Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DIVE SUBIC BAY
Subic Bay is a popular
diving
site, boasting fifteen shipwrecks in still waters, all no more than
fifteen minutes by speedboat from the shore. The
USS New York
is the star attraction of Subic's
underwater world, a battle cruiser launched in the US in 1891. When World War II broke out, she
was virtually retired, and when the Japanese swept the US Marines out of the Philippines, the
Americans had no choice but to scuttle her as they departed from Subic in early 1942. The ship
now lies on her port side in 27m of water between Alava Pier in the CBD and the northern end
of Cubi Point runway at the airport. For experienced divers, the 120-metre-long hull presents
excellent opportunities for what scuba divers call a “swim-through” - an exploration of the
inside of the wreck from one end to the other.
The
El Capitan
, a Spanish-era wreck lying 20m down in a pretty inlet on the east coast of
Subic Bay is a much easier wreck dive, suitable for novices. The
San Quentin
(16m) is the
oldest known wreck in Subic, a wooden gunboat scuttled by the Spanish in 1898 in a futile
attempt to block the channel between Grande and Chiquita islands against invading
Americans. Other Subic wrecks include the Japanese POW ship
Oryoku Maru
and the
Seian
Maru
, a Japanese cargo vessel sunk by the American Navy in 1945.
Two-dive packages with any of the operators start at around P2500.
DIVE OPERATORS
2
Johan's Adventure Dive Center
Right on the shore
at Baloy Long Beach
T
047 224 8915,
W
subicdive.com.
Subic Bay Aqua Sports
Building 249, Waterfront Rd
T
047 252 6048.
the Freeport, you'll have to walk across the Main Gate to
the terminal in the CBD as the two systems are mutually
exclusive (see p.127).
By car
To rent a car contact Avis (daily 8am-5pm;
T
047
250 0357) at Unit 116, Charlie Building, Subic International
Hotel Compound.
ACCOMMODATION
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE
Court Meridian Hotel
Lot B, Waterfront Rd at Rojas
St
T
047 252 2366,
W
courtmeridian.com.
Modern
hotel, very clean with comfortable rooms, free wi-fi,
flatscreen cable TV and breakfast included. The location
is good,
close
to restaurants in the Central Business
District.
P3300
Grand Seasons Hotel
Canal Rd
T
047 645 0357,
W
subicgrandseasonshotel.com.
The 84 deluxe rooms
here are simple and comfortable, with muted decor
and no unnecessary frills (though a/c, TV and wi-fi are
standard). Th
ere's a
casino, various restaurants and an
outdoor pool.
P3400
★
BARRIO BARRETTO AND BALOY LONG
BEACH
By The Sea Resort
99 National Hwy, Barrio Barretto
T
047 222 2895,
W
bythesea.com.ph.
Fifty a/c rooms
with cable TV and free wi-fi either right on the beach or set
back around a quiet garden. There's a convivial rest
aurant
and bar overlooking the sea, and live music Wed-Sat.
P1200
★
Sheavens Seafront Resort
Baloy Beach Rd, Baloy
Long Beach
T
047 223 9430,
W
sheavens.com.
Big but
peaceful resort-hotel in an unbeatable location right on
the water. A wide range of immaculate rooms (including
deluxe, P2950), good food (the menu includes European
and Thai dishes) and helpful staff
ff who
can arrange bangka
trips and scuba diving. Fan only
P990
★
The Lighthouse Marina Resort
Moonbay Marina
Complex, Waterfront Rd
T
047 252 5000,
W
lighthouse
subic.com.
Lavish boutique hotel topped with a replica
of an actual lighthouse (not working). The room theme is
“aqua”, with soothing blue and green tones, contemporary
furnishings, DVD players, flatscreen T
Vs and a
glass-walled
bathroom with an old-fashioned tub.
P6000
Wild Orchid Beach Resort Subic Bay
Baloy Beach Rd,
Baloy Long Beach
T
047 223 1029,
W
wildorchidsubic
.com.
Justly popular choice, with standard “deluxe” rooms
equipped with king-size beds, flatscreen TVs, DVD players
and free internet. Welcome extras include
Captain Rob's
Steakhouse
and
Barefoot Bar
on the beach, and
an enor
mous
pool (with jacuzzis and
Scalliwags
swim-up bar).
P4000
EATING AND DRINKING
The best places to
eat
and
drink
line the CBD waterfront or beaches to the north and south. The restaurants in Olongapo
City are on the main drag, Magsaysay Drive, and tend towards the usual range of fast-food joints. Much of the
nightlife
in Barrio Barretto still revolves around girlie bars, but there are plenty of places in the CBD trying to attract families and
a more mixed clientele.
