Formerly a major United States Navy facility, Subic Bay Freeport Zone (also known as Subic Bay or just Subic) is an industrial and commercial area in Region III or Central Luzon in the Philippines. Located on the west coast of the island of Luzon, 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) from Manila Bay, Subic Bay is known for its deep and protected waters surrounded by mountain ranges. It’s also known for its collection of shipwrecks, which date back to the Spanish American War, in 1898.
These days, due to its proximity to the capital city of Manila and accessibility via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway or SCTEX, Subic has become a favorite for weekend trips. Because of its beaches, waterparks, kid-friendly attractions, wide dining options and duty-free shopping, it’s a good choice for families or groups of friends who want a quick escape from the city.
Interestingly, this special economic zone doesn’t belong to a particular province as it covers portions of Olongapo City and the towns of Subic in Zambales and Morong and Hermosa in Bataan. Here are just a few of the fun and unique things we got to experience during the #LakbayNorte8 media tour that might give you ideas for your Subic getaway.
Learn jungle skills on a nature hike
Social enterprise platform MAD Travel (which stands for Make a Difference), has pioneered a new trekking activity, a pleasant nature hike through one of the last thriving rain forests in the area, which is home to the Pastolan tribe of Aetas.
Tribes and Treks Subic aims to support marginalized communities in the Philippines through eco-tourism and reforestation activities. The trek takes visitors through a canopy of bamboo trees, streams and waterfalls while learning about indigenous flora and fauna from local guides and engaging in tree-planting activities. The trail is relatively easy with gently sloped inclines, making it suitable for beginner hikers and families with kids.
- Location: El Kabayo Trail (tour pick up at The Lighthouse Resort Subic)
- Rates: P1,800 per person for day tour (inclusive of local & English speaking guide, lunch and snacks, transfers within Subic, activities in itinerary), Packages with Day Tour + Overnight stay at either Subic Bay Hostel or the Lighthouse Resort are also available
- Contact info: 0917 7138607
- Email: info@madtravel.org
- Website: www.madtravel.org
Go on a staycation with your bike
Subic is a popular destination for bikers and triathletes since numerous races and sporting events are held here. There are various accommodations to choose from including scenic bayside Subic villas for a truly relaxing stay. Athletes, active business travelers and adventure-seekers looking for a place to stay while traveling with their bicycles will love Le Charmé Suites Subic.
This bike-friendly hotel is the first hotel of its kind in Subic, offering features not typically seen in other hotels including in-room bike racks, spacious elevators, slip-free carpets, and a fitness center with Zwift trainers and Spin bikes. Bikes are also available for rent at the hotel so checked-in guests can explore the area on two wheels. The hotel’s building also has a lovely rooftop pool, 3 restaurants, a spa, and a Virtual Reality gaming center. Perfect for family staycations and when you want to mix business trips with leisure activities.
READ MORE: Be Charmed by this Bike-friendly Hotel in Subic
- Address: Le Charmé Suites Subic. La Terraza Building 1131, Palm St, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
- Contact info: +63915 933 8113, (047) 250 3333
- Rates: Promo room rates at Le Charmé Suites Subic start at P7,000+ for 2 guests
- Website: http://lecharmehotels.com/lc/
Take a sunset cruise around Subic Bay
Ever wanted to experience what it’s like to live the high life and go cruising on a private yacht? Well, Subic is just the place to do that. Subic Sailing Club (formerly known as Saturday Afternoon Gentleman Sailors or SAGS) runs a sailing school and offers a variety of boats including sailboats, speedboats and luxury yachts which guests can charter to enjoy sailing around the bay.
Sailing is a great activity for special events, wedding receptions, birthday parties, corporate functions, team-building sessions, intimate cruises, outings, reunions and photo shoots. You can combine your cruise with swimming, snorkeling, fishing and other water sports in the area for that classic Subic experience.
Visitors can also rent jet skis for a more thrilling ride or hop aboard kayaks and paddleboards for a leisurely exploration of the mangroves of Subic Bay. Local bancas and paraws (double outrigger sailboats) offer a more budget-friendly mode of transport to cruise around the bay.
It’s not everyday you get to have that classic “I’m on a Boat” moment. Check the link for the most hilarious cruising-related song ever.
- Address: Subic Sailing Club, Lighthouse Marina Resort, Waterfront Drive
- Contact info: (047) 251 7245
- E-mail: contact@subicsailing.com
- Rates: Boat rental rate varies depending on duration and type of boat but to give you an idea, Subic Bay Yacht Club offers Yacht Cruises for P18,000 for 10 pax | P21,000 for 20 pax (which includes two-hour cruising with food and drinks)
- Website: www.subicsailing.com
- Facebook: SAGS Subic Sailing
Watch chefs perform tricks on your food
Subic offers a wide range of international dining options from traditional Filipino and American restos, to Chinese, Korean, Japanese and more. The most popular restaurants that people usually make a point to eat in when they’re in Subic include The Coffee Shop, Xtremely Xpresspo, Meat Plus Cafe, Texas Joe’s House of Ribs and Sam’s Pizza to name a few.
For a different and more interactive dining experience, dine in Teppan 101, the premium Asian-fusion dining in Subic. You’ll really work up an appetite just watching expert hibachi chefs perform cooking exhibitions and tricks on the flat grill before you get to enjoy your meal. It’s like getting a first-class seat and being the judge on an episode of Iron Chef!
- Address: Teppan 101. Ground Floor, La Terraza Building 1131, Palm St, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
- Restaurant hours: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Contact info: (047) 250 0870
- Website: http://teppan101.com/
Climb up a lighthouse within a hotel
The Lighthouse Marina Resort is one of the top recommendations to stay while in Subic. This three-floor boutique hotel offers 34 well-furnished rooms that reflect the love of water and its soothing qualities. All rooms are furnished in a contemporary oceanic theme with nautical beddings, glass-encased rain showers and come with luxurious bathroom amenities. The boutique hotel is capped by a picturesque 20 meter-high lighthouse tower.
The modern and sleek hotel’s exclusive location hidden in the midst of the Subic Waterfront road makes it a private retreat, while the lighthouse makes a great photo op spot especially for romantic getaways and pictorials. The hotel serves as a good events venue especially for debuts, pre-nup shoots, weddings and corporate guests seeking world-class comfort.
- Address: The Lighthouse Marina Resort. Block 4 Lot 1, Waterfront Road, Moonbay Marina Complex Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
- Contact info: (047) 252-5000 / (02) 711-0019 / 0917 512 3364 / 0918 945 5697
- Rates: Room rates at The Lighthouse Marina Resort ranges from P6,600 to P9,900 per night depending on type of room
- Website: www.lighthousesubic.com
Glad to receive this link in my email. I always like to see and discover new adventures in the Philippines. And someday I will get to do more travelling. My wife and I will be in El Nido next week when I arrive from the US. We are SO excited and have many plans for our three short days. I’m guessing you have been there and have enjoyed the activities too. Did you ride the zip line?
Hi Mark. Saw your comment late. I have not tried the zipline in El Nido, but you can check out all the other activities you can do there here. 🙂
This is such an interesting blog. Through your article, I get to add new activities on my “to do list”. Because of you, I also got interested on throwing my 25th birthday party on a yacht. Thank you for this.