Ask anyone from Dumaguete who enjoys a cup of joe if they’ve been to Alimyon Kapehan, and they’ll likely tell you that you just have to go. Most of our conversations with coffee-loving friends went a little like, “You’ve been to Alimyon right?” “No, not yet” “WHAT?! You have to go!” and so we finally went. Safe to say, we were not disappointed, even with all the hype around it. Read on for our full review of Alimyon Kapehan and a few dreamy photos to entice you even more.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
WHERE IS ALIMYON KAPEHAN
You’ll find Alimyon Kapehan high up in the hills of San Jose, on the same road that takes you to Lake Balinsasayao & Danao Twin Lakes. It’s around 40 minutes away from Dumaguete City and is best reached by private vehicle. You could also get a Ceres Bus and hop off at the Twin Lakes road, then take a habal-habal the rest of the way.
Klook.comSignage and a parking attendant mark the entrance, and after parking along the street, you’ll take the stone steps to the top where Alimyon Kapehan awaits with an incredible view.
READ: 8 BEST RESTAURANTS IN DUMAGUETE
WHAT TO EXPECT AT ALIMYON KAPEHAN
Leave your shoes (and your worries) at the door and take in the beautiful native design of Alimyon Kapehan. It’s a modernised and upsized version of a traditional Bahay Kubo, with floor seating around the entire edge a creative use of space. There’s also a fishpond bridge leading to more seating away from the main kitchen area if you like your privacy.
Alimyon Kapehan boasts one of the best views in town, overlooking a sea of coconut trees, a literal sea and Cebu Island in the distance.
We sent the drone up for a better view of Alimyon Kapehan, which sits tucked away amongst the coconut trees. It’s easy to see why it’s so peaceful up there, far away from its nearest neighbour.
THE FOOD & DRINKS AT ALIMYON KAPEHAN
Usually, Zowie would order a normal coffee but friends had told us about Alimyon Kapehan’s famous Coffee Crumble drink, so she had to try it. It exceeded expectations, but it’s difficult to put a finger on what makes it so good. We asked what’s in it, but their recipe is more guarded than the Krabby Patty secret formula. Our best advice is to try it yourself!
We skipped lunch so we had space in our stomachs to try all the best sellers on the menu. We ordered a selection of sweet and savoury dishes, from turon and budbud to native chicken adobo which had explosive flavour. Their menu focuses on snack food, perfect for sharing with a group.
Alimyon Kapehan was a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, and now we finally understand why all our friends raved on about it so much. It would be a great place to visit before or after a trip to Lake Balinsasayao and Danao Twin Lakes, which is just another 15 minutes up the road. You can read our guide to Twin Lakes here, or keep scrolling for accommodation ideas and more Dumaguete food guides.
READ: 26 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN DUMAGUETE
PIN IT FOR LATER
WHERE TO STAY NEAR DUMAGUETE
Most people who visit Negros Oriental are told to stay in Dumaguete, but what they really mean by that is stay around Dumaguete. True, Dumaguete City has plenty of tourist inns and budget hotels, but it’s the surrounding towns of Dauin and Zamboanguita that offer the best spots to stay. There’s not a whole lot to do in the city itself, so when you stay in the nearby municipalities there’s plenty of nature to explore whilst still being nice and close to Dumaguete City. Check out our top picks for accommodation near Dumaguete City.
LUXURY: Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Dauin
Atmosphere Resorts & Spa in Dauin is the resort to stay at if you’ve got a big budget and fancy the finer things in life. Atmosphere has hosted its fair share of local celebrities and deep pocketed divers looking for the best beachfront luxury in Dauin. Read our full review of Atmosphere Resorts & Spa here.
MIDSCALE: Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort, Dauin
If you want to stay by the ocean without breaking the bank, Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort in Dauin is a comfortable midscale accommodation option perfect for diving enthusiasts. If you’ve never dived before, you can get your certification at Mike’s, and divers of all skill sets can enjoy the abundance of macro diving opportunities in and around Dauin.
BUDGET: Bongo Bongo Divers, Dauin
Bongo Bongo Divers is one of the most popular hostels in Dauin for backpackers looking for cheap accommodation in a convenient location. The rooms are simple, without any glitz and glam, but the vibe is fun and welcoming. They have a variety of room styles to choose from, ranging from couples rooms to AC or fan only dorms.
AIRBNB: Villa Amani, Zamboanguita
Villa Amani in Zamboanguita is the perfect holiday home for small families or groups of friends looking for privacy that a traditional resort or hotel can’t offer. The main house sleeps 4 with additional space for 2 in the guest house, or you can book the guest house separately if it’s just the 2 of you and you’re on a budget. The property has a swimming pool, an unbeatable view of Apo Island and kayaks to use whenever you want. Read our full review of Villa Amani here.
MORE DUMAGUETE FOOD GUIDES:
Sans Rival Cakes & Pastries and Bistro Review
Best Burgers in the Philippines, Cliff House Valencia
Best Mexican Food in Dumaguete: Beth’s Kitchen
Best Coffee in Dumaguete: ShimmerSpill Cafe
Baslay Highland Brew Coffee, Dauin
Boho Dreams Grill & Cafe, Dumaguete
Forest Camp Review, Valencia
Atmosphere Resorts Review, Dauin
Street Food, Dumaguete Boulevard
