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Who could have ever imagined that in a far-flung island in Southeast Asia lies a competitor of the famous Heidelberg of Europe? Located in the rich and vast seas of the Philippine Archipelago, Dumaguete City is one of the fast-emerging cities gaining tourism and educational acclaims. Tagged as the “City of Gentle People”, Dumaguete indeed, is a very promising city of the south.

From its historic accounts alone, the City of Dumaguete is already known to be unique. Because of its territory surrounded by the vast seas, the island is prone to marauding pirates. Luckily, the attackers of the island, finding the place attractive were enchanted to live in the place permanently. Hence, the place was soon christened with the name Dumaguete, from the native word “dumaguet” which means to catch or to swoop.

As the capital city of Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City is the largest city and industrial and educational capital of the province. Because of its naturally blessed territory, the city is known to have two of the best diving sites in the world namely Apo and Sumilon Islands. Not only that, the island itself is a package full of wonders and awe because this place is considered as one of the worlds most diverse marine ecosystems which serves as a haven to thousands of marine species. One famous destination of the tourists is the Bais Bay, where many converge to sightsee the whales and dolphins. The thought of the city itself makes you feel refreshed and calm.

More than the marvels of nature, Dumaguete is also endowed with educational feats which make it the “University Town”. The City is home to several historic universities and educational institutions which made great contributions to the country’s abounding history. Silliman University, the first American University outside Manila and the first Protestant School in the country, is seated at this very city. Gaining more than a couple of billion annually, the academe attraction of the city made a really huge impact in both internal and external economic aspects. Perhaps it is the city’s modest and relaxing environment which makes it so conducive for studies.

No wonder why many tourists from around the globe are being drawn by the exquisite attraction of Dumaguete. If Europe has Heidelberg, Asia has Dumaguete. A striking tandem of educational and tourist attraction plus the warm and kind natives, the city, indeed can compete with the famous historical city.

Tags: Mindanao, Philippine Islands, Pinoy, Cebu, traveling, Baguio, Bicol

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I thought Dumaguete was a province in Mindanao. I was wrong. Dumaguete City is the capital of Negros Oriental which is in Region VII in Visayas.

I thought that Dumaguete was a far-fetched and uninhabited island. Wrong again! Dumaguete is just a ferry-ride away from bustling Cebu and it is even tagged as “The City of Gentle People”.

History has it that its name came from the local word “daggit” which means “to snatch”. Dumaguete has this powerful charm to attract visitors and keep them for good. Its beauty had lured pirates to frequently attack the coastal town.
 
Recently, Dumaguete was dubbed as “the most child-friendly city”. That, for me, is a major asset. It is also known as a university town because of the many colleges and universities in this city which are open even for foreign students. And yes, business is booming in this area.

The tourism department of Dumaguete claims that this beautiful city is for the weary traveler, seeker of knowledge and nature lover, and the residents can speak English well and can understand Spanish.

That’s probably why most tourists are Westerners and Europeans.
Dumaguete is for the people who long for water and land adventures.

There’s a lot of beach resorts and dive sites there where you can also go dolphin and whale watching and scuba diving. If you’re into conquering the heights and the caves, you’ll be happy to learn that you are free to do spelunking and mountain trekking also.

But if your main objective of going there is to just chill and take in the view and relax, you can never run out of hotels to stay in and restaurants to dine in. You can request a tour guide from the tourism department if you want to go around the city.

What are the places that make this city famous? Since the inhabitants are dominantly Catholic, the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral Park is considered a century-old landmark. That gives a religious aura.

The Bell Tower is the oldest city landmark; it has remained the city’s watch tower since the Spanish times. The Siliman Veach is for the youth. It is where they unwind, especially on Sundays.

Rizal Boulevard is a seafront boulevard that has become the most popular promenade and jogging track for the health-conscious people. The rendezvous of most people there is the Quezon Park. It is lined with trees and it has a playground for kids.

With all the good things said about Dumaguete and the nice spots to visit there, it won’t take long before it becomes a favorite among tourists. So let’s go to Dumaguete!

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If you’re traveling to the Philippines, you will not want to miss Dumaguete, the City of Gentle People. Europeans and Japanese love the place, and after making that vacation trip, you’re going to love Dumaguete too.

Dumaguete City is the center of education in the region. The large number of universities and colleges in Dumaguete has made the city a favorite converging point for students from nearby provinces who wish to pursue a college degree. Silliman University, named after philanthropist and Presbyterian layman Horace Brinsmade Silliman of New York, was established in 1901 and is the first Protestant school in the Philippines; it is also Asia’s oldest American university. So don’t be surprised if you bump into someone who can fluently talk about marine biology when you visit Dumaguete.

Dumaguete offers sea lovers easy access to nearby water havens. A favorite stop is Bais Bay, where one can watch whales and dolphins frolic in their sea paradise. There are also many beach resorts to get a good tan and several dive sites to explore. Among the best beach resorts to go to in Dumaguete are Atlantis, El Dorado, and Antulang. If you plan to dive, go check out Sumilon and Apo Islands and experience the diversity of the sites’ marine ecosystems. Incidentally, Silliman University has its Marine Preserve in Apo Island.

If you would rather scale heights and go on a trek that will take you 1,864 meters above sea level, you can opt to hike to Mount Talinis. Also called Cuernos de Negros (Horns of Negros), Mount Talinis is adorned with rare flora and fauna. If you’re lucky enough, you can get a glimpse of the Visayan Hornbill (Penelopides Panini), a critically endangered avian species. Once you’re reached the top of Mount Talinis, you won’t regret having made the whole-day trip. The orchids, lakes, and virgin forests are eye candy to the nature lover. Don’t forget to bring a camera or you’ll regret it.

Travelers who need a cyber fix or simply want to e-mail messages and photos to loved ones back home can choose from several Internet cafes in Dumaguete.

There are also several food stops with the traveler in mind. Persian Palate serves hummus, kababs, and curry dishes. If you’re a Chinese food lover, you can drop by the air-conditioned Chin Loong; just make sure to come in early because it won’t be easy to find an empty table at night. If you fancy pizza and pasta, Buonissimo Pizza Flight 2000 is the place for you; it’s an open café that offers large servings to the hungry traveler. You may also want to end your day by checking out the bars and restaurants along Rizal Boulevard.

Travel to Dumaguete and spend an activity-filled vacation. Meet its warm, friendly and educated people or check out the sorcery and witchcraft of Siquijor. Enjoy the cool waters and dive your heart out. Climb scenic Mount Talinis. Surf the Internet. Savor the flavor of international cuisine. Go for that nightcap. Experience Dumaguete.

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