I’m 53 and have been knocking about Amlan for 15 years as I’m married in there, with a fine house and some land. The downside is there are relatives in there too that we will never get out, but that’s ok as it’s us that wants to get out. We can’t sell up, at least not until my wife’s mother and aunt and uncle in Florida go the way of the dodo — they’re all over 65. My wife does agree that there’s no way we could live there, as we’d be surrounded by beggars and family members who’d see us as sponges to be bled. I’d like to end up down around Dauin or Zamboanguita on some spread that gives a little privacy, maybe a bit of land where we could have a few bamboo huts for Airbnbs. But I’m not bent on that idea really, as I’ve got investments to build on until I’m 60 and have to leave China for good. The dividends will be more than enough to see us both out. What I wonder more is — what will I do with my time? I don’t want anything that involves a cash business, having learned from the last 15 years that where money shows, the locals see it as a blessing. I’m more interested in keeping my sanity and living on dividends. Nothing more than fishing with a boat I can moor, growing a bit of mary jae, and having a tinkle on the boat. When the dragon’s let loose, the beer yearning leaves. I’ve been a member here for more years than I’ve been in Negros, and I’d really value your tuppence worth. I’m not looking to live in the bukid — just somewhere I can moor a boat and puff the magic dragon. Having read the replies to all sorts of questions and requests in the past, I know we’ve got a very knowledgeable and wise group here — contributors in the Phils and overseas, all with different experiences. Maybe this thread could even turn into one about the mistakes we’ve all made along the way, as I know I’ve made more than my share. we are also trying to find that piece of land that maybe for us, but only willing to buy from a foreigner for all sorts of reasons.......not looking to buy all of negros maybe 1000sqm enough that we can call ours and have a little peace until we too go the way of the dodo
If creating distance from Amlan is a major concern I would consider settling on a different island altogether, like maybe Bohol or Panay. From Amlan to Dauin is only like 1 hour, even on a motorbike. As for pricing of real estate, prices in the wider Dumaguete area have risen sharply in recent years, which means that even in Dauin and Zamboanguita you'll struggle to find land or house and lot for a price that would have been reasonable only a few short years ago. In some areas actual land prices have more than doubled in the last 4 years. On top of that there's the ever present surreal optimism of would be sellers, that leads to exorbitant asking prices. So also with that in mind I would definitely consider moving further away. Siaton might be an option if you really want to stay on Negros (also has Tambobo Bay nearby for your fishing trips).
