Dumaguete City, known as the “City of Stories,” is the first Philippine city designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, renowned as a vibrant intellectual hub and a literary haven in Southeast Asia. Dumaguete City boasts a long and vibrant history. From being a small fishing village, it became a center of Spanish colonial rule in the region and is now home to several iconic landmarks.

Dumaguete Heritage District

The Dumaguete Heritage District is a curated cultural tourism circuit that showcases the rich historical and academic legacy of Dumaguete City. This thoughtfully designed trail brings together some of the city’s most significant heritage landmarks, offering visitors an immersive journey through its colonial past, educational prominence, and enduring cultural identity. Key stops include the iconic Campanario de Dumaguete, built in 1811 and recognized as one of the oldest bell towers in the Philippines. Standing as a lasting symbol of the city’s Spanish-era heritage, the Campanario is complemented by the National Museum of the Philippines – Dumaguete, which features exhibits on local history, archaeology, and natural heritage. 

Dumaguete Food Crawl

The gastronomic culture of Dumaguete City is inspired by its history as a former trading port. With fusions of Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino influences, the city is sure to be a haven for foodies. Head to the painitan, the local destination for delicacies like puto (steamed rice cake), sikwate (hot chocolate), silvanas (buttercream cookies), homemade ice cream, and the famous Dumaguete express (seafood cooked in coconut milk).

Silliman University Campus Tour

Explore the oldest American-founded university in the country and across all of Asia. A visit to one of the country’s leading educational institutions makes for a fascinating tour, as it spotlights the province’s heritage through the marvelous history museum and century-old buildings on campus.