Full reports on 7 better places in the Philippines: vagabondbuddha.com/best-places-to-retire-in-the-philippines-for-2025/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗘-𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞→ 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥oad Map to Freedom Overseas (Retire Overseas Course)☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-retire-overseas-course/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 $$$ 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀e vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-hobby-income-course/ Health Insurance I Bought (Free ebook, Video, Agent, not affiliate link): vagabondbuddha.com/expat-health-insurance-ebook/ What kinds of risks are you taking if you move overseas? vagabondbuddha.com/our-liability-disclaimer-the-risk-is-on-you/
I know Expats retired there. I heard they forced the vaccine on everyone. I'm a holistic guy that prefers to have freedom to chose my health treatment... What's going on with civil rights and taxes?
Amazing work as always,Dan. I am from the USA and have visited the Philippines 🇵🇭 5 times over the past 2 years. The people are the best part of the ph. It's a beautiful country.
I've been to Cebu 4 times, I like everything it has to offer.....except the traffic. Iloilo City looks like a good option. Clean, organized, and less hectic.
10. Iloilo 9. Davao 8. Panglao, Bohol 7. Cebu City 6. Makati (Manila) 5. Siquijor 4. Puerta Galera 3. Dumaguete 2. Boracay 1. Baguio City Bonus Places: 1. Siargo 2. San Juan La Union 3. Subic Bay 4. Angeles City 5. El Nido
i just returned to the US from 6 weeks in Baguio and I miss the perfect weather already. Yes, it's very walk-able but the air at that elevation is rather thin and there are hills that you may need to stop part way up to rest and catch your breath. After about a month, you will probably find you have adjusted to the thinner air. It was an awesome feet on the ground exploratory visit and I am trying to talk my wife into going there later this year. It's almost the perfect retirement haven.
Many of these areas lack hospitalisation and serviced. Makati has all the amenities and ST Lukes is very advanced and very expensive. I would also recommend Tagaytay and Nuvali Santa Rosa if you're retiring.
@@Gregory-Masovutch Nuvali area in Sta Rosa, Laguna is an excellent choice in my opinion. It's just 45 min drive from Metro-Manila and 15-20 min drive to the scenic Tagaytay City. The place has less traffic and walkable, less polution and a bit cooler than Metr-Manila and has lots of open spaces.
@@bradleymiller7375 Yeah, though I didn't experience any drama. False advertising! But nice to be on the water and you have a quick ferry to Siquijor when you want paradise.
Thank you! This is EXACTLY what I needed. Cebu is still on the top of my list for a lot of reasons. I would love to live farther from a big city, but I'm 70 and Healthcare in the future is a concern. Dumagete and IIoilo are also serious considerations. What is the Healthcare like on Boracay?
I'm headed to Cebu City in mid-October for a Six to Eight Month Vacation... I figure it's a good place to get acclimated & use as a base to explore from.
Thanks for mentioning the downsides as well as the positives. At 14:23, typhoons are a potential problem in much of the country. Palawan is usually spared because other islands take the brunt of the storms, and the typhoons lose some of their energy. They still will bring a huge amount of rain, though. In hilly areas, that can cause mudslides.
Please do not make a move if your personality does not fit the place. We hate too much complaining. If you cannot adapt, you will only bring your negativity here.
In a week I will arrive in the Philippines 🇵🇭 for the first time! I want a wife and children but I am old according to American standards but feel young!😂 Either way, I have no intention in living in the USA anymore! I may move to Da Nan Vietnam. Thank you Dan for all your vlogs! I have watched many of them. It is encouraging to see you and your girlfriend enjoying your time traveling and living your best life!!!❤
Thanks for your take on these different places in the Philippines. Would recommend to include in your video at least a crude map of the general location of each place relative to say Manila and Cebu. Would be nice to just have a quick general reference where each place was. I kept stopping your video to Google locate each place.
Thanks Dan. Your videos w/Qiang are amongst the most informative on YT. I recently relocated to SE Asia, and your videos (and those of others) made me believe that this was both doable and desirable.
@@VagabondAwake That's great to hear Dan. Btw, I found you during the pandemic and your travel videos are inspiring (even If I can't live them yet). You make the world a very "reachable" place!! By giving us the world, you help us realize that maybe our problems back home really aren't that big, nor do they define us! I know this is a travel and lifestyle vlog, but some of us take much more from you videos than just the locations you share!
Dan and Qiang. I believe your reports on SE Asia, the Americas and now Eastern Europe, are, in fact the most legitimate reports on the net. However, for this viewer, it might be nice to see how you make your travel plans and what barriers you have experienced in making your travel plans. Peace and love, my friends!
hi Dan. good vid as usual. i will be in the Philippines in November. will i be able to rent a car or motorbike with my Michigan drivers license? or should i get an international drivers license here in Michigan before i leave? thanks for all you do. Glenn
I can’t really argue with anything you said, we chose Iloilo for the exact reason listed which were our top priorities. I think the only thing you missed is how pedestrian/bike friendly it is and how rare that is in the Philippines.
