When it comes to retirement locations in the Philippines, they have many options - large urban cities, large rural cities, beach resorts, mountain retreats. Each of them has its own unique and attractive features. The main advantage of retirement at the seaside resort is (i) exciting beach activities, (ii) a constant atmosphere of relaxation, (iii) excellent entertainment and nightlife, (iv) a continuous influx of foreign tourists, (v) numerous high-end hotels and associated resort facilities, (vi) excellent accessibility at the airport and (vi) still a small population. In this category of retirement spots, the most popular are (i) Boracay Island, (ii) Mactan Island, (iii) Panglao Island, (iv) Subic Bay, (v) and Puerto Galera.
ISLAND OF BORATSA
It is the most famous of all the beach resort areas in the Philippines. On this island there are many 5 star resorts, as well as numerous bars and restaurants owned by foreigners. The sand is one of the best in the whole world, and the nightlife is supreme. However, it is crowded and overdeveloped, like Waikiki and Miami Beach. It has a small resident population of about 15,000 people, but a large daily population of tourists from around the world. It attracts travelers of all kinds - international sophists, departing from Manila, serious enthusiasts, tourists, night parties. The disadvantage of Boracay is that the cost of housing, as a rule, go on the high side, more like the cost of housing in Manila. However, for a retiree seeking action on the beach, Boracay Island is the place to be.
ISLAND MCTAN
This island is located near the city of Cebu, across the bridge, and in fact there are international and domestic airports of Cebu. As in Boracay, Mactan also has sandy beaches, but not like quality in Boracay. It is also packed with upscale 5-star hotels and resorts. However, while Boracay is more distant, accessibility is excellent and Mactan Island is due to its proximity to Cebu. In addition, there is a casino on Mactan Island for those who like to add gambling to their retirement lifestyle.
Lliving on the island of Mactan provides the atmosphere of the resort, thanks to all the resort hotels, but it is close to large medical facilities and upscale shopping centers across the bridge in Cebu City. Housing costs are lower on Mactan than on Boracay.
ISLAND PANGLAO
This island is located on a short bridge from the much larger island of Bohol, which is about a 1/12 hour boat ride on a high-speed boat from the city of Cebu or a short drive from the local Cebu airport. Panglao Island has a population of about 60,000 people and is usually associated with Alona Beach, a strip of resorts and dive centers on the southern side of the island. Diving is what attracts tourists and retirees to the island of Panglao.
There are many resorts, and the cost of living is significantly less than on Mactan Island. On the other hand, of course, the island is more distant and requires a trip by boat or in the air to get to the medical and shopping facilities of the city of Cebu.
SUBIC BAY
The area quickly became a favorite place for retirement, especially for retired military personnel and for Koreans. Until 1992, Subic Bay was the base for the huge 7th US Navy. These days, it is in the process of restructuring into a free tax-free zone and a modern tourist destination. In 2008, the modern new superhighway was completed, which reduced the travel time from Manila by an hour. This provides excellent access to all that Manila has to offer, but allows you to retire in a smaller resort community with all that it has to offer. The population currently exceeds 200,000 people. The presence of Koreans is largely associated with the construction of a large Korean shipyard in 2006 at Subic Bay. In 2008 and 2009, the cost of housing has increased significantly, but they are significantly lower than the costs of Manila. In this place lives a lot of retired military.
PUERTO GALERA
Just a few hours south of Manila, Puerto Galera has a small population of about 30,000 and is one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines. Divers are especially visited by crowds. Diving is king in Puerto Galleria, where he is ranked second. The beaches are numerous, but they lack the real white sandy style. This area is known for its great diving and its beautiful nightlife. Irrigation holes, music and all kinds of nightlife everywhere in Puerto Gallery. The cost of living and housing is low in Puerto Galera compared to other retirement areas in the seaside resort.
