Mati City in Davao Oriental, Philippines, is drawing attention as a fantastic retirement spot for expats looking for affordability, natural beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle. With its stunning beaches, low cost of living, friendly locals, and growing expat community, Mati offers a compelling alternative to more well-known (and often more expensive) retirement destinations in the Philippines.
Why Mati City Is Ideal for Expat Retirees
Okay, let’s dive into what makes Mati City so appealing. Think sunshine, stunning scenery, and a pace of life that encourages you to actually enjoy each day. Mati isn’t just a cheap place to live; it’s a place where you can build a fulfilling and active retirement. It ticks boxes that are important for a retiree like budget constraints, healthcare, lifestyle options and ease to socialize.
Firstly, the cost of living is significantly lower compared to many Western countries and even other popular expat locations in the Philippines. This allows your retirement income to stretch much further, giving you more freedom to pursue your hobbies, travel domestically, or simply enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without constantly worrying about money.
And let’s not forget the weather. Mati enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. This means you can say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to days spent relaxing on the beach, swimming in the turquoise waters, or exploring the nearby mountains. However, note that the Philippines does experience a rainy season (typically from June to November), so being prepared for this is critical.
The Allure of Mati’s Natural Beauty
Mati City is truly blessed with incredible natural beauty. It’s famed for Dahican Beach, a seven-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand known for its consistent waves, making it a haven for surfers and skimboarders. Even if you’re not into watersports, simply relaxing on the beach and watching the skilled skimboarders is a treat. Imagine waking up every morning and ending the day with such a wonderful sight.
Beyond Dahican, you have Pujada Bay, a stunning expanse of water dotted with islands and coral reefs. This is a fantastic place for snorkeling, diving, or simply taking a boat trip to explore the area. You can find local boat operators who offer tours to these islands at reasonable prices. Snorkeling gear is generally available for rent, but if you are a frequent swimmer/snorkeler, it would be best to get your own set.
For those who enjoy hiking and exploring the mountains, Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is within easy reach. This mountain is home to a unique pygmy forest and a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. There is a fee to enter the the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, and it is something you might want to consider. You may need a guide as well. Check out the terms and conditions.
Affordability in Mati City
One of the biggest draws for expats considering Mati is its affordability. Let’s break down some of the key costs. How much will it cost to live? What income do I need? Where will I stay?
Housing: Renting a house or apartment in Mati is generally very affordable. You can find decent apartments starting at around PHP 8,000 – PHP 15,000 (approximately $140 – $260 USD) per month. Larger houses or those closer to the beach will naturally be more expensive. Buying property is also an option, but it’s important to understand the restrictions on foreign ownership. In the Philippines, foreigners cannot own land outright, but can lease land or purchase condominiums.
Food: Eating out is incredibly cheap in Mati. You can enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant for as little as PHP 100 – PHP 200 (approximately $1.75 – $3.50 USD). Groceries are also affordable, especially if you buy local produce from the markets. Western-style products are available in some supermarkets, but they tend to be more expensive.
For example, you can buy 1 kilo of mangoes for 120PHP or 1 kilo of rice for 50php. You can find these in the local market for a cheaper price. A typical Filipino meal would cost 50php to 150php in a ‘carenderia’.
Transportation: Getting around Mati is also very affordable. Jeepneys (public utility vehicles) are the cheapest way to travel, with fares starting at around PHP 10 (approximately $0.18 USD). Tricycles are another common mode of transport, particularly for short distances. You can negotiate the fare with the driver before you start your journey. Motorcycle taxis (habal-habal) are also available, but these are better for those who can ride motorcycles easily.
Utilities: Electricity costs can vary depending on your usage, but expect to pay around PHP 2,000 – PHP 5,000 (approximately $35 – $90 USD) per month. Water bills are generally quite low. Internet access is available, but the speed and reliability can be inconsistent. It’s a good idea to do your research and choose a provider that offers a service that meets your needs. Mobile data is often a pretty viable option as well.
Overall Cost of Living: Many expats report living comfortably in Mati City on a budget of PHP 40,000 – PHP 60,000 (approximately $700 – $1,050 USD) per month. This would cover housing, food, utilities, transportation, and some leisure activities.
Healthcare in Mati City
Access to quality healthcare is a crucial consideration for any retiree. While Mati City has local hospitals and clinics, it is essential to be aware that more specialized medical care may require traveling to a larger city like Davao City. Some foreigners go here to retire for a change; however, they always end up choosing a city with better access to healthcare.
Mati Doctors Hospital and Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center are two of the main healthcare providers in the city. These facilities offer a range of services. It is always best to research if these hospitals can provide you the healthcare services that you need. These usually involve a phone call or a visit to the facility.
For expats, health insurance is highly recommended. PhilHealth, the national health insurance program, is available to foreigners who are legal residents of the Philippines. However, many expats choose to take out private health insurance to ensure they have access to a wider range of medical services and facilities.
There are also a number of pharmacies in Mati City where you can purchase prescription and over-the-counter medications.
The Expats Community and Social Life
Mati City has a growing expat community, which can be a great source of support and friendship for newcomers. Connecting with other expats can help you adjust to life in Mati and provide opportunities for socializing and sharing experiences. It can be helpful to get firsthand insights and advice from those who have already made the move.
You can usually find expats through online forums, social media groups, or by attending local events. Engaging with the local community is equally important and often more fulfilling. Learning a few basic phrases in Tagalog or Cebuano will go a long way in making friends and building relationships with Filipinos.
Social activities in Mati include beach outings, potlucks, group hikes, and visits to local attractions. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals make it easy to feel welcome and integrated into the community.