@@stephenr2195 I just spent a couple of months in the Philippines. I agree that Iloilo was the most orderly with great bike lines and actual crosswalks with lights. 👍🏻
Glad to hear it. I know exactly what you mean. I have a video coming out Aug 17th about that. Learning about bad things when there is no immediate action you can take to solve it is bad for your heart. Stress is killing people these days. I provide a few solutions to this problem. Stay tuned.
Great list. Thanks for sharing 👍 Hopefully we'll be able to make a month trip with our daughter before she goes off to college. Love to check out the surf 🏄♀️ 🌊 🏄♂️ areas.
I think I’ve settled on Dumaguete/Valencia but one final exploratory trip this next December will have me visiting Cagayan de Oro, Roxas City and Samar island.
@@papadougpapadougsadventures it’s dirty hot traffic and all it offers in the Blvd at night which is usually populated by younger crowd hospitals are completely incompetent to any treatment trust me on that one 👍 You live in Dipolog name one thing that’s good is the question
Thank you as I'm planning on moving in the next six months to southeast Asia Thailand the Philippines and combadia are my possible picks I know southeast Asia well as a tourist but to move there your video was a possible game changer also I just subscribed to your channel for exactly this type of information
Hey Dan, if you were going to do slow travel (as opposed to residing in a given location) and wanted to just stay in nice hotels (Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, etc.), would you still stay in the "tan" areas you mention in your slow travel video? What would you do differently?
Great video guys! We have been to many of the places on the list. I recommend people travel to all of them 😉. We still have not found anything as good as our beachfront place in Bacong, about 5KM north of the marine sanctuary in Dauin
Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. Come share your Philippines experience and or living costs when you are ready. vagabondbuddha.com/contact/ Best, Dan
I would like to add to your list the places like Alabang in M.Manila, Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Claremont in Clark airbase, Puerto Princesa, Gensan city and Sarangani province . Try to visit them next time and give a review for retirement.
on the cultural side, there quite a few museums in Manila n Ayala museum in Makati..plus also some nice art galleries to visit...for adventure there hiking hills i Tanay Rizal, riding the river rapids in Pagsanhan, hiking also in Mt. Pinatubo or the La Mesa Dam Eco Park near Manila....
Hey Dan. Nice to see another video. I don't watch much since I have a channel models now. I live out side Angeles City so also close to Subic San Jaun etc, I also have a place in Bagio part time . I found you choices fascinating but Surprised baguio was #1. That's all how I feel about it. If you guys are in the area let me know I'll spring for lunch
Hi @Ex-Pensive_Expat, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: ua-cam.com/video/ySM_2jAC4v4/v-deo.html Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/ Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or UA-cam channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan
How about Puerto Princesa on Palawan island south of El Nido? They have an awesome underground river, excellent scuba diving and a decent enough sized city with a long history... at least that is what my research found.
It has a small town feel to it and is not as internationalized. That could cut both ways depending on you. I would do an exploratory visit before deciding anything.
Mindoro has Puerto Galera (PG) at the top. Here is our Philippines UA-cam playlist. Just scroll down until you see PG on Mindoro on the playlist. We loved it.
We enjoyed it but the elevation wasn't quite high enough to to make it cool like Baguio and its not on the beach. But it is a cute little town with a view of a beautiful lake. Here is our video there: ua-cam.com/video/jwr0b3rBtSw/v-deo.htmlsi=805-x6m1NsQ1XbLJ
Thanks for the great video, Dan. I'm planning a trip to Philippines for the first time, when I finish my seasonal job in October. Not sure which location I'm headed to first. This is a great overview and is giving me a lot of ideas 👍
Come share your story: Hi @jeffsharpton1421, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: ua-cam.com/video/ySM_2jAC4v4/v-deo.html Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/ Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or UA-cam channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan
Another great info video, Thanks. Next year is the plan. Valencia is the destination. Thanks again for all the work you guys do to keep us informed!😉☠🏴☠
Im flying there in two weeks to loo for an early retirement towhouse .. el nido sounds amazing definitely gonna check it out but my goal is be low key adapt to the cloture and blend in as I want o be the invisible American 😜.. not the loud one
Very helpful review! thanks. I'm 70 and thinking of cruising the Philippines in a liveaboard boat. Scuba diving and photography will be my main foci. Couldn't care less about doctors! They are the reason everyone is sick, so best to stay away unless you break something! Everyone should learn to manage their health and not from a (witch)doctor. btw, I never tire of seeing your honey's derriere - thanks
Bantayan island is also a good place to retire and should be on the list.Its all subjective .Davao is maybe the cheapest large city to live in but Cebu is a much better city
Baguio rain is really concentrated July-September. VERY heavy rainfall a lot! Other than that not bad at all. Google monthly rainfall there. Just travel to other places then. I lived there for 6 months. Beautiful place. Excellent cheap transportation as well.
