Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Subic Sightseeing Guide
Tourists will be able to do several things and see many places in the Philippines. One of the wonderful places in the country is just two hours ago by car. It is Subic located in the Zambales province. There are many things friends and families can do in Subic. A family living in the city can enjoy a lot of rare experiences in Subic. The nature is well preserved in Subic. The following are some of the good things a family or a group of friends can do in Subic:
1. Subic rainforest and the Subic zoo.
The rainforest in Subic is one of the best in the northern island of Luzon. As one drives along the area you will pass by lush forests on each side. There are several monkeys on the street that you might happen to see as you pass by. There is one place there where many bats live. These are some things not common for many people living in urbanized areas. There is a group there that promotes this eco-tourism in the rainforest as a jungle survival trekking / survival tour and they will show you how you can survive in the rainforest with nature around you.
Subic zoo is another place you should never miss out. They offer different animals for you to see. There are some tigers and other animals which are considered exotic. There is a sanctuary for crocodiles and a place with many snakes. You can ride an enclosed jeep and see the tigers roaming about. This is the safari tour which costs three hundred ninety five pesos on a weekend and two hundred ninety five pesos on a weekday.
2. Subic outdoor activities.
There are many things you can do in Subic which are mostly done outdoors. You can have an enjoyable time riding horses in the place called El Kabayo. Subic has a lot of beaches as well. There are many resorts to choose from. The sand in Subic is white and the water is clean and blue. You can do the usual water activities you can enjoy in Boracay or Puerto Galera but you don’t have to go that far from Manila. There are plenty of hotels where you and your friends can stay. There are some hotels with a water park of their own and some have casinos.
Ocean Adventure is another must see place in Subic. This is the version of the ocean world in the United States. It is not bigger than the one in America however it still offers many kids and adults the chance to see dolphin or whale shows. For a certain additional fee you can even mingle with the sea animals. You can also see sea lions and their show.
Subic has become the Philippine’s major attraction for local and foreign tourists. If you live in Manila you should see Subic and discover that it might be your weekend getaway once in a while.
Subic Restaurant Guide
Subic is a progressive city in Zambales. It is just a two hour drive from Manila because of the new expressway. There are many things you can do in Subic like swimming or playing casino games in some hotels. Another best thing to do while you are in Subic is to check out the restaurants there.
1. Xtremely Xpresso – Many people recommend this restaurant for a pizza fill. The pizzas they serve are satisfying. Many young adults come here on a weekend. They also serve coffee and pasta. They also have varieties of sandwiches and tasty burgers. One of the best sellers in this restaurant is their cheese pizza and olio pasta. This place has a coffee shop ambience which gives a relaxed feel. The prices of the food here can range from eleven dollars up to twenty dollars. You can reach the place by taking a taxi that can cost anywhere from fifty to sixty pesos.
2. Bread Time - If you want to have coffee and some pastries of cakes then you can check out the Bread Time. They also serve hot pandesal or hot Filipino loaf which is also delicious. All the flavors of the cakes are delicious and their strawberry frappe is one of the best in town. The food prices here are less expensive you can buy them for less than ten dollars. This bread shop is beside the Aristocrat Restaurant.
3.A Tavola- This restaurant offers Italian meals. They specialize in Italian gourmet cuisine. Their best seller is their pizzas. The food costs can start with thirty one dollars. This is in front of the Bank of the Philippine Islands.
4. The Magic Lagoon Bar and Restaurant – This is a good restaurant to enjoy your vacation and stay in Subic. In this place you can let your children play and you can stay near the beach while you check your mails on your laptop. This is a place where you can enjoy good food while being in a beautiful and relaxing place.
5.Seafood by the Bay – This is an ideal dining place for couples. It provides customers with a good view of the sea. You can eat fresh seafood while you are gazing into the deep ocean. Many honeymooners visit this restaurant.
6.Tong Kyung Am Korean and Japanese Restaurant - This is a restaurant offering Korean and Japanese food in a hot pot. Customers can sit on the patio of the restaurant or you can eat inside where you can see the waters. This restaurant is beside the hotel called The Bayfront.
Subic Beach Guide
Subic Bay Beaches
The beaches of Subic Bay are famous not only to local but also to foreign tourists because of its cool breeze and various water activities. Olongapo City is the biggest in Zambales and is close to the Subic Bay Freeport. Most of the beaches in the city are located in Barrio Barretto. This Subic Beach Guide provides an overview of exceptional venues where one can bask in the cool waters of the city as well as the beauty of nature.
Half Moon Beach
Half Moon Beach was mired in a legal battle that was the reason for its closure. However, the City Government has now taken control of the beach and has made it open to the public.
Situated in the National Highway after Ocean View Resort, this is a simple beach that typifies the Filipino’s love for the beach but dislike for the sun. There are several cottages located within its shores that are available for whole day rental.
Depending on the size of the cottage, the cost of rental may range from 300 to 500 pesos. There is no entrance fee being charged and people love the thought of bringing their own food and rent some grilling facilities.
According to Subic Beach Guide, Half Moon Beach is easily accessible by riding the blue jeepney from the Victory Liner station. Limited parking space is available along the road.
Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach serves as the principal beach that is open to the public in Barrio Barretto. It is found across the PNP camp and is likewise located along the National Highway. There is limited parking space and cottages available for rent but they are found after the seawalls.
According to Subic Beach Guide, there are privately owned beaches as well and they are found in Subic Bay Freeport, the former US military base. Within the facility, there are three beaches that are famous not only to local residents but also tourists from other parts of the country.
