Best Places to Retire in the Philippines
With its more than 7,500 islands, there is no surprise that the Philippines is a strong tourist magnet. The country never runs out of things to do and places to explore. Many tourists keep coming back. Some chose to stay and never leave this majestic country. If you are among the latter, you might feel overwhelmed and conflicted with the hundreds of towns and cities you can choose from. We feel you.
To help you decide on your new home after retirement, we have narrowed down your options and listed here some of the best places to retire in the Philippines.
Cebu
Cebu was previously declared by CBS MoneyWatch as one of the best and most affordable places to retire in. Dubbed the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu City offers the convenience of city living while keeping you close to beautiful beaches and exciting natural activities. Some of the top activities in Cebu are whale shark watching and canyoneering (if you want to a more thrilling nature adventure).
Also read: Swim with the whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu
Puerto Galera
From a sleepy little town, Puerto Galera has evolved into a dynamic first class municipality, filled with restaurants, bars, and other recreational establishments. It has also become a favorite place of beach-loving foreigners to establish their businesses. With its fine beaches rich in marine life, Puerto Galera is a famous diving and snorkeling site.
Also read: White Beach, Puerto Galera
Baler, Aurora
About six hours north of Manila lies the bucolic coastal town of Baler, which is perfect if you want a simple and laid back life that’s different from the life you’re living as a very occupied business person. While it is already a developed tourist destination, Baler still maintains its countryside vibe. Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of the waves.
Dumaguete
Another great place to retire that has been acknowledged internationally is Dumaguete, also known as the “City of Gentle People.” Its affordable beachfront living and good climate are what made Dumaguete stand out on Forbes’ list of best places to retire in 2014. Some of the best things to do here are scuba diving, dolphin watching, and sunset watching along the famous Rizal Boulevard.
Boracay
A place that is always on the list of the best islands in the world, Boracay is no doubt a perfect place to retire, especially if you want to keep a vigorous life even after retirement. Boracay is very much an island full of life, teeming with different establishments and people of different cultures. Contrary to what most people say, the cost of living in Boracay is not far from reasonable.
Also read: Boracay Activities: An exclusive island hopping tour in Boracay
Tagaytay
Also known as the “Second Summer Capital of the Philippines,” Tagaytay City is a very comfortable place to live in just two hours away from Manila. Although it is a fully developed city with many housing properties to choose from, Tagaytay still feels bucolic and refreshing. It is most known for the picturesque view of the Taal Volcano and Lake.
Also read: 5 Tagaytay attractions you shouldn’t miss
To know more about retirement programs in the Philippines, visit the Philippine Retirement Agency website at www.pra.gov.ph.
Sources: Philippine Retirement Agency, Investopedia
Images grabbed from: Municipality of Puerto Galera website, Municipality of Baler website, Negros Oriental Tourism website