Great video! I was in the Air Force during the '70s, and I always wanted to go to Clark Ab. Had a chance to go but didn't want to extend my enlistment for another 3 years.
I would have liked to have seen some quick map locations on these places. Wish you had mentioned a bit about how Baguio was started by the American government as a place for teachers to cool off. I'm surprised you like Boracay as a place to live. I was stationed on Panay long ago, When that was just a deserted area. But you are. Right?There are many wonderful places to live there.If one can tolerate not having all the services we are used to in the U.S.
been all around the country but the best place in the philippines to retire is either iloilo or bacolod. peaceful but hightech, they have everything countryside,beach and city is near but its cheaper to live there ,thats why some of the richest businessman lives either on this 2 citites. also they have the best lowkey free beaches ,mountains, waterfalls, foods just everything.
I suggest an exploratory visit to see for yourself. Since I can't vote overseas, and many countries don't like it when expats get into politics, I don't cover that subject on this channel.
What is Subic Bay like today? Read that US deployed 19k Marines and Soldiers at Subic a few weeks ago. I enjoyed your video. I'll be moving to the PI in late fall, '25. Subbed.
My GF and I built a house in Lala, Lanao del Norte. I love it. It's so peacefully and everyone is so friendly. Too many yellow headed cobras though, some of the deadliest snakes in the world. That really bothers me. :(
@@marianeil6630i have been here 7 years. I lived in thailand also and all over SE asia and the Philippines is by far the most mildest climate jn the region.
i moved to philippines in 2010 and lived most of it in cebu . if someone is moving to retire to philippines and on a budget Cebu and anywhere in Luzon can be a bad choice bcoz they very westernized now . The better choices would be Bacolod , Tacloban , ILOILO , if you want a place with alot of things that will be available like back home , like restaurants , shopping , etc . They also have airports and easy to get around locally or to travel to other locations by flight or ferry . If you looking for places to live on or near beaches and still be affordable then stay away from Boracay , better to choose Panglao island,.. bohol .., Bantayan isalnd ,cebu and Siquijor island . they will be more affordable and relaxing , but shopping for western products and healthcare wont be the best on these islands . .. dont even consider mindiano province , the us state dept will not help you if you go there or kidnapped , they also had a muslim uprising and war there a few years ago , but kidnappings happen still often and beheadings . yea many will say " i was there and it was safe " which is what those said that were there right before they were kidnapped .lmao . if you like the more rural areas , no traffic , beaches , cheap cost and just peaceful quiet living on a budget then Samar is great , the pacific coast line is beautiful .. samar is great to ride motorcylces , no traffic and cheap to visit and live , its also connected to Leyte by a bridge so going to Tacloban for shopping at big malls , airport ,etc is easy to do .. so depending on your budget each month , your needs medically , what type of environmnet you want , and how western you want your lifestyle to be the choices will change which is best for you .
You two are just fantastic. I'm thinking about slow travel for the Phillipines. I know it would cost a Lil more but why not ? It's retirement vacation anyway. God bless you both
I just had to buy your subscription. I love all the details. Amazing library of research and details. Thank you. It's gonna make traveling in retirement so much easier.
@@VienJericohManlangitManl-lb8db Iloilo is the best but years to come all them cities are the best were only at the start transforming our country for the best in ten years from now philipines is no, one richer country in the world
All great info Dan---thanks. For Subic I would add that it's only a walk across the river footbridge and you are in Olongapo City with 2 SM Malls and a great market----and only a jeepney ride away to the nightlife area of Barrio Barretto. Your video footage for Makati was more Manila City and Binondo
Well said. In fact, we stayed in Olongapo when we were here. In fact, we prefer it over Subic. Its just that most people would not know what we are talking about if we said Olongapo. :-)
@@VagabondAwake Funny, we stayed in an Airbnb above a laundry in the back streets of Olongapo---it was a great base to tour from. Unfortunately most foreigners only see the Subic Bay Free Port Zone. I could live in Olongapo
you have not discovered yet the beauty and wonders of the island of Mindanao, its clean, grand waterfall, some lakes, refreshing jungles, mountain peaks, surfing areas like Siargao, Davao Oriental, the wide green fields, and amiable Mindanawans.
At 10:40 perhaps criminals are also drawn to the area because of that. Dumaguete has had a reputation for years as being a rather high-crime city compared to many other towns.
