| Perhaps for anyone already living in one of these | | | | share five important factors; |
| three popular retirement destinations the word | | | | 1. Great Weather - of course the weather isn't |
| 'secret' is a bit misleading but hey, it's a headline | | | | perfect all the time but they are all protected |
| and it piques the curiosity. Which is what headlines | | | | from the ravages of typhoons, floods, |
| are supposed to do. Retirement destinations are | | | | earthquakes and volcanoes so you can truly relax. |
| supposed to offer a few things specific to their | | | | 2. Great Food - The Philippines cuisine is not as |
| name also, even if being a secret isn't one of | | | | varied and exciting as that of other South East |
| them. | | | | Asian cultures but at these secret destinations |
| I believe a retirement destination has to be | | | | other retirees have set up international quality |
| somewhere special to travel to, a definite | | | | restaurants. So along with the local fresh food |
| destination. Somewhere that has something the | | | | markets and buying right from the fisherman's |
| other places don't have. These three Philippines | | | | wife every day you are assured of keeping a |
| retirement destinations all offer five very special | | | | great table. |
| benefits. They are; | | | | 3. Great Facilities - All of these destinations offer |
| - Boracay | | | | leisure activities varying from bicycle hire to boat |
| - Puerto Galera | | | | trips, scuba diving and golf. While not as flash as |
| - Malapascua | | | | what you can find in Florida, they are more than |
| All three are on islands but then anywhere in the | | | | adequate and more upscale facilities are only a fun |
| Philippines is on an island. The country is made up | | | | day trip away anyway. |
| of over 7,000 of them. Of the three, Puerto | | | | 4. Great Friends - The friends you will make will |
| Galera is on the largest island, Mindoro. Most of | | | | make the place you choose one of the friendliest |
| Mindoro is wild and rugged jungle and roads are | | | | in the world. Both locals and expatriates are all |
| few and far between. Fortunately Puerto Galera is | | | | enjoying the same ambiance and so share the |
| well serviced by regular ferries across to | | | | same mindset and relaxed attitudes. You'll make |
| Batangas on the 'mainland' island of Luzon. Manila, | | | | friends you can trust and rely on for years to |
| the capital, is about two to three hours away by | | | | come. |
| bus. | | | | 5. Great Memories - This is the 'biggy'. A lot of |
| Boracay is the next largest island but this is still a | | | | people test the waters by retiring for a few |
| place you can walk around in a day. It is the most | | | | weeks or months first. When they find the right |
| developed and one of the most beautiful resort | | | | destination with the right combination of what |
| islands in the world. It is also very affordable. For | | | | they want, they pack up and head back to their |
| variety and choice in places to eat and people | | | | new home. It is the great memories of such |
| who seek the same things as you, Boracay is | | | | secret destinations that helps make that happen, |
| hard to beat. | | | | helps to spur you on when you start to waiver |
| If you want somewhere a little more off the | | | | and wonder if all the packing and selling off is truly |
| beaten track and still under development, | | | | worth it. |
| Malapascua Island is the destination to head for. | | | | Try them out next vacation. See for yourself |
| About four hours north of Cebu City by car or | | | | what makes these secret island hideaways so |
| bus, Malapascua is a 'mini-Boracay' in many ways. | | | | affordable and attractive. |
| All of these three secret retirement destinations | | | | |