Best Places to Retire: Cebu, Philippines
GraySpirit | Jul 03, 2009 | Comments 23
Cebu City from the air.
One of the more popular retirement destinations in the Philippines is on the island of Cebu. Cebu is a large island located in the Visayas, Philippines. It is conveniently located in the center of the Philippines archipelago and offers ocean and international air access to the rest of the Philippines and other Asian destinations. It’s central location in the Philippines and close proximity to Asia makes it one of the best retirement destinations to use as a base for globehopping around Asia.
The island is elongated and runs north to south for about 150 miles and is essentially a mountain range surrounded by beaches. It also has a deep harbor that has made it the country’s primary seaport throughout its history. Cebu retirement is ideal for living abroad for those wanting a tropical island environment but with the ability to choose between a modern urban setting or a small beach town setting.
Miss Cebu 2007
Cebu Retirement – People:
The population of Cebu is about 3.5 million with about half living in Metro Cebu and the remainder mostly scattered in small towns on the perimeter of the island. Metro Cebu is the second largest metropolitan area in the Philippines and is the nation’s major domestic shipping center. Metro Cebu actually consists of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga, and Talisay cities.
Although the people speak Cebuano, English is widely spoken. As a result, Cebu is rapidly becoming a major hub of call center and telemarketing operations in Asia. Odds are that if you have dealt with the customer service of an American company over the phone, there is a good chance that you have actually had a conversation with a Cebuano. A Cebu retirement is ideal for living abroad if you don’t want to get too far away from the English language.
Among the Filipino population, the retiree will find a large number of Chinese traders who settled into the region starting in the late 1800’s. More recent immigrants include a large number of Japanese and Koreans. Both of Japan and Korea have made major foreign investments in the Philippines to take advantage of a skilled, but low cost labor force. Overtime, Cebu has also become a popular tourist getaway, a second home, and a place to learn English for many Asians. And of course, Cebu is a popular destination for some American expatriates. A Cebu retirement translates into living among an ethnically diverse population – a reflection of the country’s history and Cebu’s role as a major port.
A Metro Cebu City retirement provides retirees with a more laid back atmosphere than in Manila, but in a city with all the modern urban amenities that a westerner might need. On the other hand, a Cebu retirement can also mean a relatively isolated and quiet beach town living for the more beach comber types.
Fort San Pedro - a reflection of Spanish colonialism.
Cebu Retirement – Activities:
As an island, the retiree will find all the traditional ocean activities associated with any touristy beach destination. These range from scuba diving and wind-surfing to more leisurely sun bathing and babe or hunk watching depending on your gender and preferences. If your idea of looking good is a perpetual tan, a Cebu retirement may be a good strategy for living overseas.
Cebu is also widely known for a large number of festivals and celebrations that occur throughout the year. The largest and most well known festival is probably the Sinulog which is held in January. The festival is an honor to baby Jesus and consists of people celebrating dancing in festive costumes to music and culminates in a large festival contest.
Cebu retirement also has interest for amateur historians and photographers. Although American history books will often describe Magellan’s discovery of the Philippines in the 1500’s, Cebu had already been a port of trade for the Chinese and Islamic worlds for several hundred years before that.
Rather than discovering a country that was only “undiscovered” in the minds of the West, Magellan probably should be known for bringing the Philippines under Spanish colonialism which introduced Christianity, Spanish land use systems, language and architecture into the region. Magellan’s Marker, was erected in 1866 to mark the location of the explorer’s death at the hands of Lapu-lapu, a local chieftain. Magellan’s Cross, was erected in 1521 by Magellan himself. Fort San Pedro, located in Independence Plaza was constructed in the 1700’s reflects colonial architecture and holds many artifacts from the Spanish colonial period.
Amateur historians will also find the influence of Spanish architecture in many churches throughout the island. Much older relics dating back to pre-colonial Chinese and Islamic influences and the indigenous discoverers of the country are less visible but can be found in public and small private museums.
Preparing roast pig (lechon).
