For the past week, our days consisted of diving in the mornings, swinging in a hammock in the afternoons and working hard on our laptops while sipping sundowners by night. We had found the perfect setting for our location independent lifestyle: Dumaguete on Negros island lies miles away from the tourist trail. Besides quiet beaches, it is best known for world-class scuba diving sites. I’ll be writing about our dives shortly, but before that, allow me to give you a tour of our office for the week.
Laidback Vibes of Dumaguete
After a few weeks of exploring the Philippines, we were ready to kick back and spend some time working. Traveling from the bustling Cebu City, we warmly welcomed the gentle sea breeze and relaxing vibes of Dumaguete. At our base in Monarch Sands, we felt our pace slow down and our minds relax; it was easy to unwind and let the waves take us.
Our rustic bamboo cottage at Monarch Sands Beach Resort sits high above a secluded crescent-shaped bay, overlooking the blue waters and surrounding fishing village. Every morning, we would awake to a view of swaying coconut trees reaching high into the clear skies and gentle lapping waves beneath our feet. It was a view that many would kill to have as their daily backdrop, and owner Ronald Coselman was the lucky few to call this home.
Having been visiting the Philippines on and off for decades, the native American decided to settle here almost seven years ago and now runs the beach resort with his Filipino wife. When asked why he chose the Philippines, Ronald said, “I never really liked a conventional life and the last thing I wanted to do was retire in Florida like everyone else – now I feel totally at home in the Philippines and cannot imagine living anywhere else.”
Beachfront Lifestyle
Over the next few days, we spent our time chilling on the beach, diving around the area, exploring the surrounding rural villages on motorbike and visiting the local market which explodes in colors come market day. In the evenings, we would work on our laptops with the sounds of the lapping waves in the backdrop. By night, we feasted on savory local dishes prepared by the atay (sister): from freshly caught calamari to tender sirloin steak and their signature mango shake that got me seriously hooked.
Our bamboo hut was simple and rustic, but we couldn’t have felt more comfortable dozing off with the gentle sea breeze in our hair. Every night, the moonlight would sip through the cracks of our hut’s walls and shine on us. It was easy to see how Ronald fell in love with this place – who wouldn’t?
Disclaimer: Our stay was hosted by Monarch Sands but all opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
is there wifi?
Yes, of course and sand and ocean ans fishes too ….. and don't forget to meet people there, they are so kind and it's the true life … I'm joking, let's go and see by your own, it's such a nice place that we ever went there twice with friends and children and everone fell in love with that place …. See you in the Monarch sands beach resort soon ! Cheers from french friends.
hey Sandrine, good to see you here! It was really nice meeting you guys at Monarch Sands, a pity we didn\’t get to say goodbye, I gathered you guys had a great time in Siqijor and Sumilon. We stayed at Sumilon several days after Dumaguete and it was heavenly. Keep in touch!
You see, we often have a look at your website … It's a really nice one and we will be able to get ideas for our next tripsthanks to you …
We had a nice time in siquijor but didn't go to sumilon this time cause guys wanted to rest at the Monarch for the last two days … We hope to see you once again in another place and keep in touch with your homepage. See you . Sandrine and the happy big family ….
yes, in all the cottages and any where on the beach.
You got to see. Awesome.
stunning breakaway
Yes it’s setting is beautiful. It’s a simple place though, but that’s what we love about it.
what a very beautiful place too. the place looks very relaxing and offers some adventures.
Fantastic! I love your office. We are considering going to the Philippines next and you answered quite a few digital nomadic questions in one post. Thanks
Such beautiful scenery in the Philippines. Must be a great getaway from it all. Awesome photos. =)
beautiful.. really beautiful..
and looks very clean too!
Cherry Anne Buscato
Thanks Cherry, Monarch is a great place indeed, we can\’t recommend it more. Hope to go back to Dumaguete soon!
How are you finding the food? I really liked the Philippines, but was disappointed with the food compared with the rest of SE Asia.
I have to agree with you, food in Philippines is a lot blender than say Thai or Singaporean food. But I love the Philippines for the people – they're incredibly open and welcoming.
A great place to unwind, relax and have an adventure