It’s rare for anyone to have heard of Dauin for anything other than diving. This little town south of Dumaguete, on Negros Island, has become popular thanks to its seabeds, home to rare species that have turned it into one of the star destinations for lovers of muck diving or macro diving. Even so, despite being a mecca for diving in the Philippines—and scuba being the main thing to do in Dauin—it’s also a great place to go snorkeling, relax by the sea, discover other areas of the island, and use as a base to explore Apo Island. Stay a couple of days, slow your pace, and discover other, lesser‑known parts of the Philippines.
In this Dauin Guide you’ll find everything you need to enjoy your stay: how to get there, what to do, where to stay, where to eat, and tips.
Where Dauin is located
Dauin sits 15 kilometers south of Dumaguete, on the eastern coast of Negros Island, in the Visayas region. To give you a clearer idea, it’s south of Cebu and west of Apo Island and Siquijor.
Malatapay Port, for getting to Apo Island, is only 9 kilometers away. So Dauin is halfway between Dumaguete and Malatapay.
How to get to Dauin
Getting to Dauin from Dumaguete
The easiest way to reach Dauin is to go to Dumaguete first. To do so, the most convenient way is to take a flight from Manila or a flight from Cebu, but it will depend on where you are, because there are also boats from Siquijor, Cebu, or Bohol. You’ll find everything explained in detail in How to get to Dumaguete.
Once in Dumaguete, you need to cover the 15 kilometers that separate it from Dauin. If you go by private transport, allow around 25 minutes. By public transport, it will depend on the stops, but figure about 45 minutes. These are the options for getting to Dauin:
- Negotiate the price of a private tricycle, which is around 250–300 pesos per vehicle.
- Rent a motorbike in Dumaguete: between Santa Rosa St. and Perdices St. you’ll find several rental places. Prices are around 350 pesos per day, although it depends on how many days you rent. It’s hard to get lost—it’s a straight, simple road.
- Take a jeepney/multicab: these leave from the corner of Perdices St. and Colon St., next to the bell tower. It’s 18 pesos per person to the Dauin Publick Market, from where you can walk to your accommodation.
- Take a bus: from the Ceres Bus Terminal, buses head constantly to Sipalay, Bayawan, and Hinobaan, all of which stop in Dauin. In any case, ask the driver, who will kindly tell you and make sure you get off at the right place. The ticket is around 20 pesos, but it depends on the type of bus.
Getting to Dauin from Apo Island
If you’ve gone to Apo Island from Dumaguete, this area will already be familiar. However, if you’ve made the trip from Siquijor, all you need to do to reach Dauin is:
- Take one of the bangkas from Apo to Malatapay: to know the schedule, it’s best to ask at Apo’s tourist office or at the accommodations. One or two leave per day and they’re 300 pesos per person. The trip takes about 30–45 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
- Walk or take a tricycle to the main road.
- Take any jeepney or bus heading toward Dauin: this stretch usually doesn’t take more than 5–10 minutes, as it’s very close.
Things to do in Dauin
Now that you know how to get there, here’s what to do in Dauin in detail.
1. Diving in Dauin
As we mentioned above, diving is what has given Dauin much of its fame and, specifically, being considered a muck diving paradise along with other corners of Southeast Asia like Lembeh.
What is muck diving? Basically, it’s diving over large areas of sand or mud (hence the name) looking for quirky little creatures like nudibranchs, seahorses, frogfish, or octopuses. These are usually done on shallow bottoms (below 18 meters), so they’re suitable for anyone with an Open Water Diver certification.
It’s a kind of diving that might sound a bit unexciting to beginners because scuba among corals—where there’s very striking marine life—is much more eye‑catching. However, the more you dive, the more you appreciate spotting species that are harder to find elsewhere, and that’s exactly what Dauin’s volcanic sands offer. Plus, you develop a sharp eye and good buoyancy that make you enjoy it much more.
