What to expect when visiting Dumaguete
Dumaguete is a vibrant city and capital of Negros Oriental. Also called the City of Gentle People, you will meet here some of the best folks in the Philippines. Its charm calls for a long-term stay, making it a retirement home for many ex-pats.
Dumaguete is often used as a gateway to the diver’s mecca around Apo Island and the paradise island of Siquijor. It may not hold the tropical adventure you seek, but if you do find yourself with a few hours to spare here, we recommend checking out its interesting cafes, walking along Rizal Boulevard, and getting to know the beautiful people of Dumaguete.
1 way to get from Siquijor to Dumaguete
The ferry is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Siquijor to Dumaguete. The journey takes around 45 minutes - 2 hours and costs start from 170 PHP ($3).Where to stay in Dumaguete?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Dumaguete at the bottom of this page.
Siquijor to Dumaguete by Ferry
Several companies operate ferries from Siquijor to Dumaguete. These are Oceanjet, Montenegro Shipping Lines and Aleson Shipping Lines. Ferries are available daily from 06:00 to 19:30.
Travel time takes between 45 minutes - 2 hours, depending on the ferry company.
Ferry ticket prices from Siquijor to Dumaguete start from 200 PHP ($3.50). Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay an additional 15 PHP ($0.30) for the terminal fee in Siquijor.
Departure port
Depending on your hotel’s location in Siquijor, you can choose between two departure points: Siquijor Port and Larena Pier. We recommend departing from Siquijor Port if you’re coming from San Juan as it’s nearer and there are also more ferry trips from here.
For your transfer, you can take a tricycle starting at 250 PHP ($4.40) for Siquijor Port and 500 PHP ($8.70) for Larena Pier. It’s best to first inquire at your resort if they offer a cheaper or even free transfer.
Ferry Schedule from Siquijor to Dumaguete (via Siquijor Pier)
Ferry schedule from Siquijor to Dumaguete (via Larena Pier)
You can buy your tickets at the port. But if you’re travelling on a weekend or in summer, we highly recommend booking online to secure a seat. Note that only Oceanjet is available for online booking on BookAway.
Tickets for Aleson Shipping are only available at the pier. For inquiries, you can contact them beforehand through their Facebook pages.
Top tip: Ferry schedules and rates change frequently. We recommend arriving at the port early to avoid any hassle on the day of your departure. Better yet, confirm the ferry schedules to Dumaguete on the day of your arrival in Siquijor.
Arrival port
Ferries dock at Dumaguete Port. From here, you can get to your hotel in the town centre for 12 PHP ($0.20)/passenger, with an additional cost for luggage.
If you’re headed for Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, tricycle fare starts at 100 PHP ($1.70).
Best places to stay in Dumaguete
Dumaguete is the perfect jumping off spot for Apo Island, a diving hotspot. There’s the option to stay in Dumaguete city, but we’d recommend picking an accommodation a bit further from the hustle and bustle of the city.
That’s where most of our favourite stays are located, so that you can head back to a relaxing spot after a day of diving.
Mahi Mahi Dive Resort - Treating Yourself
Area: Near Zamboanguita beach — approx. 45-minute drive to the centre of Dumaguete
If you’re willing to splash the cash a little, then Mahi Mahi Dive Resort is the best of the best in the Dumaguete area. Everything is brand new and of the best quality at this ultra-modern resort.
The rooms are so nice it’ll be tempting to stay in but the swimming pool that you can see from your balcony will be too hard to resist. Or the sound of the waves from Zamboanguita Beach will be calling your name. It’s only a few steps from the resort!
- Ultra-modern resort
- Stunning rooms with pool views
- Right next to the beach
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort - Treating Yourself
Area: Municipality of Dauin — approx. 30-minute drive to the centre of Dumaguete
Staying at Pura Vida feels like you’re a world away from the busy city of Dumaguete. Instantly the sight of the palm trees, pools, waterfalls and cosy bungalows floods your body with relaxation. Exactly what most of us are looking for!
In between relaxing or working out at the on-site gym, you can make full use of their highly professional dive shop. It’s the perfect place to go snorkelling or make a trip to Apo Island.
- Dive shop
- Swimming pool overlooking the beach
- On-site gym
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Kookoo’s Nest Eco-lodge - Mid Range
Area: Antulang Neighborhood — approx. 1-hour drive from the centre of Dumaguete and a minute walk to Cliff beach Siaton
Not far from Grandview Cottage Resort is Kookoo’s Nest. This eco-lodge is the perfect escape into nature, with the incredible bamboo bungalows brilliantly combining nature and comfort.
Everything about this place feels intimate. Whether it’s lounging on your hammock overlooking the sea or walking along the private beach right in front of the eco-lodge, it’s the perfect place to escape people.
- Private beach
- Bamboo bungalows
- On-site restaurant
- Amazing location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Grandview Cottages Resort - Mid Range
Area: Andulay rural area – approx. an hour from the city centre of Dumaguete
Some of us can’t stand cities and are itching to leave as soon as we arrive. If this is you, and don’t want to stay in Dumaguete city, head south to Grandview Cottages Resort.
As the name suggests, the views are pretty grand. As you step out onto your private balcony, you’ll be met with views of the ocean and nature. And lucky for you, that enticing ocean is only a few minutes’ walk away. Or you can go for a dip in the resort’s infinity pool.
- Unique thatched cottages
- Sea views
- Infinity pool
- Tasty breakfast included
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Amazi Homestay - Budget Friendly
Area: Dumaguete City centre – approx. 5-minute drive from the city centre
If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful spot in the centre of Dumaguete, then Amazi Homestay it is! The homestay offers spacious, modern and clean rooms with air conditioning.
The staff will also make sure all your needs are cared for with their professional and attentive service. This place is great value for money!
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
- Modern bathrooms
- Friendly and helpful staff
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Siquijor to Dumaguete
What is the distance from Siquijor to Dumaguete?
The distance from Siquijor to Dumaguete is 35 kilometers (22 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Siquijor to Dumaguete?
The fastest way to get from Siquijor to Dumaguete is by ferry and takes 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Siquijor to Dumaguete?
The cheapest way to get from Siquijor to Dumaguete is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 170 PHP ($3).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Siquijor to Dumaguete. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Hola,
Los horarios que salen en tu página GECKO ROUTES, del ferry con salida en Puerto Siquijor con destino Dumaguete, para febrero 2024 son vigentes???
Gracias
Hi Francisco, we can confirm that the Oceanjet ferry schedules are valid until February 2024, based on their BookAway listing. You can book your tickets with Oceanjet as early as now.
However, we cannot say the same for Montenegro and Aleson Shipping Lines. Their schedules have been changing frequently, especially since the pandemic. Also for these two companies, you can only book your tickets at the port on the day of your trip. We hope this helps you plan your trip. Safe travels!
PD: Esta respuesta está escrita en inglés para que sea útil para los viajeros de todo el mundo. Recomiendo usar Google Translate para traducir esta respuesta al español.