Greetings, everyone. A friend and fellow diver here in Seattle, who is getting ready to retire, mentioned Dumaguete as a place where he might settle. He is married to a Filipina. That sparked my curiosity and I’ve been checking it out online. I’ve only been to the Philippines once before, back in November, and I visited El Nido and Cebu. I’m returning on April 8th and I will spend a week in Dumaguete checking it out and seeing if I could make a life of it myself. I’m glad that I found this site, as it gives me a lot of useful information. I plan on retiring in January of 2020, after almost 23 years of police work. I really don’t know what the next chapter will hold, but I do know that it will include plenty of diving! Thanks!
I do not dive (I swim like a ROCK!) but many foreigners around here flock around the Malatapay Markets here in Maluay, Zamboanguita, waiting their turn to go to Apo Island via the boats to go snorkeling and diving. I am sure you will find plenty to keep you occupied while you are here, as I am told there are also many local reefs close to shore where people like to go also. I am sure you will find the relaxing lifestyle here a great cure to forget about the stresses of your profession. Plenty of guys on this forum who can give you great advice regards diving here...
Welcome! There is some good diving near Dumaguete (Apo Island, Moalboal, Panglao). You can swim with a whale shark in Oslob. I have yet to give that a try. Other places, but not as convenient are Apo Reef, Sabang and Coron.
Thanks for the advice! I have booked the firsts three days at a hotel in the city. That way I can get a lay of the land and see what there is to offer, should I decide to retire there. The last four days will be spent at Mike’s Diving Resort in Dauin. It seems to get good reviews. 30 days to go! I’m stoked.
Dumaguete is a special place if you take time to explore it and the surrounding areas like Valencia. You can rent a car or van with a driver for very little money. Or, you can rent a bike to get around. Dumaguete has many vehicles and the air you breathe in the downtown area could be better. But you do not have to live in the city when finally locate here. Good luck with your time off from work here. There are so many things to do if you just take the time to do it.
Welcome ... good idea to come and spend some time here before making your decision. May need more than a few days though to really get the feel of the place.