What can you see when diving in Dauin? Some of the most sought‑after critters in these waters are the flamboyant cuttlefish or Metasepia pfefferi, the pygmy seahorse, the hairy frogfish or striped frogfish, the mimic octopus, and the blue‑ringed octopus. These will delight macro‑photography lovers. If you’re not sure what we mean, take a look at this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R0O95Lvg_I
There are more than 20 dive sites in Dauin, and they’re not all macro‑focused. For example, in Masoplod you’ll find rich corals; and you also have almost‑daily trips to Apo Island, with a marine sanctuary where turtles never fail.
Of course, you can also get your Open Water Diver certification here—Advanced, Rescue… Prices are more or less what you’ll see in other parts of the Philippines. The OW starts at 18,000 pesos. You can read more about this in Diving course in Bohol, which is one of the best places to learn to dive in the Philippines.
If you need contacts to dive in Dauin, we can give you excellent recommendations if you leave us a comment on this very article. We promise your experience will be BRUTAL.
How to go diving in Dauin? How much does it cost?
Contact one of the many dive schools in the area and compare prices. We’ve dived with Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort and with Bongo Bongo Divers (cheaper) and liked both. In reality, the most important thing is the dive master you get, since on this kind of dive what matters most is being shown many things you wouldn’t see on your own. Booking one or two days in advance should be enough.
Typical prices for diving in Dauin are more or less similar everywhere and are around 1,500–1,700 pesos per dive including equipment. What you need to check carefully is that they include the marine sanctuary fees: 140 pesos per day, or 200 pesos per day if you bring a camera.
If you’re thinking of doing the Apo Island diving trip, figure about 5,000–6,000 pesos for 3 dives with equipment, fees, and lunch.
When is the best time to dive in Dauin?
While you can dive in Dauin year‑round, it’s best to stick to the dry season—that is, from December to May—when visibility is around 15–30 meters, since the sea is calmer. In the rainy season, visibility drops to 10–20 meters. Also, if there’s a lot of swell, dive trips to Apo from Dauin are canceled.
Water temperature is always around 26–30ºC. You’ll find it warmer in June and cooler in February. A 3mm wetsuit works for Dauin year‑round.
2. Snorkeling in Dauin
If you don’t have a diver certification or don’t feel like tank diving, you can always grab your mask and snorkel and enjoy the nearby reefs just off Dauin’s coast. Although, in our opinion, it isn’t one of the best places to snorkel in the Philippines, it’s definitely worth it.
In front of Uzi’s Beach Resort, a few steps from Bongo Bongo, you’ll find the marine sanctuary without having to swim too far. The exact spot is marked on the map of Dauin we’ve included at the end of this article.
Technically, you’re supposed to pay a sanctuary protection fee of 50 pesos. Still, it’s not very common for anyone to ask for it.
3. Day trip to Apo Island
Another thing to do in Dauin—unless you plan to spend the night there—is to visit Apo Island. This small island is just 30 minutes by boat from the coast, so it would be a shame to miss it, especially if you’ve never swum with sea turtles or if you love diving, since here you can do some of the best dives in the Philippines.
How can you do the trip to Apo from Dauin? Here are your options:
- Book it through any accommodation or dive center: it’s a very popular thing to do in Dauin, so it’s a safe bet. It usually costs 5,000–6,000 pesos if you’re diving, including 3 dives, lunch, and fees (200 pesos). If you’re not diving and just want to snorkel, the most common price is 1,900 pesos including equipment, lunch, and fees (100 pesos). Departure is around 9:00 and return around 14:00.
- Go on your own: this will be much more of a hassle, but you’ll save if there are 3–4 of you. To do this, go to Malatapay (10–15 pesos by bus/jeepney) and hire a boat. It’s 2,500 pesos round‑trip for the day. Once on the island, you’ll have to pay 100 pesos in environmental fees and rent snorkel gear if you don’t have it.
