The BEST Retirement City In The World Dumaguete, Philippines Travel Guide

I have been living in the Philippines for months now and I everyone who knows the Philippines knows that Dumaguete is the #1 expat retirement now in this country! So naturally I wanted to go there and see what all the excitement was about! I will say I was not disappointed and I know now the appeal about this little college town is. I talked to random people on the street including ‪@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234‬ who I ran into at the coffee shop. Let's see what all these residences had to say.
#philippines #dumaguete #retirement #expat #streetinterview

[@rounder400]

Paul is one of the reasons Dumaguete has too many expats and consequently: high rents, smog, noise, high food prices. And Aaron, Dumaguete is NOT a beach community. The beaches are poluted and suck. It is a seaside city.

[@aaronaround]

ah man noise? haha idk about that... well the beaches aren't far

[@eddieBoxer]

You are 100% correct i live in Valencia and the beaches in Dumaguete are polluted, there's no water filtration system here all raw sewerage goes right into the beach, Dumaguete is a trashy town, many stray dogs, many beggars, power outages, garbage left everywhere traffic is hell, infrastructure and medical care are in terrible condition.

[@eduardochavacano]

​@@eddieBoxeron my last visit, there was dog decaying on the street outside Siliman Unjversity and no one bothered to pick it up and put on a dog cementery. So what happened to lovely Duma?

[@MikhaV]

As a local, I wish I can upvote this 1000x. We don't want any more Paul''s to come here and wife up local children.

[@nevergiveup-db6fp]

Paul was in rare form. Good job, Paul.😀🌴🌴🍺

[@nevergiveup-db6fp]

@Blue.100s yep you’re right Dumaguete is a terrible place overrun with violent KZbinrs all trying to copy one grumpy old man because they’ve never had an original thought 😀🌴🌴

[@aaronaround]

Good timing huh? haha

[@eddieBoxer]

Dramaguete is a hell hole, getting out in June 2024, heading back to the USA, many expats are old white men who are racist, they bring their bad habitis here, many gossip make up stories about you if they don't like you, been there, Oh I'm not white, most of the time I walk in Dramagute or walk through the mall I get stares from white expats, and the stares are not friendly, I have met a few good expats but 99% are racist, Paul is 100% correct its a hell hole, my advise don't live here live someplace where's there's no expats.

[@nede5936]

simply put, Paul Old Dog doesn't want any more expats to come to Duma. Lol

[@edieiyon]

True! He gets blamed when those new expats coming in, instead of researching about a place on their own rely on the KZbinrs which a lot of us know are sensationalized for views, then did not meet their expectations.

[@aaronaround]

I think secretly he does... I could be wrong though

[@dumaguetedreaming]

I don't want more expats in Dumaguete.

[@HexFlex-ss9rm]

Saw your interview on old dog , congrats on your sobriety. Good job on your video presentation, lots of ❤ and luck 🍀 for you brother

[@aaronaround]

Hey I appreciate that thanks!

[@JimMillsCSLC]

You just got plunked by Paul Old Dog🤣😂😂😂😂

[@aaronaround]

Every dog has it's day :0

[@KB3TLE]

Truth is - the thing that impresses me -- the most -- is - the Filipina Pea makes 'her home' in Dumaguete - of all places. That girl is extremely smart - well educated - and very well informed of western culture and US lifestyles. She certainly could live - presumably - 'anywhere' in the Philippines - yet picks Dumaguete ?!? Do actions speak louder than words ? I think perhaps so. > However - I have noticed inflation - primarily rent prices - have got much more expensive the past 2 or 3 years there - I think due to the abundance of expats driving up prices ! > Many areas of the country remain much cheaper for rent prices - where far fewer expats reside. -?- If a lower cost of living is needed - it may not be the place for you ! 🤔

[@aaronaround]

yes I enjoy the Filipina Pea as well. I have wondered if she writes all of her own scripts. I do know that all the of the expats have definitely risen the prices to some degree I am sure.. 100% when it comes to Airbnb rentals

[@georgmeyer9104]

LOL Paul the most famous KZbinr in Dumaguette! 🤣😂 He makes fun of his competitor! 🤣😂 Paul a supernice guy!

