Shore Diving

Most of the dive sites in Subic Bay are accessed by boat and is usually no further than 5-25 minutes depending on dive site and the type of boat used. Shore diving is commonly practiced during SCUBA classes or DSD preparations.

Divers getting ready, Credit

Boat Diving

There are 17 dive sites frequently visited by dive operators in Subic Bay. The majority of these sites are wreck dives – though there are five reef dives nestled between. Sites cater to anyone from a beginner level through to a technical level.

The reef dives are generally comparable to those found elsewhere in the Philippines. The coral is generally brightly coloured, and it is surrounded by vibrant marine life. Depending on the reef visited, you might see clownfish, nudibranch, grouper, lionfish, pufferfish, sea whips, stingrays,jackfish, parrotfish, pipefish, batfish and frogfish. There are also occasional sightings of cuttlefish, octopus and sharks.

Wreck dives offer a huge variety, and generally cater to more advanced divers. The USS New York is among the most visited sites. The site itself has areas that cater to beginner, experienced, wreck and advanced wreck divers. Beginners will focus on the perimeter, while more advanced divers can enter the boiler room and machinery spaces.

Into the waters, Credit

How to Get there

From Manila, the most common form of transport is bus, minivan or taxi. Subic Bay is located about 110 km North-West of Manila and Victory Liner air-conditioned buses provide passengers regular transport services to and from Olongapo City terminal (Subic). A short jeepney ride takes you from the Victory Liner terminal to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Airplane, Credit

For those decide to fly into Clark International Airport, Angeles City it takes about one hour to reach Subic Bay through Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway.

Where to Eat & Drink

Most well established resorts in Subic Bay offers both western and local food and its not uncommon that the restaurants within the resorts are open 24h/day serving both food and beverage. Many resorts located in Barrio Barretto, Subic Bay offer their guests buffets at night with live band entertainment.

San Roque Church. Subic Bay, Philippines, Credit

Barrio Barretto is known for its many girlie bars where guests are being served and pampered by local girls providing all their needs. For those who prefer the regular bar scene Harbor Point Shopping mall within SBMA contains various different restaurants and bars attracting both locals and the people from the expat community. For information on local nightlife and events at bars, check out: http://www.subic.com/livebands.php

Other Activities

Around Subic Bay, you will find a rich variety of activities that extend well beyond the diving community. Water-based activities are of course popular, with a number of companies renting anything from jet skis to banana boats. There is also an open water marine park here, where you can observe marine life in the lagoon. Shows here are both entertaining and educational, making it a great family activity. It is possible to swim with marine life in the park and in the open ocean as well, on an Ocean Adventure.

Sea lion show, Credit

The mainland natural beauty is also worth exploring when visiting here. There are a number of treks, the most famous of which leads up Mount Pinatubo. Cinco Picos is a guided two-day trek, for those looking for more of a physical challenge – while Hill 394 is very popular with rock climbers. Other companies take a more adventurous route, by offering cable rides and tree-drops. For a little less excitement, the Triboa May Mangrove Park is an excellent place to unwind. 

Subic has a number of organized theme parks and entertainment facilities as well. This includes a golf course, a paintball course, an adventure park, a go-kart arena, a tennis centre, a raceway, an equestrian centre, a ‘Jungle Environmental Survival Training’ Centre and a bat kingdom. 

Tips

Make sure your room has a safety box where you can store cash, passport and other valuables in order to avoid theft.

Trikes is the most common form of transport within Barrio Barretto and even though you might just be going up the road they will try to charge you way more than the regular price. If you’re on a budget make sure to ask the locals for the price before jumping into a trike since they will overcharge you more often than not.

The shore, Credit

Use the Jeepneys, they're very cheap and you won't have to wait very long for one to show up.

To avoid annoying vendors you are better of staying within the resort area. Street vendors are usually not allowed within the premises of any resort.