Once the home of the Spanish, and then the US, Navies, Subic is now a booming special economic zone. The area boasts international standard resorts, hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos, and night clubs.
The spectacular landscape, with the surrounding mountains sweeping majestically into the sea, emphasize one of Asia’s best natural deep water harbours.
With the SCTex (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) now open, driving time is now 45 minutes from Angeles, 1 hour 45 from Manila, and 1 hour 30 minutes from Tarlac.
Subic Bay Pocket Issue 3 3023 Map page 1
Subic Bay Pocket Map page 2
Barrio Barretto and Baloy Beach are where the expats head for, offering seriously affordable accommodation, a friendly welcome, excellent food, and relaxing - no hassle - beach side bars, plus a chance to catch up on all the local news in a beach combers atmosphere.
The former base has undergone many changes, while keeping a lot of the old atmosphere, offering scuba, water sports, zip lining, horse riding, jungle training, go-karts, motor racing, a butterfly park, several casinos, international hotels, and a host of good restaurants.
The zone is easily navigable by bus, or taxi, from the main gate.
Try a little wreck diving, and water sports, or relax at a beach-side restaurant.
Map of Subic Bay
At Ocean Adventure Marine Park, you can watch the whales, dolphins, and seals perform, and look at their collection of local marine life in the aquarium.At Vasco’s Pub & Dive shop at Magellan’s Landing, visit their interesting museum which is packed full of historic items recovered from various wrecks dating from the Spanish era.
The legacy left by the departing US military was the preservation of the natural environment, both by and under the sea. This plus good transportation links to Manila and Angeles, and exceptional value, is what makes Subic such an attractive destination.
Things to do -
Diving and Water Sports, Subic Bay Aqua Sports offer spectacular wreck diving opportunities, as well as jet skis, parasailing, aqua cycles, paddle boards, kayaks, and boats for rent.
Surfing is also an alternative in the nearby Capones Islands.
Gaming – There are numerous venues in the base hotels, as well as Casino Filipino on Magsaysay - Olongapo.Jungle Trekking - The Asian Jungle Survival School is now tourist oriented, and available to visitors.
Zoo and Butterfly Farm - a selection of the local wildlife, husbanded by the local Aetas, is well worth the visit, whether you are with your family, or not.
Golf - Binictican Golf Course is available to visitors
Horse Riding - El Kabayo - also at Binictican.
Whale Encounter – Ocean Adventure, near the Morong Gate, offers dolphin, killer whale, & seal shows - with the stars swimming in a natural setting.