[@aaronaround]

haha he was on fire that's for sure!

[@lojwa.animals.runitrats]

no one can beat dean lol

[@kevink1214]

I had visited Dumaguete and, yes the board walk near the ocean is one nice aspect, however go a few blocks over and it is similar to any other town in the Phils. I think most of the expats living there do not live in Dumageute city itself, but live in the "suburbs" and travel into the city for things then go back home.

[@aaronaround]

yeah well the suburbs are so lovely there like Valencia my goodness it's gorgeous up there

[@dsrrellgriffith1161]

really,,,the water looks bad,,,,boring

[@papadougpapadougsadventures]

I spent a month in Dumaguete and Valencia a year ago and I found it to be a wonderful small town. I also enjoyed Valencia and its surrounding area. I stayed in Dauin which is about 20 minutes from Dumaguete. The entire area is nice. I could see myself living there and may when I retire in Jan 25

[@aaronaround]

Ah ok very cool. I heard there is amazing diving out there. Sounds like you'll head back some day!

[@helmut-g.9651]

Shhht. Its a Secret!

[@richieredw9218]

The best thing to do in Dumaguete is to take the fastest transportation AWAY from there

[@aaronaround]

Haha well that is the bus and that is pretty slow :0

[@LilyBeth-wm6lg]

Hi aaron welcome to dumagueta❤.keep safe bro

[@aaronaround]

Thank you! Take care

[@armandosune3839]

I dont think so. The best retirement city in the world is not Dumaguete. It's ILOILO.

[@aaronaround]

Yeah I think it could be

[@billyray412]

I wouldn’t come to Dumaguete now. The cost of living in the last year has skyrocketed. You can go to Cebu City and rent a house twice as nice for the same price. Also Cebu City has better shopping, better health care and better tourism. Traffic is also getting bad in Dumaguete.

[@aaronaround]

I am not sure about the pricing but the cebu city has a lot more to offer that's for sure

[@billyray412]

@@aaronaround pricing is better. I was going to move there last month, but my wife changed her mind. You can rent a fully furnished home in a nice subdivision with a swimming pool and park for the same price as a home here in Dumaguete.

[@marijolivitzky4336]

Thank you for all your input about Dumaguete after interviewing few people. Dumaguete is my hometown, but currently living in California.

[@aaronaround]

Ah ok nice it is a lovely town! Thank for watching and leaving a comment

[@marijolivitzky4336]

@@aaronaround You are very welcome..

[@eddieBoxer]

@@marijolivitzky4336 Stay in California bro. I'm an American expat liviing in Valencia, I'm Hispanic and I have encountered many old white expats who are racist, they bring their bad habits here, This is the reason i am going back to the USA in June 2024, Dumaguete is a bad place to live for expats especially if you're not white.

[@bornonjuly7052]

Those who does not like Dumagueti go to other places and islands not being crowded and are very beautiful.

[@aaronaround]

Yes other islands are just near!

[@MyLifeThai371]

That first guy you interviewed with the white hair named Paul seemed to really know what he was talking about.

[@aaronaround]

yeah, come to find out he actually lives there and has a KZbin channel!

[@MyLifeThai371]

@@aaronaround Oh nice! I will have to check him out and support new and up and coming KZbinrs like him.

[@aaronaround]

@@MyLifeThai371 Yeah sounds good 😂

[@nevergiveup-db6fp]

I can tell you did that video on a weekend try driving around there on a weekday. It will change your outlook on the Philippines, or at least to Magette.

[@aaronaround]

Yeah I did the traffic does get a little bad .... small streets

[@UtahtothePhilipinnes]

Regular guy was in bike accident while driving in Leyte , i was notified 10:10 pm tonight Ph. time , may 6th 🙏scotty

[@aaronaround]

Oh no SCOTTY... I like his channel.. too bad hope he recovers well

[@goman69]

I sent a month in the Philippine's last year and Dumaguete was an absolute DUMP, was glad to get on the ferry and leave! KZbin Bloggers!!!!!

