Hayahay: A Treehouse Bar and View Deck Restobar in Dumaguete City

It’s no surprise that tourists flock to Dumaguete City yearly. From sandbars, beaches, waterfalls, and restaurants, the city has become one of the most frequented travel destinations in Negros Oriental which merges the comforts of home to many expats with the delights of local cuisine. Even the neighboring province of Negros Occidental has no shortage of wonderful beaches, too.

One of the most famous go-to eatery places in Dumaguete is Flores Avenue, which is 15 minutes away from the airport. This place has become one of the locals’ favorite dining spots because of its impressive location overlooking an ocean exquisite view.

Despite a multitude of local eateries in the place, Hayahay Treehouse Bar and View Deck remains distinctive among locals because of its native décor and ambiance. This open-air restaurant is a two-storey treehouse made of driftwood and nipa roof which gives off an inviting urban vibe and offers a cool dining experience.

Apart from the setting, the restaurant also gained its reputation because of its local Filipino dishes and fresh seafood, which is served right from their aquarium. Their menu is filled with seafood classics including tanigue (woohoo), crabs, scallops, prawns, as well as more creative dishes like sinuglaw, (PhP290) a combination of grilled pork and tuna soaked in a special vinegar sauce. But the famous dish may very well be the Dumaguete Express (PhP175), a different version of Bicol Express known by locals. The dish has an array of delicious seafood including fish, squid, and shrimp dipped in coconut milk sauce and sprinkled with crispy lechon kawali (deep-fried pork belly) on top. Also worth ordering is pinakbet or mixed vegetables in shrimp sauce, sizzling gambas or shrimps (PhP140), baked talaba or oysters (PhP145), sinigang na lapu-lapu or grouper in sour soup (PhP80/gram), and many more.

In the evening, customers love to gather to enjoy music by live bands at Hayahay Treehouse Bar and View Deck. The band normally performs at the first level of the restaurant, playing a wide range of music like acoustic, rock, jazz, and reggae. Bolstering the nightlife experience is a mini bar station, located at the second level. The bar features a broad selections of cocktails, beers, and spirits which customers can choose from. On peak season, the open-air bar station area is jam-packed with diners and party-goers where an impressive sunset view can be seen.

Ride a tricycle anywhere around the downtown of Dumaguete and ask the driver to drop you off at Hayahay. The fare costs Php20 for a single trip, while travel time takes about five minutes.