Happier Abroad Forum Community

I'm looking to move to the Philippines in September on a 1 year visa that way if I don't like it I can come back, but I heard Cebu is pretty awesome, but also I have heard a lot about Boracay. However, I don't hear much about Boracay other then its got nice beaches. My VA recommended Cebu, Puerto Galera, and Borcay? Which do you prefer and why?

Well I was just in Boracay and while it is really nice, it's a beach resort sort of area far more than a live there area. I'm sure you can live there but the prices will be greater.

Cebu is a very nice city with the standard amenities you want in a city that size. And besides it's not far from Boracay should you want to spend some beach time there.

What about Puerto Guera? I'm looking forward to making the move. I'd like to live walking distance to some kind of beach and a mall. Is that at all possible? Is there a santa monica like area there in Cebu?

ktownkid23 wrote:What about Puerto Guera? I'm looking forward to making the move. I'd like to live walking distance to some kind of beach and a mall. Is that at all possible? Is there a Santa Monica like area there in Cebu?

Just curious since your profile says that you live in KY, how did you know of Santa Monica?

Boracay is the place where you go AFTER you meet the girl in Cebu. It is mainly a family destination and not a pick up place. The same can be said about Puerto Galera. You go there WITH your girl, not to find a girl.

What about Palawan? Why didn't you consider that? El Nido is supposed to be the most beautiful spot in the Philippines.

How did you get a one year visa? Most people just get a tourist visa and extend it every two months.

momopi wrote:

ktownkid23 wrote:What about Puerto Guera? I'm looking forward to making the move. I'd like to live walking distance to some kind of beach and a mall. Is that at all possible? Is there a Santa Monica like area there in Cebu?

Just curious since your profile says that you live in KY, how did you know of Santa Monica?

I lived in Los Angeles for 2.5 years after high school, then moved back to KY because LA was so f***ing expensive and it was a struggle to get on my feet. I had to work every day in LA and live in a shit whole, now I work like 2 days a week and live in a moderately nice apartment. Just the cost of living is way cheaper here.

You live in orange county, I remember buying a pack of parliament and it would be like $8 and there like $4 here.

Winston wrote:What about Palawan? Why didn't you consider that? El Nido is supposed to be the most beautiful spot in the Philippines.

How did you get a one year visa? Most people just get a tourist visa and extend it every two months.

Winston, I haven't gotten the visa yet. I plan on getting one. It seems difficult. Could you elaborate more on attaining the travel visa?

Also, I don't want to buy a round trip ticket or an onward flight out of the country. You have to do that for the travel visa no?

goodfellas1990 wrote:

Winston wrote:What about Palawan? Why didn't you consider that? El Nido is supposed to be the most beautiful spot in the Philippines.

How did you get a one year visa? Most people just get a tourist visa and extend it every two months.

Winston, I haven't gotten the visa yet. I plan on getting one. It seems difficult. Could you elaborate more on attaining the travel visa?

Also, I don't want to buy a round trip ticket or an onward flight out of the country. You have to do that for the travel visa no?

You get the tourist visa automatically when you enter the Philippines. It's valid for 30 days now, not 3 weeks like before. Then you extend it every two months after that at the immigration office.

You have to get an onward ticket to enter the Philippines. You can just get a cheap promo ticket from Cebu Pacific to China or Hong Kong or something, and not use it.

http://www.cebupacificair.com

Mr S has been to Puerto Galera. You can ask him about it. I'll forward this thread to him by PM.

Why did you reply to his post now? It was made back in 2012! Anyone can just do a search online for Puerto Gallera to see newer postings about it. I haven't been back there in well over 5+ yrs so I assume it's changed a bit.