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When it comes to retirement locations in the Philippines, one has many options - major urban cities, larger rural cities, beach resorts, mountain retreats. Each has its own unique and attractive features. The major advantage of retirement in a major urban Philippines city are (i) international airport accessibility, (ii) excellent healthcare accessibility, (iii) all major sports activities, and (iv) secure, upscale shopping, night life and entertainment. In this category of major urban cities are the Manila metropolitan area, Cebu City in the Visayas area of the country, and Davao City in Mindanao.

MANILA

Manila is the capital of the country, and the primary port of entry for every foreigner flying to the Philippines. It is the gateway to the Philippines. For a foreigner seeking quick access in and out of the country, Manila is the place to be. Travel to Manila from California is 15 hours, from Hawaii is 10 hours, from Tokyo it it is a little over 4 hours, from Hong Kong it is less than 2 hours, from Singapore it is 3 hours, and from Europe it is basically 20 hours. Once you are in Asia, sitting in the China Sea, Manila is at the center. Trips to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, Indonesia and are quick and easy from Manila.

Manila is actually part of a major metropolitan area with an overall population of over 11 million people. So yes, it is crowded overall, yet, like all major cities in the world, there are areas within the metropolitan area which are quite diverse from one another.

Depending on one's retirement income, retiring foreigners tend to favor either the upscale, highly westernized Makati, Ortigas/Mandaluyong, Alabang or areas. These areas have all the amenities westerners are accustomed to, including all the biggest and most upscale shopping malls in the country. Makati is the financial hub of the Philippines, and it is full of western style upscale condominiums with all the latest amenities.

For those wanting an upscale, big city living, with access to the best entertainment, sporting events, unlimited shopping options, and most westernized lifestyle, within easy reach of foreign destinations, Manila is your best choice. The downside is that it is the most expensive than Cebu City and Davao City.

CEBU CITY

Cebu City is located on the island of Cebu in the chain of islands known as the Visayas. It is more centrally located in the country and is a domestic trading and transportation hub. It is much smaller than Manila, with a population less than 1 million, yet its people have a higher per capita income level. It is very pro business, and to more efficiently run city than Manila. It is very progressive and has become a large center of commerce. It has aggressively expanded its airport, which does receive certain direct international flights, though few in number.

Cebu has a large population of foreign retire in relation to its population. Foreigners are drawn to its abundance of beaches and resorts. It is a beautiful city, surrounded by mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. Like Manila, it too has its upscale, modern shopping malls, casinos, and a great night life. Being a smaller city, getting around the city is much easier. It is now only beginning to see construction of high rise condominiums, which are abundant in Manila, and a favorite of western retire.

Cebu has great medical facilities and it has just recently launched an effort in conjunction with the national government to further develop Cebu as a major medical tourism and retirement center for foreigners.

All in all, it has most of the westernized benefits of Manila, yet a lower cost of living, combined with the presence of many, many beautiful white sand beach resorts. Those who love living near the seaside, have interests in diving and other water sports, yet like the efficiency and amenities of to smaller modern city, then Cebu City would be your choice.

DAVAO CITY

Davao City is THE city of Mindanao, and by square miles it is the second largest city in the world. Its population is approximately 1.4 million. Located on the southern of Mindanao, it is the most rural of the three major urban cities, and it has the lowest cost of living. So, if you enjoy the lifestyle of a large city, but have limitations on your cost of living, Davao is the place for you.

Davao City does not get large numbers of foreign travelers, yet for those seeking outdoor adventures, the options are plentiful. Living in Davao is a bit like living in both an urban and a rural city, as the city has modern shopping centers, upscale gated communities and hotels, yet living there you become deeply rooted to the land outside the city. Just outside the city is Mt Apo with forested slopes and abundance of hiking opportunities, and located on a gulf, it is only a short boat ride to white sand beaches. Most of the land outside the city has been turned over to massive plantations growing bananas, pineapples, and other citrus. The city has a new, great world class golf course, and low rise condominiums are being built newly. It has committed itself to the development of a world class medical center, and is aggressively pursuing medical tourism.

