Dumaguete and Apo Island
Dumaguete is a small, friendly city on the southeast coast of Negros Island, in the central Philippines. People call it the City of Gentle People. It is a university town, home to Silliman University and several other colleges, so the streets feel young and easy-going, with many cheap cafes, bakeries and bookshops. In 2025 it was named a UNESCO Creative City of Literature. The seafront walk along Rizal Boulevard is the place to be at sunset. The city is also a great base for nature. About 30 kilometres south, Apo Island has one of the best known marine sanctuaries in the country, with clear water, healthy coral and sea turtles. The coast at Dauin is famous with divers for tiny, strange sea creatures. Inland, there are waterfalls and two crater lakes in the forest, and to the north you can see dolphins and a long white sandbar. The dry months, from about December to May, are the best time to visit.
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All Dumaguete and Apo Island Guides
5 in-depth guides to Dumaguete and Apo Island — food, nightlife, beaches, transport, money and the practical detail that is hard to find.