place Dumaguete
Lamberto Macias RoadRobinsons Place Dumaguete is a shopping mall located in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. It is the first full-service largest shopping mall in Negros Oriental and is a major component of the Dumaguete Business Park and IT Plaza in Brgy. Calindagan. It features an activity center, two atria, and an al fresco dining area.
Located in its vicinity a public transport terminal which serves the commuting public coming from north and south of Dumaguete and the rest of Negros Oriental, as well as even those from the neighboring provinces of Cebu, Siquijor, and some areas in Mindanao.
A good place to go to when you want to shop for groceries, clothes and want to find a pool of restaurants to choose from. :)
This super mall is located at the downtown of Dumaguete City. They're prices are affordable and they have a wide range of products to choose from. Groceries, Restaurants/Food court, Clothes, Shoes, School Supplies, etc. Name it, they have it all. :)
28 locals recommend
Lee Super Plaza
corner Perdices StThis super mall is located at the downtown of Dumaguete City. They're prices are affordable and they have a wide range of products to choose from. Groceries, Restaurants/Food court, Clothes, Shoes, School Supplies, etc. Name it, they have it all. :)
City Mall Dumaguete Food Court
First StreetFOOD SCENE/ RESTAURANTS...
If you are doubting on where to eat in Dumaguete, I got you covered! I am also a foodie and have my personal selection of places to eat in Duma. Feel free to check out my suggestions. :)
What Hayahay has to offer is not just literally the amazing sea breeze that blows through your hair as you enjoy pizza and beer at this awesome shack. I love the fact that there is a band playing or a guitarman serenading you as your enjoy the best that Dumaguete has to give — and that is the kind of slow and steady pace or relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of urban city life. Hayahay is perfect for a date night or for a group of friends just wanting to drink the night away while filling their stomachs with good food.
This place is well known for their tasty Sea food and Filipino cuisine. They also have a restaurant just within Hayahay called "Taco Surf" which is a Japanese restaurant which I also recommend. Try their best selling sushis and more!
(It's just 2 to 3-minute walking distance from our place)
Contact Number : 226-3677 or 225-3536
57 locals recommend
Hayahay Treehouse Bar and Viewdeck Restobar
201 Flores AvenueWhat Hayahay has to offer is not just literally the amazing sea breeze that blows through your hair as you enjoy pizza and beer at this awesome shack. I love the fact that there is a band playing or a guitarman serenading you as your enjoy the best that Dumaguete has to give — and that is the kind of slow and steady pace or relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of urban city life. Hayahay is perfect for a date night or for a group of friends just wanting to drink the night away while filling their stomachs with good food.
This place is well known for their tasty Sea food and Filipino cuisine. They also have a restaurant just within Hayahay called "Taco Surf" which is a Japanese restaurant which I also recommend. Try their best selling sushis and more!
(It's just 2 to 3-minute walking distance from our place)
Contact Number : 226-3677 or 225-3536
This place is special to me and is a personal favorite! A bit pricey but totally worth the price. They have a wide selection of food from salads to desserts. Their restaurant is full-packed with customers almost all the time so it is best to book a reservation a day before you plan to dine there. (You will get there in just 4 minutes ((1.3km distance from our place)) by driving or pedicab)
..Don't forget to tell them "Great Stays -Dumaguete" sent you there! :)
Contact Number: 0916-552-1626
Operating hours: (TEUS-SUNDAY) Note: they're closed on Mondays.
10:30am to 1:30pm (Lunch)
5:00pm - 9:30pm ( Dinner)
Adamo
Tindalo StreetThis place is special to me and is a personal favorite! A bit pricey but totally worth the price. They have a wide selection of food from salads to desserts. Their restaurant is full-packed with customers almost all the time so it is best to book a reservation a day before you plan to dine there. (You will get there in just 4 minutes ((1.3km distance from our place)) by driving or pedicab)
..Don't forget to tell them "Great Stays -Dumaguete" sent you there! :)
Contact Number: 0916-552-1626
Operating hours: (TEUS-SUNDAY) Note: they're closed on Mondays.
10:30am to 1:30pm (Lunch)
5:00pm - 9:30pm ( Dinner)
Fusing Mexican cooking tradition with urban panache, Mooon Cafe is the latest Tex-Mex gastronomic offering to grace Dumaguete's burgeoning culinary landscape. With Santa Fe-ambiance to match its cuisine, Mooon Cafe is the perfect getaway from the urban chaos without leaving the city.
