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Mikael Daez’s ‘Isla’ travel guide to laid-back Dumaguete
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Learn more about the island featured on GMA-7’s summer special, “Isla”, hosted by Solenn Heussaff and Mikael Daez.
“Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling Isla!” (Don’t be a stranger on one’s own island!)
That was the battle cry of “Isla”, GMA-7’s 2014 summer special. Hosted by travel junkies Mikael Daez and Solenn Heussaff, the show set out to show off the beauty of the Philippines’ islands. “Each year, travel websites and magazines come up with lists of must-see places for tourists,” says Mikael. “One thing they have in common is they always mention the Philippines.”
So forget Boracay. Here’s an underrated island we should be proud of.
This is part of a series on the islands featured on “Isla”. Read about other featured destinations: El Nido, Palawan; Oslob, Cebu; Lobo, Batangas; Siquijor; Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental
Dumaguete and beyond
What are your top priorities when choosing a summer destination? Mikael’s are simple: “Stress-free, no work, no worries,” he says. “Chill island.” The logical choice is Dumaguete, also known as the “City of Gentle People” because of its laid-back vibe. Dumaguete City is 600 kilometers away from Manila and reachable by a one-hour flight.
What to see
Apo Island is one of the best dive spots in the whole world, and is a great place to swim with the majestic pawikan (sea turtle)! The jump-off point going to Apo Island is Zamboanguita.
Apo Island is a protected landscape and seascape, and there’s a no-fishing policy that protects the first 300 meters from the coast. This means it’s teeming with hard and soft corals, and serves as the breeding ground for over 600 kinds of fish and 400 kinds of corals. It’s so rich with marine life that you can already enjoy snorkeling just 10 meters from the coast!
“Not just one pawikan,” gushed Mikael. “A whole family! There was a daddy pawikan, a mommy pawikan, what looked like a baby pawikan … it was a magical experience.”
You can also head to Lake Balinsasayao, found in the crater of Mt. Balinsasayao (Sibulan, Negros Oriental). Getting there takes a rough 40-minute ride using either a motorbike or a four-by-four vehicle, but it’s worth it. Since the lake is part of a natural park, there are no motorized boats and travelers can enjoy the quiet aboard little rafts and canoes.
What to do
Honeymooners who visit Dumaguete usually rent yachts from Tambobo Bay. If you need help planning that private cruise, head to Antulang Beach Resort, which has both boats and knowledgeable staff who’ll plan the whole thing and arrange for your meals aboard the yacht! Mikael’s feast about the yacht included giant prawns, stuffed squid, and grilled chicken.
Where to stay
If high-end resorts like Antulang Beach Resort aren’t your thing, Dumaguete also has budget-friendly options. Last year, Drew Arellano and GMA News TV’s “Biyahe ni Drew” stayed at Hotel Essencia. Their standard room goes for P1,200/night for two people, inclusive of breakfast buffet. It also comes with a private bathroom with tub, and air conditioning.
[Related: Drew Arellano’s guide to low-key Dumaguete]
Where to eat
Keep your eyes open for roadside stalls selling Budbod sa Tanjay. It is a kind of suman, or sticky rice cake, from the municipality of Tanjay (pronounced tan-hai). This is made with coconut milk and chocolate, and is usually served with hot chocolate and fresh, ripe mangoes. “What can I say?” says Mikael. “Island living is great.”
Hayahay Treehouse Bar and Viewdeck Negros Oriental’s Flores Avenue. Their specialty? Baked oysters, chili curacha (a relative of crabs and lobsters), and Dumaguete Express, a soup made with fresh seafood and coconut meat, which was then topped lechon kawali. Their twist on shrimp tempura has ginger and coconut mixed into the batter.
Right beside Hayahay is Taco Surf, which specializes in steaks and sushi. Three words: Wagyu. Rib-eye. Steak.
What to buy for pasalubong
Silvanas! Dumaguete’s famous butter-based pastry is absolutely sinful yet absolutely delightful. You’ll find these in the airport and in souvenir shops, but Mikael got his at Sans Rival Bistro on Rizal Avenue, Dumaguete City. They have two flavors: classic butter and chocolate. — Cristina Tantengco/PF, GMA News
This is part of a series on the islands featured on “Isla”. Read more:
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to stunning El Nido, Palawan
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to 'glamping' in Oslob, Cebu
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to Lobo, Batangas
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to mystical Siquijor
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to pristine Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental
“Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling Isla!” (Don’t be a stranger on one’s own island!)