In our Apo Island Guide you’ll find all the information about this island.
4. Baslay Hot Spring
Negros has some of the Philippines’ active volcanoes, and proof of this is that you’ll find several hot‑spring areas. The closest to Dauin is Baslay Hot Spring, a cluster of pools in the middle of nature where you can enjoy a warm soak. The path isn’t super easy, but it isn’t hard either. Reaching them will take 15–20 minutes.
While you’re there, take the chance to drop by Baslay Highland Brew Coffee. Here you can drink coffee from the surrounding plantations and enjoy great views, as it sits 300 meters above sea level. Be careful if you dived the same day or the day before because of the altitude—better leave it for later.
5. Beach and relaxation
Snorkeling and diving are the main things to do in Dauin, but it’s also an ideal destination to spend a few days relaxing. Dauin’s aren’t the best beaches in the Philippines if what you have in mind are shores of white, powdery sand. However, its volcanic black coast has its charm because you’ll have clear, calm waters of the Bohol Sea at your disposal—and the beaches are almost always empty.
Thanks to diving, Dauin has lots of beachfront resorts that lack nothing. In our opinion, spending a couple of days enjoying the pool and eating with sea views isn’t a bad plan. Below we tell you about some of the best places to stay in Dauin.
Since it’s still a little underdeveloped, in Dauin you can still savor that vibe that’s been somewhat lost on more touristic islands. Dauin is a quiet town with lush vegetation, goats roaming freely, a lively market and, of course, a church. The most popular is St. Nicolas of Tolentine Church, which is apparently the oldest in the province. Next to it there’s a Spanish‑era watchtower covered in vegetation.
6. Malatapay market
If you need a bit of bustle and it happens to be a Wednesday when you’re in Dauin, don’t miss the chance to visit Malatapay market. It’s about 10 minutes by bus from Dauin, right at the junction with the road to the port where boats to Apo depart. On this day, all the local farmers and ranchers gather to sell their products, so it’s a good opportunity to get closer to local life.
7. Visit Dumaguete and day trips around it
Finally, although it sounds a bit obvious, one thing to do in Dauin is to visit Dumaguete. Being just half an hour away, you can go and come back the same day and see the main sights.
We also encourage you to do some excursions in the surroundings. For example, you can visit Casaroro Falls and Pulangbato Falls or, if you want to stretch your legs more, climb Cuerno de Negros or Mount Talinis. We detail everything in What to see and do in Dumaguete.
Where to stay in Dauin
You can see that you could go to Dauin and go back to sleep in Dumaguete because they’re very close. However, our advice is that if you want peace and quiet—or if your aim is to dive—you stay overnight in Dauin. Honestly, it’s a totally different experience.
With the town’s growing popularity as a diving destination, some interesting accommodations have been popping up. First came the resorts geared toward divers who come to spend a few days by the sea, but little by little they’ve been building lower‑priced lodgings. These are ideal for those who want less luxury but still want to enjoy the area’s seabeds.
Below we list some recommended places to stay in Dauin:
Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort
This was the first place we stayed in Dauin on our first visit. Back then we lived in Manila and wanted to treat ourselves to a weekend, so we didn’t hesitate and opted for the comforts of this seaside hotel. The place has it all: a pool right by the beach, comfortable, spacious rooms, all wrapped in that tropical vibe we love. Plus, if you don’t want to move around too much and just relax, they have a dive center, free kayaks for guests, and a great restaurant.
Book at Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort here
Bongo Bongo Divers
If you want to stay in Dauin without spending too much, Bongo Bongo Divers is a good alternative. Also located near the sea and with a pool, they offer simple double rooms with fan or air‑conditioning and hot water in the shower for under €20 per night. If you’re traveling solo, you can also stay in one of their shared dorms.
