Top 5 Places to Live in the Philippines
Cebu City
Why it’s a top spot:
Cebu is Manila’s cooler, more composed cousin. English is widely spoken, people are easygoing and you’re always a short hop from white-sand beaches.
Local vibe:
A mix of urban grit and island charm. Coworking cafes by day, rum on the beach by night. You’ll meet both expats and locals who know how to have a good time.
Visa tip:
Start with the 30-day visa-free entry. Extendable for months or grab the SRRV (Special Resident Retiree Visa) if you’re 35+ and looking to plant roots.
Dumaguete
Why it’s a top spot:
This chill university town attracts expats who want to slow down without going off the grid. It’s clean, safe and full of thinkers, artists and retired adventurers.
Local vibe:
Walkable streets, motorbike rides along the coast, espresso with ocean views. Think Hemingway with Wi-Fi.
Visa tip:
Easy visa extensions here and affordable SRRV processing. Immigration office is quick and friendly.
El Nido, Palawan
Why it’s a top spot:
If you’re after jaw-dropping beauty and serious off-the-grid freedom, El Nido is your cinematic escape. This place looks like a movie set because it practically is. Turquoise lagoons, limestone cliffs and island-hopping at your whim.
Local vibe:
You won’t find Starbucks, but you will find cold beer on the beach, boat captains who moonlight as philosophers and a laid-back scene full of global wanderers.
Visa tip:
Same visa rules as elsewhere. Start with the free 30-day entry and extend easily. Be prepared for limited Wi-Fi in some areas, but you’re not here to scroll.
Iloilo City
Why it’s a top spot:
Clean, modern and highly livable. Iloilo is rising fast without losing its charm. Great infrastructure, strong culture and way fewer tourists than Cebu or Manila.
Local vibe:
Polished but peaceful. Locals are proud, kind and educated. It’s a city that feels like a small town with fast internet.
Visa tip:
This city’s SRRV processing is smooth and local real estate is affordable if you’re thinking long-term.
Bohol
Why it’s a top spot:
Bohol is your secret garden. Waterfalls, jungle hikes, Spanish-era towns and beaches without the crowds. It’s peaceful and bursting with natural beauty.
Local vibe:
Wake up to birdsong, take a motorbike to a hidden spring, end the day with grilled fish on the beach. This is where you go to feel free.
Visa tip:
Visa extensions are no hassle here. For long stays, tag Bohol as your base when applying for your SRRV or other long-term permits.
Want to see how Magellan’s last mistake plays into this story? Read the wild true Story of how the explorer met his match right here in the Philippines.