Long term in the Philippines - where to live?

[bill22]

I agree with Jag. Everything that I've heard, my own experience in the Visayas and PG, the things that you are looking for all point towards the Dumaguete area as being a prime choice. I liked Moalboal also.

Based on your criteria, I wouldn't pick PG. There is no ATM there. There was a guy on the ferry when I was on my way back from PG last week and he was going to Batangas just to use the ATM there. It's also relatively expensive compared to the Visayas. I talked to a guy when I was in Moalboal in November who was only paying $250 a month for an apartment right on the water. He told me how much he enjoyed sitting on his deck in the morning drinking his coffee

 

[Rhoody]

.... and here is all you need to know about Dumaguete: dumagueteinfo.com

Anyway, Visa-extensions are easy but not that cheap, Internet in Duma 3 providers 1000 peso a month for a ok connection, Diving fantastic (Apo, Moalboal, Balicasag, Ducomi, Dauin, Siquijor) all just a short trip away,
Duma has sea and airport, so easy to get there and to leace if needed.

Shugar, if you are in Duma this weekend, drop me a line, I don't have a red carpet, but know a place with 25 different sorts of ice-cold beer (5 different german wheat-beer)

cheers

Rhoody

 

[jonix]

duma & bohol comes to mind.

 

[jigo]

same here. duma ang panglao in bohol.

 

[glamourpuss]

thanks for all the replies! good to know we're on the right track. am looking forward to arriving in september!

Rhoody - what's the name of the place with 25 different cold beers?? definitely need to check that place out!

also what is the likelyhood of finding work as a DM there? I imagine that most of the DMs are local since they know the dive sites quite well, but it would be great to pick up a bit of work while there. even if it's just filling in once in a while in exchange for dives.

 

[SCUBAJENNIFER]

This is good info...maybe I should blow off moving to California and go to Dumaguete.

Y'all need good accountants right???

 

[Hank49]

If you're only planning on doing this for a year or so, move around a bit. A year isn't long enough to really become "part of the community" so to speak so keep it more like vacation and exploring. See more of it. I lived in the Philippines for 11 years and didn't see 5% of what the country has to offer. It's big and it's beautiful. I'd spend some time in the deep south (Gen Santos and Davao), the Pacific side, which I never really saw. It has great surf too. Up north of Subic the beaches are nice and there's surf in the S China Sea believe it or not. ( Dont' worry, there's great diving too ) The resort areas are going to be more expensive. If you can take the culture shock, live out in the fishing villages and ask the local fishermen where they catch fish. They'll take you out on the boat and drop you on their reefs. That's how I'd do it.....

 

[Hank49]

 

[h2odragon1]

Dumagete or Panglao.
Welcome to Bohol, Philippines I have seen places near Alona beach for as low as $210/month for long term rental. You pay elect. and cooking gas, as well as your normal food.
Dumagete is a University town and you should be able to find good place to stay there. The diving at both places is great. If you are planning to get a part-time job as divemaster, be sure to make it legal. Your boyfriend may be able to get a job teaching, or tutoring English at or around the University if Dumagete is your choice, again make sure it's legal

 

[Babydamulag]

Warning: Diving In The Philippines Is The Most Addictive Form Of Diving.
Warning: Diving In The Philippines Is The Most Addictive Form Of Diving.
Warning: Diving In The Philippines Is The Most Addictive Form Of Diving.
Warning: Diving In The Philippines Is The Most Addictive Form Of Diving.
Warning: Diving In The Philippines Is The Most Addictive Form Of Diving.