[@aaronaround]

Wow really? I don't think it's a dump but I hear you

[@hrollinsnyc]

The beach looks nice 🙂

[@littlesparrow34]

Dumaguete is only for shopping and dining, seeing doctors. I have a beach property 2 hours away, a hill top property overlooking near in the same area. Then I have property 20 minutes from Dumaguete of 3 acres with a view of the city and around. I wouldn't live in Dumaguete. But will shop/ dine there. You don't know the place. I live very rural, away from people if I chose to not see one, but near the city.

[@Midwest10]

@@aaronaroundabsolute crap hole

[@jameswhitewater6127]

This kid is .. just a kid trying to earn a penny. Lived in Dumaguete 6+ years. Now changed into a shit hole like the rest of this archipelago, doubt you are able to understand ..

[@wickman.r4662]

Simple medical care is OK. MEDICAL facilities need upgrades

[@aaronaround]

Yeah I agree with you on that. For the basics I think you are good to go but for more advanced levels I would at least go to manila or another neighboring country

[@wickman.r4662]

Iloilo is more modern than Dumaguete

[@aaronaround]

Yes 100% I like Iloilo

[@wickman.r4662]

Is there a Mormon church in nearby Valencia

[@aaronaround]

You know I think I did see one

[@WafeeAlBaghdadi]

Dumaguete is beautiful though. Is there any delicious halal restaurant outlet there?

[@aaronaround]

I am not sure I am sure there are few but I didn't see

[@WafeeAlBaghdadi]

@@aaronaround I did some searching, yes there are 4 stars rating Muslim Restaurants over there, thanks. Indian and Moroccan inspired.

[@aaronaround]

@@WafeeAlBaghdadi ah ok very cool 👍.. they sound!

[@stankos1637]

Try Zamboanga or Marawi

[@ericschreiner8619]

Go to Mindanao

[@ericemslie9870]

From my experience. Many of the retirees in Dumaguete would not be there at all if they had the money to retire in the US. The bloggers will say everything is great there but the reality is they would go back to the US in a heartbeat if they could financially afford to

[@aaronaround]

Mm I don't necessarily think so but I think they would spend more time back home.... ideally ( and I think many expats would agree) 6-9 months abroad and coupled with a few months back home is ideal and keeps things fresh new

[@poyotski]

Paul, the first guy, was being sarcastic I am sure. He lowkey don’t wanna have more expats coming. Haha! I am from Dumaguete but have lived abroad for 20 years. But I do go home every few years. It is not the same as it was. Not the sleepy town that I knew anymore.

[@aaronaround]

Yeah he loves it here ha

[@alexandrealferan7144]

Really hope Philippines increases requirements for expats like Thailand and Malaysia... Too many Low quality expats in Philippines going broke...

[@aaronaround]

Yeah I think there is some truth to it but it definitely brings a lot of money into the country

[@wickman.r4662]

Are there plans expanding or relocating the airport?

[@aaronaround]

I am not sure honestly for now I don't think they need it but I could be wrong

[@JenGioPhilippineJourney]

Go North to Gulignhan City about 2 hours from Dumagete on way it is to San Carlos ❤

[@aaronaround]

I heard about that city how is it up there?

[@JenGioPhilippineJourney]

@aaronaround not alot of expats their it's in-between Dumagete and San Carlos we have a ferry their. I like it their. It's cheaper in my eyes. I started a KZbin channel JenGioPhilippineJourney cause when we get home I'm doing my 13a spouse visa and then going to build house on our land. But we close to the seaside as they say it takes us about 20 minutes to get to city on tricycle cost like $2.00 we have a Pure Gold grocery store and a Prince Store. And big wet market alot of places to eat plus what my wife calls the China store. The people are great they call me the giant in the city and the kids always help with our packages. I treat them to soda and snacks for helping. You need to come check it out we will be home on the 8th of June 2024 . I can't wait to go home. Yes I call that home you can also look up Gulignhan City on Google and KZbin.