I have never been a victim of crime of any kind anywhere in the Philippines. Hi @cargopilot747, When you show up in a new town anywhere in the world, even the USA or Europe, you are at a disadvantage. I have a report that explains how I stay safe when I arrive in a place I am not familiar with yet. Here is a link to that report: vagabondbuddha.com/how-to-travel-the-world-safely/ Thanks for watching and commenting. It helps our business grow. Dan
I was on board with your list and in agreement until you got to #1. Baguio has some positives, like cool temperatures, and fresh produce. But the air pollution and traffic in Baguio is a deal breaker ( worse than parts of China). Often times in a taxi i had to pull my shirt over my nose and mouth to get a bit of cleaner air. Also getting to and from Baguio in a quick and efficient manner is not going to happen IE no airport nearby.
We lived in the central city and walk everywhere. We were never stuck in traffic. I gave up the car life when I left the USA 17 years ago. Happiest part of living overseas.
Cagayan de Oro City is not the best city in the Philippines but it has everything you need.. it has malls everywhere and housing and business buildings and Port that can travel you everywhere and a lot more to come in CDO..
Funny - Philippines with 1000+ beaches and then Baguio where no beach at all reachable in 2h - that’s a perfect No1 😂 Bonus Places: Sirgao Camotes Island … but I choose Siquijor anyway 🙏
Why all the obsessions with restaurants, touring and the like. Do retired people need a night life? No need to shop. As a retiree, my gathering things has slowed dramatically. Where will you find good friends and neighbors within a community?
Full reports on 7 better places in the Philippines:
vagabondbuddha.com/best-places-to-retire-in-the-philippines-for-2025/
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vagabondbuddha.com/our-liability-disclaimer-the-risk-is-on-you/
Thank you for your tip Brian Johnson
I know Expats retired there. I heard they forced the vaccine on everyone. I'm a holistic guy that prefers to have freedom to chose my health treatment... What's going on with civil rights and taxes?
I fell in love with the Philippines first time I was there. I live there now amazing country. Most beautiful people I’ve ever met.
@@leroynewton2435 thanks you very much come again I'm a pilipino living here
Amazing work as always,Dan. I am from the USA and have visited the Philippines 🇵🇭 5 times over the past 2 years. The people are the best part of the ph. It's a beautiful country.
Totally!
I've been to Cebu 4 times, I like everything it has to offer.....except the traffic. Iloilo City looks like a good option. Clean, organized, and less hectic.
Totally agree! We saw less traffic in Iloilo too.
My current favourite 😎☀️💯
10. Iloilo
9. Davao
8. Panglao, Bohol
7. Cebu City
6. Makati (Manila)
5. Siquijor
4. Puerta Galera
3. Dumaguete
2. Boracay
1. Baguio City
Bonus Places:
1. Siargo
2. San Juan La Union
3. Subic Bay
4. Angeles City
5. El Nido
i just returned to the US from 6 weeks in Baguio and I miss the perfect weather already. Yes, it's very walk-able but the air at that elevation is rather thin and there are hills that you may need to stop part way up to rest and catch your breath. After about a month, you will probably find you have adjusted to the thinner air. It was an awesome feet on the ground exploratory visit and I am trying to talk my wife into going there later this year. It's almost the perfect retirement haven.
Good to know, especially since I am from flat elevation south Texas.
Many of these areas lack hospitalisation and serviced. Makati has all the amenities and ST Lukes is very advanced and very expensive. I would also recommend Tagaytay and Nuvali Santa Rosa if you're retiring.
@@Gregory-Masovutch Nuvali area in Sta Rosa, Laguna is an excellent choice in my opinion. It's just 45 min drive from Metro-Manila and 15-20 min drive to the scenic Tagaytay City. The place has less traffic and walkable, less polution and a bit cooler than Metr-Manila and has lots of open spaces.
I imagine it gets overrun with tourists and traffic at times.
Nothing like Baguio. Majestic and very cool nights because of the higher elevation in the beautiful mountains. Baguio is number one in Luzon!❤
Thank you for your video. Please mention golf courses as well. Thank you
I've heard a lot of locals rave about Baguio too. I really have to go check it out. Just back from Dumaguete which I really liked.
@digital, u like Dramagetea??? Hahaha
@@bradleymiller7375 Yeah, though I didn't experience any drama. False advertising! But nice to be on the water and you have a quick ferry to Siquijor when you want paradise.
Excellent video very informative thanks for sharing.
Great report, Dan and Qiang. Loved it. Be back near Valencia in ten days. ❤
Thank you! This is EXACTLY what I needed. Cebu is still on the top of my list for a lot of reasons. I would love to live farther from a big city, but I'm 70 and Healthcare in the future is a concern. Dumagete and IIoilo are also serious considerations. What is the Healthcare like on Boracay?
@billyakin3301 might check out Kalibo, Aklan, it is 1 hour from Boracay and they have a brand new modern medical center/hospital.
Boracay has rudimentary healthcare facilities. You will need to go to Cebu, Iloilo, or Metro Manila for anything serious.
I'm headed to Cebu City in mid-October for a Six to Eight Month Vacation... I figure it's a good place to get acclimated & use as a base to explore from.
