Perhaps for anyone already living in one of these three popular retirement destinations the word 'secret' is a bit misleading but hey, it's a headline and it piques the curiosity. Which is what headlines are supposed to do. Retirement destinations are supposed to offer a few things specific to their name also, even if being a secret isn't one of them.
I believe a retirement destination has to be somewhere special to travel to, a definite destination. Somewhere that has something the other places don't have. These three Philippines retirement destinations all offer five very special benefits. They are;
- Boracay
- Puerto Galera
- Malapascua
All three are on islands but then anywhere in the Philippines is on an island. The country is made up of over 7,000 of them. Of the three, Puerto Galera is on the largest island, Mindoro. Most of Mindoro is wild and rugged jungle and roads are few and far between. Fortunately Puerto Galera is well serviced by regular ferries across to Batangas on the 'mainland' island of Luzon. Manila, the capital, is about two to three hours away by bus.
Boracay is the next largest island but this is still a place you can walk around in a day. It is the most developed and one of the most beautiful resort islands in the world. It is also very affordable. For variety and choice in places to eat and people who seek the same things as you, Boracay is hard to beat.
If you want somewhere a little more off the beaten track and still under development, Malapascua Island is the destination to head for. About four hours north of Cebu City by car or bus, Malapascua is a 'mini-Boracay' in many ways. All of these three secret retirement destinations share five important factors;
1. Great Weather - of course the weather isn't perfect all the time but they are all protected from the ravages of typhoons, floods, earthquakes and volcanoes so you can truly relax.
2. Great Food - The Philippines cuisine is not as varied and exciting as that of other South East Asian cultures but at these secret destinations other retirees have set up international quality restaurants. So along with the local fresh food markets and buying right from the fisherman's wife every day you are assured of keeping a great table.
3. Great Facilities - All of these destinations offer leisure activities varying from bicycle hire to boat trips, scuba diving and golf. While not as flash as what you can find in Florida, they are more than adequate and more upscale facilities are only a fun day trip away anyway.
4. Great Friends - The friends you will make will make the place you choose one of the friendliest in the world. Both locals and expatriates are all enjoying the same ambiance and so share the same mindset and relaxed attitudes. You'll make friends you can trust and rely on for years to come.
5. Great Memories - This is the 'biggy'. A lot of people test the waters by retiring for a few weeks or months first. When they find the right destination with the right combination of what they want, they pack up and head back to their new home. It is the great memories of such secret destinations that helps make that happen, helps to spur you on when you start to waiver and wonder if all the packing and selling off is truly worth it.
Try them out next vacation. See for yourself what makes these secret island hideaways so affordable and attractive.
