A taste of SUBIC bay!
Finally, I have conquered Subic bay as another travel destination this year! A dream come true!
Four months before the travel date to Subic, we already booked for the promo flight via Cebu Pacific. For only P1000/two way/head, no doubt we grabbed the opportunity right away! The flight was actually heading towards Diosdado Macapal Internation Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Pampanga since the Subic Airport is no longer operational.
So for budget-packed travelers like me, here's how to get to Olongapo City / Subic bay area: From DMIA, take a 10-minute walk towards the main gate and catch a jeepney towards the Clark main terminal for P11 only. From there, take another jeepney ride towards the "DAU" terminal for P7 and take the Victory Liner heading off to Olongapo for P130 only. Upon arrival, you'll see color coded jeepneys, so to get to the Subic Bay main gate, just take the yellow one.
Welcome to SBMA
(Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority!)
Our first day was such as blessing! Because of Sir Gonzales, one of the SWAT officers in Subic, we met Sir William and Sir Job who were very kind to us and assisted us all through out the tour.
They shared to us the brief history of Subic Bay. As we all know, Subic Bay has been popularly known as a former US Military-Naval Base. Different establishments already emerged in Olongapo and Subic Bay during World War 1. Later in 1947, the military treaty between the Philippines and the US has been amended. Philippines claimed a sovereign rule over the base and the US area of responsibility was reduced. However, during the Mt. Pinatubo erruption in 1991, it devasted the whole Subic Bay and neighboring provinces, which forced them to leave and evacuate. Later, they restored the base but not long after, the 1947 treaty was terminated so the US was left with no choice but to withdraw its forces.
This was then the start of the new era. Subic Bay was converted into a commercial zone. This bustling freeport could never have been successful without the volunteers of Subic Bay.
◘ VOLUNTEERS MONUMENT ◘
We visited the Volunteers Monument located along Waterfront Road within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. You will see all the names of the volunteers are embedded on the stoned walls. It signifies the birth of a New Philippines after the nine decades of the US military presence on the Philippine grounds.
Under the leadership of Richard Gordon, there were about 8,000 residents who volunteered to protect and preserve the facilities and property from looting and destruction.
◘ SUBIC BOARDWALK ◘
The Boardwalk is one of the landmarks that make Subic Bay famous. It's a relaxing place to witness the sunrise and sunset. But unfortunately, we went there mid afternoon after our Zoobic Safari tour so were neither able to experience the sunrise nor the sunset.
◘ PISTA SA BARRIO RESTAURANT ◘
Lunch at Pista sa Barrio restaurant was almost perfect. It's situated just across Subic Boardwalk. They have this PSB Fiesta meal good for 3-4 persons which already includes multiple viands like chicken, pork, fish, and even a ceasar salad. And it tastes so good!
In addition to commerical use, Subic Bay is now widely known as a popular tourist destination! Attractions include several beaches, hotels and resorts, marine attractions (Ocean Adventure), jungle survival tours (Zoobic Safari and Jest Camp), extreme sports (Tree top Adventure), kart racing and duty-free shopping centers.
But let me tell you that if your priority is to frolic around white sand beaches, Subic Bay is no good for you. Although beaches are also found, it isn't rich with fine white sands. Subic is surrounded with trees and mountains, so nature tripping and wild life encounter is at its best! On our way to Zoobic Safari, we spotted these wild monkeys along the street at the Pacific Ace area. So we stopped by and carefully took pictures of them.
Fruit bats were also found hanging on the trees.
I ♥ Subic! It's very peaceful and relaxing with cool and fresh air most especially that no other public transportations can enter the zone. Taxicabs are the only means of transportation inside.
Lifestyle in Subic bay is also quite expensive. That is why most of the vacationers go there with their own private rides since it's quite cheaper than to rent taxis/cars/vans. Usually, the taxi's rate from the Main Gate to Royal duty free mall is for P40 only but going to Ocean Adventure/Zoobic Safari usually costs P350 one way only. And if you want the driver to wait for you, they usually charge P300 an hour. Imagine that! But you can still negotiate with the driver though for a whole day tour instead at a better price!
We're even more than lucky to meet the Swat officers. Because of them, we had a free tour and free entrance at Zoobic Safari.. Hehe.. Such a blessing and we owe them a lot! Thank you. Til my next posts! See you around! =)
Hi. It was a nice blog bout subic. May i ask where in sbma your first picture above was taken? You have not mentioned it. It was a pretty nice place . Thanks for sharing.