The Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, simply known as Subic Bay, is a coastal northwest of Manila frequented by families and water sports enthusiasts for weekend getaways. Formerly the location of U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay before it was decommissioned in the early 90s, the area is now known for its beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and dive sites.

According to local dive shops, historic records list wrecks dating from the Spanish-American War to World War II.

Location

Subic Bay’s harbor faces the Zambales Mountains to the west and opens to the West Philippine Sea. While it’s administered separately from the provinces it’s geographically located in, this special economic zone and freeport area covers portions of the city of Olongapo and the town of Subic in Zambales, as well as the towns of Morong and Hermosa in Bataan.

How to get there

Subic Bay is roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive from Manila. The area is most accessible through land transportation. If you’re going by private car, take the Northern Expressway to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), then exit a few kilometers past the Angeles toll booth. Take the SCTEx in the direction of Subic.

It’s also possible to get there by public transportation but with transfers. Major bus lines like Victory Liner has scheduled arrivals and departure in Olongapo. From Olongapo, you can ride a taxi or jeepney going to Subic. There are also P2P buses connecting the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga to Subic.

Things to do in Subic

In case you haven’t been back in Subic since the pandemic or just want to revisit, here are some of the new and classic activities ideal for leisure tourists and families on road trips.

Subic Bay Yacht Club

Celebrating a special milestone with friends and family for the first time since the pandemic? Taking a cruise on a private yacht is one of those luxury experiences you can try in Subic best for special occasions.

There are a variety of boats including sailboats, speedboats and luxury yachts which guests can charter to enjoy sailing around the bay available from the Subic Bay Yacht Club. Bay Cruises (which cost P30,000 for max of 20 persons) includes entrance to the club, 2 hours bay cruise, access to club’s pool and prearranged food and beverages).

While expensive, sailing can be a fun activity for special events, wedding receptions, birthday parties, corporate events, team-building sessions, intimate cruises, outings, reunions and pre-nuptial photo shoots.

Outdoor brands could also charter a boat for their media events. Casual tourists can also combine their cruise with swimming, snorkeling, fishing and other water sports in the area for that classic Subic experience.

• Address: Subic Bay Yacht Club, Rizal Highway cor. Burgos St., Subic Bay Freeport Zone
• Website: https://subicbayyachtclub.ph/
• Rates: Bay Cruises cost P30,000 max. of 20 persons. Day trip rate is P1,500 per pax (inclusive of P500 consumable food and beverages), Photoshoot rate is P10,000 for hotel room and designated areas plus P16,000 for moving yacht for 2 hours, Airsoft: P2,750 per pax; Fishing at the Club: P1.500 per pax (boardwalk near Bravo Pier), P2,500 (Aboard a Boston Whaler)

Adventure Cove

While there are many hotels in the Subic area, barkadas who want a secluded beach to themselves or families who want to let their kids experience a taste of the great outdoors can now enjoy beach camping at Adventure Cove, which opened in 2022. Camp out in a grassy area right next to the tranquil lake-like beach, easy access to decent restrooms, food trucks, and a Pentagon beach bar for cocktails and refreshments. 

Wake up with a view of the ocean and enjoy kayaking and easy hiking trails through mangrove areas. The area also offers a good jump-off for bay cruises as well as diving and snorkeling (with a view of shipwrecks). For those who don’t want to camp, there’s also a simple bed & breakfast right on the premises.

• Facebook: Subic Adventure Cove
• Address: Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Morong, Philippines
• Barkada packages start at P19,000 for 8 pax (or P2,375 per head) inclusive of room accommodations, complimentary breakfast, P5,000 consumable for food and drinks, bay cruise, trekking, kayak, use of cabana and 20% discount on admission to Ocean Adventure, Adventure Beach Waterpark and Camayan Beach Resort & Hotel.
• For inquiries, contact: (047) 252 8000 or send inquiries via Messenger.

Klook.com

Zoobic Safari

While I personally don’t like zoos and keeping animals in captivity, I can’t deny the fact that zoos are popular with families for their educational value. Zoos can help promote awareness and concern for different species. At any rate, zoos located in jungle environments where animals have a chance to roam around freely are better than those located in dense cities with small enclosures.

Zoobic Safari is the only Tiger Safari in the Philippines located in the forest of Subic Bay Freeport Zone. In this 25 hectare forest adventure park, tourists board a caged vehicle to enter a forested area to get a close encounter with tigers. The tigers here are pretty much like big cats, trained to come near the cages for feeding sessions and climb up the jeep for the thrill. 

The area also offers unique accommodations called GlampZ where families can enjoy a wild night in Subic by staying in safari-themed rooms made from 40ft containers. Families can choose from a tiger, zebra, or peacock-themed accommodation that comes with free breakfast.

