Dumaguete is a coastal city in Negros Oriental that’s a popular destination for both locals and foreigners. The city offers a calm escape, a mix of heritage charm, island hopping and delicious food. 

How to Get to Dumaguete by Sea with 2GO Travel

With 2GO Travel, getting to Dumaguete is not only convenient but also a relaxing start to your trip. Your journey ends at the Dumaguete Port, located at the Port of Dumaguete, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, just a few minutes from the city center.

Getting to Dumaguete is easy and affordable when you sail with 2GO Travel. With regular trips from Manila, 2GO offers a comfortable journey that lets you relax, enjoy onboard entertainment, and even savor meals before you wake up in Negros Oriental. Traveling by sea is perfect if you want to skip the stress of airports and bring more baggage for your pasalubong or diving gear.

Book your tickets online via 2GO Travel website, the 2GO App or through official ticketing outlets

Who are the People of Dumaguete

Dumaguete is famously known as the “City of Gentle People.” Locals are warm, hospitable, and always ready with a smile. 

Top Tourist Spots and Things to Do in Dumaguete

Dumaguete is a great base for exploring Negros Oriental. Start with a walk along the Rizal Boulevard, where you’ll find seaside views and lively food stalls. Don’t miss Silliman University, one of the oldest American-founded universities in Asia, with a beautiful historic campus. Just outside the city, you can visit Casaroro Falls for a refreshing trek, or head to Manjuyod Sandbar, often called the “Maldives of the Philippines.” For diving enthusiasts, Apo Island is world-famous for its rich marine life and turtle encounters.

Every November, the city holds its biggest celebration, the Sandurot Festival. The festival celebrates fellowship, showcasing cultural shows, street dancing, and historical reenactments to honor Dumaguete’s diverse roots and spirit. 

Where to Eat and What to Eat in Dumaguete

Dumaguete is a foodie’s paradise, especially for those who love local comfort food. Start your day with the city’s famous silvanas and sansrival at Sansrival Cakes and Pastries. Along Rizal Boulevard, you’ll find local eats like tempura-style street food and fresh seafood. 

For a proper meal, check out Lab-as Seafood Restaurant or Hayahay Treehouse Bar and View Deck, both popular for their good food and seaside vibe.

Best Souvenirs and Pasalubong from Dumaguete and Where to Get Them

Pasalubong shopping in Dumaguete is all about sweets and local crafts. The city is best known for its silvanas, frozen butter cookies layered with cream, and sans rival, a nutty meringue cake that’s perfect for sharing. You can also find woven handicrafts, native bags, and trinkets that showcase Negros Oriental’s artistry.

Top Dumaguete Pasalubong to Try

• Silvanas – buttery, frozen cookies that melt in your mouth
• Sans Rival – the original cake treat from Dumaguete
• Budbud Kabog – a local suman made from millet wrapped in banana leaves
• Handwoven bags and accessories – made by local artisans

Where to Buy Souvenirs in Dumaguete

The best place for silvanas and sansrival is Sansrival Cakes and Pastries along Rizal Boulevard. 

For budbud kabog, head to the early morning market in Tanjay or local pasalubong centers near the pier. Handicrafts can be found at small shops around the boulevard and in specialty stores near Silliman University.

Why Travel to Dumaguete by Sea with 2GO Travel?

Sailing to Dumaguete with 2GO Travel gives you more than just a trip—it’s part of the vacation. With FREE 50kg baggage allowance, cozy accommodations, and onboard meals, you can travel worry-free. The overnight sail also means you arrive rested and ready to explore, without the hassle of airport lines and baggage fees.

Plan Ahead and Travel Smart

If Dumaguete is on your bucket list, book your tickets early with 2GO Travel, especially during peak travel seasons or festivals. Bring comfortable clothes for city walks, swimsuits for Apo Island, and an extra bag for all the silvanas and sansrival you’ll be taking home. With its unique mix of nature, food, and culture, Dumaguete is a destination worth every mile—and sailing there with 2GO makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination itself.

With its laid-back vibe, friendly locals, and mix of culture and nature, Dumaguete is the perfect destination for a refreshing escape, and when you travel with 2GO Travel, the journey is just as memorable as the destination.