Subic Bay (Luzon) / Philippines
On the western coast of Luzon Island in the Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay and the country's capital, lies Subic Bay. The bay in the South China Sea is a natural deep-sea harbor and includes several towns. The largest of them, Olongapo, has about 230,000 inhabitants.
In 1542, the Spaniards arrived in Subic Bay, but the port was eventually established in nearby Manila Bay. When Britain took control of their naval base in 1762, Spain was forced to find an alternative location, leading to Subic Bay. During the Philippine-American War in 1899, the United States seized the base, significantly expanded and modernized it, and held it until 1992, when they left after it was destroyed by the eruption of the nearby Mount Pinatubo. The largest American naval base outside the United States became a significant industrial and commercial area, as well as a sought-after tourist destination.
The coast of Subic Bay is lined with a number of fairy-tale sandy beaches. Among the most famous are Dungaree with beautiful views of distant mountains, All Hands with clean sand and clear water, or Camayan Beach, mainly sought after by snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Under the crystal-clear surface of the bay, they will find not only a fascinating coral reef but also several shipwrecks.
Part of Subic Bay is protected by the Pamulaklakin Nature Park. Those who embark on a hike through the dense rainforest can also visit the villages of the indigenous Aeta people, where they can learn about their traditions and taste the local cuisine.
Not only families with children will enjoy Inflatable Island, a water park with inflatable attractions on Half Moon Beach in Olongapo, or Zoobic Safari with camels, ostriches, tigers, and other animal species. Those who prefer marine life should not miss the great shows, swimming with dolphins, and the Ocean Adventure aquarium. Golfers will appreciate the beautiful 18-hole Anvaya Cove course with views of the sea and inland.
On Mount Samat southeast of Subic Bay, a majestic cross rises to the sky, a memorial to the victims of World War II with breathtaking views of Manila Bay and a museum with an exhibition on wartime events.
The port is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts, who will find countless boutiques of world brands and shops with classic souvenirs, such as shells from the South China Sea or keychains in the shape of a Jeepney, a converted and extended Jeep that was born in the Philippines after the war and quickly became the most popular means of public transport.
Subic Bay does not deny its century-long American influence, but tasting Filipino specialties is certainly not a problem here. Worth trying are pancit, fried rice with chicken, cabbage, and carrots, tambakol, tuna with chili cooked in coconut milk, or halo-halo, milk-sweetened ice with sweet beans, coconut, and fruit.
Places worth seeing
Zoobic Safari – Meet camels, wild boars, ostriches, tigers, and other species in an animal park in a beautiful jungle setting.
Dungaree Beach - Relax, sunbathe, and swim on a nice sandy beach with views of distant peaks.
Pamulaklakin Nature Park – Take a hike through the tropical forest landscape and visit traditional villages of the indigenous Filipino people.
Ocean Adventure – Don't miss the great performances, nice aquarium, or swimming with dolphins in one of the best marine parks in Southeast Asia.
Inflatable Island – Enjoy lots of fun in an amusement park full of slides, towers, and other water attractions.
Mount Samat – Reflect on the events of World War II at the massive memorial with breathtaking views of Manila Bay.
Magaul Bird Park – See dozens of species of colorful birds, participate in a bird show, and finally take a walk high in the treetops.