(only a 2 to 3-minute drive away from our place (1.7km) )
Contact Number: 226-3677 or 225-3536
15 locals recommend
Mooon Cafe
7 Silliman AveFusing Mexican cooking tradition with urban panache, Mooon Cafe is the latest Tex-Mex gastronomic offering to grace Dumaguete's burgeoning culinary landscape. With Santa Fe-ambiance to match its cuisine, Mooon Cafe is the perfect getaway from the urban chaos without leaving the city.
(only a 2 to 3-minute drive away from our place (1.7km) )
Contact Number: 226-3677 or 225-3536
Jo’s Chicken Inato restaurant has a cozy garden area with a very Filipino motif. While the garden’s furniture is made of bamboo, the tables inside are made of cross-sectional cuts from a narra tree. To be more pleasing to the senses, they serve their barbecued chicken in platters of banana leaf with rice and pickled of papaya or, “atchara.” People are encourage to used their hands when eating at this place ala “kamayan style” .
Note: They have 3 branches in Dumaguete but the nearest one to our place is Piapi branch.
Contact Number of Piapi Branch: 225-4964 (PIAPI)
6 locals recommend
Jo's Chicken Inatô
Silliman AvenueJo’s Chicken Inato restaurant has a cozy garden area with a very Filipino motif. While the garden’s furniture is made of bamboo, the tables inside are made of cross-sectional cuts from a narra tree. To be more pleasing to the senses, they serve their barbecued chicken in platters of banana leaf with rice and pickled of papaya or, “atchara.” People are encourage to used their hands when eating at this place ala “kamayan style” .
Note: They have 3 branches in Dumaguete but the nearest one to our place is Piapi branch.
Contact Number of Piapi Branch: 225-4964 (PIAPI)
The bistro is known for its Filipino and American breakfast platters. They also serve other meals if you wish to eat light snacks. .The bistro gives you a homey and cozy feeling. Each room has a different gimmick, there’s the one where you’ll find a large frame with spoon collections that came from the different parts of the world. You’ll find several paintings of famous personalities like of Princess Diana, Elvis Presley and Oprah in cartoon form at the lavatory.
For inquiries, dial (035) 422-0827.
Gabby's Bistro--Paseo Perdices
Rizal BoulevardThe bistro is known for its Filipino and American breakfast platters. They also serve other meals if you wish to eat light snacks. .The bistro gives you a homey and cozy feeling. Each room has a different gimmick, there’s the one where you’ll find a large frame with spoon collections that came from the different parts of the world. You’ll find several paintings of famous personalities like of Princess Diana, Elvis Presley and Oprah in cartoon form at the lavatory.
For inquiries, dial (035) 422-0827.
Sans Rival is a pasalubong or food souvenir place that offers great tasting pastries and cakes. It became famous for both its sans rival and silvannas. House of Silvanas has been specializing in Silvanas for over 30 years and pride themselves in making freshly baked goodies with the best ingredients and care. Aside from Silvanas, they are also known for Sans Rival, Ensaimadas, and their assortment of Pastry Bars.
24 locals recommend
Sans Rival Bistro
165 San Jose StSans Rival is a pasalubong or food souvenir place that offers great tasting pastries and cakes. It became famous for both its sans rival and silvannas. House of Silvanas has been specializing in Silvanas for over 30 years and pride themselves in making freshly baked goodies with the best ingredients and care. Aside from Silvanas, they are also known for Sans Rival, Ensaimadas, and their assortment of Pastry Bars.
My favorite restaurant in Dumaguete. Their sushi is to die for! They have a wide selection of cuisine from Japanese to Filipino dishes. You will love it there.
Meltin’ Pot
My favorite restaurant in Dumaguete. Their sushi is to die for! They have a wide selection of cuisine from Japanese to Filipino dishes. You will love it there.
DONG's Kitchen
THE BEST FOOD IN TOWN - FINE DINING :)
COFFEEHOUSES...
for Coffee Lovers out there..
Bo's Coffee is a Filipino coffee and coffeehouse chain. It was founded by Steve Benitez in 1996 in Cebu City, Philippines. The company operates a total of 91 outlets throughout the Philippines, with about 30 of them located in Metro Cebu, where it is based.[3] Bo's Coffee sources coffee beans locally from farmers from Sagada, Mountain Province, Mount Kitanglad in Bukidnon, Mount Matutum in Tupi, South Cotabato, and Mount Apo.
Located in Rizal Boulevard.
Distance from our place: (2 to 3-minute drive from our place)
Bo's Coffee - Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete
Bo's Coffee is a Filipino coffee and coffeehouse chain. It was founded by Steve Benitez in 1996 in Cebu City, Philippines. The company operates a total of 91 outlets throughout the Philippines, with about 30 of them located in Metro Cebu, where it is based.[3] Bo's Coffee sources coffee beans locally from farmers from Sagada, Mountain Province, Mount Kitanglad in Bukidnon, Mount Matutum in Tupi, South Cotabato, and Mount Apo.
