Dumaguete Philippines: Friendliest City or Just Hype?
Is Dumaguete City really the friendliest city in the Philippines?
I arrived with zero expectations—and what happened completely surprised me.
From street markets and strangers offering help to waterfalls, hot springs, and even friendly pigeons, this day turned into something special.
In this video, I explore Dumaguete City and nearby Valencia, walking the streets, meeting locals, trying iconic Filipino food like Silvanas and balut, and following spontaneous recommendations that led me from the city straight into the jungle. What started as a simple walk became a full adventure—powered by kindness, curiosity, and incredible people.
This isn’t a guidebook version of Dumaguete.
This is what it actually feels like to be here.
🌏 What you’ll see in this video:
• Walking Dumaguete City with no plan
• Local markets, street food, and Silvanas dessert
• Rizal Boulevard and the Dumaguete waterfront
• Valencia sulfur vents, waterfalls, and hot springs
• First-time balut experience
• Friendly locals, drivers, kids, pigeons, and monkeys
• Why Dumaguete surprised me more than I expected
If you’re planning to visit the Philippines—or just love real, human travel experiences—this one’s for you.
👉 Let me know in the comments:
Do you think Dumaguete is the friendliest city in the Philippines?
#Dumaguete #Philippines #PhilippinesTravel #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines #DumagueteCity #TheCountryCollectors #walkingtour #DumagueteVlog #NegrosOriental #philippinestravelguide #TravelVlog #CityOfGentlePeople #ExplorePhilippines #Visayas #FirstImpressions
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26 Comments
Hey Country Collectors!
Dumaguete is often called “The City of Gentle People" and has some of the friendliest people I have ever met!
I had some really genuine moments here, and I’m grateful for the kindness I experienced.
If you’ve been to Dumaguete, what stood out to you most?
And if you are a local, thanks for sharing your city with me!
If you are looking for the best way to stay safe on your adventures I use Safety Wing.
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Looks Amazing Adam ❤ 😎 🙏 Best Wishes Tony Randle 👍
Enjoyed it the two times I was there, although it's always been touristy compared to most cities in the Philippines. Last time was in… 2012? Too many travels, hard to be exact on the date… Clearly it's changed quite a bit since then. Speaking of the Japanese, there are many living in the Philippines, and the last time I was there I stayed at a Japanese beach resort in Siquijor run by a lovely elderly couple. I asked them if after their years in Siquijor they planned to return to Japan, and after a little chuckle that I read as "Of course not! How absurd!" they said Oh no no no. So it's not just Westerners, but many in the entire "developed world" that want to escape their stifling, inhospitable societies for warmer, less expensive, friendlier lands. Safe travels – it's a great country! – and greetings to you from "East of the West" in the Ukrainian Carpathians.
เที่ยวไห้สนุกครับ รับชมขากประเทศไทย
❤❤
So much fun ❤
❤
Hi Adam, not sure if you saw my post on your previous video regarding Heidi or not and don’t want to be disrespectful in anyway but like I had mentioned to you previously you both made such an impact on my partner and I we are in the process of moving to Mexico. Bought a house on the coast etc. You both are amazing and we truly felt connected with all the effort you both gave us showing us all how beautiful Mexico truly is both the people and the country is . So thank you both so very much for that.
So sorry what happened to you where you were hurt. We are so glad you are doing better now.
If you dont mind sharing what ever you are comfortable with regarding Heidi we would be most grateful. Just like to know if she is all right and are you? Are yall still together? Your videos together were beautiful and the love that was obvious between yall made those videos amazing and more realistic and believable. Sorry to go on, just know we are so grateful for yalls work on Mexico. So much so we decided to make Mexico out home. Thank you Adam
d_fowler42@yahoo.com if you like to email me and not post it.
You’re a brave man for trying Balut…
Moldova doesn't recognize Philippines authorities.
5:55 the pun 👌😂
Now I live in Pattaya Thailand
Another killer video my friend! Loved it hahahaha. Curious what resolution and fps do you film in? Is it 4k 32 fps?
And I was also wondering something, why do you never wear your branded Country Collector shirts anymore?
Great video, A-Dam!
Dumaguete is definitely on my list of places to visit. I've been to Cebu & Davao & can't say that I liked either of those places. Iloilo is also worth a look see & is on my list.
It's nice to hear your giggle again.
That morning dish looked amazing. "Puto mayo" looks like my kind of dessert! I mean, who doesn't like peanut butter & chocolate?
Onwards!
Dessert for breakfast… sounds yummy!! Nice, friendly people!! You're a friendly guy!! Beautiful day!!! Don't like the smell of sulfur… do like coconut!! I think I would like the hot springs! Monkeys are so cute!! This was a great day!! ❤
Your poor stomach
Hey Bro! Thank you for visiting our City and to be part of your vlog. Keep Exploring our nice places & beauty of nature especially Falls & Mountains….🌲🏞️🏞️🌎🏔️⛰️🌳🌳
That wasnt a guard from the tourist center. It was a policeman. Guards wear dark blue or white tops as uniforms.
That’s my favourite breakfast back in the days.
It's only two videos so far but, the love you're getting in the Philippines has got me thinking about visiting and bumping it up the list.
All not is what it seems, please be careful but at the same time enjoy your life ❤
Come to California, the surfliner up the coast is beautiful, I took it it on a whim to see my friend in Arroyo Grande , best 100 bucks I ever spent 😊
I think that Russian dude boosted your channel 😅
Those two kids are my classmates that insane😮
You finally posted it yayy i was the 1st boy christoff