🚀 2017 Throwback: Our First Motorbike Mayhem Adventure to Dumaguete 🛵
Back in 2017, when Max and I were still just friends—or let’s say buddies—we went on our very first travel adventure together. It was also the first time I experienced a long-distance motorbike trip, and honestly… it was insane.
We decided to travel all the way from Cebu City to Dumaguete—yes, by motorbike!
The Wild Idea 💡
If there’s one thing you should know about Max, it’s that he loves riding motorbikes. It doesn’t matter how far the destination is—he’s always up for the ride. One day, he casually asked me:
“Do you wanna do something adventurous?”
Of course, I said yes! Even though my parents were super worried (it was a long ride and I had never done anything like it before), I guess I’ve always been a little rascal and a bit of a rebel. 😅 So off we went—just the two of us, a motorbike, and the open road.
From Cebu to Dumaguete 🚢🛣️
We woke up around 4:00 AM to hit the road. But here’s the kicker—we were a little hungover from having beers the night before. 😅 We were tired, sleepy, and slightly dizzy—but still so excited to go!
We started our journey in Cebu City, and guess what? My cousin joined us too! He brought his own motorbike and rode with us for part of the trip.
Along the way, we made a stop in Oslob, where I have an aunt. It was a funny and heartwarming break in the journey—especially because I was actually injured at the time! 😂 But that didn’t stop me. I’ve always loved the thrill of travel, no matter what.
We dropped by my aunt’s house, had hot coffee, and shared some laughs. After the quick stop, we parted ways with my cousin, who headed back, while Max and I continued toward the port.
From Liloan Port in Santander, we took a RORO ferry with the motorbike onboard to Sibulan Port, just outside Dumaguete. The ferry ride took around 30 minutes—calm, breezy, and filled with excitement for what was to come.
First Impressions of Dumaguete 🌊✨
When we arrived in Dumaguete, I was completely stunned. The city was so clean and peaceful, with a beautiful boulevard by the sea. It had this relaxed vibe that I instantly loved.
Tired from the journey but full of energy, we headed straight to a nearby bar and had our first beer together. That cold drink hit differently after hours on the road!
That Hilarious Resort Owner 🏨😂
After our beer, we started looking for a place to stay. We found a charming little resort and checked in. But what made the place unforgettable was the foreign owner who suddenly approached us and said:
“You see this area? IT’S ALL MINE.”
It was so random and bold that Max and I couldn’t stop laughing. To this day, we still joke about that line!
Oh—and the room? It had this giant, awkward painting of horses hanging on the wall. You know the type… those typical dramatic horse pictures you often see in old Asian-style homes. So ugly that it actually became hilarious. 🤣
Exploring Dumaguete 🌴🗺️
The next day, we explored Dumaguete and nearby spots. It was my first time there, and it didn’t disappoint.
Here are some of the highlights of our mini adventure:
🌿 Casaroro Falls
Located in Valencia, this waterfall is hidden in a lush jungle. We hiked down more than 300 steps to reach it, and the view was worth every step.
🌋 Hot Steam Street
These crater lakes are known for kayaking and nature trips, so of course we had to check them out! We hopped on a motorbike and hiked our way through the forest—felt like an episode of Survivor: Dumaguete Edition. 😅
The hike was long (don’t ask us how long—we were too busy catching our breath to check the time), and when we finally reached the lakes… well, they were peaceful and pretty, but not exactly jaw-dropping for us. Still, it was a fun little adventure! We probably won’t go back, but hey—we can now say we’ve seen the Twin Lakes and lived to tell the tale. ✅Pulangbato Falls – A red-rock waterfall surrounded by hot springs
🌊 Pulangbato Falls – Dumaguete’s Reddish Gem with a Chill Resort Vibe
🏞️ What to Expect
The falls are easy to access, with a resort built around the area. It’s definitely more on the chill and relaxed side. No hiking required—just park your motorbike, pay the entrance fee (around ₱50–₱100 per person when we went), and enjoy the scenery.
There’s a man-made swimming pool filled with cold, fresh water directly from the falls—perfect for cooling off without having to dip right into the natural pool. You’ll also find a small restaurant and bar inside the resort, where you can grab food or drinks while enjoying the sounds of the waterfall.
This spot is ideal for families, groups, or anyone looking for a peaceful nature escape without too much walking or effort.
🥾 Our Personal Take
While Pulangbato Falls is beautiful in its own way, we personally prefer Casaroro Falls. Why? Because we’re into adventures, hikes, and hidden gems. Casaroro offers a more thrilling experience with a proper hike, fewer crowds, and a much wilder, untouched atmosphere. For us, the effort to get there makes the view even more rewarding.
That said, we’re still happy we visited Pulangbato. It’s a great place to relax and unwind, especially if you’re not in the mood for long treks. But if you’re craving a more adventurous day, Casaroro Falls might be more your style too!
🌅 Rizal Boulevard
The heart of Dumaguete. We walked by the seaside, watched the locals, and enjoyed the simple, laid-back life of the city.
Other Must-Visit Places in Dumaguete 📍
Although we didn’t get to visit all of these during that trip, here are a few more amazing spots you should check out if you're in Dumaguete:
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Silliman University – One of the oldest universities in the Philippines with beautiful architecture
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Malatapay Market (Wednesdays) – A lively cultural experience with fresh produce, local food, and even livestock
That Trip Changed Everything ❤️
Looking back now, that trip was the start of something beautiful. It was filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories—all while we were “just friends.” But maybe, just maybe, that was the trip where our story really began.
From Cebu to Dumaguete, from motorbikes to inside jokes... that was our first adventure—and it set the tone for so many more to come.
🏝️ Dumaguete vs Cebu – A Quick Thought
Compared to Cebu, Dumaguete felt more peaceful, cleaner, and safer. The traffic wasn’t as stressful, and the air felt fresher—definitely less polluted than Cebu City. We also found it more affordable, especially when it came to food and transportation.
Another big plus? Everything’s close! If you love the beach, you’re never far from the shoreline. And if you’re chasing waterfalls (like us!), there are several beautiful ones nearby—no need to travel far.
Dumaguete may be small, but it has a lot to offer if you're into nature, relaxed vibes, and spontaneous adventures. 🛵🌴
What We Think About Dumaguete
Overall, we really enjoyed our time in Dumaguete. It’s the kind of place that’s not too touristy, but still has so much to offer. From motorbike rides through the countryside to spontaneous waterfall trips, every day felt like a small adventure.
The people were friendly, the pace was slower, and it was easy to feel at home. If you're looking for a destination that's laid-back, affordable, and full of natural beauty, Dumaguete is definitely worth adding to your list.
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We’ve got more travel stories, tips, and funny adventures coming your way—so stay tuned for more! ✨
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