Dumaguete is the capital of Negros Oriental province on the eastern coast of Negros Island, facing the Bohol Sea. Known as the "City of Gentle People," it has a relaxed, walkable character shaped by the presence of Silliman University — the oldest American-founded university in the Philippines — whose campus occupies much of the city centre. Rizal Boulevard, the seafront promenade, is the social heart of the city: families, students, and vendors converge here every evening as the sun drops behind the hills.
Dumaguete is the main jumping-off point for Apo Island, 30 km to the south, where one of the Philippines' best-managed community marine reserves offers outstanding diving and snorkelling with sea turtles. The surrounding province has waterfalls, including Casaroro Falls above Valencia, and the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes in their protected rainforest. Ferries run to Cebu and to Siquijor Island.