Dumaguete, located in Negros Oriental, Philippines, is a hotspot for tourists and expats because of the nice weather, fresh air, and delicious food. They also have a passionate tennis community with several good tennis courts and plenty of players.

Dumaguete has two tennis facilities, the Praxevilla Tennis Club and the Silliman University Lawn Tennis Club. Praxevilla is the main public facility where you can show up and play tennis with other players. Silliman’s courts are private, and mainly for the students at the university and the club, but you can play there as a guest there too.

The tennis community in Dumaguete cares about their tennis. The passion is evident by the many players that show up every afternoon to play in friendly pick-up games. The players, ranging from beginner to advanced, are welcoming and easy make friends with. And they also speak English very well, as it is a common language in the Philippines.

In addition to tennis, Dumaguete has a beautiful “boulevard” on the oceanfront where people exercise, dine, and hangout. The cheap cost of living is another factor on why so many expats migrate or vacation there.

Praxevilla Tennis Club

I really enjoyed playing tennis at the Praxevilla Tennis Club. A public facility, they have four tennis courts (two red clay and two hard courts). The clay courts are well-kept and watered in between matches, making it a nice playing surface and the clay is resourced locally from the nearby “mountain.”

Players show up all throughout the day, but more so in the afternoon starting at about 3pm and going until night. You will want to avoid the midday heat. You don’t need to find partners or book a court, just show up ready to play and you will get paired to play when it is your turn. Based on your level, Praxevilla has a nice range of players from beginner to advanced. The people there are very friendly and welcoming.

The courts are located adjacent to the Negros Oriental Provincial Capitol (the capitol of Dumaguete), which is easy to find, not far from the boulevard, and all the local trike drivers know exactly where it is.

Matches are played in pro-sets (first to 8 games). And for a small fee, 40 pesos per person (less than one dollar), you will have a ball boy and a chair umpire to call lines and keep score. That’s all you need to pay. Also, there is a lady there that sells water or snacks for a minimal amount of money.

The two clay courts have a concrete bench going around the entire perimeter. It’s nice because spectators can relax there while watching and resting in between matches.

***When hanging out at Praxevilla, soon enough you might be asked if you want to play “commercial,” which means to play for money. Most matches don’t do this and you certainly don’t have to, but it is Filipino style to put money on the line. I don’t recommend it though, as it changes the game from fun to serious, unless you are looking for a little edge to your match.

I did partake in two commercial games, breaking even, by winning the first and losing the second. The bets were 500 pesos ($10 US Dollars), although you can do smaller or bigger. I enjoyed the competitiveness but learned that attitudes start to change when money is involved, including my own. I enjoy tennis more when it is just friendly and fun.

Silliman University Lawn Tennis Association

Silliman University is home to the Silliman University Lawn Tennis Association (SULTA) which has three tennis courts (two tan clay, one hard court). Ball boys come with the court, and the total charge is 50 pesos per match you play ($1 US Dollar).

Keep in mind that the Silliman tennis club is considered private, and that you may be let in as a guest. The players were extremely welcoming to me, just make sure you bring a smile, a good attitude, and your racquets.

The players are there for fun and socializing, and there are no “commercial” games for money. If you are looking for high-level competition, go to Praxevilla instead. The matches are played first to 8 games (prosets) and mostly doubles. Players show up daily around 4pm in the afternoon, plus Saturdays in the morning. You will be assigned a partner onsite and there is no need to book a court in advance.

Silliman University is located near the Dumaguete boulevard in a great spot and easily walkable. Once entering the gates, you will enjoy the scenic view – historical buildings, giant trees and lush green surroundings. I had no problem getting through the gate, as I told the security I was looking for the tennis courts.

Extra Dumaguete Travel Notes

• The best food I’ve had in the Philippines was along the boulevard in Dumaguete. Restaurants Why Not and Casablanca in particular.
• Dumaguete has some of the best scuba diving in the Philippines. The Dauin scuba area was really, really good. Unfortunately I couldn’t catch a boat to the nearby Apo Island, which is said to be one of the best in the Philippines.
• I stayed at the Bethel House, a five-story hotel on the boulevard. Great location, friendly staff, and a restaurant downstairs. They don’t allow alcohol, smoking, or local girlfriends (It’s fine to bring your girlfriend but no short time hookups).