I have lived here over 5 years on a tourist visa, it costs less than 1USD per day, just follow the rules and advice of the Bureau of Immigration. If you plan to stay more than 30 days, visit the Bureau of Immigration office in downtown Dumaguete around your 3 week in town.
Stay in a hotel for your 2 week visit, many to choose from, Go Hotel next to Robinson Mall is inexpensive, easy to navigate to and from, and a lot of places to eat and get coffee nearby.
If you are an experienced motorcycle rider, renting a motorbike works great, many rental places at Santa Rosa and Perdices street in downtown Dumaguete. Wait to buy any cars or bikes. It may not seem like it when you are on the road here, but we drive on the right side in this country.
Explore one hour north (Bais City) to one hour south (Saiton City) ,if you see an area you like, ask the local or neighbors if there are any rentals nearby. There are some online ads for rentals but many only known by word of mouth.
I visited Thailand before and liked it very much. The advantage of the Philippines is the people are very friendly and speak English, the culture is more western than any other Asian country, the cost of living can be low and the quality of life can be high if you make good choices. The are adjustments and annoyances to living here. There are many expats from many countries, many places to socialize, the Filipinos make good friends too.
Remain flexible and have the least amount of commitment (housing, vehicles, business, relationship) in your first year if you decide to stay.
Good luck.

 

It isn't. It's one of the best places to live in this area. Best to check it out yourself.

 

Chill out here for your first year on a tourist visa and talk to other expats. You'll figure out what's best for you in that time.

People go there to get away from expats. If you want to be close to expats, then Dumaguete is a better spot.

Stay in Dumaguete for a while and then make your decision. You don't NEED a vehicle here. Get to know the city before diving into buying a bunch of stuff. Especially if you're at a point where cost of living is a concern.

I have always had locals do the groundwork to find me places. There are a lot of options in your price range. Maybe just ask around when you get here.

 

Renting a vehicle would be expensive. It is better to get a small car. I wouldn't advise a motorbike. Filipino drivers are often crazy and it is too dangerous.

 

Perhaps because on this Forum people do not attack someone for having a sense of humour.

 

2) Dapitan is very nice and cheaper than Dumaguete, there is a large public beach with grey sand and not too far is the beautiful Dakak private beach and resort with white sand and clear water. Also lots of activities at Gloria de Dapitan. Very few foreigners live here, compared to Dumaguete. Also the port with ferries for Dumaguete is closed and the Dipolog airport is at 20 minutes only. The only problem is the Hospital (not too far too) but not so good compared to Siliman University Hospital in Dumaguete.

 

Just sayin' why spend money when you aren't sure about it. You might decide that Dumaguete isn't for you. It has happened, there is plenty of thread history in this forum of duma-believers turned duma-leavers. At that point you have a motorcycle and and a bunch of other ***t to dump before you can flee.

Is a motorcycle the only way to see the place? You're getting older. Slow down! You see a lot more detail while walking or letting someone else drive. You can take pedicabs, EZ-rides, Jeepney's and habal habal. Personally, I wouldn't drive here without a tank. I suffer enough head injury just dealing with people here, never-mind taking a direct hit.

Good, luck!