Cebu Retirement – Amenities:
Metro Cebu offers the retiree modern medical and dental care if it is your retirement destination. For acute care, there are large hospitals and for long-term care, nurses and caregivers are plentiful and affordable in a country known for its export of nurses to the developed world. Although not fully developed, there is a high likelihood that long term care facilities catering to foreigners will emerge as part of the nation’s medical tourism strategy and making it one of the best places to retire in the Philippines.
High end housing choices for a Cebu retirement range from exclusive guarded subdivisions inhabited by foreigners to modern furnished condominiums. Rents usually start in the range of $600-800 (USD) and up. On the other hand, if electing to live outside of Metro Cebu, you could probably live on $800-$1000 a month easily (rent + utilities + food + transportation).
Because of it’s long international history as a port city, dining provides ensures that a Cebu retirement will have a wide selection of international foods as well as a range of local food establishments. In particular, because of the recent influx of Koreans and Japanese, ethnic cuisine from these countries are increasingly available. Of course, for Americans, the ubiquitous McDonald’s and Starbucks are also there. For the retiree who is able to adapt to local foods more readily, there are plenty of streetside food vendors.
Cebu retirement comes with a wide range of shopping choices. On the high end, modern air conditioned malls and supermarkets offer the consumer the typical wide range of goods that one expects from megamalls. On the other hand, by shopping at local open markets, a lot of the overhead associated with mall shopping, is eliminated and food and other products are much more affordable.
Transportation on the island is either by taxi, jeepney, or bus. For the new retiree, the taxi is probably the safest bet. As a Cebu retiree learns the ropes of Cebu living, more local transportation modes become viable.
Cebu Retirement – Summary:
The island of Cebu is an ideal retirement destination for living abroad, offering the retiree expatriate with many choices in lifestyles and budgets for living overseas. Metro Cebu offers all the modern amenities needed, and the smaller towns around the island offers a wide range of getaways from a hectic modern life – if so desired.
(Photo by: Storm-Crypt, SweetestSpot, Don Simon and JrrMann)
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Filed Under: Southeast Asia
This is really interesting- a blog dedicated to people who are looking for places to retire. I’m not there yet, but for friends who are at that age, I definitely will send them your way.
Hi Caddy,
Thanks, I’m actually getting ready to move abroad next week. The day will come that you will be able to retire. I hope this site will be useful should you decide to retire abroad!
My parent’s will retire in Cebu, for you to know I’m a half Filipino my mother is a Filipina although I was born and raised here in L.A. but my Mom and Dad will retire in Cebu someday.
Hi I am from Cebu I just purchased a residential lot in Lapu-lapu City and I already build a cottage there and some water well. Thanks for promoting Cebu City.
I’m in Cebu City right now. I’m enjoying the experience … lol … but found the traffic pretty intense. But it has been a very nice experience so far and I just love all the fruit stands. Will be scouting out a more permanent place to stay outside the city or maybe in a more suburban area. Still exploring…
I am a black american with a filipina wife. I’m contemplating retiring to Cebu next year. Does anyone know if other black americans reside there as well?
Hi Duke,
I have seen only a handful of blacks here. I don’t know if they are living here or just visiting. I have seen many Americans in Cebu though. However, I am still new to Cebu and am still exploring the city so take my thoughts just as preliminary observations. I could be wrong but it seems that race is less of an issue here than in the states. I’ve gotten around quite well for a non-white person.
Thanks grayspirit. That info was very helpful. I plan to visit Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, Cagayan De Oro, and Angeles City within the year for a better insight. Thanks again.
hello
thank you very much for this post
my family is from cebu
and i have to say that it’s really a beautiful city
cheers
just stumbled to this site searching cebu philippines.
. A relaxed/happy environment/people.
i live in cebu , this place is a mixed up of everything
and IT capital of the philippines. we have business center here. Malls / beautiful Beaches / Clubs / Spas scattered all over metro Cebu. the most progressive city in souththern part philippines.
Hi Grayspirit, you say that you are new here in Cebu but you actually wrote a very detailed and interesting article about retirement in Cebu City and yes thank you very much in promoting Cebu.
I live in Lapu Lapu city and have a korean friend, race is really not an issue here in Cebu, just be kind and most of us really already friendly.
