After being host to the Americans for approximately 90 years, Subic Bay has cemented its own identity—by, ironically, mixing Filipino and Western influences into a giant marvel for all tourists to enjoy. If you only have a day to spare in this place, check these activities out:
WRITTEN BY JAMILLE DOMINGO
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MAC DILLERA of NORTH PHILIPPINES VISITORS BUREAU
SPECIAL THANKS TO NORTH PHILIPPINES VISITORS BUREAU
START YOUR DAY AT EL KABAYO SUBIC TRAIL
The Pamulaklakin Forest Trail is beginner-friendly, great for families and friends | Photo by Mac Dillera
El Kabayo Subic Trail provides not just the chance to bond with rescued horses and wildlife, but also an opportunity to actually understand the Philippines’ indigenous tribes and the forests in the most immersive way. The place has a beginner-friendly trail called the Pamulaklakin Forest Trail. This lush and secluded rain forest offers unique flora and fauna, as well as a scenic stream and waterfalls (El Kabayo Waterfalls).
The El Kabayo Wateralls | Photo by Mac Dillera
This hiking activity also includes a jungle-survival training with Aeta guides, where they will teach you how to create fire, cook, and make kitchen utensils out of bamboo streets, which are abundant in the trail. The place also offers herbal sessions with the Aeta women, as well as tribe engagements such as basic language and culture classes.
Jungle training with the Aetas | Photo by Mac Dillera
Herbal sessions | Photo by Mac Dillera
El Kabayo Subic Trail and Pamulaklakin Trail is located in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales. MAD Travel offers tours to this place. For more information, phone Raf Dionisio at (+63 917) 585 5512
SAIL THROUGH THE SUNSET AT THE SUBIC BAY YACHT CLUB
Photo by Mac Dillera
Concluding the afternoon with a sunset sail makes every visit to Subic Bay a lovely treat. You can experience this at the Subic Bay Yacht Club, which observes the Marina Floatation System and the Triton Service Pedestal, two known dock maintenance companies. Expect nothing but a safe yet fun sunset sail at this sailing club, and make sure you take in the great ocean views set against the golden colors of the sun painting the sky.
Subic Bay Yacht Club is located at Rizal Highway corner Burgos Street, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Subic Bay,Zambales. For more information, phone (+63 2) 844 5777 or (+63 917) 554 6411, like them on Facebook at Subic Bay Yacht Club Inc., follow them on Instagram and Twitter @subicbayyachtclub, or visit subicbayyachtclub.ph
END THE DAY WITH A DELICIOUS DINNER AT TEPPAN 101
Steak being cooked Teppan style | Photo by Mac Dillera
Opened in 2013, this Asian restaurant is based on a hibachi grill or a Japanese charcoal brazier—which is now popular for performance cooking. The chefs will prepare your food on the flat grill in front of you through an impressive cooking exhibition. Some of those you should try include the fish cake, the grilled shrimp (watch out for flying ones during the exhibition!), the Brazilian steak (the chefs will create a big fire as they cook this), and the pan-fried banana with vanilla ice cream.
Photo by Mac Dillera
At Teppan 101, you get your tummy filled and your eyes entertained.
Teppan 101 is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. It is located at the ground floor, La Terraza Building 1131, Palm Street, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales
WHERE TO STAY
Lighthouse Marina Resort
Lighthouse Marina Resort is a 34-room boutique hotel with sophisticated architecture and Italian-inspired design. Its main attraction is, of course, the lighthouse that stands 20 meters. From this tower, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Subic Bay. Add that to the plush rooms and great food and you’ve got yourself a sweet haven in Subic.
Lighthouse Marina Resort is located at Central Business, Block 4, Lot 1, Moonbay Marina Complex, Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales. For more information, phone (+63 47) 252-5000 or (+63 2) 711 0019, like them on Facebook at The Lighthouse Marina Resort, follow them on Instagram and Twitter @lighthousesubic, or visit <lighthousesubic.com>
Le Charme Suites
Photo by Mac Dillera
This sports hotel offers expansive hallways and rooms, as well as bikes that you can rent and actually use all over the hotel.
Le Charme Suites is located at 1131 Palm Street, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales. For more information, phone (+63 47) 250 3333 or (+63 915) 933 8113, like them on Facebook at Le Charme Suites, follow them on Instagram and Twitter @lecharmesuites, email <[email protected]>, or visit <lecharmehotels.com>