Aside from the Tiger Safari, other areas of the zoo include a petting zoo and animal observation area, Croco Loco where you can feed crocodiles chicken, a serpentarium, and close encounter areas with tigers and lions. Book Zoobic Safari tickets here.

Inflatable Island

Want to cool down with a fun waterpark experience? Feel like a kid again as you spend a fun filled day in Inflatable Island Beach Club, a beachside waterpark in Olongapo near Subic.

This floating playground is filled with inflatables slides, towers, bridges, human launchers, swings and more. The spot was renovated with Bali-style beach hits and pastel colored bean bags perfect for those summer IG snaps.

Book Inflatable Island tickets here.

Sports events and biking

Because of its facilities, Subic has long been a popular destination for sporting events like Ironman, Spartan, and triathlons. While enjoying the view from the car on our most recent trip, I couldn’t help but think that the area would be great for a future bike touring trip. The inner roads surrounded by forests offer shaded and green routes for road cyclists, while the panoramic mountain ranges covering its three sides offer trails for mountain bikers to practice their skills.

Subic Bay is popular with mountain bikers who want to enjoy scenic routes, steep technical descents and high-incline climbs ideal. According to published Subic travel guides, the top choices of cyclists in the area are the Pastolan trail, Cawag trail, T-Bag trail, Mt. Samat trail, and El Kabayo trail.

​Where to eat in Subic

Cambusa Bistro at Subic Bay Yacht Club

Taking full advantage of the Marina View, Cambusa Bistro inside the Subic Bay Yacht Club offers a casual dining experience with a great view. The restaurant offers a fusion of modern Italian and Asian cuisine.

Enjoy snacks like All Meat Pizza, Four Cheese Pizza, Spicy Sausage and Blue Cheese Pizza, Bolognese, Carbonara, Pork Sisig, Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy, and more. The restaurant also sells steaks, assorted sausages, and marinated tapa for those who want to take home meats for grilling at home.

Maple 28

Looking for somewhere new to eat in Subic? Maple 28, which was just established in 2022, serves a good mix of international and local dishes with a homey atmosphere. Coming from a long drive, we were overwhelmed with the food tasting selection. If you’re there for breakfast, try their beautifully presented Taro Pancake or French Toast. 

For a hearty lunch or dinner, try their Burrata Salad,  local oysters, Salmon Poke Bowl,  Hamachi Jaw or Bone Marrow. Desserts and coffee include Potty Choc Mousse,  Panna Cotta, and deconstructed Cafe Mohca. The prices here are reasonable for the serving size and quality. 

Xtremely Xpresso

Considered a classic in Subic and Olongapo, Xtremely Xpresso Cafe has been around since the early 2000s. The cafe is a casual bistro style restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a European flair.

Bestsellers include their large pizza and pasta dishes best shared with family and friends. They also serve a range of coffee-based drinks and entrees like Salisbury Steak, Country Fried Chicken, Wagyu Tenderloin and more.

Where to stay in Subic

The Lighthouse Marina Resort

Set in a building with a lighthouse, this casual hotel facing Subic Bay is 10 km from Fort Wint and 12 km from All Hands Beach. Their upgraded rooms have terraces and bay views, while suites feature whirlpool tubs and/or living rooms.

The hotel features a cozy restaurant with al fresco seating. Other amenities include a lively bar at the base of the lighthouse, as well as an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Book stays at the Lighthouse Marina Resort here.

The Reef Hotel and Residences

This contemporary hotel overlooking Subic Bay is 7 km from boating and swimming at Baloy Beach. The Reef is located within 5 km of several amusement parks.

The hotel also has a modern spa, a casual restaurant and a 24-hour convenience store, plus a relaxed lounge, and picnic tables with water views. Event space and breakfast are available.

Book stays at The Reef Hotel and Residences here.

Le Charme Suites Subic

Le Charme Suites Subic is a 4-star hotel in Subic Bay that takes inspiration from all things European and promises to deliver business and leisure experience all at once. This resort is designed for the active professionals, with bike racks uniquely stationed inside the rooms.

The lobby and elevators are spacious enough for all your recreational equipment, perfect for races and sporting events held around Subic.

Book stays at Le Charme Suites Subic here.

Subic Freeport Zone is home to many other accommodations from budget-friendly digs to luxurious beach resorts. Book other other hotel options in Subic via Agoda:

• Subic Bay Yacht Club
• Wild Orchid Beach Resort
• Subic Waterfront View Resort
• Treasure Island Resort
• OYO 869 Jnv Dream Hotel
• Central Park Reef Resort
• RedDoorzPlus @Seaborne Hotel Subic
• Blue Rock Resort and Dive Centre
• Club Morocco Beach Resort and Country Club

NOTE: Trip suggestions above were made possible by the Lakbay Norte media tours in 2019 and 2023.