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 many 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 in pickup games. Silliman’s courts are semi-private and mainly for the students at the university, but they do have a membership club, and you can play there as a guest too.

The tennis community in Dumaguete is passionate about their tennis. The passion is evident by the many players who show up every afternoon to play in friendly pick-up games. The players, ranging from beginner to advanced, are welcoming and easy to make friends with. 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 hang out. The cheap cost of living is another factor that explains why so many expats migrate or vacation there.

Also see: Tennis in Cebu City, Philippines: Guide To Best Courts and Equipment.

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 between matches, making them a nice playing surface. The reddish clay is resourced locally from the nearby “mountain.”

Players show up throughout the day, but more so in the afternoon, starting at about 3 pm 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.

Check out my favorite tennis overgrip, available on Amazon: Tourna Grip XL Original Dry Feel Tennis Grip

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 who sells water or snacks for a small amount of money.

Visiting Dumaguete City? Then, visiting Apo Island is a must, which has some of the best scuba diving in the world: Full Day Apo Island Tour from Dumaguete (Link to book on Viator).

At Praxevilla, 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.

Playing Tennis For Money at Praxevilla

***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 considered 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 want 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.

By the way, I’ve been playing with Rafael Nadal’s racquet for 20 years, which is available on Amazon – Babolat Pure Aero Rafa OriginTennis Racquet.

Silliman University Lawn Tennis Association

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

Remember that the Silliman tennis club is considered semi-private. They will probably let you play as a guest but the courts are primarily for students at the university and permanent members of the club. However, 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 4 pm, plus Saturdays in the morning. You will be assigned a partner onsite, and there is no need to book a court appointment in advance.

Going to visit Moalboal, Cebu? Check out my tennis guide: Tennis in Moalboal, Cebu: A Helpful Guide For Visitors

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.

Dumaguete Travel Recommendations

• 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 beach area and Apo Island has some of the best scuba diving in the world. Check it out on Viator: Full Day Apo Island Tour from Dumaguete
• 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).