Private Tour
Dumaguete Tours in English | Private, Flexible Full Day Tours
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Visiting Dumaguete or Dauin for the first time and want a relaxed, stress-free way to explore? Message me.
Note on pricing: The price shown is for your entire private group, not per person. For groups of four, it works out to about 3,000 pesos per person for a full-day private experience.
This flexible nature tour is designed especially for first-time visitors, balikbayans, couples, and mixed-ability groups who want clear English communication, comfort, and no rushing. Guests also book my Dumaguete Food Tour, based on my most-requested food recommendations.
Hi! I’m James, an American guide living in the Philippines since 2019. I’ll plan the day around your pace and interests — from easy walks to optional light hikes or swimming.
What we’ll do:
• I’ll pick you up in an air-conditioned Hyundai Tucson SUV, complete with sun and moonroof for your viewing enjoyment!
• All tours have a basic itinerary, but are fully customizable based on your interests!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes is a peaceful mountain nature reserve known for its cool climate, forest scenery, and panoramic views of the twin crater lakes. Guests can enjoy scenic viewpoints, gentle walking paths, and quiet time in nature. Optional hiking is available for those who wish, including a trail to the second lake and an observation tower with views of both lakes (weather permitting). Hiking is never required, and the visit is adjusted based on comfort, energy level, and conditions. There is also time to explore the Fern Sanctuary and relax at the on-site restaurant, which serves coffee, snacks, and simple local dishes (not included). Time spent here is flexible and unhurried.
Pulangbato Falls
Pulángbato Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the Dumaguete area, set among lush greenery and red rock formations. Guests can relax, enjoy the views, take photos, or swim beneath the waterfall if they wish. Swimming is optional and completely up to your comfort level. If you’d like to swim, bringing a swimsuit and water shoes is recommended. Towels are available to rent on-site, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Time spent here is flexible and adjusted based on your pace, weather conditions, and interest — there’s no rushing, and we stay as long as it feels enjoyable.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Food & Drinks
Admission to Red Rock Hot Springs
Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao & Danao
Pulangbato Falls
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Small Groups (1-4 people)
Duration: 1 day: A full or half day tour is up to you! Spend 6-8 hours experiencing the incredible natural environment of Negros.
4WD Hyundai Tucson
Pickup included
Large Groups (5-8 people)
5-8 passengers : For larger groups, this option is now available!
Van
Pickup included
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dumaguette through eyes of a local American
rtfette,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My day tour with James Todd introduced me to the local areas and sights of Dumaguette, after 5 days of diving. This included a couple waterfalls, lakes and the local town. The best part was hearing from someone with an American background his perspective about day to day life there. Even just driving around gave me a unique experience of the area versus staying in my resort. I would not hesitate to recommend James Todd to anyone looking for a customized tour of the area.
Great tour guide and tour in Dumaguete area!
Pete N,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00James is a fantastic tour guide! One the best i’ve had and I’ve traveled all over the world. What I like about James’s approach is that he’s very calm and customer focused and knowledgeable about what he is showing you. If you have a chance to spend a day with James, you will thoroughly enjoy the day and he is very kind and thoughtful. I highly recommend him.
Dumaguete Day Tour you don't want to miss!
CL77USA,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are looking for a tour of Dumaguete and the surrounding areas, look no further than this tour. Our tour guide James was not only professional but made my family and I feel welcomed to Dumaguete. From the moment we stepped onto the tour to stepping off, we didn't want the tour to end. Our first stop was Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park which was a sight to see and then we went to eat paco fern which was a delight. Our next stop was a beautiful restaurant overlooking the ocean with a heartfelt Filipino meal. Pulangbato Falls was a highlight to see but the water was so strong due to the recent rain, we weren't able to swim under the waterfall. Our next stop was Red Rock Hot Springs which was amazing to end the tour in a relaxing hot spring. James knows the history and sights to see in Dumaguete, we never felt rushed. If you need someone to count on for a relaxing tour, book James for a customized tour, he is the man!
Excellent personalized tour
Lionel D,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A private, tailor-made excursion to discover the Dumaguete region. James is very friendly and attentive to your wishes. He organizes everything accordingly! I really enjoyed it and I recommend him 100%!
A tour guide who feels more like an old friend!
katcJ3139NC,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best tour guide you can ever ask for! Not only will he take you to the spots you want to see or the places you must visit, he’ll join you on the adventure - whether it’s swimming in hot springs, cliff diving, you name it! It’s like having an extra friend who is local along with you for your vacation. Highly recommend!
The trip was great
Lilian W,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip with James was very great we saw very nice places on Negros and learned a lot about the culture. Thank you very much
Flexible, Stress-Free Exploration of Stunning Places and Food
570ronand,Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was so good we scheduled a second day before we’d even finished the first. That should say something. A testament to the guide's flexibility, we effectively combined this tour with the 'foodie' tour. From the start, the whole experience was completely stress-free. We explored some truly stunning landscapes and visited tucked-away restaurants we never would’ve discovered on our own. What really set this tour apart was the way it was run: instead of charging per site or sticking to a rigid itinerary, our guide, James, worked on a per day basis and let us shape the day however we wanted. If we wanted to linger at a waterfall taking photos or spend an extra hour at lunch, it was totally up to us. No pressure, no rushing. James was great — super knowledgeable about the area’s history and geography, and always ready with a story or a fun fact. More than that, he was genuinely friendly and accommodating, making the whole thing feel more like hanging out with a local friend than a formal tour. If you’re visiting Dumaguete and want a tour that’s flexible, fun, stress-free, and run by someone who really knows their stuff, I can’t recommend this highly enough.
Great tour
Kevin M,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Best tour ever with James . 7 of us went. Myself from USA and 6 Filipino friends. Very nice van. James was the guide and he had a driver with him. Saw so much nature up close and lots of water fun. Very informative as well. Adults and children will love it. Will definitely use James again!
Our best days in the Philippines!
518adrianm,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked James for 3 days of private touring towards the end of our trip in Dumaguete end of March 2025. Our shared regret was that we didn't call on him earlier. James tailored every day to our desire and showed us places we wouldn't have known about or not been able to access without him. We were excited and grateful for every place he showed us. He is not only a great guide but also a great person that is fun to hang out with. If you have the opportunity to book this, we highly recommend him!
Fabulous guide- knowledgable, punctual and kind!
nicolerE620VQ,May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James was absolutely wonderful!!! He was so knowledgable about everything and we were truly quizzing him about everything in Negros and Philippines etc. he was very kind, punctual, and the car was clean. The sights he showed us would not otherwise have been possible to reach and we are very thankful we had the chance to join his tour. Biggest bonus and USP is of course that he speaks perfect English which made a big difference. We would gladly use him again and highly recommend him to all!!
Related Experiences
Operated by James