In a smaller city, you will definitely recognize people over and over again. So do not be surprised to recognize the waiter that served you in that one restaurant when you go to another restaurant! Mati City is that small.
Things to Do in Mati City
Mati City offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained during your retirement. Here are a few ideas:
Relax on Dahican Beach: Spend your days swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing on the beautiful white sand beach. Watch the sunrise and have a nice breakfast is also an ideal plan. You can order from a restaurant or just buy something and cook yourself.
Learn to Surf or Skimboard: Dahican Beach is a popular spot for surfing and skimboarding. There are several surf schools that offer lessons for beginners. If you are not confident in your skills, it is best to have an instructor.
Explore Pujada Bay: Take a boat trip to explore the islands and coral reefs of Pujada Bay. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities. Bring your own go pro so you can document all your adventures in the water!
Visit the Subangan Davao Oriental Provincial Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Davao Oriental province at this museum. It offers a fascinating insight into the region’s past.
Explore Mount Hamiguitan: Hike through the unique pygmy forest and discover the diverse flora and fauna of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do note that this is a somewhat complex trail, so going alone is not advised.
Attend Local Festivals: Mati City celebrates several festivals throughout the year, offering a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. Be sure to check the local calendar for events happening during your stay.
Potential Challenges
While Mati City offers many advantages, it’s essential to be aware of some potential challenges. It is prudent to be aware of what negative things may happen. This way, one can properly plan and prepare in advance.
Infrastructure: The infrastructure in Mati City is still developing. Roads can be rough in some areas, and power outages can occur occasionally. However, the local government is working to improve infrastructure and services.
Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in the Philippines, it’s not always the primary language, especially in more rural areas like Mati City. Learning some basic Tagalog or Cebuano will be helpful in getting around and interacting with locals. Locals usually know some English, but if you would like to have a deeper conversation with people in the neighborhood, learning the local dialect is important.
Cultural Differences: It’s important to be aware of and respectful of Filipino culture. Differences in customs and traditions can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Take the time to learn about the local culture and customs, and be open to adapting to new ways of doing things.
Limited Shopping and Entertainment: Compared to larger cities, Mati City has limited shopping and entertainment options. If you’re used to a wide range of Western-style amenities, you may have to adjust your expectations. It takes a few hours to get to Davao City, so you will probably not do regular trips to Davao for shopping and entertainment.
Visas and Residency
Before making the move to Mati City, it’s vital to understand the visa and residency requirements for foreigners. The Philippines offers several visa options for retirees, including the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) provided by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). This visa allows you to live in the Philippines indefinitely, provided you meet certain requirements, such as depositing a certain amount of money in a Philippine bank.
It’s highly recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or visa specialist to ensure you meet all the requirements and obtain the appropriate visa. Navigating the visa process can be complex, so seeking professional guidance is essential.
Getting to Mati City
The easiest way to reach Mati City is by flying to Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) and then taking a bus or van to Mati. The bus journey takes approximately 3-4 hours and offers scenic views of the countryside. You can ride a van, which is slightly more expensive. Some retirees hire a private car from Davao City to Mati, which can cost between 3000 php to 6000 php.
Alternatively, you can fly directly to Mati Airport (now officially renamed “Imelda R. Marcos – Mati Airport”). However, flights to Mati are less frequent and may be more expensive. Usually, the flight schedules for Davao Airport are more frequent. There are also plans to have more international flights to Davao in the future.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Moving to a new country can be challenging, so here are a few tips to help you make a smooth transition to life in Mati City:
- Do Your Research: Learn as much as you can about Mati City, its culture, and its people before you move.
- Visit Before You Commit: Spend some time in Mati City before making a permanent move to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
- Learn the Language: Even learning a few basic phrases in Tagalog or Cebuano will be helpful.
- Connect with Other Expats: Join expat groups and forums to find support and build friendships.
- Be Open-Minded and Flexible: Adjust to new ways of doing things and embrace the local culture.
FAQ Section
Is Mati City safe?
Yes, Mati City is generally considered a safe place to live. Like any city, it has its share of crime, but violent crime is relatively rare. It’s always advisable to take precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night in deserted areas and keeping your valuables safe. Speak to a local expat retiree so you can get real-world feedback on how they deal with this issue.
What is the internet speed like in Mati City?
Internet speed in Mati City can be inconsistent. While some areas have decent internet access, others may experience slower speeds. It’s a good idea to research different internet providers and choose one that offers a service that meets your needs. Mobile data is often a pretty viable option as well. Converge has been providing fiber optic lines to various establishments and homes in the area. It still is important to read their terms and conditions for installation and usage.
Are there any Western-style restaurants or supermarkets in Mati City?
While Mati City has a growing number of restaurants, there are only a few Western-style restaurants. Local restaurants are more common. There are supermarkets that sell some imported products, but they tend to be more expensive than local goods. Davao City is a few hours away, where you can find a lot more imported Western Goods that are not available in Mati City.
How far is Mati City from Davao City?
Mati City is approximately 170 kilometers (106 miles) from Davao City. The bus journey takes around 3-4 hours. The drive can be slow since roads are not that wide when traveling through the mountains.
What are the best months to visit Mati City?
The best months to visit Mati City are typically from December to May, when the weather is drier and sunnier and there is less probability of storms.
How do I find accommodation in Mati City?
You can find accommodation in Mati City through online booking platforms like Agoda or Booking.com. You can also contact local real estate agents to find rentals or properties for sale. Ask through local expats in social media groups and forums as well. They probably have some leads for renting places.