Thanks for mentioning the downsides as well as the positives. At 14:23, typhoons are a potential problem in much of the country. Palawan is usually spared because other islands take the brunt of the storms, and the typhoons lose some of their energy. They still will bring a huge amount of rain, though. In hilly areas, that can cause mudslides.
Here is my video on natural disasters in the Philippines: ua-cam.com/video/IMgQn3uqz8Q/v-deo.htmlsi=Jjvq-q3QVwoIRhwH
Please do not make a move if your personality does not fit the place. We hate too much complaining. If you cannot adapt, you will only bring your negativity here.
In a week I will arrive in the Philippines 🇵🇭 for the first time! I want a wife and children but I am old according to American standards but feel young!😂 Either way, I have no intention in living in the USA anymore! I may move to Da Nan Vietnam. Thank you Dan for all your vlogs! I have watched many of them. It is encouraging to see you and your girlfriend enjoying your time traveling and living your best life!!!❤
I think you will like both countries, but you will live one for sure. Best of luck! Dan
Thanks for your take on these different places in the Philippines. Would recommend to include in your video at least a crude map of the general location of each place relative to say Manila and Cebu. Would be nice to just have a quick general reference where each place was. I kept stopping your video to Google locate each place.
Can you please mention the cost of rents to live in the different cities
Good informative video 👍
Thanks for liking
This is a great list of places Dan, making us want to go back to explore more of the Philippines. Thank you!
You’ve traveled the Philippines more than most Filipinos including me 😂❤ happy to know you’re enjoying the country 😊 stay safe!
I liked this video…I’ve been visiting Thailand the last couple years and want to visit Philippines and this is good information….
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Dan. Your videos w/Qiang are amongst the most informative on YT. I recently relocated to SE Asia, and your videos (and those of others) made me believe that this was both doable and desirable.
Glad to help!
Yeah loved that place camlann cottages we stayed there in March 2023.
Yes. Great place!
Thanks Dan, Subbed
Thanks Dan, you help our tourism industry in a way. Good luck.😊
Thanks, very well done.
Camotes Islands off of Cebu is really beautiful.
Nice video Dan! Great recap of 10 nice areas in the PI! It's great to see your channel going strong! Keep up the great work
Thank you Ted. We feel pretty lucky so we keep spreading the news. :-)
@@VagabondAwake That's great to hear Dan. Btw, I found you during the pandemic and your travel videos are inspiring (even If I can't live them yet). You make the world a very "reachable" place!! By giving us the world, you help us realize that maybe our problems back home really aren't that big, nor do they define us! I know this is a travel and lifestyle vlog, but some of us take much more from you videos than just the locations you share!
Dan and Qiang. I believe your reports on SE Asia, the Americas and now Eastern Europe, are, in fact the most legitimate reports on the net. However, for this viewer, it might be nice to see how you make your travel plans and what barriers you have experienced in making your travel plans.
Peace and love, my friends!
Great idea.
Great job on the video. Needs more editing…. Practice practice practice.!
hi Dan. good vid as usual. i will be in the Philippines in November. will i be able to rent a car or motorbike with my Michigan drivers license? or should i get an international drivers license here in Michigan before i leave? thanks for all you do. Glenn
I would get the international drivers license if I were you.
Thank you for the review. I am looking forward to going to PI next year for my first trip to visit the land of my grandparents.
Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks a lot Dan. Great work as always!❤
My pleasure!
You nailed it.
I can’t really argue with anything you said, we chose Iloilo for the exact reason listed which were our top priorities. I think the only thing you missed is how pedestrian/bike friendly it is and how rare that is in the Philippines.
@@stephenr2195 I just spent a couple of months in the Philippines. I agree that Iloilo was the most orderly with great bike lines and actual crosswalks with lights. 👍🏻
Great point.
With all the problems going on watching your video makes me feel good
Glad to hear it. I know exactly what you mean. I have a video coming out Aug 17th about that. Learning about bad things when there is no immediate action you can take to solve it is bad for your heart. Stress is killing people these days. I provide a few solutions to this problem. Stay tuned.
Really good content very informative good job thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Great list. Thanks for sharing 👍 Hopefully we'll be able to make a month trip with our daughter before she goes off to college.
Love to check out the surf 🏄♀️ 🌊 🏄♂️ areas.
Dan Cebu has a new international airport flying from Canada Manila and Cebu are our primary options.
I think I’ve settled on Dumaguete/Valencia but one final exploratory trip this next December will have me visiting Cagayan de Oro, Roxas City and Samar island.
I'm leaning on one island that checks four boxes.
You’ll hate CDO
@@MangoKashInThePhilippines why do you say that?
@@papadougpapadougsadventures it’s dirty hot traffic and all it offers in the Blvd at night which is usually populated by younger crowd hospitals are completely incompetent to any treatment trust me on that one 👍 You live in Dipolog name one thing that’s good is the question
I think Valencia would be my first choice. 🤔
Its a great place for sure.
