Siquijor Island and Dumaguete City are just two of the many most visited places in the Philippines.
Known for being a mysterious other-world of witchcraft and mountain-dwelling mangkukulam (healers who used old, traditional way of healing), Siquijor also offers natural wonders beyond beauty and enchantment while Dumaguete City serves as one of the gateways of the former.
Traveler's Couch shares to you an ultimate guide from Cebu to Siquijor and Dumaguete City for a 3-Day-2-Night (3D2N) Adventure trip.
3 Things to know and prepare before the trip...
1. You need at least 3 Days, 2 Nights and here's an overview of the whole trip.
This is also perfect for a weekend trip, either Friday to Sunday or Saturday to Monday, much more if it's a long weekend holiday! Here's a summary of the 3 Days, 2 Nights trip from Cebu to Siquijor & Dumaguete City:
*Day 1: Cebu City to Dumaguete City via Direct Ceres Bus Liner (8-hour Activity)
*Day 2: Siquijor Whole Day Tour (12-hour Activity)
*Day 3: Dumaguete City Walk Tour and Return Trip to Cebu City via Direct Ceres Bus Liner (10-hour Activity)
2. Book your accommodation ahead of time (at least 2 weeks or more) for availability assurance.
Traveler's Couch recommends 'Camlann Cottages' in Dumaguete City, Philippines. It has five spacious and naturally cool self-catering cottages charmingly furnished and fully equipped for your trip in and around Dumaguete. Each cottage accommodate four guests in two double bedrooms with a total floor area of 72 sq meters.
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| PHOTO: Camlann Cottages - Dumaguete City, Philippines |
Location:
It is located in KM 6 of Talay, Dumaguete City of Negros Oriental, Philippines. Past Junob School and the Diversion Highway of Bacong-Dumaguete-Valencia Road. Camlann site is right after Arnie Teves' house and before Motorpool Road. The site is 10 minutes away from central of Dumaguete.
Room Rates:
1-2 guests: Php1350/night
3 guests: Php1550/night
4 guests: Php 1750/night
Extra person additional charge: Php 300/night
Amenities available for each cottages:
Cooking Facilities (microwave, gas hob, toaster, rice cooker, boiler kettle, cooking wares)/ Free Wifi/ Free electric, drinking water and gas/ Fridge & Freezer/ Hot and Cold Shower/ Large 50" LCD TV/ Individual Safety Box/ Sprung Mattresses/ Wall Safe/ Washing Facilities
Booking & Reservation Link:
AirBnB: www.airbnb.com/rooms/5833136
Booking.com: www.booking.com/hotel/ph/camlann-cottages.en-gb.html
*Travel Tip: Camlann Cottages may be 10-15minutes away from Dumaguete City Center but this is really a very nice place, especially for big groups traveling. The owner & staff are VERY FRIENDLY and ACCOMMODATING, they can help you with the updated bus & ferry schedules, best places to eat and anything you want assistance of. You get premium service from a very cost-friendly accommodation, that VIP treatment! ;)
3. For Siquijor Day Tour Cab Rental, contact the driver a week before the trip.
There are many tour and cab rental services the moment you stepout in Siquijor Port, but it gives enough convenience to contact them ahead of time for availability and budget purposes. Refer to below rates for your guidance.
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| PHOTO: Siquijor Day Tour - Cab Rental |
Siquijor Day Tour All-In Transport Rental Rates:
Regular Multicab - Php 1800
Airconditioned Van - Php2500
Below are just few of the many tour coordinators and drivers you can contact for arranging a scheduled trip:
Kuya Rolly, Tour Coordinator: +63 906 580 6033
Kuya Dodoy, Cab Driver: +63 916 941 3562
*Travel Tip: Rates can still be negotiated with the coordinator, it depends on the number of guests availing the tour. No reservation fee needed, as these coordinators/drivers will just rely for your confirmation upon arrival. It is highly advised to contact them a day or two before the trip for finalizing the meetup time.
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Full Itinerary: 3 Days, 2 Nights (3D2N) Cebu to Dumaguete-Siquijor Trip
DAY 1: CEBU CITY to DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines via Ceres Bus (Direct Trip)
6:30 AM
- Assembly Time, Cebu South Bus Terminal
*Tip: There are food stalls in the terminal for breakfast. You may have to bring some foods/goodies to munch on while on the bus trip, as you might arrive around 2PM in Dumaguete City for late lunch.
6:45AM - 7:45AM
- Line-up for Direct Cebu-Dumaguete 8AM Ceres Bus Trip
- Bus Fare (Airconditioned, Direct): Php215/person
*Tip: Always keep your ticket as you will temporarily disembark in Santander Port for sea transfer via barge.