All Hands Beach
Known as “Everybody’s Beach,” All Hands Beach used to be place where US forces go for accommodating over 1,500 people. There is a 150 pesos entrance fee that will be charged to guests.
Dungaree Beach
During the time of the American forces, Dungaree Beach was known as “Dog Beach.” It is ideal for guests numbering more than 500 persons. Dungaree Beach is perfect for conducting beach parties. There is a 150 pesos entrance fee that will be charged to guests.
Camayan Beach
Along with Grande Island Resort, Camayan is the only remaining public beach located within the Freeport zone. Camayan Beach has a 250 pesos entrance fee. The beach is limited to a certain number of guests in order to keep the beach from being overcrowded. There are cottages that are available for rent.
On the other hand, entrance to Grande Island Resort is dependent on the availability of ferries that will take guests to the venue.
By looking at this Subic Beach Guide, one would be able to determine which is the best location to go when looking for a beach in Subic Bay.
Experience The Beauty of Subic Bay
If you are intending to go on a Subic Bay sightseeing trip, it might be worthwhile to set aside at least a whole day because there are plenty of activities that can be done. If this is your first time to visit Subic Bay, here are the recommended places to visit and activities to do.
One of the most popular among Subic Bay’s forest reserve, the Bat Kingdom houses various species of fruitbats, flying foxes, and bamboo bats. The former is the biggest variety. Although they are viewed from their sanctuary, you can always spot these creatures in flight from the Bat Highway.
Stretching a total of 15 hectares, Zoobic Safari is composed of several sections. The Petting Zoo is located at the forest and houses various kinds of animals from deers, bearcats, horses, goats, and other varieties.
The Serpentarium section is home to a wide array of snakes, and there is a pond nearby which is home to crocodiles. The Tiger Safari is the highlight of the trip and a guide will input valuable information as you look at the animals.
Another Subic sightseeing venue worth visiting is the Bicentennial Park. This is the best place to go if you want to spend quality time with your friends and families or if you just want to spend the time alone. Here you can go for a picnic, take a stroll, or go fishing. The area for fishing has been renovated and improved.
If you are tired of Subic sightseeing and would want to go on an adventure, Hill 394 is one of the most well renowned venues for climbers. Standing more than 1,300 feet above sea level, it provides a breathtaking sight of Subic Bay as well as of the picturesque Mount Natib. This place also gives you an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate your body after a tiring trip.
If you want to have a feel of what the soldiers go through during military training, the Jungle Environmental Survival Training (JEST) Camp is the place for you. This is not only a good exercise but also a good time to learn about jungle navigation. The Jest Camp has a Mini Zoo, where the Butterfly Garden is the main feature.
Another popular attraction in Subic sightseeing is wreck diving. Ruins of several ships lies underneath the waters of the bay. This is a must see for divers especially the American and Japanese vessels. Wreck diving gives traditional diving and snorkeling an additional twist.
Finally, one of the venues you would not want to include in your Subic sightseeing itinerary is Subic Bay Ocean Adventure, a marine theme park that is ideal for educational and tour packages. It provides both young and old visitors an opportunity to gain knowledge about the different marine species that thrive underneath the ocean.
At the same time, the sea pens are home to some varieties of marine life that will simply astound you such as killer whales, seals, dolphins, to name just a few.
In the end, a Subic sightseeing expedition will never be complete without a visit to the various sights that the former naval base has to offer.
Subic Bay Resorts Offer Variety of Activities
Subic Bay free port, the former American naval base in the Philippines that has been transformed into a bustling free trade zone and industrial complex, offers not only employment for thousands of Filipinos, but leisure and recreation to tourists as well.
There is Ocean Adventure that offers whale and dolphin shows on weekends and Zoobic, a close encounter zoo where you can go near the animals.
Near the Ocean Adventure parking area, for instance, sits a restaurant cum resort that offers fresh sea foods and white beach for swimming. Entrance fee is about $4.
There’s also a horse-back riding range where you will learn how to ride on mares and ponies.
For the nature seekers, there are creeks, mountain trails, Mangyan villages, forests and even a bat sanctuary. For a few dollars as fee, you will learn survival techniques from Mangyans. They were from the groups of jungle survival trainers that trained the famed Green Berets at the height of the Vietnam War.
For the sportsmen, there’s a golf link and a winding road for bikers on weekends.
The complex also hosts softball and baseball diamonds and modern tennis courts. There is also an arcade for kids and students.
The complex also hosts international schools, Korean and Chinese restaurants and a race track for weekend road warriors.
For the high rollers and gamblers, there’s a casino in one of the hotels near the beach front. Other facilities include villas, cottages and hotels. There are also duty free shops for your daily needs. On weekends, especially during holidays, like Christmas and New Year’s Day, the administrators host live-band concerts and other shows for the vacationers and Sunday promenaders.
Just recently the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority hosted an international triathlon participated in both by foreigners and local tri-athletes.
You can go fishing in one of the piers inside the complex that also hosts one of the world’s deep harbors and an international airport that can accommodate even B747s.
Outside the complex, predominantly in Subic town, you can enjoy nightlife with the presence of night clubs, resorts, music lounges and videoke bars particularly at the Barretto district.
Clubs, especially on weekends, remain open until 4 a.m. or until there are no patrons.
For accommodation there’s White Rock Beach Resort and Hotel. You have the choice to use the beaches or a big swimming pool where a big white boulder is in the pool’s middle portion, thus the name White Rock. Adjacent to White Rock is Paradise Resort, which is operated by a Japanese group.
Nearer the former base, is Olongapo City where Ocean View resort offers boat rides, or even aqua cycles. Entrance for day swimmers is $1 and less on weekdays.