Excellent video. Very helpful.👍
Thanks!
Great Video!!
Thank you as I'm planning on moving in the next six months to southeast Asia Thailand the Philippines and combadia are my possible picks I know southeast Asia well as a tourist but to move there your video was a possible game changer also I just subscribed to your channel for exactly this type of information
Have fun!
Thank you for promoting philippines i am now retiring and you help me choose
Have fun!
Good video. Loved El Nido. Clark in Angeles City is very nice too.
Yes it was!
As always, Dan & Quang, fantastic and information packed upload. Still the most informative channel on UA-cam for those looking to retire abroad. ❤
Very informative . Great video content Dan
Glad you liked it!
Hey Dan, if you were going to do slow travel (as opposed to residing in a given location) and wanted to just stay in nice hotels (Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, etc.), would you still stay in the "tan" areas you mention in your slow travel video? What would you do differently?
I would still stay in the tan areas because I like having walkable life around me.
Great video guys! We have been to many of the places on the list. I recommend people travel to all of them 😉. We still have not found anything as good as our beachfront place in Bacong, about 5KM north of the marine sanctuary in Dauin
Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. Come share your Philippines experience and or living costs when you are ready. vagabondbuddha.com/contact/
Best, Dan
I would like to add to your list the places like Alabang in M.Manila, Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Claremont in Clark airbase, Puerto Princesa, Gensan city and Sarangani province . Try to visit them next time and give a review for retirement.
Thanks for your ideas.
Thanks for sharing really appreciated
My pleasure
on the cultural side, there quite a few museums in Manila n Ayala museum in Makati..plus also some nice art galleries to visit...for adventure there hiking hills i Tanay Rizal, riding the river rapids in Pagsanhan, hiking also in Mt. Pinatubo or the La Mesa Dam Eco Park near Manila....
Thanks for sharing ideas.
Hey Dan. Nice to see another video. I don't watch much since I have a channel models now. I live out side Angeles City so also close to Subic San Jaun etc, I also have a place in Bagio part time . I found you choices fascinating but Surprised baguio was #1. That's all how I feel about it. If you guys are in the area let me know I'll spring for lunch
Hi @Ex-Pensive_Expat, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: ua-cam.com/video/ySM_2jAC4v4/v-deo.html
Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/
Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or UA-cam channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan
How about Puerto Princesa on Palawan island south of El Nido? They have an awesome underground river, excellent scuba diving and a decent enough sized city with a long history... at least that is what my research found.
It has a small town feel to it and is not as internationalized. That could cut both ways depending on you. I would do an exploratory visit before deciding anything.
Would you kindly please check Mindoro and let us know what you think? Thank you.
Mindoro has Puerto Galera (PG) at the top. Here is our Philippines UA-cam playlist. Just scroll down until you see PG on Mindoro on the playlist. We loved it.
Very curious to ask if Tagaytay was a consideration? If not, why?
We enjoyed it but the elevation wasn't quite high enough to to make it cool like Baguio and its not on the beach. But it is a cute little town with a view of a beautiful lake. Here is our video there: ua-cam.com/video/jwr0b3rBtSw/v-deo.htmlsi=805-x6m1NsQ1XbLJ
Buko (coconut) pie is the best in Tagaytay, don’t miss it!!
Also pine trees
Thanks for the great video, Dan. I'm planning a trip to Philippines for the first time, when I finish my seasonal job in October. Not sure which location I'm headed to first. This is a great overview and is giving me a lot of ideas 👍
Have fun!
Dan I appreciate your hard work. You are awesome UA-camr. One,question... Is iloilo or Bacolod your choice? Love your channel Dan
I have only passed through Bacolod. Not enough infromation to rate it.
Iloilo is the best I'm a pilipino I know were the best ok
Consider Pacific Heights in Dingalan Aurora! Amazing scenery, cool temps and no dogs or chickens
Come share your story: Hi @jeffsharpton1421, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: ua-cam.com/video/ySM_2jAC4v4/v-deo.html
Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/
Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or UA-cam channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan
Another great info video, Thanks. Next year is the plan. Valencia is the destination. Thanks again for all the work you guys do to keep us informed!😉☠🏴☠
Great pick!
Im flying there in two weeks to loo for an early retirement towhouse .. el nido sounds amazing definitely gonna check it out but my goal is be low key adapt to the cloture and blend in as I want o be the invisible American 😜.. not the loud one
Great video, great info... thanks
Thanks for watching!
Very helpful review! thanks.
I'm 70 and thinking of cruising the Philippines in a liveaboard boat. Scuba diving and photography will be my main foci.
Couldn't care less about doctors! They are the reason everyone is sick, so best to stay away unless you break something!
