Dumaguete Private Customized Tour

Embark on a full-day nature exploration in Dumaguete with a private guide. Discover the stunning natural beauty of the area while enjoying the comfort of an air-conditioned SUV.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao & Danao - PLEASE NOTE: Moderate hiking is available but not required, only if no rain. For hiking, bring non-slip shoes or boots. Long socks, sun hat, sunglasses, reusable water bottle and bug repellent are recommended.

WHAT WE’LL DO: Pick up from your hotel in an air-conditioned SUV(1-4 passengers). We will take the scenic drive to the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Reserve, approximately 1 1/2 hours. Incredible jungle views and a quiet, unpopulated area of Negros. Hike a rock trail to the second lake and 3-story observation tower with spectacular views of both lakes(weather permitting; 2 hour roundtrip hike). 30 min walking tour of the intimate, endangered Fern Sanctuary. Restaurant onsite serving coffee, snacks and lunch items(not included in tour price), including the rare and highly recommended Filipino speciality Pako Salad, or fresh fern salad. On the return, visit the Valencia municipal park, Forest Camp resort and stop for a Buko(coconut) juice and Turon(fried banana).

  • Pulangbato Falls - PLEASE NOTE: Swimming is available under the waterfall if you like! Bring a swimsuit and watershoes if you want to try. Towels are available to rent for 50 pesos or you can bring your own. Length of time for this tour is flexible and depends on how long you’d like to spend at each location.

WHAT WE’LL DO: You’ll be picked up at your hotel in an air-conditioned SUV with front and back moonroof(1-4 passengers only), and we’ll head up to the scenic mountains along the beautiful Okoy River. Stops include the Tierra Alta Lighthouse & viewing deck, Pulantubig Sulfur Steam Vents, one of several vents within the Cuernos de Negros volcanic complex; monkey viewing and feeding, Pulangbato Falls, Red Rock Hot Springs and the Okoy Geothermal Steam Plant. Swimming at Pulangbato Falls and Red Rock Hot Springs is available and recommended! Lunch(not included in tour price) at your choice of my recommended restaurants with excellent Filipino or international cuisine, and back home.

  • Filipino-American-Japanese Amity Shrine - PLEASE NOTE: Moderate hiking is available but not required on this tour (not available in rainy season). For hiking, must bring non-slip shoes or boots. Long socks, sun hat, sunglasses, reusable water bottle and bug repellent recommended.

WHAT WE’LL DO: You’ll be picked up at your hotel in an air-conditioned SUV(1-4 passengers) and we’ll drive to the Filipino-American-Japanese Amity Shrine in the mountains high above Valencia, site of a 2 months-long battle in 1945. Moderate hike is available to the Japanese defensive positions(Dry season only; 2 hour round trip). Afterwards, we take a guided tour of the excellent WWII museum in Valencia, with various artifacts recovered from the battlefield. After the tour, lunch at one of my recommended locations(not included in tour price) of excellent Filipino or international cuisine, depending on your preference. Explore Valencia Park, Forest Camp resort; duration of this tour is flexible.

*Voluntary donations accepted for museum

  • Lake Balanan - PLEASE NOTE: Light hiking(10 min) is sometimes required to get to the visitor center on this tour; moderate hiking around the lake is optional, weather permitting. Must wear non-slip shoes or boots. Long socks, sun hat, sunglasses, reusable water bottle and bug repellent are recommended.

WHAT WE’LL DO: Pick up from your hotel in an air-conditioned SUV with front and rear moonroofs(1-4 passengers). We will take the scenic drive to Lake Balanan, approximately 1 1/2 hours. Admission is 100p, not included in tour cost. Beautiful views and quiet, protected area of Negros. Option to hike along the lake(weather permitting; 2 hour hike roundtrip) or simply explore the visitor area. Restaurant onsite serves coffee, snacks and lunch items(not included in tour price).

  • Baslay - Enter the enchanting Baslay Coffee Forest and experience the freshest, most unique coffee growing in all of Negros!

This coffee farm has incredible views of the surrounding mountains all the way to the ocean and Apo Island! Relax in a three-story bamboo open-air viewing lodge while sipping the most delicious coffee and snacking on freshly-made Filipino delicacies. All coffee here is sourced, roasted and brewed on-site!

If desired, we’ll take a light 30-minute stroll on the trail through the coffee forest, which is shaded by tall trees that protect the delicate coffee plants below. In addition to the red, black and green beans giving off the slightest scent of fresh coffee, you will see wild-growing rattan that the locals use to make furniture, pine trees with their needles and pinecones carpeting the ground, and maybe even some monkeys!

