Discovering Dumaguete: Why It's Called the Best Place to Retire in the Philippines

I’ve always been curious about why Dumaguete City is often hailed as the best place to retire in the Philippines. After my colorful adventure at MassKara Festival in Bacolod, I decided to make a detour to Dumaguete — and to my surprise, it was Buglasan Festival week!

City Capitol during Buglasan Festival

Buglasan Festival: Festival of Festivals

Buglasan Festival is known as the “Festival of Festivals” in Negros Oriental, and it's celebrated every October, this time from October 17–26, 2014. It showcases the best of each town and city in the province — a grand celebration of culture, dance, and community.

Dumaguete City Capitol During the Festival

Dumaguete's City pride

The city comes alive with a parade of colors, cultural displays, and street dancing competitions. Each municipality proudly presents its unique identity through costumes, music, and performances. Many of the dances have strong Spanish influences, with traditional Filipino attire like barong and baro't saya on full display.

Dance of the harvest

How to Get to Dumaguete

Dumaguete is accessible via multiple routes:

• By Air: Fly to Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport from Manila or Cebu via local airlines.

• By Land & Sea: From Cebu, it’s around 5 hours via bus and ferry. From Bacolod, it takes approximately 7 hours by land.

Buglasan Highlights

• 🎭 Street Dancing Parade: A major attraction that features the festivals of various towns across Negros Oriental.

• 🛍️ Capitol Grounds Bazaar: The Provincial Capitol transforms into a bustling bazaar filled with local food, crafts, souvenirs, and art.

• 🥘 Food Trip Heaven: Dumaguete is known for cheap, delicious food — and Buglasan Festival is the perfect time to indulge.

Must-Try Food: Silvanas and Sans Rival

Silvanas and Sans Rival

No trip to Dumaguete is complete without a stop at Sans Rival Bistro, located on the scenic Rizal Boulevard. They offer two irresistible delicacies:

• Silvanas – Buttery, sweet, frozen cookies at only ₱15/piece

• Sans Rival – Rich, creamy dessert cake for just ₱28/slice

Both are perfect for take-home treats — if you can resist eating them all first!

Take a Walk Along Rizal Boulevard

Talk a walk!

After a sweet treat, take a relaxing stroll along the Baywalk (Rizal Boulevard). The cool sea breeze, friendly locals, and ocean view make it one of Dumaguete’s most peaceful spots. It's also the ideal place to reflect on your travels — or plan your next meal.

Where to Stay: Budget-Friendly Accommodation

My room for the night!

Dumaguete offers a range of accommodations. I stayed at Gabby’s Bed and Breakfast in Claytown for only ₱600/night. It included:

• A single bed

• Air conditioning

• Cable TV

• Private bathroom with shower

• Complimentary breakfast

Affordable and comfortable — just what a traveler needs.

Why Dumaguete is Perfect for Retirees

Dumaguete is a laid-back university town known as the “City of Gentle People.” Its charm lies in its simplicity and accessibility:

• Everything is just minutes away — schools, shops, markets, hospitals, and the sea.

• The cost of living is low compared to major cities.

• The community is warm and safe — with many expats and retirees calling it home.

This town has a peaceful vibe, rich culture, delicious food, and natural beauty. After just a few days here, I completely understand why Dumaguete is considered one of the top retirement destinations in the Philippines.

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Final Thoughts

My visit to Dumaguete City was both spontaneous and rewarding. I came for curiosity, stayed for the festival, and left with a new perspective. Whether you're a tourist, a foodie, or a future retiree, Dumaguete has something for you.