Everyone should learn to manage their health and not from a (witch)doctor.
btw, I never tire of seeing your honey's derriere - thanks
Make sure to watch the weather channel and move clear of the Typhoons.
Bantayan island is also a good place to retire and should be on the list.Its all subjective .Davao is maybe the cheapest large city to live in but Cebu is a much better city
Thanks for your thoughts!
Came for the list and stayed for the bikini 😂
Thanks mate. I’m visiting soon
Nice list! Baguio gets a great deal of rain, and some roads are difficult in that weather.
The beach listings are spot on.
The city center in Baguio has everything. And the produce is the best in the country.
Is the weather a lot like Seattle, USA?
Baguio rain is really concentrated July-September. VERY heavy rainfall a lot! Other than that not bad at all. Google monthly rainfall there. Just travel to other places then. I lived there for 6 months. Beautiful place. Excellent cheap transportation as well.
@@TiminBaguio ok thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼
You should’ve visit Bantayan as well it is also a great place to retire
Great to watch your vlog and thoughts on places. If you have been going to Philippines for so long, why you miss pronounce “Bohol” (Bo Hol), Bo Ho 🤔
My hearing isn't so good.
@@VagabondAwakenever spelt words myself thru my ears, I usually find speech works best 😁
Great video! I was in the Air Force during the '70s, and I always wanted to go to Clark Ab. Had a chance to go but didn't want to extend my enlistment for another 3 years.
I would have liked to have seen some quick map locations on these places. Wish you had mentioned a bit about how Baguio was started by the American government as a place for teachers to cool off. I'm surprised you like Boracay as a place to live. I was stationed on Panay long ago, When that was just a deserted area. But you are.
Right?There are many wonderful places to live there.If one can tolerate not having all the services we are used to in the U.S.
Best. Video. Ever.😄
Not to distract from your informed and helpful video ( thanks) but it seems impossible for me to not mention that Qiang is so beautiful.
Your eyes definitely work. :-)
been all around the country but the best place in the philippines to retire is either iloilo or bacolod. peaceful but hightech, they have everything countryside,beach and city is near but its cheaper to live there ,thats why some of the richest businessman lives either on this 2 citites. also they have the best lowkey free beaches ,mountains, waterfalls, foods just everything.
I suggest an exploratory visit to see for yourself. Since I can't vote overseas, and many countries don't like it when expats get into politics, I don't cover that subject on this channel.
Thank you 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
You are welcome.
What is Subic Bay like today? Read that US deployed 19k Marines and Soldiers at Subic a few weeks ago. I enjoyed your video. I'll be moving to the PI in late fall, '25. Subbed.
I have not been in Subic Bay since the deployment.
Looks spectacular, relocating to Manila after summer and can't wait to explore 😊☀️🌄⛱️ Greetings from a fellow Swedish UA-camr 📹
My GF and I built a house in Lala, Lanao del Norte. I love it. It's so peacefully and everyone is so friendly. Too many yellow headed cobras though, some of the deadliest snakes in the world. That really bothers me. :(
I would live in Davao on that island but that area is trouble.
You need to check out Bantayan....
Do you live there? What is your budget? Do you want to share your story? vagabondbuddha.com/contact/
Yes we will be here for 4 months.
Every three of four months we move to a new destination.
Philippines is very humid and hot most of the time, so get ready to drink more fluid, and stay inside the mall, especially the senior citizen.
@@marianeil6630i have been here 7 years. I lived in thailand also and all over SE asia and the Philippines is by far the most mildest climate jn the region.
i moved to philippines in 2010 and lived most of it in cebu . if someone is moving to retire to philippines and on a budget Cebu and anywhere in Luzon can be a bad choice bcoz they very westernized now . The better choices would be Bacolod , Tacloban , ILOILO , if you want a place with alot of things that will be available like back home , like restaurants , shopping , etc . They also have airports and easy to get around locally or to travel to other locations by flight or ferry . If you looking for places to live on or near beaches and still be affordable then stay away from Boracay , better to choose Panglao island,.. bohol .., Bantayan isalnd ,cebu and Siquijor island . they will be more affordable and relaxing , but shopping for western products and healthcare wont be the best on these islands . .. dont even consider mindiano province , the us state dept will not help you if you go there or kidnapped , they also had a muslim uprising and war there a few years ago , but kidnappings happen still often and beheadings . yea many will say " i was there and it was safe " which is what those said that were there right before they were kidnapped .lmao . if you like the more rural areas , no traffic , beaches , cheap cost and just peaceful quiet living on a budget then Samar is great , the pacific coast line is beautiful .. samar is great to ride motorcylces , no traffic and cheap to visit and live , its also connected to Leyte by a bridge so going to Tacloban for shopping at big malls , airport ,etc is easy to do .. so depending on your budget each month , your needs medically , what type of environmnet you want , and how western you want your lifestyle to be the choices will change which is best for you .
