Philippines: Road Trip to Zamboanguita and Dumaguete

Two years ago, my husband, @IamYohann and I traveled by car to a neighboring island with our then 4 year old daughter in order to spend a few days to relax close to the sea. When a friend crossed Tañon Strait with their SUV on board and drove around the island of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental for a week-long road trip, our family decided to do the same. A mini version of it rather. A short yet laid back 5-day road trip. 3 nights in Zamboanguita and 1 night in Dumaguete City.

At that time, we were living in an agricultural countryside town of Argao in the island of Cebu. We drove approximately an hour and a half to reach Liloan Santander Port to catch the ferry.

We got lost. We had trouble locating the port. We missed the turn and went straight to the other Maayo Shipping Port in Bato, Samboan. Thankfully, we were early so we made a u-turn and asked for directions.

How to Get There from Cebu City?

Expect at least 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hour drive from Cebu City to get to Maayo Shipping Port in Liloan, Santander depending on the time of day.

In case, you're backpacking there's a Ceres Bus Direct from Cebu to Dumaguete City at South Bus Terminal along Natalio Bacalso Hi-way. It takes approximately 4 hours to travel to Bato Port in Samboan, Cebu. The bus is then loaded onto a Roro ship en route to Tandayag, Amlan for a boat ride of 45 minutes which would then continue to Dumaguete City for another hour hour road travel.

The faster and more direct route would be from Cebu City to Liloan Port Santander. At the port, you can take Cuadro Alas Fastcraft.

For travelers with a vehicle the best option would be Maayo Shipping Port, a car and passenger ferry crossing between Negros Oriental and Cebu.

Take Sibulan - Santander boat and click here for the travel schedule

Boat Travel Duration is 30 mins

Once tickets were purchased and the ferry was ready to load passengers, we boarded the car on the boat and climbed up to the passenger sitting area of the ship. The ride was brief and all three islands; Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Cebu could be admired throughout the journey.

At Sibulan Port, we followed the North South Road passing through Dumaguete City. Our plan was to drive directly towards Zamboanguita which was roughly around 45 minutes from Dumaguete City.

Tip: Don't forget to withdraw cash in any of the banks in the city before heading towards the countryside.

As we were driving out of the city, the greenery was impressive! Despite the already wide highway, there were road widening projects with room for future expansion. Being surrounded by coconut plantations, mountains and the sea, the drive down to Zamboanguita felt welcoming and refreshing for travelers like ourselves on a road trip.

Where We Stayed

After reading a lot of recommendations from travelers, we decided to book at Kav's Beach Resort. We initially considered Aqua Dive Resort because the dive center we preferred was based there, but they have a no children policy.
Nevertheless, we were happy with our decision. I suppose the photos and video paint a thousand words.

Here's my Kav's Beach Resort Hotel Review: *"Haven by the Sea Oozing with Positive Vibe" *

"During my extensive experiences traveling, hotel pictures often look better online, but with this property, it exceeded my expectations. I was told it's 3 years old, but it looks new. Well maintained with great attention to detail. The well-kept landscaped gardens and hotel layout provided privacy, tranquility and spaciousness. Great customer service with friendly staff who are flexible to attend to special requests. We booked a 27 sq. m deluxe room which was really spacious and designed in good taste. They used high quality stylishly selected materials. There was actual hot and cold water line. The room was well equipped and well planned for the comfort of each guest. It has a security vault, black out curtains, mini fridge, complimentary coffee and green tea. They offer delicious food in the resto-bar overlooking the pool. We had an excellent time here and we highly recommend."

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling at Apo Island

That afternoon, we went to @acquadive at Acqua Dive Resort to book for the island day tour. We completed our registration and was fetched by a tricycle at our hotel the next morning. We shared the boat with a vacationing family from Manila.

Mark of Acqua Dive was an excellent guide and dive master. Thank you Mark and the awesome team of @acquadive for one fun filled day out in the sea. @IamYohann enjoyed his 3 open water dives, while Anais and I explored the diverse corals from the surface, snorkeling. The experience swimming with many gigantic sea turtles was extraordinary.

On our third day, we stayed in Zamboanguita and did nothing but swim in the pool and relax. Oh, massage was in the menu and we tried different dishes at Kav's Restaurant and Bar.

We checked out on the 4th day to head over to Dumaguete City.

Things to Do and See in Dumaguete City

1. Stroll Along Rizal Boulevard

Check out the old trees and the coast. The strip is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants. It lights up at night and is a great place to hang around in the evening.

2. Brunch at Cafe Mamia

Their must-try Kare-Kare has Crispy Pork (Lechon Kawali style) with traditional vegetables and thick peanut sauce.

**3. Burger Overload **

If a sumptuous burger is right up your alley, try Das Burgery instead. The Pork Barrel is their bestseller. Any joint that offers Sriracha is good in my book. They also have another branch in Bacolod City.

4. Visit Silliman University

A stunning piece of history and architecture. The first American University in Asia and the Philippines.

5. Visit Different Parks
Freedom Park, Quezon Park, Social Gardens, and the Boulevard to name a few.

6. Visit the Belfry and the Oldest Catholic Church in Dumaguete

St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral is the oldest church. Adjacent to it is the Belfry.

7. Sylvannas Treats at Sans Rival Bistro

Your trip to Dumaguete is incomplete without trying the addictive sylvannas. While you're at it, my ultimate favorite in their menu are Callos and Lengua Castellana, both Spanish inspired Filipino dishes that my Abuela used to make that filled my childhood memories. It gets full in the evening. The terrace lounge area has a bar and is perfect for dinner overlooking the lively Rizal Boulevard at night.

8. Instagram Worthy Tree Hive Food Hub

Our curiosity led us to explore this container looking facade that houses different stalls. They were just about to open when we dropped by around sunset.

For foreigners who are worried about extending their tourist visa, fret not. There's a Bureau of Immigration office in Dumaguete City.

Living a rustic countryside life surrounded by greenery is possible with easy access to urban needs for just 20-minute to 1 hour drive away. I found the Dumagueteños to be open, warm and friendly.

It's safe, quiet and pretty laid back in a charming and quaint way. Hence, it makes Dumaguete an ideal place for retirement.

Personally, it's my top choice for retirement settlement in the Philippines. It has its own airport. Healthcare is available. There are big malls as well namely; Robinsons Place and the newly opened City Mall.

What's on your mind? Which of the activities would lure you in the most?

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