Dumaguete
Our nearest city
Dumaguete, the capital of Negros Oriental, lies about 35 km north of our base. Known as the City of Gentle People, it's where you'll arrive, run your errands and spend the odd day off.
Some 142,000 people live here (2024 census), and it's a university city at heart. Silliman University, founded in 1901, and Foundation University give it a young, relaxed feel. For us it's also the main stop for groceries and anything else we can't get locally.
Getting to Dumaguete
- Bus
- From our gate, about every 15 minutes. Buses go through Zamboanguita and Dauin on the way to Dumaguete.
- When to go
- We recommend you go on Sundays, or in the afternoon after diving.
- Go there for
- Cash, shopping, immigration and a meal out. Also good if you want a big night out on the town.
Getting there
Arriving through Dumaguete
Almost every volunteer's journey to MCP runs through Dumaguete. Flights land at Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, just north of the city, and ferries from Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor dock at the port in town. On arrival days, every second Monday, we pick new volunteers up at the airport at 10am.
If you're arriving another day or another way, our Getting Here page has the full route. Before you fly, have a look at Preparing to Volunteer and the Volunteer FAQ.
On your days off
Sundays are always free, and you can ask for extra days off when you need them. We do shopping runs to Dumaguete a few times a week, but they go in the mornings while you're out diving, so the easiest way in is the bus. It stops right at our gate, runs about every fifteen minutes and takes around an hour.
In the city, tricycles (motorbikes with a sidecar) and jeepneys (colourfully decorated, stretched jeeps with bench seats along the sides) will take you almost anywhere.
Errands and essentials
Most practical things get sorted in Dumaguete. Here's what volunteers usually go in for.
Cash
There are ATMs in Zamboanguita and Dauin, but they're often empty or out of service, while Dumaguete has plenty. Most cards are limited to 10,000 pesos per withdrawal, so larger amounts take a few goes.
Visas
Most visa extensions are done online these days. For longer stays you'll also need an ACR I‑Card, which means a visit to the immigration office in Dumaguete.
Phone and data
Smart has the best coverage around our base. Its SIM cards and prepaid load are sold all over the city.
Dive gear
Missing a piece of kit? Two dive shops in Dumaguete, and Bongo Bongo Divers in Dauin, give MCP volunteers a generous discount.
Shopping
Robinsons Place, just south of the centre, has international chain stores, cafés, restaurants and a cinema. Supermarkets, the public market and countless small shops cover the rest.
Pharmacies and doctors
Pharmacies, clinics and hospitals are all in the city, should you need them.
A day in Dumaguete
The city's highlight is Rizal Boulevard, a seafront promenade with views of the ocean and the neighbouring islands. It leads up to the port, where ferries leave for Siquijor, Cebu and Bohol.
At peak hours the centre is full of pedestrians, motorbikes and tricycles, often loaded with more people and goods than seems possible, circling the city's many shops and sights, such as the old Spanish bell tower and the local market.
Restaurants serve both local and western dishes at favourable prices, and there are some good bars and a few nightclubs when you fancy a night out.
Day trips
West of the city, near Valencia, a hiking trail leads to Casaroro Falls. The falls are set in lush forest, with a pool at the bottom to swim in, and well worth the 300-odd steps down and back up.
North of Dumaguete, Twin Lakes, two mountain lakes (Balinsasayao and Danao) with forest trails and wide views, makes a fine day out.
Looking for more? See our day trips from MCP.
Where reef protection started
Dumaguete holds a special place in marine conservation.
In 1974, Silliman University's newly founded marine laboratory, led by biologist Angel Alcala, set up a reserve at Sumilon Island to see whether damaged reefs could recover. They could. When Sumilon later lost its protection and its reef was plundered, Alcala drew the lesson that local people had to be part of it from the start.
In 1982, Silliman worked with the fishing families of Apo Island to create the country's second community-managed marine reserve. Apo became a model for marine sanctuaries across the Philippines and beyond, and Alcala, later named a National Scientist, is remembered as the father of Philippine MPAs.
The marine protected areas we work with today, and our permanent seat on Apo Island's Protected Area Management Board, build directly on that work.
Want to volunteer with us?
Find out what a stay with us involves, from reef surveys to dive training.
Read about volunteering