We have so many clients that are foreigner with Filipina wife or girlfriend. And most of them are buying condominium and some are expensive house and lot. Cebu is really a good place to live, i even see foreigners hiking, jogging and mountain biking every saturday and sunday near our place. I am into mountain biking too so i really can tell.
by the way, i already made it to cross the old and new bridge using my mountain bike, it is really hard but i was really happy i made it.
Hi John Paul, I am very happy to promote Cebu City. I really love it here. Hmmm … mountain biking sounds a bit tough for me … but I get in regular jogs to Ayala every morning.
Patrick D, Yes, this is very good living. And I have grown very close to many pinoys here in such a short time. I feel lucky as heck.
Hi,
I will be arriving in Cebu 3 December 09…I’m having huge problem obtaining a furnished condo to rent. Most people that advertise on the internet simply escalate their prices when they know it’s a foreigner. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Oh, I’m nowhere close to retiring as yet since I’m only 29, but plan on being in Cebu for at least a year…
Spent 8 months in Manila, Antipolo, Marinduque in 2008, love the Filipino culture and from what I’ve reseached, I hear that it’s even better in Cebu..
I’m renting for 20K a month, but looked at a few units from 15K and up. Prices can go over 40K depending on the number of bedrooms. Townhouses can go for much lower prices – since security and other amenities go with the condo. Email me and I’ll give you the name of the realtor who helped me find my condo.
I am only 49, but seriously considering moving to the Philippines. I have considered my soc security, pension and 401K, and find that it is not viable in the US. I have been talking to a friend, in Cagayan De Oro, for five years now. He says prices for homes range in the $15-30,000 range. I want the closeness of a major city, but outside of town some. Is this safe for Americans? Any help would be appreciated. My email is ForRichardLHoffman@yahoo.com. I don’t mind publishing my email. Any help or suggestions is appreciated. Thanks. Rich
Richard,
I recommend that you visit. There are benefits and risks in any developing country. Yes homes and the cost of living is much lower in general, but your actual living costs will depend on how you want to live.
I am retired and moved to Cebu ten days ago,and I have had a few hicups that were tough learning sessions. I came with too much cash with me, and two people bumped into me and when I heoped the girl up the guy helped himself to my wallet that I hid my money in. I got on the plane and didn,t realize how stupid I was until I wantd to get a hotel room. Fortunately I had a money clip with my credit card and licens. So I paid for a room until my next social security check arrives on Jan.25 I would like to find a place to rent for about pps.15k to 20k. I know no one here and if any one can help mefind a safe place I would appreciate it. God Bless and Thanks, Michael T.
Hi Mike. Yes those were tough lessons to learn. I’ve moved around quite a bit now. Living in places costing from 25K a month to 2.5K a month. For a quick short term fix, I found the Cebu Business Hotel on Colon pretty nice at about 500-600 pesos a month. Right across from Jollibee, a few blocks from McDonalds. Not the best area to walk around alone late at night, but I felt quite comfortable during the day and early evening. For about 15K a month, you get security, a/c, shower, toilet, tv, maid service, room service and a clean room. You get a discount for a monthly rate. Sorry for my late reply but I just moved (a couple of times) and got my internet connected again.
I am sorry I don,t understand the question. If this is a trick question I don,t know the answer. Please have a nice day.
If not living in Manila where can an American renew his passport? Thinking about living in Cebu, Cagayan de oro or Dumaguete. Thanks
Fascinating article and compelling read – many thanks truly for your viewpoint…definitely sparked some discussion with my group of friends…
I’m retired military and researching moving to the Cebu Philippines. I have tried to contact the Philippine Embassy in the U.S. and the American Embassy in the Philippines with no answer. Can anyone give me a POC (e-mail address) to contact? If moving/living in Cebu is it best to get an immigrant visa?
I want to visit/research the Philippines next year (2011) i.e. look for an apartment/condo in a decent neighborhood, calculate my monthly expenses, health care etc. Can anyone recommend a hotel to stay at for about 10 days and is there a tour or some kind of city group I can converse with to provide accurate information?