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
@@VagabondAwake @brantingram yeah I'm surprised Bantayan Island didn't feature.
There’s more murders n New York in half of day then Mindsno has had in 50 years lol, there’s more crazys in the USA then Philippines
@brantingram thanks, very good information
I'm thinking on living in Bohol.
A little pff topic but,is there s way to avoid the high baggage charges on domestic travel there?
Travel on ferries. What is the hurry?
@@VagabondAwake
Some people have limited time. You're lucky you don't have that drawback.
You two are just fantastic. I'm thinking about slow travel for the Phillipines. I know it would cost a Lil more but why not ? It's retirement vacation anyway. God bless you both
Go for it!
I just had to buy your subscription. I love all the details. Amazing library of research and details. Thank you. It's gonna make traveling in retirement so much easier.
Yay. ... my place is #3, Dumaguete! ... And did you mean Siargao?
Wow! Philippines soon to be there..
@@VienJericohManlangitManl-lb8db Iloilo is the best but years to come all them cities are the best were only at the start transforming our country for the best in ten years from now philipines is no, one richer country in the world
Good 4 U!! Real talk&Nuff Said!!
All great info Dan---thanks. For Subic I would add that it's only a walk across the river footbridge and you are in Olongapo City with 2 SM Malls and a great market----and only a jeepney ride away to the nightlife area of Barrio Barretto. Your video footage for Makati was more Manila City and Binondo
Well said. In fact, we stayed in Olongapo when we were here. In fact, we prefer it over Subic. Its just that most people would not know what we are talking about if we said Olongapo. :-)
@@VagabondAwake Funny, we stayed in an Airbnb above a laundry in the back streets of Olongapo---it was a great base to tour from. Unfortunately most foreigners only see the Subic Bay Free Port Zone. I could live in Olongapo
you have not discovered yet the beauty and wonders of the island of Mindanao, its clean, grand waterfall, some lakes, refreshing jungles, mountain peaks, surfing areas like Siargao, Davao Oriental, the wide green fields, and amiable Mindanawans.
I have been to Puerto Galera. Amazing
At 10:40 perhaps criminals are also drawn to the area because of that. Dumaguete has had a reputation for years as being a rather high-crime city compared to many other towns.
I have never been a victim of crime of any kind anywhere in the Philippines. Hi @cargopilot747, When you show up in a new town anywhere in the world, even the USA or Europe, you are at a disadvantage. I have a report that explains how I stay safe when I arrive in a place I am not familiar with yet. Here is a link to that report: vagabondbuddha.com/how-to-travel-the-world-safely/
Thanks for watching and commenting. It helps our business grow. Dan
I was on board with your list and in agreement until you got to #1. Baguio has some positives, like cool temperatures, and fresh produce. But the air pollution and traffic in Baguio is a deal breaker ( worse than parts of China). Often times in a taxi i had to pull my shirt over my nose and mouth to get a bit of cleaner air. Also getting to and from Baguio in a quick and efficient manner is not going to happen IE no airport nearby.
We lived in the central city and walk everywhere. We were never stuck in traffic. I gave up the car life when I left the USA 17 years ago. Happiest part of living overseas.
@@VagabondAwake Good move to ditch the car ! Keep making great videos !
There is local airport in Baguio from NAIA, just google it!!
What US phone carriers work for two factor authentication in the Philippines?
You have to distinguish between metropolitan and rural setting. Do not see how Cebu and Davao can be more livable than Iloilo.
Different strokes?
Iloilo City is top in my list. It is livable and affordable.
True.
@@VagabondAwakebut hotter than most
SUBBED
❤❤❤ your videos, and vife is cuttie 🥧.
Glad you like them!
Great video
Cagayan de Oro City is not the best city in the Philippines but it has everything you need.. it has malls everywhere and housing and business buildings and Port that can travel you everywhere and a lot more to come in CDO..
True. Cagayan De Oro is on our UA-cam Playlist for the Philippines: ua-cam.com/video/7MsONcx8zps/v-deo.html
Funny - Philippines with 1000+ beaches and then Baguio where no beach at all reachable in 2h - that’s a perfect No1 😂
Bonus Places:
Sirgao
Camotes Island
… but I choose Siquijor anyway 🙏
We like Siquijor also.
Why all the obsessions with restaurants, touring and the like. Do retired people need a night life? No need to shop. As a retiree, my gathering things has slowed dramatically. Where will you find good friends and neighbors within a community?
People gave different needs We try to show life in these places so people with varying needs can see for themselves.
@@VagabondAwake No criticism, Brother. I am just curious about the human nature of the 99.5% people that are not like me.
Strange choice going for Baguio. Most of us go to the Philippines to get away from the cold weather but you're choosing the coldest city?
I will let you decide what is best for you. I just share my thoughts and why, :-)
Baguio is calling my name.
We really enjoyed it.