Hotels & Travel The perfect rental (for me)

First time to Phils but been to a few dozen countries over the years, the last being a couple months in Guatemala the beginning of this year. As a veteran I first thought about Clark (obvious right?), the more I read the better Cebu sounded, then Dumaguete and Valencia. I'm still guessing though and would appreciate suggestions. My priority list is:

1)affordable - I prefer to keep Food and Shelter to $1000/mo
2)simple/not hectic city life... - a town is fine, it is the busy busy hectic traffic and pollution city life I'm not interested in.
3)...but still have a/c, flush toilet, hot shower, internet access - those are the parts of "western style" that is important to me
4)safe to walk to eat, preferably also for exercise as I like to walk about 8 klicks a day for exercise and prefer to walk a couple minutes to restaurant/grocery instead of taking other transportation, the ability to sit on my porch and see the ocean would be awesome

Steve

 

Steve, I think the Dumaguete area may be perfect for you. One thing you did not mention as a criteria but you will probably appreciate when you are here is the number of foreigners from you country here.
I would however would not recommend Dumaguete City as place to stay as it can be hectic /not a simple city life (lots of drama and gossip sometimes) ...with its busy busy hectic traffic and pollution, which are two of your negative criteria.. However being close to Dumaguete for the conveniences it offer is very good. Valencia and Bacong, are the areas I would recommend you check out. They are communities that you can survive in independently of Dumaguete but within 10 minute ride. They are small scale and friendly with the conveniences you seem to be looking for at this time. The rents are a little cheaper (Bacong has beach front two bedroom for as low as 14,000 P a month but not always available) and the natural environment aspects are a little stronger. Remember no location has to be a life long permanent residence, you were in Guatemala six months ago. Experiment and enjoy life... moving on when you do not find what you like..... That is why I am still single here....

 

Yup, that is one detail that makes a difference. I am traveling solo (at least until I get there lol).

Also, while I am not "on the hunt" for a GF/Wife, it seems almost inevitable there. I am a quality over quantity guy so definitely Not looking for "bagging as many as I can" while I am there.

 

Agree, with the exception of Bacong, which is a bit more dangerous due to crazy drivers and a drug problem that is reported to be one of the worst in Negros. Out of the two, Valencia is the go.

 

Yeah, the competition for drug sales is getting rampart here. Imp is having a hard time selling his Catnip as there are so many pushers here in Bacong.

 

Steve...looks like you are wanting to hang out, not stay. I would recommend 5 days, 4 nights in AC; from there you should get some ideas on where the girls want to go and then just head out alone (or not) on an adventure, meeting someone here or there. Anything longer in AC is too much.

If you head to Dumaguete, you can pick up some info from the advertisers on the site or assume through whatever hotel you book; some great tour destinations are available locally from water falls, caves and hiking.

Another great place to visit that is Bohol, many people may recommend other places but this was one of the best vacations me and my lovely wife had...haven't checked but the chocolate hills should be looking that way.

My info is quite a few years outdated, so I'm sure other folks will chime in.

Shawn

 

Thanks for all your suggestions, seems like everything points to Valencia. As far as hanging out vs staying, I am amazed at people who decide to move somewhere without ever having lived there. While I am not committing to staying, I will be living there, not on vacation with a vacationer's budget. I wont know how long I am staying until I am there and decide to leave (or not) and move to another country for a while.