Arriving late at night in after a flight to Manila via Bangkok from Chiang Mai, I got into my taxi for the 3-hour drive to Subic Bay, Zambales on the main Luzon Island ending up on the smooth Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.
Being at night I noticed around 30% of all drivers using their high beams on their cars permanently. Talk about blinding! I was glad not to be the one driving west to Subic Bay Port.
Arriving very late at my hotel on the bay at Barretto Beach I decided to rest after a day of travel. The next morning I woke to a beautiful sunrise over the bay.
The most popular part of Subic Bay is Barretto Beach. Full of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops. Just south of Barretto Beach is Inflatable Island which is a seaside park with an inflatable playground.
Further south of Barretto Beach, is the tax-free Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Here you will find tax free companies plus a large tax free shopping center that is well worth the visit. Did you know the Subic Bay Freeport Zone was previously the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay?
Would I visit here again?
Yes, I would. There is a lot of poverty but I left feeling like I was supporting the tourism industry and therefore the local residents.
Comments (15)
Beautiful places to have a fun of a lifetime. Will love to enjoy Subic Bay because of it bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops. especially its seaside park with an inflatable playground.
I agree with with you..Philippine economy is in the doldrums and their is a lot of poverty.. Their are some nice tourist attractions too…I wish to visit the subic bay though
I never imagined subic bay to be this beautiful. It really has reaxing beaches.
Thank you so much for featuring my this side of the world. As they say It is more fun in the Philippines. I lived in a province so even I have not seen Subic so thank you. I am what you could say a local tourist.
Philippine needs the hand of God to bring them upstanding. Subic Bay Philippines will surely be affordable and relaxing though. Thanks for this post.
Despute the level of the economy, I believe that life at the Subic Bay should be relaxing and comfy. Thanks for sharing, Dave!
The Philippines is really blessed with a lot of excellent beaches and wonderful tourist destinations. Subic Bay is no exception. Glad to hear that you have loved your visit there.
I just like the reason you will be visiting again. At lest you have supported the tourism drive there and this is a good cause.
This place looks very peaceful, I like that. I really hate crowds specially when I’m on vacations.
I would love to check out the Philippines souvenir shops, nightlife and get up early to watch the sunrise. I find even poorer areas will have a great sense of community and intrigue. Thanks for sharing.
Subic bay is quite scenic. It is the best place to unwind.
I have heard so much about Barretto Beach in Subic Bay. I hope I actually get to visit the place some day.
Phillipines is one of the best country for tourism. There is just so much to see and experience!
The tax-free Subic Bay Freeport Zone sounds like the perfect place to shop. The tax free prices are very attractive.
I love me a scenic beach with a breath taking coastline like Subic bay. It will be one of the destinations I go to next when I am on vacation.
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