[@marijolivitzky4336]

It's Guihulngan :)

[@dumaguetedreaming]

@@aaronaround Just sleepier with no mall. More of a local only town.

[@dumaguetedreaming]

@@aaronaround Markie Shumate used to vlog from there and he was building a house on family property.

[@ccjohncc1]

Overrated is when something is less than what people say it is not more. A place is found to be overrated when anyone finds out it is not as good as what they had heard.

[@aaronaround]

Yeah that is a fact

[@JimMillsCSLC]

Dumaguete a small province city? 140,000 people?

[@aaronaround]

Yeah it is small relatively speaking you can drive through the place with no traffic in 10 minutes.... roughly .....

[@jones4334]

250k people

[@ArthursSimpleLife]

Paul wants Dumaguete all for himself. Obviously. :p

[@aaronaround]

Well you could say he's the King Of Duma haha

[@rogerwilco4736]

He's welcome to it!

[@rogerwilco4736]

We're here on a mission, scamming money off the poor to send back to the rich in Salt Lake City

[@LGP-rn3rn]

Thanks for visiting Dumaguete.!!! Now go home please.

[@aaronaround]

Haha yeah right after you :0

[@eddieBoxer]

Yes i am going home in June 2024 to the USA, dramaguete is a hell hole with many old white racist expats who just can't mind their own business, everybody ants to know your life history, as a Hispanic expat do not talk to anyone about your past, they will gossip, just tell them a lie, one expat asked me what I did in the USA, I said " i was a sanitation worker collecting trash, man he told others I was a garbage collector, piece if sh&t, I had one expat who was good and informed me, I kept it quiet, sad you come to another country to enjoy your retirement and some expats are trying to defame you.

[@nemowei5553]

The city is in American hand. Not recommended for Europeans.

[@aaronaround]

Why do you say that? Thanks for tuning in

[@nemowei5553]

@@aaronaround I am living since 2011 near Manila. I was in Duma and what I have seen there were a lot of Americans . Many chitchatting etc. Don't misunderstand me . The area is nice but I like to stay out of trouble.

[@aaronaround]

@@nemowei5553 yeah I hear ya. Wow nice thats a long time

[@paulmarks8979]

Baguio city here in the north phils. ( Benguet prov.) Cool climate n pine trees.

[@aaronaround]

Yes I have yet to go there I am very interested

[@altonarm]

SHHHH! Do NOT ruin that town!

[@quackersna]

I'd have a hard time saying it's the best retirement city. I'd have a hard time even ranking it in the top 10

[@aaronaround]

Wow really? Well I could see it depends if you like Asia or not

[@marijolivitzky4336]

Forbes Magazine listed Dumaguete as the six best places in the world for retirement back in 2014.

[@henrycohen1910]

hey pal, it ain't so sleepy!

[@aaronaround]

well drive around at 8 o'clock at night :0

[@henrycohen1910]

@@aaronaround I live about an north of Dumaguete in Tanjay. My wife and I go to Dumagute about once a month for food shopping. I hate it, traffic is abominable and the city is a heat sink. It's not that I'm unfamiliar with big cities, grew up in Philly and lived in NYC for most of my life.

[@jperez7893]

blues brothers: "we're on a mission from God" paul is trying his best to scare everyone away so he can have it all for himself

[@aaronaround]

Haha maybe... the traffic can get a little frustrating there haha

[@eddieBoxer]

You see many Mormons out here trying to con you into Mormonism, btw Joseph Smith was a friend of mine back in 1889.

[@JohnDoe-jz6kn]

I know those missionaries! Good guys

[@user-bg2ig5xc3e]

Are they on Grindr?

[@aaronaround]

haha

[@aaronaround]

Oh really? they were cool

[@marijolivitzky4336]

The guy is very bitter, he probably have had bad experience the way he badmouthed Dumaguete. I felt sorry for his grumpiness.