That was the battle cry of “Isla”, GMA-7’s 2014 summer special. Hosted by travel junkies Mikael Daez and Solenn Heussaff, the show set out to show off the beauty of the Philippines’ islands. “Each year, travel websites and magazines come up with lists of must-see places for tourists,” says Mikael. “One thing they have in common is they always mention the Philippines.”
So forget Boracay. Here’s an underrated island we should be proud of.
This is part of a series on the islands featured on “Isla”. Read about other featured destinations: El Nido, Palawan; Oslob, Cebu; Lobo, Batangas; Siquijor; Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental
Dumaguete and beyond
What are your top priorities when choosing a summer destination? Mikael’s are simple: “Stress-free, no work, no worries,” he says. “Chill island.” The logical choice is Dumaguete, also known as the “City of Gentle People” because of its laid-back vibe. Dumaguete City is 600 kilometers away from Manila and reachable by a one-hour flight.
What to see
Apo Island is one of the best dive spots in the whole world, and is a great place to swim with the majestic pawikan (sea turtle)! The jump-off point going to Apo Island is Zamboanguita.
Apo Island is a protected landscape and seascape, and there’s a no-fishing policy that protects the first 300 meters from the coast. This means it’s teeming with hard and soft corals, and serves as the breeding ground for over 600 kinds of fish and 400 kinds of corals. It’s so rich with marine life that you can already enjoy snorkeling just 10 meters from the coast!
“Not just one pawikan,” gushed Mikael. “A whole family! There was a daddy pawikan, a mommy pawikan, what looked like a baby pawikan … it was a magical experience.”
You can also head to Lake Balinsasayao, found in the crater of Mt. Balinsasayao (Sibulan, Negros Oriental). Getting there takes a rough 40-minute ride using either a motorbike or a four-by-four vehicle, but it’s worth it. Since the lake is part of a natural park, there are no motorized boats and travelers can enjoy the quiet aboard little rafts and canoes.
What to do
Honeymooners who visit Dumaguete usually rent yachts from Tambobo Bay. If you need help planning that private cruise, head to Antulang Beach Resort, which has both boats and knowledgeable staff who’ll plan the whole thing and arrange for your meals aboard the yacht! Mikael’s feast about the yacht included giant prawns, stuffed squid, and grilled chicken.
Where to stay
If high-end resorts like Antulang Beach Resort aren’t your thing, Dumaguete also has budget-friendly options. Last year, Drew Arellano and GMA News TV’s “Biyahe ni Drew” stayed at Hotel Essencia. Their standard room goes for P1,200/night for two people, inclusive of breakfast buffet. It also comes with a private bathroom with tub, and air conditioning.
[Related: Drew Arellano’s guide to low-key Dumaguete]
Where to eat
Keep your eyes open for roadside stalls selling Budbod sa Tanjay. It is a kind of suman, or sticky rice cake, from the municipality of Tanjay (pronounced tan-hai). This is made with coconut milk and chocolate, and is usually served with hot chocolate and fresh, ripe mangoes. “What can I say?” says Mikael. “Island living is great.”
Hayahay Treehouse Bar and Viewdeck Negros Oriental’s Flores Avenue. Their specialty? Baked oysters, chili curacha (a relative of crabs and lobsters), and Dumaguete Express, a soup made with fresh seafood and coconut meat, which was then topped lechon kawali. Their twist on shrimp tempura has ginger and coconut mixed into the batter.
Right beside Hayahay is Taco Surf, which specializes in steaks and sushi. Three words: Wagyu. Rib-eye. Steak.
What to buy for pasalubong
Silvanas! Dumaguete’s famous butter-based pastry is absolutely sinful yet absolutely delightful. You’ll find these in the airport and in souvenir shops, but Mikael got his at Sans Rival Bistro on Rizal Avenue, Dumaguete City. They have two flavors: classic butter and chocolate. — Cristina Tantengco/PF, GMA News
This is part of a series on the islands featured on “Isla”. Read more:
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to stunning El Nido, Palawan
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to 'glamping' in Oslob, Cebu
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to Lobo, Batangas
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to mystical Siquijor
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to pristine Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental
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