Admission is 10 pesos per person, not included in tour price.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Food & Drinks
  • Admission to Pulangbato Falls 150 pesos(approx. $2.74)
  • Admission to Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao & Danao 100 pesos per person($1.83 USD)
  • Admission to Red Rock Hot Springs 100 pesos per person($1.83 USD)
Additional Information

Looking for fun things to do in the Dumaguete area for 1-4 people?

Want to explore all the incredible natural beauty of the Dumaguete area on a private, customized tour with an English-speaking guide?

Want recommendations for the best restaurants, things to do and activities?

Hi, I’m James! Originally from Los Angeles, California, I’ve been living in the Philippines since 2019. I am happy to share some of my favorite places with travelers visiting the beautiful Province of Negros Oriental.

What we’ll do:
• I’ll pick you up at your lodging in an air-conditioned Hyundai Tucson SUV, complete with sun and moonroof for your viewing enjoyment!
• Take your pick of my listed attractions. All tours have a basic itinerary, but are fully flexible and customizable based on your interests!
• Try my recommendations for the best local Filipino & International cuisine, locally made craft beer and unique souvenirs(cost not included in tour price).

Location
Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao & Danao
12 km west of the town of Sibulan
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(12 Ratings)
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1 star
Dave
May 21, 2024
Amazing. tour and information - We contacted James the morning of the tour and he said he was willing to take us that day we made arrangements for later that morning . he was very informative with the information given to us. He was with us every step of the way he explained everything as we drove, and as we walked through the different areas and climb down into the waterfall and back, we had lunch with him and had a great time. Everyone was totally happy with the tour next time These sites are so amazing and beautiful and natural I visit we will book another tour. If you’re in the area, this is a Tour . You cannot miss. There’s some golden gems that you’re going to see and enjoy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert
May 20, 2024
Amazing - My wife and I both thought the trip was amazing. James is a great tour guide. He has so much knowledge of the area and culture. He asked us what we wanted to see? My wife Glodes and I wanted to see water and take a little dip. James knew the perfect spots to visit. When we come back to Dumaguete. James will be the first stop on the list. Thank you again James. You made our short visit something we will always remember and share with friends and family. Rob and Glodes
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ilana_p
May 20, 2024
Great tour and great guide! - James was a fantastic guide. We had a pretty mixed ability group and everyone had a blast. We’ve spent time in the area visiting family but have never really explored, and it was great to get to see some great local spots. Our favorites were Baslay Coffee Forest and Pulangbato Falls.
Review provided by Viator
W2816usmaried
Feb 10, 2024
Private and personalized Dumaguete Tour in English - James is an excellent and knowledgeable guide and I highly recommend his tour. My sister and I arrived 4 hours late due to delays on our Cebu Pacific flight (subject of another review) yet James was able to flex and tailor our tour to accommodate our interests and preferences. He took us to sights that we would not have been able to see otherwise and shared insightful information on each location. We had a fantastic and enjoyable experience. Thank you, James!!! We will do it again when we return with the rest of our family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariedeguzman1
Feb 10, 2024
Excellent private and personalized Dumaguete Tour in English - Discovering the natural wonders of the areas around Dumaguete with a knowledgeable guide whonshared excellent insights and accommodated our needs.
Review provided by Viator
Colinbw7560jd
Jan 30, 2024
Wonderful tour of Negros - James was a fantastic tour guide and very knowledgeable. He took us to see many nature sights including the twin lakes and Pulangbato Falls. Another stop was for lunch where we had some excellent Mexican Food and Craft Beers. Would highly recommend James.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Colin_b
Jan 30, 2024
Fantastic day trip - Our guide James made the trip really worthwhile taking the time to really give us a fantastic day. Very informative about local knowledge and took us to some beautiful locations. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Getaway08463971020
Jan 19, 2024
Best guide in Dumaguete! - Brilliant day being shown around Dumaguete by James! Day full of waterfalls, coffee, great food and super informative company in James. There were so many places we would have never found if it wasn’t for James knowledge. James was a brilliant listener to what we would like to see and gave us loads of fantastic options. Could not recommend him more highly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
299sylvainem
Jan 12, 2024
Fabulous hikes - magnificent excursions thanks to James who made us discover fabulous places. James is very available and respected our choice of visits. We greatly appreciated his punctuality and his exemplary driving on sometimes difficult roads.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elvie
Nov 22, 2023
A wonderful drive around the countryside - This is a wonderful way to see the countryside of negros oriental for a first time visitor. James is an excellent driver ,a tour guide and he also took care of us . He has an itinerary but also very flexible of what you want to do , we were able to stop by the local farmers and bought local fruits and snacks , He is a very good communicator he gives you detailed instructions and options of what fit your needs. He is highly recommended .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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