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Philippines

Ain’t life grand!
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: Jaser A. Marasigan
Date: 2007-09-16
 
I always notice this small island in the middle of Subic Bay everytime I go to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. I thought that it would be a nifty place for a private island resort. Well, apparently, Grande Island is a resort.

The island paradise, which is located in the middle of the calm blue waters of Subic Bay, boasts of an unspoiled nature sanctuary, blessed with white sand beach and rich exotic flora and fauna.

Grande Island, formerly known as Fort Wint, was once blocked off to Filipinos but was re-opened in 2004 to be one of the country’s newest tropical island resorts.

GRAND HISTORY

Grande Island played a role during World War II. It was earmarked by the US military after discovering that its strategic location could be used to defend Subic Bay.

It was developed as a camp, much like Corregidor in Bataan, equipped with 10-inch guns and other artillery. This military reservation in the island was first called Fort Wint in honor of Brig. Gen. Theodore Wint of the United States Army.

At the height of the war, the Island was abandoned by the Americans and the Japanese took over. It was later to be returned to the Americans after the war.

In the early 70’s, the Americans once again trained its sights on the island and used it as a spot for rest and recreation. For a brief period too, the island served as an evacuation area for over 45,000 Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees. The facility provided them temporary housing while awaiting transportation to a more permanent location.

Realizing its potential as an island resort, the Americans later fully developed the island for US servicemen and their families who were based in Subic. Grande Island Recreation Center opened in 1976 and was established as an exclusive family recreation center for American servicemen.

GRAND TRANSFORMATION

When the Americans returned the Subic Naval Base to the Philippine government in 1991, the entire area was converted into a sprawling freeport and economic zone which now holds several manufacturing companies. The zone is also considered as one of the country’s leading tourism destinations offering a wide selection of accommodations, natural sights and leisure activities.

Unfortunately, Grande Island was not a priority area then for development and was used merely as a beach recreational facility run by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). This and the adjacent Chiquita island were closed again to the public in 2003 for redevelopment. Today, Grande Island has been transformed into a beautiful tropical island resort while still maintaining its rich history.

GRAND ATTRACTIONS

Envisioned to be a tourist attraction for both the local and foreign tourists, Thomas Lee, Grande Island’s Resort manager, noted that only 12 hectares of the total 44 hectares of the island was created into a resort facility. The rest will be maintained for its historical value. He added that this will complement SBMA’s efforts in making Subic Freeport a world class tourism destination.

The resort has 40 beautifully-landscaped chalet houses and breezy porches overlooking the sea where one could just spend the whole day enjoying the fresh air or watching a variety of birds that regularly visit the trees that line the beach.

Barely three years in operation, Grande Island Resort is being visited in record numbers by tourists from Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. Other guests take day trips and come in droves on the ferry that makes several runs daily.

Grande Island has become a favorite venue for corporate and team building events. It also promises a worthwhile and relaxing stay as it offers a host of activities ranging from adventure and historic trails, camping, water sports, fishing or simply sunbathing.

The main attractions of the resort are the manmade lagoon and the infinity fresh water pool.
 

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