In conclusion, it has been my experience that for a person who wants to remove in a major urban city in the Philippines, the choice between Manila, Cebu and Davao usually comes down to one's pension and/or other monthly retirement income. Manila is the most expensive, Cebu is next, and Davao has the lowest cost of living. Manila is the most cosmopolitan, and the Davao the most rural. All three are attractive spots for a foreigner seeking retirement in the Philippines in an urban environment.

Do do you want more in depth information about retirement living available to foreigners in the Philippines? I have just completed my new book on "Retirement Living in the Philippines", which provides a comprehensive study of opportunities for fun, adventure, love and great friendships living in the Philippines.

Download it at http://www.retirementlivinginthephilippines.com

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Will Irwin is a powerful entrepreneur and business and life coach. I've started many online and offline businesses both in the USA and in the Philippines, residing in both Hawaii and the Philippines.

Famous for its opulent temples, pristine beaches and rich cultures, Southeast Asia has long been one of the most popular travel destinations for the adventurous backpacker. From the bustling modern cities of Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to the sleepy oceanside villages of Ko Tao and northern Bali, Southeast Asia's immense diversity has the power to lure and impress even the most experienced traveler.

Well-trodden paths ply between the most prominent cities and cultural sites of Southeast Asia's big tourism hitters of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. But venture just beyond the headliners and you will encounter a Southeast Asia that is in many ways still waiting to be discovered. Emerging destinations in the more popular countries along with the less traversed Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar offer travelers a fascinating glimpse of the region with the added bonus of much smaller crowds. With less Western visitors in these areas travelers will encounter a Southeast Asia that is worlds away from Khao San Road; an experience within which you can more easily connect to the endearing and friendly locals who make any journey to Southeast Asia so unforgettable.

5 Emerging Destinations in Southeast Asia

Without further ado here is a list of five of the most popular emerging destinations in Southeast Asia in no particular order. These places are by no means completely off-the-beaten path or off-the-radar but rather are becoming increasingly admired among the backpacker and independent travel crowd. Naturally, this does not claim to be an exhaustive list. Southeast Asia as a tourism destination is continually evolving and with more investment into tourist infrastructure pouring in this list could conceivably be re-titled five years from now minus the word "emerging". Before making the decision to travel to any of these destinations, however, it is prudent to seek out up-to-date travel advice including required vaccinations, visa requirements and travel advisories.

Bagan, Myanmar

The temples of Siem Reap in Cambodia may have prestige and grandeur but perhaps no destination in Southeast Asia can compete with the sheer volume of spiritual dwellings in Bagan, Myanmar. With over 2,000 remaining temples gracing the area, Bagan continues to be one of the least known yet unmissable destinations in the region. Hidden southwest of the more recognizable Mandalay and considering the long journey from the former capital and largest city, Yangon, Bagan sees significantly fewer visitors than other temple complexes in Thailand or Cambodia, giving travelers an opportunity to revel in its beauty with relative calm. For one of the truly great experiences in Southeast Asia, perch yourself atop one of the ubiquitous empty temple-top terraces just before dusk to gaze upon the sunset reflecting brilliantly off of the temples' golden spires.

Traveling to Bagan (and Myanmar), however, is definitely not for the faint-hearted or time-pressed traveler, which may explain why it has not yet caught up with its potential. To enter the country visas are required for and must usually be applied for in advance. Distances between cities are also quite large with road conditions that often leave something to be desired. Traveling to/from Bagan is no exception with daily long-distance buses plying the roads to/from Mandalay (8 hours) and Yangon (14-15 hours) while trains trudge the same routes albeit significantly slower. Air travel is an option but keep in mind that safety standards in Myanmar may not be as robust as in Western countries.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers lies the crown jewel of Laos, the majestic town of Luang Prabang. Few cities are as timeless as the UNESCO World Heritage site Luang Prabang with its reminiscent French colonial architecture, grandiose Buddhist temples and traditional Laotian wooden houses jammed neatly into its endearing old quarter. In the shadow of Phu Si and its hillside temples, buzzing markets, ornate spiritual sites and restaurants serving up local and international specials capture the attention of all those passing through. Possessing an elusive charm, Luang Prabang has quickly become a favorite destination for independent travelers on the Southeast Asia circuit and continues to move up the travel ranks as it lures back old friends and deftly seduces new ones.