8AM - 12Noon
- Bus Departure @8AM
- Stop-over in Santander Port for Roro/Barge Loading
*Tip: Remember your Bus# if you decide to take a seat outside, though you can stay inside the bus for this barge trip.
12Noon - 12:45PM
- 45minute Boat Ride from Santander, Cebu to Negros Mainland
- Barge/Boat Ticket: Php70/person
*Tip: Boat ticket might be paid before or during the trip.
12:45PM - 2PM
- Arrival in Mainland Negros @12:45PM
- Bus boarding and land trip continuation heading to Dumaguete City
*Tip: You will have to get back to your bus. Upon arrival in Mainland Negros, you'll either arrive in Tampi Port which is 1Hr from Dumaguete City or Sibulan Port which is 20minutes from Dumaguete City.
2PM - 2:30PM
- Arrival in Dumaguete Ceres Bus Terminal @2PM
- Late lunch in Terminal or nearby Robinsons Place Mall
Tip: You can take late lunch in the terminal though meals served are not that convincing. You can take a tricycle for Php7 to nearby Robinsons Place, which is also walkable.
2:45PM - 3PM
- 15-minute Tricycle ride from Dumaguete City Center to Camlann Cottages for Php10/person
*Tip: Try to avoid overpriced fare offered by some drivers. Inform the driver about Camlann Cottages, refer to the location details as mentioned earlier on this post.
3PM - 5:30PM
- Checkin & settle down in Camlann Cottages
Tip: They might ask for a cash deposit (around Php200/room) upon checking, this will be returned upon checkout.
5:30PM - 6PM
- Head back to Dumaguete City Center
6PM - 6:30PM
- Sunset Walk in the City's Baywalk
6:30PM - 8PM
- Dinner at any nearby restaurants in Dumaguete City, here are Trip Advisor's recommendations:
www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurants-g616032-Dumaguete_City_Negros_Oriental_Negros_Island_Visayas.html
8PM onwards
- Free time ;)
DAY 2: SIQUIJOR WHOLE DAY TOUR
5AM - 6AM
- Wake-up call @5AM, preparation for Siquijor Day Tour
6AM - 6:20AM
- 20-minute Tricycle ride from Camlann Cottages to Dumaguete for Php15/person
6:20 - 7AM
- Purchasing of Siquijor ferry ticket, quick breakfast at the terminal
- Oneway Ticket rate: Php130/person
*Tip: There are many shipping lines operating for Siquijor (Montenegro Ferry, Aleson Shipping Lines, etc), check the schedule immediately the next trip with earliest possible departure, like 7:30AM or 8AM. There are local food stalls near the terminal for light breakfast.
8AM - 9:30AM
- Boarding @7:45AM, Dumaguete Port Terminal Fee = Php15/person
- Ferry trip from Dumaguete City Port Terminal to Siquijor Port
9:30AM - 5:30PM
- Arrival at Siquijor Port, meetup with the Cab Driver or Tour Guide
- 8-hr Siquijor Day Tour
- Day Tour All-In Transport Rental: Php1800 for Multicab, Php2500 for Airconditioned Van
(Refer to Trip Highlights Section for the details)
*Tip: For convenience, inform the driver to purchase the return ferry trip ahead of time for 6PM schedule as he has connections to accommodate such favor. The driver already knows where to go and if you are satisfied with his service, don't forget to spare some tip at the end of the tour.
5:30PM - 6PM
- Waiting to board Siquijor - Dumaguete Ferry Boat
- Return ticket rate: Php130/person
6PM - 7:30PM
- Ferry trip from Siquijor Port to Dumaguete City Port Terminal
*Tip: Port Terminal is just walking distance from the Dumaguete City Center or Baywalk Area
7:30PM - 9PM
- Dinner at any nearby restaurants in Dumaguete City, here are Trip Advisor's recommendations:
www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurants-g616032-Dumaguete_City_Negros_Oriental_Negros_Island_Visayas.html
9PM onwards
- Free time :)
DAY 3: SILIMAN UNIVERSITY & SANS RIVAL (Pasalubong) VISIT, RETURN TRIP to CEBU CITY
6:30AM
- Wakeup call
7AM - 8AM
- Pack up things and Hotel Checkout
8AM - 8:20AM
- 20-minute Tricycle ride from Camlann Cottages to Siliman University for Php15/person
8:20AM - 8:45AM
- Seeing around Siliman University & "I Love Dumaguete" Signage
8:45AM - 9AM
- Walk going to Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries
*Tip: This is a known Cake & Pastries shop in Dumaguete, good for pasalubong and light breakfast.
9AM - 10:30AM
- Chill at Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries
*Tip: At weekends, this place can be jam-packed with visitors. Don't forget to try their 'Silvanas', which is also perfect as pasalubong.
