Known as the "City of Gentle People," Dumaguete is a relaxed university town on the southeastern coast of Negros Oriental, where a palm-lined seaside boulevard sets the easygoing pace. It's a favourite springboard for some of the Philippines' best diving and dolphin-watching, with the marine sanctuaries of Apo Island and the waterfalls of the interior all within easy reach. Warm hospitality, affordable cafés, and quick boat hops to neighbouring islands make it an ideal base for unhurried exploring.
The dry months from roughly December to May offer the calmest seas and clearest water for diving and island trips, with the peak of the dry season around March and April.
The compact city centre is walkable, while tricycles, jeepneys, and ride-hailing cover longer hops; for waterfalls and beaches further out, a hired van or motorbike is handy.
Set off for Apo Island and dolphin-watching trips early in the morning, when the seas are calmest and marine life is most active.