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Why summer means Subic!
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: Rachel C. Barawind
Date: 2007-03-23
 
Right smack in the middle of virgin forests and mountains, Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales never fails to amaze and amuse even the most jaded travelers. There is always something to cater to each one’s whims, whether it be a close encounter with adorable dolphins and sea lions, a diving expedition to sunken World War II shipwrecks, a skinny-dipping adventure in the beach, or a jungle trek led by English-speaking Aetas dishing off survival skills in a distinct, American twang.


For many, summer means Subic.

Eversince the Americans left in 1992, people have been trooping to the former US Naval Base turned tourist destination and industrial hub to spend their summer vacations, mainly for these varied offerings which are accessible only by a two–hour drive from Manila, and a wide range of accommodations that can suit any budget.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) constantly adds new attractions to this rapidlydeveloping destination to make it always appealing and maintain its position as one of the top tourist spots in the country.


NEW IN SUBIC

Among its new developments is a deluxe hotel called the Lighthouse Marina with an actual lighthouse as its main feature.

Also soon to rise in the Freeport is a P200-million state-of-the-art hospital to provide health care services to locals, expats and the growing number of medical tourists arriving in the country to avail of cosmetic and surgical procedures; and a P600-million Korean luxury hotel and resort to be situated at the former Dungaree beach area.

Plans are also underway for the development of Subic’s port into a modern terminal for cruise ships.

But as it is, Subic is already an exciting place with so many things to do and attractions to see. So to make the most of your visit, be sure to check out these sites:


l Ocean Adventure. American businessmen Tim Desmond and John Corcoran chose Subic over Hawaii to set up this first open-water marine park in Asia seven years ago. Today, this park and marine conservation facility is Subic’s top attraction. Located at Camayan Wharf in West Ilanin Forest Area, Ocean Adventure fosters conservation by providing first class, tourist, leisure and recreation attraction through the exhibition of marine life.

Watch dolphins and baby sharks in a show or better yet, swim with them, cuddle sea lions and get to know how you can help in the protection and conservation of these creatures along with other marine life and other animals in the Rescue Center.


l Camayan Resort. One of the best resorts in the area with good accommodation facilities, Camayan is not only ideal for swimming but is likewise a good jump-off point for some intense diving, as a number of World War II shipwrecks can be found right underneath its white-sand beach. One of the country’s largest concentration of wrecks is said to be found in Subic waters.


l Zoobic Safari. Dare to feed Bengal/Siberian tigers on a safari jeep with only barbed wire windows that separate you with this ferocious creatures that unbelievably turn sweet and endearing when hungry (according to its trainers). These and other exotic animals are housed in the 50–hectare zoological park situated in the forests of Subic. The newest stars in this facility are some 200 Palawan crocodiles and baby camels. Soon there will be camel rides for visitors when these animals grow old enough to be able to carry them. Owners are also planning to bring in some rare animals not found in the country like the rhinoceros.


l Jungle Trekking. Learn how to make fires from stone, cook using bamboo poles and other jungle survival skills from fluent Aetas through a trek in the rainforests. Many schools have found this activity to be an ideal classroom in the woods so busloads of children go on field trips to Subic just to experience the ways of the wild.


l Olongapo City Museum. Historical buffs or not, visitors should not miss a trip to this exhibition which chronicles Subic’s early history as a small fishing village, to the arrival of Spanish colonizers, Japanese invasion, American takeover and establishment of the military bases, to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, the much celebrated departure of the Americans and finally to its transformation as a Freeport, tourist and business destination. The historical accounts particularly of its unsung heroes — the volunteers who worked together to restore the place from near ruins after its devastation from Pinatubo eruption, is most inspiring.


l Extreme Adventure. This is the latest attraction that has been attracting hordes of city slickers and corporate travelers. Designed as a teambuilding venue, the site offers everything groups need for this increasingly popular corporate/school activity.


l Mountain Woods Resort. Tucked in the quaint hills of Subic, the resort offers the old-world charm not found in most hotels in the area and good food.


l El Kabayo Stable. If a trek to the deep jungle is not your thing, a good alternative is a horse ride to explore the rainforests and other attractions in the Freeport.


lDuty-free outlets. Before going on that long-awaited family picnic on the beach or on your way home, drop by the duty-free outlets to shop for your groceries. It still offers a wide range of products rarely found in most shops in the metro.
 

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