Escape the Metro Area by Spending Your Next Weekend Getaway in Subic Bay
Subic Bay of today is an industrial and commercial area known as Subic Bay Freeport Zone, under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. It was also formerly known as U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, a major United States Navy facility in the country.
For many centuries, Subic Bay is an impressive deep safe harbor. It is known for its deep and protected waters as well as its collection of shipwrecks.
In the 17th Century, the Spaniards realized Subic Bay potentials and used the bay as a port to defend and maintain the Philippines as a part of their empire.
In 1885, to utilize safe harbors and natural resources, the Subic bay was built into the naval base.
After their victory over the Spaniards in 1898, Americans established a naval repair and supply base in Subic Bay. It was only reachable through sea until 1932 when the zigzag roads opened furthermore linking Subic Bay and Olongapo to the rest of the Philippines.
The Japanese bombed Subic Bay in 1941 and held them until the US took back the Philippines in 1945. It was then the naval based returned to the control of the United States.
The two invasions by the Japanese and Americans produced a number of bombed or scuttled naval ships in Subic Bay. Scuba divers from around the world are now enjoying these wrecks in their underwater graveyards.
Control and maintenance of the Subic naval base remained under the United States despite the Philippines gaining their independence. Ninety-nine years free access of the facility was granted to the United States thru an agreement signed between the Philippines and US.
With the outbreak of the Vietnam War, Subic Bay became a strategic site in the maintenance of a strong US presence in Asia.
In 1991, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo covered Olongapo and Subic Bay with nearly half a meter of ash. The Subic Bay Freeport was established after the last of the American naval ships completed its pullout of forces after the Senate of the Philippines rejected the renewal of the US bases treaty in 1992.
Since then, Subic Bay Freeport Zone has now become a well-known economic, commercial and tourist hub. It is booming with world-class restaurants and duty-free shopping.
Subic Bay is in Zambales Province.
It is on the west coast of Luzon 120 kilometers north of Manila. Mountains with lush jungles bound its coastal area. Mountains with lush dense jungles, suitable for trekking, surround the coastal area. The bay cuts out into the South China Sea.
Subic Bay brags of interesting wreck dives. It is home to an impressive combination of wrecks. The six wreck sites have an average depth of 45 ft.
Some things you can do in Subic are:
Visit Zoobic Safari
Zoobic Safari is the Only Tiger Safari in the Philippines located in the heart of the forest of Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
© https://www.zoomanity.com.ph/
Zoobic Safari is a 20-hectare area of exotic animals, adventurous terrains, streams, and grasslands. The park has many different attractions, thus, plan to spend at least half a day to fully enjoy it. Part of Zoobic Park consists of a two-hectare forest, where guests can experience mini-trekking to see the animals – semi-domesticated, wild, and exotic – in their natural habitat.
Guests can also get a chance to pet the likes of bearcats and camels, perfect for little children. The Savannah, meanwhile, is a sanctuary for wild animals such as ostriches and wild boars. Serpentarium is an old ammunition bunker, that features a variety of reptile species, such as snakes and lizards. The highlight of Zoobic Safari is feeding the tigers, from inside a protected vehicle.
To avail up to 50% discount, you should install METRODEAL and avail discounted vouchers.
After visiting the Zoobic Safari, you should take your adventure to the next level by visiting Ocean Adventure.
See the Dolphin Tales Show at Ocean Adventure Subic Bay!
© Pinterest | Mai Yin
Ocean Adventure is a natural-setting marine park that offers tourists an extensive list of aqua-related activities. Swim with sea animals, have up-close encounters with sea lions, dolphins, jacks, turtles, and even sharks! Ocean Adventure also features shows and a collection of marine life at the Ocean Discovery Aquarium and Seatrek. The main attractions are the animal shows and swimming with the dolphins. Like the Zoobic Safari, try checking Metrodeal first and they might be offering discount vouchers.
Swim with sea animals, have up-close encounters with sea lions, dolphins, jacks, turtles, and even sharks! Ocean Adventure also features shows and a collection of marine life at the Ocean Discovery Aquarium and Seatrek. The main attractions are the animal shows and swimming with the dolphins. Like the Zoobic Safari, try checking Metrodeal first and they might be offering discount vouchers.
After the land and water adventure, complete it with the aerial adventure brought to you by Magaul Bird Park.
It was a fine day with our feathered friends at the Magaul Bird Park
© https://www.acigirl.com
The first and only Bird Park in the Philippines. It is the only bird show to boast to get 100 birds on stage at one time.
It promises to also offer Subic’s Ultimate Sky Adventure by offering Goliath Swing over a cliff, LIfe-sized Angry Birds, Wall Climbing/Rappelling and even the Aerial Adventure Walk.
Have fun at Funtastic Park
Funtastic Park is the first indoor Educational Fun Park inside Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Here they offer fun and unique activities such as mirror maze, 3d wall arts, Enchanted Forest walk-in 3d room and many more, which not only kids enjoy, but the kids-at-heart as well.
There are lots of things you can do at Subic. You can learn how to make fire at JEST Camp, retreat to the cove of All Hands Beach Resort, splurge at White Rock Beach Hotel + Waterpark or if you are a night person, enjoy the energetic nightlife in Subic over cocktails and music by visiting bars like Pier One Bar and Grill, Hydra Resto Bar and Midnight Rambler Bar Subic.
Due to its proximity to Manila, Subic has been a top choice for those who want to temporarily escape the metro area. Come to Subic and explore beyond the capital if you’re looking for beaches, waterparks, kid-friendly attractions, and cheap shopping. Subic appeals to both families with children and squads of weekend warriors!
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