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What is the best beach town to live in for an expat in the Philippines?
trinidadian44
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What is the best beach town to live in for an expat in the Philippines?
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“Best” is pretty much dependent on your personal wants and preferences. I live in the beach town of Barrio Barretto (Olongapo City) and it works for me. A nice expat community of mostly retired folks like myself. Things to do like a Hash club, dart and pool leagues, and a variety of bars and places to hang out. Some top-notch restaurants as well. Good grocery shopping with western goods on the old Navy base and malls are just 20 minutes away. The beach itself is on Subic Bay and is not all that pristine. Still, I enjoy my morning walks on the water. It’s a comfortable life here for me.
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Based on where I've been: 1. Camiguin is just that well balanced island that has everything to offer: Mountain trekking, sport fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, hot springs, cold springs, waterfalls & their famous outrigger adventures to Mantigue Island & White Island. Also home of the Vjandep Pastel. Camiguin means come again and its true that its allure is everlasting. 2. Caramoan Islands includes Lahos Island which was where Survivor was filmed. This island is very small but so much fun because it has strong waves washing ashore on both sides and rip currents pulling you back out to sea. Catch a windy day and the waves will rip you right off your feet in deep enough water. Women it’ll get you too hold onto your bikini tops. All the other islands had many diverse landscapes and were nearly as intriguing as this in their own right. 3. El Nido is in class all of its own. It's spectacular because of the number of people jammed into this little exotic party cove. What isn't spectacular is that it's so inaccessible. You arrive 6-8 hours later on a bus/van after flying into Puerto Princesa you might just hate yourself (slightly) before you're able to grab a beer. Don't worry the next mornings hangover will be erased by the best snorkeling & island trekking of your life. 4. Boracay Island is convenience at it's best. You're on a stretch of beach a few miles long that can be walked in under an hour. There's a plethora of food options right on the beach…yes you can even get your coveted Subway footlong all the way out here! Lot's of water activities like parasailing, jet ski, banana boats & the flyfish. Despite the close proximity of establishments the water is crystal clear. It's very rare to find both high level of tourists and top quality beach. 5. Coron has slightly more breathtaking snorkeling & swimming island hopping destinations than El Nido. The inner island is more picturesque but it's a quiet destination there is not the same crowd as El Nido. That can be a good thing or bad thing depending on your tolerance of alcohol. Don’t miss out on Mount Tapyas and when you think you’ve gotten to the end don’t go back like the other people – keep going the best is yet to come. 6. Siquijor may just be the most underrated island in the Philippines. The cliff jumping is a rush and a memorable life experience. They have everything from spelunking to vine jumping like Tarzan. If these don't give you a rush I don't know what will. This is one of the few places where you could splurge on a 5 star hotel for less than $100/night. Apo Island also has the famous sea turtles in the wild which you can swim right next to. 7. Bohol gets more publicity now that they've newly built the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Bohol is famous for its chocolate hills, tarsier monkeys & river cruise. Panglao's beaches are pristine and you'll find a lot of starfish and other exotic creatures in shallow waters. The only downside is that some of the beaches have rocky coral formations just a couple feet from the surface. IMO, too shallow to comfortably swim or snorkel and sea urchins rule these waters. 8. Tawi-Tawi Island has an amazing interior beauty. Starting your day hiking Bud Bongao and reaching the top will leave you feeling like true royalty. Immerse yourself in nature and contemplate life. Turn off all your gadgets (not that they will work anyway). Learn & embrace the Islam culture as Simunul Island was the origin of Islam in the Philippines. Shop at the local markets for food and souvenirs in Bongao port to support the Badjao. 9. Guimaras Island is the mango capital of the Philippines. Many plantations are sprawled out across a rural bliss backdrop and they produce the sweetest mangoes along with other mango related products. The island has many rocky coves which are suitable for spearfishing with the locals. 10. Dapitan City has a beach cove which is great for a range of water & beach activities such as jet ski, canoeing, scuba diving, beach volleyball, swimming & tennis. Great to adventure with a group of friends or family. I have to say the jet ski experience was exhilarating. Not all jet ski’s are the same do your research on the models offered for rent.