10AM - 10:20AM
- Tricycle ride to Dumaguete City Ceres Bus Terminal
10:30 AM - 11AM
- Early lunch at Dumaguete City Ceres Bus Terminal
11AM - 12Noon
- Line-up for Direct Dumaguete-Cebu 12Noon Ceres Bus Trip
- Bus Fare (Airconditioned, Direct): Php215/person
*Tip: Always keep your ticket as you will temporarily disembark in either Tampi Port or Sibulan Port for sea transfer via barge.
12Noon - 1PM
- Bus Departure @12Noon
- Stop-over in Tampi Port or Sibulan Port for Roro/Barge Loading
- Barge/Boat Ticket: Php70/person
*Tip: Remember your Bus# if you decide to take a seat outside, though you can stay inside the bus for this barge trip.
1PM - 1:45PM
- 45minute Boat Ride from Negros Mainland to Santander, Cebu
- Barge/Boat Ticket: Php70/person
*Tip: Boat ticket might be paid before or during the trip.
1:45PM - 6PM
- Arrival in Mainland Negros @1:45PM
- Bus boarding and land trip continuation heading to Cebu South Bus Terminal
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CEBU to SIQUIJOR - DUMAGUETE TRIP HIGHLIGHTS and PHOTOS
DAY 1: Cebu City to Dumaguete City, Negros, Philippines Photos
(Note: Please click the photo to enlarge and view in HQ)
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| PHOTO: Cebu to Dumaguete Ceres Bus |
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| PHOTO: Cebu to Negros Mainland Ferry Boat (Barge) |
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| PHOTO: Dinner at Scooby's, Dumaguete City, Negros, Philippines |
DAY 2: Siquijor Day Tour Photos
(Note: Please click the photo to enlarge and view in HQ)
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| PHOTO: Dumaguete City Port Terminal - Negros, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Siquijor Port - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Welcome to Siquijor, St. Francis of Assisi Church - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Paliton Beach - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Old Balete Tree, Love Potion - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Siquijor Day Tour - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: San Isidro Labrador Church - Lazi, Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: San Isidro Labrador Convent - Lazi, Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Cambugahay Falls - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Cambugahay Falls - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Cambugahay Falls - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Enchanted Forest in Salagdoong Beach - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Salagdoong Beach - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Salagdoong Beach - Siquijor Island, Philippines |
DAY 3: Dumaguete City Tour Photos
(Note: Please click the photo to enlarge and view in HQ)
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| PHOTO: Siliman University - Dumaguete City, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: I Love Dumaguete City Tour - Dumaguete City, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Dumaguete City Baywalk - Dumaguete City, Philippines |
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| PHOTO: Sans Rival - Dumaguete City, Philippines |
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Budget Travel: 3 Days, 2 Nights (3D2N) Siquijor-Dumaguete Tour Expenses
Here is an estimated budget per person for a 3D2N Cebu to Siquijor-Dumaguete Tour
(Note: 8 heads considered in this computation, as some expenses vary on the number of heads):
3D2N Accommodation Budget (Php900/person):
*Camlann Cottages (2 rooms, 4 guests/room @Php1750, 2 nights) :
(Php1750 x 2rooms x 2nights) / 8 = Php875/person
*Room Service Tip = Php25/person
Siquijor Day Tour Budget (Php275/person):
*Multicab Rental = Php1800/8 = Php225/person
*Driver Service Tip = Php50/person
3D2N Transportation Budget (Php930/person):
*Roundtrip Cebu-Dumaguete Ceres Bus (Airconditioned) = Php215 x 2 = Php430/person
*Roundtrip Cebu-Dumaguete Ferry/Barge Fare = Php70 x 2 = Php140/person
*Roundtrip Dumaguete-Siqujor Boat Fare w/ Terminal Fee = (Php130 + Php15) x 2 = Php290/person
*Tricycle Fares (Php10/ride, estimated 7 rides) = Php70/person
3D2N Meals & Snacks Budget (Php1200/person):
*Php150/meal, 7 Meals for 3D2N (Excluding Day1 Breakfast & Day3 Dinner)
Php150*7 = Php1050/person
*Snacks, Php50/day = Php50 x 3 = Php150/person
Pasalubong Budget (Php195/person):
*Sans Rival Dumaguete = Php195/person
ESTIMATED TOTAL BUDGET for 3D2N Cebu to Siqujor-Dumaguete Trip:
Php3500/person
*Travel Tip: The bigger the group, the lower the Accommodation & Day Tour cost/person. These are just estimates and only serves as budget guide.
Have a FUN & SAFE TRIP to Siquijor Island and Dumaguete City, Philippines!
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