Check out Bongo Bongo Divers here
Ceazar’s Place
Right in front of the marine sanctuary, this is another place to stay in Dauin with a Booking rating of 7,8 out of 10. The rooms may not be the most luxurious or the largest, but they’re spotless and have air‑conditioning, a TV, good Wi‑Fi, and a bathroom with hot water. Besides the friendliness of the staff, what wins us over about this hotel is its beach area, with sun loungers and a very handy restaurant.
Click here and book at Ceazar’s Place
AivyMaes Divers Paradise Resort
Another budget option in Dauin is this resort where you can choose between small bamboo bungalows with shared bathroom and fan, or rooms and cabins with sea views with their own bathroom and air‑conditioning. Excellent value for money right on the beach. They have their own dive center and the staff are lovely.
Attention! If you’re backpacking, they also have beds in shared rooms for 4 people.
Book AivyMaes Divers Paradise Resort here
Vida Homes Condo Resort
Travelers looking for something more deluxe to stay in Dauin shouldn’t hesitate to book Vida Homes Condo Resort. You’ll have your own apartment by the sea, with a huge living‑dining room and kitchen decorated with exquisite taste. Add to this incredible gardens, a gym, a spa, a pool, a restaurant, and a bar to enjoy cocktails while you take a dip.
The apartments belong to the same company as Sea Explorers, one of the most prestigious dive centers in the Philippines.
Click here and book your apartment in Dauin
Where to eat in Dauin
As soon as you set foot in Dauin you’ll see that the tourist development of this small town is light‑years behind other destinations like Siquijor or Bohol. Even so, thanks to diving, a few interesting restaurants have been popping up. Of course, the resorts also have options for a meal or a cold beer. Here are some places to eat in Dauin:
- Dauin Dive Cafe: the last time we went to Dauin we arrived at midday starving, and when we saw this restaurant we didn’t hesitate for a second to go in—even with our backpacks. It’s a small, very pleasant place where you’ll mainly find Western food: burgers, hot dogs, pasta, sandwiches, and salads. They have options for vegetarians.
- Finbar: burgers, pizzas, wings, pasta, sandwiches… Aimed at an international crowd, you’ll find lots of cocktails and craft beers. On weekends they have live music.
- Jardin Restaurant: possibly the best restaurant in Dauin today.
- Dauin Public Market: if you’re craving fresh fruit or vegetables, this is your place. Plus, in the market you’ll find some very affordable carinderias where you can try typical Filipino dishes.
Tips to enjoy Dauin
- Best time to visit Dauin: we already told you a bit about this when talking about diving, but the rainy season here runs roughly from June to November. The rainiest month is usually October, but it isn’t a rule that applies day‑to‑day. If you want to ensure better weather, it’s best to come between January and May.
- How many days to spend in Dauin: this depends a lot on your plans. If you’ve come to dive, we suggest at least 2 full days: one to dive Dauin’s sites and another to go to Apo Island. If you’re only coming to snorkel and/or relax, one day will be enough.
- Money in Dauin: there’s an ATM on the main road, next to a bakery. Still, don’t rely on it completely and withdraw cash in Dumaguete, where there are plenty. Most dive centers accept card payments, but they also apply a variable fee (3%–5%).
- Internet in Dauin: being so close to Dumaguete, accommodation Wi‑Fi works reasonably well, but don’t rely on it too much and bring your SIM card with data.
- Healthcare in Dauin: if you need to see a doctor, you’ll have to go to Dumaguete, where there are several major hospitals. Remember that it’s essential to travel with travel insurance for the Philippines. Here’s a 5% discount on the one we use.
Map of Dauin
Here’s a map we made so you can more visually see everything you can do in Dauin, plus the accommodations and restaurants we’ve recommended:
We hope this Dauin guide has helped you plan your visit to this small corner of Negros Oriental. If you go for it, although it isn’t as well‑known as other places in the Philippines, you’ll really enjoy its tranquility and its underwater world.
If you have any questions or suggestions, we’ll read you in the comments!
