Dumaguete, Philippines - January 31, 2006
Made it to Dumaguete. Well, many of the essential elements of the city exist in theory. Its on the ocean and a very large university town. In addition, lots of expats do live, visit, and travel through here. All in all, it should be a really good place.
But I gotta admit its a bit boring after one day. Its not really that large. The university is the main attraction. Outside of that, its a small city with tons of tricyles everywhere. I guess there aren't any taxis in this small city. Not really a problem, just the way it is. In addition, there doesn't seem to be any large shopping mall complex like most cities in the Philippines. Not really a problem either as I don't care for malls that much, and I don't like shopping. However, I have to admit for the 'escape from the heat' option they provide, I do like to go them during the daytime hours. None exist that I know of in Dumaguete. In regards to the beach, it exists as well. But its not really a swimming beach. Its more like a port, and the water that is here, is quite dirty. Nothing really exists for swimming. We went outside of the city for a few kilometers thinking it might get better, but still the same.
Last night, we walked around for awhile. Later I went out by myself for an hour or so hoping to talk with expats. The few I talked to were also travelers. I asked about live music, but found there was only one in this small city - kind of a surprise for a college town of 100,000 people. There were quite a few bars/restaurants and a couple discos near the boardwalk that follows the ocean. Lots of lady-boys around that I saw. One girl approached me and asked for 1000 pesos (US$18) to take her home with me. I declined, particularly having a girlfriend waiting for me. In short, its not that interesting of a place.
Maybe on the weekend, when all the college students go out, its a totally different feel. I am not sure. Silliman is the famous university around here, and very famous for nurses in particular. Maybe its an interesting to go out on weekends. Actually even for a weekday, I guess its somewhat interesting. But in short, I think I've already had enough of Dumaguete, and ready to see more of the Philippines. I can see why people who have retirement income from the West might consider living here. A university town with the ocean access. But its not quite as great as it sounds. Its alright, but not great by any means.
The city has a lot of potential though.
More on the Philippines..
February 2, 2006
You can email me at:
Wintermoon2@yahoo.com