Best Posts in Thread: If not Neg.Or then ???

I wouldn't say the love is leaving, perhaps shifting. My guess is you are listening to a lot of us who have been around Duma at least 5 years and observing some negativity.

Since my arrival to Duma, it appears the number of permanent expats has at least doubled in less than 10 years, the various articles online a few years back, including Duma as one of the top 10 places in the world to retire likely inspired this.

The skyrocketing cost of land has hurt the idea of reasonable affordable homeownership.

The roads are improving but cannot keep up with the ever increasing volume.

Still lots to do here, just more frustration and with the added local wealth, and Asian tourists, overcrowding happens quickly.

But, in the Visaya region, Duma does have a lot to offer and maybe after COVID is gone, it will take some of the abundance with it.

2019 Dumaguete felt like it has reached its capacity for being a quaint and relaxed destination. I moved outside to become "barangized" so to speak, only going downtown when needed.

So JWBobbit, you need to re-visit, say next year, re-confirm your planned lifestyle and expectation especially at your young age, then decide.

Dumaguete is still a great place, as long as you know what you want, and know what to expect.

My 2 Cents...

 

I don't see anything "incorrect" about Philpots post, nor are you "incorrect" but perhaps you didn't hear his acceptance of the way things are here, while longing for the people of the Philippines to be a little safer. Stating the truth can never be arrogant. The low cost of things is definitely a blessing.

Would it really raise the price of things to have a light that works, perhaps even working and used turn signals, on the back of motorcycles and tricycles? I've honestly had my only "oh sh*t!" moments in the Philippines due to motorcycles appearing out of the dark like magic. I absolutely do not ever want to run into one. The helmet and sandals perhaps are a choice, as they really only mangle the driver and passengers, but the lights are absolutely necessary.

 

I lived in Dumaguete 3 years and moved to Tagaytay. For me Tagaytay is much better, so much so that I have bought a house here. Like all places there are pros and cons. I actually live in Alfonso just down the road from Tagaytay near twin lakes.

The weather here is much cooler at 2000 feet, only use the aircon a couple of months a year in the day time. Seems like days top out at about 26-28 c most of the year. Traffic is bad on the weekend with day trippers from Manila clogging the roads but even then it is less stressful than Duma. They come for the scenery and rows of restaurants, during the week traffic is much better. Not one tenth the tricycles or jeepnys here.

There is just a lot more here, very upscale shopping in Nuvalli with an S&R 45 minutes away and Makati and BGC 2 1/2 hours away, longer at rush hour.

Although there are plenty of expats here, nothing like the density in Duma, also lots of excellent restaurants although they are not as expat oriented. Surrounded by golf courses.

Overall it is more expensive than Dumaguete for real estate, but also in the couple of years I have been here no scheduled brownouts, only out for a few hours with storms and was shut down during the Taal eruption as a precaution for ash for a few days. Stateside quality service with utilities and fast internet available.

Prices are rising, the CALEX expressway will be completed soon which will cut the travel time to Manila considerably and another freeway has been proposed and expected to be approved this year to go from Silang in Cavite to Nasugbu in Batangas. This will cut the travel time to Manila to less than an hour, so demand should pick up.

I enjoyed Dumaguete and understand how it suits many expats but if you are not satisfied there Tagaytay is worth a look.

 

Traffic here is a dream for the Philippines, after 4 years driving in Manila and coming here the roads are wide and speeds are moderate and safe (mostly). Compared to the drive from Liloan to Cebu City, narrow roads that progressively get to terrible traffic 1 hour south of Cebu City. Also compared to the pain of Manila and a 3 hour radius of Manila the driving here is luxurious.

Seems like when you leave Manila by car it progressively gets better each island you get to Luzon, Mindorro, Panay then Negros. Awesome drive but you barely ever get over 80 km/h.

 

Dumaguete - Tanjay, 45 minutes minimum. Tanjay - Santa Catalina, 45 minutes. Santia Catalina-Bayawan, 30 minutes, Bayawan - Basay 45 minutes.. That is the mountain route.