Located in Rizal Boulevard.
Distance from our place: (2 to 3-minute drive from our place)
This Starbucks coffeehouse in Dumaguete was designed to reflect the friendly and relaxed culture of the city and honors our country’s rich history. Drawing on the city’s emblematic ancestral houses, the store maintains the original architectural elements of the building, while airy railing designs, textured wood wall paneling, solid wood furniture, and warm tones int he floor give it a modern residential atmosphere that is comfortable and inviting.
Located along the iconic Rizal Boulevard, the store is highlighted by oceanic artwork that connects customers to the sea and Dumaguete’s iconic baywalk and pier.
Starbucks
corner Burgos StThis Starbucks coffeehouse in Dumaguete was designed to reflect the friendly and relaxed culture of the city and honors our country’s rich history. Drawing on the city’s emblematic ancestral houses, the store maintains the original architectural elements of the building, while airy railing designs, textured wood wall paneling, solid wood furniture, and warm tones int he floor give it a modern residential atmosphere that is comfortable and inviting.
Located along the iconic Rizal Boulevard, the store is highlighted by oceanic artwork that connects customers to the sea and Dumaguete’s iconic baywalk and pier.
SIGHTSEEING...
Dumaguete is not just your gateway to many beautiful places in Negros Oriental, it is also the ultimate destination.
Standing at around 100 feet, Casaroro Falls is tucked in the hilly terrain at the foot of Cuernos del Negros or Mount Talinis, approximately 10 kilometers or one hour away from Dumaguete City. It consists of a single layer horsetail cascade with cold water emanating from the springs in the upper slope of Mount Talinis, unique and iconic with its narrow and smooth yet powerful drop to its deep and cold natural pool.Casaroro Falls is a favorite day trip from Dumaguete City due to its proximity and accessibility. But despite the continuous flock of visitors, the place is still generally quiet and raw. There is no other structure aside from the 350-step staircase and the metal and concrete paths on some parts of the trail.
38 locals recommend
Casaroro Falls
Taft StreetStanding at around 100 feet, Casaroro Falls is tucked in the hilly terrain at the foot of Cuernos del Negros or Mount Talinis, approximately 10 kilometers or one hour away from Dumaguete City. It consists of a single layer horsetail cascade with cold water emanating from the springs in the upper slope of Mount Talinis, unique and iconic with its narrow and smooth yet powerful drop to its deep and cold natural pool.Casaroro Falls is a favorite day trip from Dumaguete City due to its proximity and accessibility. But despite the continuous flock of visitors, the place is still generally quiet and raw. There is no other structure aside from the 350-step staircase and the metal and concrete paths on some parts of the trail.
Apo Island, located in the Philippines, is rated one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Surrounded by hundreds of species of fish and marine life, the island is a jewel of the underworld. Spectacular diving is usually accessible at deep sea level, but a beautiful reef is found right beyond the shores of Apo Island.
72 locals recommend
APO Island
Apo Island, located in the Philippines, is rated one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Surrounded by hundreds of species of fish and marine life, the island is a jewel of the underworld. Spectacular diving is usually accessible at deep sea level, but a beautiful reef is found right beyond the shores of Apo Island.
The white sand bar of Manjuyod is a strip of pristine white sand located at about 15 minutes boat ride from the coast of Bais City, in the Negros Oriental province of the Philippines. The surface of this island emerges only during low tide and there are native wooden houses built on stilts. When the high tide comes, these houses look like they are floating on the water. The Manjuyod Sand Bar is considered one of the main attractions of the province, due to it’s specificity. The total surface of the strip it’s about 600 hectare, considering also the submerged portions. You can rent a boat in Bais City and then enjoy this beautiful paradise during the day.
25 locals recommend
Manjuyod Sand Bar
The white sand bar of Manjuyod is a strip of pristine white sand located at about 15 minutes boat ride from the coast of Bais City, in the Negros Oriental province of the Philippines. The surface of this island emerges only during low tide and there are native wooden houses built on stilts. When the high tide comes, these houses look like they are floating on the water. The Manjuyod Sand Bar is considered one of the main attractions of the province, due to it’s specificity. The total surface of the strip it’s about 600 hectare, considering also the submerged portions. You can rent a boat in Bais City and then enjoy this beautiful paradise during the day.
