Subic Zambales

Jungle tours, grand prix race tracks and Duty-Free shopping are just some of the reasons why tourists visit Subic. Aside from the activities, the sight of the triple-canopy rainforest, the picturesque scene of Subic Bay and the welcoming smile of the locals are reason enough to go to Subic over and over again. Subic, Zambales is found north of Metro Manila. You can arrive here by land and it will only take you 1.5 hours from Manila. If you want to arrive in style, you can always charter a yacht from Manila Bay to take you to Subic Bay, this way, the travel itself can be as exciting as the destination.

Zoobic Zafari (photo credit : zoobic.com.ph) 

In order to really enjoy activities such as trekking, horseback riding and camping, you should stay in Subic during summer where rainfall is less likely to occur. This is during the months of March to May. If the jungle is not your thing, you can also try water activities such as water skiing, sail boarding, jet skiing, fishing, wind surfing and shipwreck diving. Must see places in this are is Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, Le Man’s Go Kart and the Pamulaklakin Trail.

At the end of the day, you have various accommodation options to choose from. There are world-class hotels, motels and backpacker’s inns that will suit any budget. Restaurants abound in Subic so the only trouble you will have is in choosing which delicacies to try out first.

History

The US was not the first one to establish a naval base in Subic; it was the Spaniards. They saw the natural bounty and the deep waters of the province and they used it to their advantage. Spaniards started building the naval base in 1884 but by 1885, the Americans fought for and won the base. In the year 1991, twelve Senators approved the termination of the 1947 Treaty bringing the presence of the American military to a halt on Subic Naval Bay and on the Philippine soil in general. Instead of becoming a ghost town, through individual and government effort, Subic naval base was converted into a commercial area; a successful one at that.

Festivals and Events

February is the month when Subik! Subik! Festival is held. It is a three day celebration joined by neighboring provinces that highlights recreational and adventurous outdoor activities available in Subic. In the month of April, you can witness three festivals in Subic such as Bike Festival, Philippine Olympic Festival and the Global Gateway Caravan. There is also Fil-Am Friendship Day in July 4 and Scootourista Festival in the month of October.

Tips

Jeepneys and tricycles are not permitted to operate inside Subic. This is a problem if you want to take a tour around the area and you do not belong to a tour group so you do not have a bus you can hop on and off from. However, you can always hail a cab. If you want less the cost and less the hassle, just rent a vehicle. Peak season here is from April to May so better book your accommodation in advance.

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