As the capital of the Philippines, Manila is the perfect place to start your visit to this wonderful country of over 7,000 islands. The most densely populated city in the world, Manila is a busy place with plenty of things to see and do, from colonial history and architecture to skyscrapers and modern malls. Manila is the perfect introduction to the great diversity that exists in this country. From here, there are many ways to continue your journey, and one of the most popular destinations is Dumaguete. This much smaller and quieter seaside town has fantastic seaside resorts, diving spots and historic buildings. In addition, the Apo Island Marine Reserve and Twin Lakes Wildlife Park are within easy reach. As you can see, it is an ideal place to do various activities or to lie on the beach and relax.
Travel options from Manila to Dumaguete
When traveling through the Philippines, home to more than 7,000 islands, it is inevitable to cross several straits of water to get from one place to another. The Manila to Dumaguete day trip is no exception as there are several islands that separate these two destinations. With so much water, you have no choice but to take a ferry or take a plane from Manila to Dumaguete. Flying has many advantages, mainly due to the speed and ease it offers. The plane covers 620 kilometers, because you can go practically in a straight line. Traveling by ferry is different as the route winds around the different islands. If you want an adventure, the last option is to travel by car from one island to another by ferry, but this adds many kilometers to the journey, so it’s not the most recommended option.
Manila to Dumaguete flights
Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines plane at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport © Nate Hovee / Shutterstock.com
There are many advantages to traveling by plane from Manila to Dumaguete. It’s quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive compared to a ferry ticket. Airplane is the fastest means of transport from Manila to Dumaguete. The preset duration varies from 1 hour to 15 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. Add to that the extra time it takes to get to Manila Airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and allow plenty of time to get there and go through check-in and security. In total, we have to add a few hours to the trip.
In Dumaguete, the plane lands at Sibulan Airport. This is the official name of the airport, although it is usually known as Dumaguete Airport or Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, which is an important fact so as not to confuse the names. The airport is located north of the city, a short drive away, which doesn’t add much time to the journey. All in all, the entire journey from Manila to Dumaguete, adding all the sections we mentioned, should take you between 4 and 5 hours if you choose to fly.
There are two airlines that offer direct flights from Manila to Dumaguete: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Both have several flights a day, so it won’t be hard to find one that suits your plans.
Ticket prices are quite similar on both airlines. The factors that influence the price the most are the time of day when the flight is scheduled and the day of the week chosen. Both weekend and mid-day flights tend to be more expensive. Try to pick one with an early or late departure to save some money. It is also important to book flights from Manila to Dumaguete as far in advance as possible. The closer you get to your departure date, the harder it will be to find good deals. You can compare prices and timetables on the travel website 12Go.asia. In addition, on this site you can book with any of the two airlines and receive instant confirmation of your purchase.
From Manila to Dumaguete by ferry
Although the flight from Manila to Dumaguete is the fastest option to travel between these two destinations, the ferry ride is quite an experience. With so many islands, the Philippines is a country where getting around by ferry is common and a part of everyday life for anyone who wants to travel around the country, locals and tourists alike. Many locals like to travel by ferry because the tickets are much cheaper than plane tickets. The ability to save money is one of the advantages of the Manila to Dumaguete ferry, although the actual cost depends on the type of ticket purchased. Of course, the cheaper the ticket, the less comfortable the “accommodation” will be.
2GO travel agency offers a direct ferry service from Manila to Dumaguete. Not to be confused with 12Go as 2GO is a Philippine company that operates various ferry routes in the country. Tickets can be booked online, as with flights, through 12Go. The advantage of booking with 12Go is that you can easily compare different ferry and flight options, and read reviews from other travelers to find out what their experiences have been like.
Super economy class on the 2GO Travel ferry © Happy Auer / Shutterstock.com
The ferry ride from Manila to Dumaguete takes 26 hours. It departs from Manila North Harbor Pier 4 and arrives at Dumaguete Port. Double check the details of each ticket type and consider what level of comfort you would like to have on the ferry. Super Value Class includes access to a berth in a large room with many other passengers, but there are also private 4-berth cabins that are ideal for families or friends. The Super Value ticket is the cheapest if you want to save money, but it doesn’t offer any privacy.
The ferries are well equipped: they have places to eat, shops and some entertainment. However, keep in mind that the journey from Manila to Dumaguete is long, although it can be a fun experience to enjoy the scenery along the way. It’s something you’ll miss if you choose to fly, but because flights are so fast, they’re the best option if you’re short on time.