Ready for an adrenaline rush? Travel via private car charter to Oslob where you'll get up close to the friendly whale sharks. This slow-moving filter-feeding carpet shark is one of the largest known fish species - and a true sight to behold. On the trip, you will not only get to snorkel and swim with the whale sharks, but also participate in the feeding. You will need to wake up bright and early for this adventure.
189 locals recommend
Oslob Whaleshark Watching Briefing area
Natalio Bacalso AvenueReady for an adrenaline rush? Travel via private car charter to Oslob where you'll get up close to the friendly whale sharks. This slow-moving filter-feeding carpet shark is one of the largest known fish species - and a true sight to behold. On the trip, you will not only get to snorkel and swim with the whale sharks, but also participate in the feeding. You will need to wake up bright and early for this adventure.
Kawasan Falls is the most popular tourist destination in the town. It is well visited by both foreign and local tourists. Kawasan Falls is a three-tiered cascade of crystal clear waterfalls. It is the highlight of Barangay Matutinao located in the municipal of Badian. The waterfalls makes up the Matutinao River System, also awarded many times as the cleanest inland body of water in the country. The water coming from the falls is clean and crystal clear.
145 locals recommend
Kawasan Falls
Santander - Barili - Toledo RoadKawasan Falls is the most popular tourist destination in the town. It is well visited by both foreign and local tourists. Kawasan Falls is a three-tiered cascade of crystal clear waterfalls. It is the highlight of Barangay Matutinao located in the municipal of Badian. The waterfalls makes up the Matutinao River System, also awarded many times as the cleanest inland body of water in the country. The water coming from the falls is clean and crystal clear.
The Spanish called it “Isla del Fuego” (Island of Fire) for the glow caused by numerous fireflies at night. In more recent times Siquijor has become popular among locals for folk healing. More notoriously, stories about witchcraft and sorcery have added to its mystique. Some well-meaning people warned us about travel to the island but that only added to our curiosity about the place. The fact that Siquijor remains off the beaten path for the majority of local travelers further stoked our determination to visit
10 locals recommend
Siquijor
The Spanish called it “Isla del Fuego” (Island of Fire) for the glow caused by numerous fireflies at night. In more recent times Siquijor has become popular among locals for folk healing. More notoriously, stories about witchcraft and sorcery have added to its mystique. Some well-meaning people warned us about travel to the island but that only added to our curiosity about the place. The fact that Siquijor remains off the beaten path for the majority of local travelers further stoked our determination to visit
SOUVENIR SHOPS...
Looking for a unique and special Philippine souvenir pasalubong to take home as a memento of your trip? Or do you want something unique to give as a gift for someone special? They have a wide selection of items made from bamboo, coco, fibers, wood and we’re confident you’ll surely find something that suits your taste in Subida Souvenirs.They offer you a range of high quality artisanal works and souvenirs. Most are sourced and crafted in Negros Island, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Bohol and Cebu to name a few. They bring to one place all the best Philippine souvenirs made in the country.
6 locals recommend
Subida Souvenirs
Bacong - Valencia RoadLooking for a unique and special Philippine souvenir pasalubong to take home as a memento of your trip? Or do you want something unique to give as a gift for someone special? They have a wide selection of items made from bamboo, coco, fibers, wood and we’re confident you’ll surely find something that suits your taste in Subida Souvenirs.They offer you a range of high quality artisanal works and souvenirs. Most are sourced and crafted in Negros Island, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Bohol and Cebu to name a few. They bring to one place all the best Philippine souvenirs made in the country.
Handumanan
Perdices StreetTraveler advice
Getting around
Cars, Tricycles and Motorcycles
Tricycles or pedicabs would cost you atleast 10.00 pesos when going around the city. Pedicab drivers usually charge upto 50 pesos going to farther places.
Car and motorcycle rentals are available. Contact us for more details. :)
What to pack
Thin and breezy clothes and slippers.
Dumaguete is best-known for its chill and good vibe feel. Make sure to pack light garments as it is warm and hot most of the year. Bring your umbrella or a cap to protect you from the sun's scorching heat. And don't forget to bring with you some comfy pair of slippers! (almost all the locals wear just slippers) :)
Useful phrases
Almost everyone can speak english in Dumaguete.
if you want to kickstart learning the local Visayan language here are some of the most useful phrases:
Good morning -Maayong Buntag
Good afternoon - Maayong Hapon
Good evening - Maayong Gabi-i
Bon appetit / Have a nice meal- Manga-on ta!
I don't understand - Wala ko kasabot
How much is this? - Tagpila ni?
Thank you - Salamat
Where's the toilet / bathroom? - Asa ang banyo?
Goodbye - Ayo-Ayo