Dumaguete And Oslob

I would often see Rajo Laurel's Instagram posts of his childhood playground, Dumaguete. Tagged humorously #DIVAguete, the city boasts of blue green mountains, beautiful marine life, and the first American University in the Philippines and Asia.

Last week, I was invited by a dear old friend to join her and other friends for a long weekend holiday in this tropical paradise. Located at the southern tip of Negros island, it is less than an hour away by boat to Oslob, Cebu or Siquijor Island. At a very relaxed pace, we enjoyed the cuisine, lounging by the pool, the windy boat rides, and the swim with the gentle whale sharks in Oslob.

I heard Julia Roberts stayed for five days, now, I know why.

A bird's eye view of Sumilon Island, 5 mins before landing in Dumaguete.

Dumaguete's Boardwalk

Monument to Paulinian Nuns who came to the city in 1904

Home of Dumaguete's famous Silvanas

The oldest known bellfry in the province stands next to the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral

Silliman University

Silliman University Church

St. Agustine of Hippo, Bacong, Negros Oriental

Our home for 5 days, Atmosphere Resorts & Spa

The local bayong is perfect to take anywhere.

The tree house for yoga and evening dinners.

Worth the calories! Turon de Leche and Cassava Cake topped with Ube Ice Cream

Dumaguete's famous Silvanas

Divers leaving early morning.

The view of Dauin coastline from the boat. It's good that most of the resorts are not full concrete structures, they beautifully blend with the coconut trees that line the shore.

High tide at Manjuyod White Sand Bar

Dumaguete is less than an hour away by ferry or boat to Oslob, Cebu.

I'm not a good swimmer but I managed to swim with the gentle whale sharks in Oslob.

Mother and daughter, Rina and Pia swimming gracefully with the whale sharks.

No need to invest on an underwater camera, you can rent and the Oslob fishermen take really good photos.

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