Road improvements have made bus travel in Laos significantly more comfortable and getting to Luang Prabang considerably easier. Buses to/from the capital Vientiane (9 to 11 hours) and adrenaline-fueled Vang Vieng (7 hours) leave regularly while boats can be chartered for the amazing trip to Nong Khiaw (7 hours) along the Nam Ou.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Home to a burgeoning backpacker culture of sorts, Yogyakarta, Java's geographic and cultural center, is rapidly evolving into one of the most popular travel destinations in Indonesia. Strategically located on the main line between Jakarta and Bali, Jogja, its moniker to locals and admiring travelers alike, has become an almost mandatory stopover for those trekking across Java. And with good reason. Jogja itself has a wealth of attractions including art galleries and museums showcasing Javanese culture and the famous kraton, a grandiloquent walled palace at the heart of the city, once home to the sultans. The traveler's enclave centered around Jalan Sosrowijayan is a surprisingly lively introduction to Indonesian, particularly Javanese, culture and hospitality, where it is not unusual to see hip, friendly locals mingling seamlessly with tourists in the area's streets, bars and restaurants.

Yogyakarta's biggest tourist drawcard, however, is the iconic Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, situated just 42km away. Constructed somewhere around 800 AD, the temples intricate panels and stupas are best seen under the gentle radiance of a sunrise when large tour groups have yet to arrive.

Transport to/from Jogja is fairly simple since the city is well connected to the rest of Java by buses, minibuses and trains. The journey to/from Jakarta is most comfortable and shortest by train (8 hours) while the long-haul to Denpasar in Bali (15 to 16 hours) via Mt. Bromo (9 to 10 hours) is most directly accomplished by bus/minibus.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Possessing a distinctive character that is all its own, the charming riverside town of Hoi An captivates visitors with its enticing blend of graceful architecture and a bucolic pace. At the heart of Hoi An sits the enduring Old Town, a veritable open-museum distinguished enough to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Partially because of this status, Hoi An is remarkably well-preserved and in walking the narrow alleyways it is not difficult to see why so many travelers are becoming increasingly enchanted by the town and its entrancing atmosphere.

Located on the main coastal highway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, although quite far from each, Hoi An has reliable bus connections to many cities in Vietnam. Buses to/from Hue (4 to 5 hours), Danang (about 1 hour) and Nha Trang (9 to 10 hours) are available. If you are short on time but still want to visit Hoi An, flying to/from Danang to HCMC or Hanoi is a possible option.

Pai, Thailand

Throw the spirit of Haight-Ashbury circa 1967 into a misty valley in the foothills of northern Thailand and something resembling Pai may just materialize. An increasingly popular backpacker hotspot, laid-back and uber-cool Pai is one of Thailand's fastest growing tourist destinations. Unlike the other places on this list, Pai has seemingly little in the way of sights; but what Pai lacks in landmarks it more than makes up for in atmosphere and location. Once a mere stopover for those heading north of Chiang Mai, travelers now venture to Pai for its fantastic trekking, rafting, elephant riding and spa relaxation options.

Located in northern Thailand, Pai is accessible by bus from Chiang Mai (4 hours), the second most popular international gateway to the country, and Mae Hong Son (4 hours), a major hill-tribe trekking center.

Other Emerging Destinations

With so much to discover in Southeast Asia, choosing only five emerging destinations can hardly do justice to such a diverse and exceedingly engrossing region. Here are some other destinations to keep on radar that deserve an honorable mention:

Kalaw (Myanmar)
Palawan (Philippines)
Kinabalu National Park (Malaysia)
Ko Tao (Thailand)
Battambang (Cambodia)

If you have information you would like to share with other travelers or are looking for more information on the region, please check out and contribute to the open source Southeast Asia Travel Guide at Treksplorer.com.

Ryan O'Rourke is an editor at http://www.treksplorer.com, a travel website providing interactive, open source travel guides, destination information and trip planning resources to connect independent travelers from around the world. Always searching for the next great travel experience, some of Ryan's favorite world travel destinations include the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Balkans.

When Ryan is not traversing the world or basking in the tender glow of his laptop screen, he enjoys shredding a solo or two on his guitar, reveling in the outdoors and getting intellectual stimulation from philosophy, history and political science books.