[@aaronaround]

haha he loves it there

[@DingusCirc]

The real old expats on social security like it but generally a boring place .

[@aaronaround]

Yeah it has it's pros and cons

[@damncars2618]

What happened to Mark Thornton.... Not sure what you like about that.

[@aaronaround]

Thanks for tuning in

[@eddieBoxer]

Mark Thorton is still around at a lower key after the fight at Ground Zero.

[@altonarm]

I spent a month there it was terrible. There is no traffic laws people drive like they don't care about life at all. It's overrun with expats so if you're looking for a gf forget it. It is NOT worth all the hype. It sucks. End of story. Paul did not lie to you he was being frank and honest with you like he can't be on his own channel and yes I met him and yes he really is that rude.

[@aaronaround]

"people drive like they don't care about life at all." haha that's funny well listen I am not saying you're wrong about that, the driving that is haha

[@eddieBoxer]

Don't look for a girlfriend in Dumaguete, most if not all the ladies have kids, uneducated come from different provinces in serach of an old white expat who will take her and her kids, these ladies are the bottom of the barrel.

[@paulmarks8979]

Welcome to P.I.

[@aaronaround]

Yes thank you!

[@stannmcb3]

I think Paul wants it all for himself. 😂

[@aaronaround]

Sounds like it right? haha

[@AndrewHiscock]

Doesn’t appeal in the slightest.

[@aaronaround]

@@AndrewHiscock 🤣

[@harpoon9996]

The EXIT sign.😅

[@aaronaround]

haha yeah

[@blakechristensen9073]

Stay out of the hospital. Slumpital!

[@aaronaround]

I don't know what you mean

[@bobnewhart4318]

Is that ocean water saltwater or freshwater?

[@edieiyon]

Google can probably answer your question.

[@davehardan8323]

It's probably dehydrated water.

[@damncars2618]

Fully saturated with fats and BS.

[@aaronaround]

it is actually water substitute come to find out

[@richardclausen154]

It is saltwater blended with sanitation runoff. All the streams rjnning down the beach are NIT artesian springs! Lol

[@brasilianer411]

Der schlimmste Ort auf den Philippinen

[@aaronaround]

du hast miche

[@Delta922]

We want all Americans to come!! They always welcome here.

[@aaronaround]

definitely

[@eddieBoxer]

But i have no money!

[@Mao-Digs-Escariote]

Dramaguete

[@aaronaround]

Majorly haha I didn't know

[@Mao-Digs-Escariote]

@@aaronaround lots of toxic retired expat turned vloggers and live around gossiping.

[@rogerwilco4736]

I've visited Dumaguete several times and was far from impressed, its a good place to leave behind

[@aaronaround]

I wouldnt say that but I hear you

[@dantesalazar7805]

No thats not worth many poor malaysia or thailand good

[@aaronaround]

I don't know what you're saying

[@BC19572]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Dramaguete

[@aaronaround]

Big time drama small time city :0

[@bonkymnobols5466]

The first guy hates where he is but instead of leaving he just complains. Lame

[@aaronaround]

Well he does secretly like it there haha

[@Midwest10]

As the ONLY expat to visit every province and city here, Dumaguete is not in my top 100. Get out and explore Po

[@aaronaround]

Wow everyone? That is impressive

[@lojwa.animals.runitrats]

marshil island i was on runit lojwa in 78 79

[@aaronaround]

Oh wow nice !

[@lojwa.animals.runitrats]

no but its alot of xpat drammmmma now

[@aaronaround]

Yeah I guess I still havent seen any I dont feed into that crap

[@eddieBoxer]

So true as an expat I'm leaving Dumaguete in June 2024.

[@CareFreeCris-mb8fh]

Damn whats that frankenstien looking thing growing out of your head ?

[@aaronaround]

hahaha bad lighting

[@eddieBoxer]

Its head lice you get when you stay at the local hotel.