Getting There & Away in Dumaguete

Good to Know

• Dumaguete's airport is small and unconventional: the runway ends abruptly at the Tañon Strait, making both takeoffs and landings dramatic experiences. Planes often take off toward the sea.
• The airport is only 3 km from city center—one of the shortest transfers of any major entry point in the Philippines.
• Ferry services may be disrupted or reduced during typhoon season (July-September). Plan travel to/from islands during the dry season (November-May) if possible.
• When arriving by ferry in Sibulan (rather than Dumaguete port), the onward journey by multicab/jeepney to downtown is very cheap (₱10-12) and takes about 40 minutes.
• If traveling from Cebu with a car or motorcycle, use the Bato ferry route (vehicle-friendly) rather than Liloan (small boats unsuitable for vehicles).
• Direct flights are available but not always frequent—consider flying into Cebu and connecting via ferry or bus if direct flights don't match your schedule.
• A new larger airport is planned for Bacong (south of city center) with expected completion 2028-2030, though construction had not started as of late 2023 and Filipino infrastructure timelines are often fluid.
• Tricycle rides from the airport include fixed rates posted on the terminal building—check before boarding to avoid negotiation disputes.