Getting There and Around in Dumaguete and Apo Island

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Dumaguete is easy to reach by air or by sea. The airport is just north of the city, and the port is in the centre, near Rizal Boulevard. Many travellers combine Dumaguete with Cebu, Bohol or Siquijor, because fast ferries link them all. Once you arrive, tricycles, jeepneys and buses take you around the city and along the coast.

By air

Dumaguete airport is in Sibulan, only a few kilometres north of the city centre. Domestic airlines fly here from Manila, and there are also flights from Cebu and some other Philippine cities. Schedules change, so check the airlines for the current routes. The airport is small and easy to use. From the airport, tricycles and vans take about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the city. If you are going straight to Dauin or Malatapay, you can arrange a van or car pickup with your resort or dive shop.

Ferries from Cebu and Bohol

From Cebu City, fast ferries run to Dumaguete, often with a stop in Tagbilaran on Bohol. Slower car ferries also make the trip and take several hours, some overnight. Another common route is by road through southern Cebu. Take a bus from Cebu City to Liloan port near Santander, at the southern tip of the island. From there, small ferries cross the narrow strait to Sibulan, just north of Dumaguete, in about 20 to 30 minutes. This route is popular with people coming from Oslob or Moalboal. From Bohol, fast ferries leave from Tagbilaran.

Ferries from Siquijor

Siquijor is the island you can see across the water from Dumaguete. Fast ferries run several times a day between Dumaguete port and Siquijor town, and the trip takes about one hour. Slower boats and car ferries also run, and some go to the port of Larena. The sea can be rough in the afternoon and during storms, and boats can be cancelled in bad weather. Book a day ahead on busy weekends. Many travellers visit Siquijor for a few days and then return to Dumaguete to fly out.

Getting to Apo Island and Dauin

To reach Dauin, take a jeepney or bus south along the coast road, or hire a tricycle or car. For Apo Island, go further south to Malatapay in Zamboanguita, where boats wait on the beach. The road trip takes about 45 minutes to one hour. If you go on a market day, you can also see the local village market at Malatapay. Many dive shops and tour operators include pickup from your hotel, which is the easiest choice if you do not want to change transport.

Getting There and Around at a glance

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