A major city province of Zambales in the Philippines, Olongapo has a growing population of 230,000 as per the 2015 census. Metro Olongapo, along with the municipality of Subic, is one of the twelve metropolitan areas in the Philippines. Though it has a notorious red light district reputation brought by the presence of night clubs catering to American servicemen, the city has gradually shifted into a more wholesome image. Olongapo is known for its culturally relevant sites – Marikit Park, Olongapo Lighthouse, Kalapati (The Dove Monument) along with Olongapo’s City Hall, Convention Center, Museum, Public Library, and Public Market. When in the city, check out these best things to do in Olongapo, Philippines.
1. Take the entire family to Subic Fun Land
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Subic Fun Land on Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Let your scenic trip to Olongapo with the family begin at Subic Fun Land. This water park in Subic Bay is one of the top places to visit in the city, with attractions like inflatable slides, floatie rides, and obstacle courses. You can sign up for rides like banana boat jetski, and Great Mable. Who says you can only have fun in the water in the summer? Subic Fun Land welcomes you all year round, so gather ‘round the whole gang and make this place your next excursion spot!
Subic Fun Land
Address: Barrio, 116 RH 5 National Hwy, Olongapo, Zambales
Website: Subic Fun Land
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
2. Snap a photo at Ulo ng Apo Monument
Need a quick photo op to have a small remembrance from your trip to Olongapo? Make a short stop at Ulo ng Apo Monument intersection in the city. The monument is of a village leader named Apo, who was highly regarded for his immense care and dedication to his tribe. He was a fair leader and a well-loved one.
Like all good things, Apo was taken by evil men and was later beheaded. This act was to scare the villagers but instead, they were enraged. This incident inspired the naming of the village “Ulo ng Apo” which then morphed into Olongapo.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
If you're taking a Victory Liner or Saulog Transit bus going to Olongapo, chances are you'll be dropped off at their terminals that are just a few meters away from the Ulo Ng Apo landmark. It's always a welcoming sight whenever I take the bus going home. I also usually grab a snack or have a filling meal at any of the fast-food chains surrounding the area, including Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, and Dunkin'. As for striking a pose with this landmark, I never got the chance to do it as the area is a busy roundabout, so getting that decent shot will be quite a challenge with all the vehicles on the road.
3. Shop at SM City Olongapo Downtown
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by SM City Olongapo Downtown on Saturday, August 7, 2021
Need a place to scratch that retail therapy itch? SM City Olongapo Downtown comes to your rescue. For all your splurging needs, this is the place to be. Formerly known as Olongapo City Mall and located next to the Subic Bay Freeport, the mall is your one-stop shop for clothing, groceries, and food. Your dining options include fast food chains like Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Chowking, and Classic Savory. This family-friendly mall is also home to other entertainment options like SM Cinema.
SM City Olongapo Downtown
Address: Magsaysay Drive cor. Gordon Avenue, Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines
Website: SM City Olongapo Downtown
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
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4. Have fun at the Inflatable Island
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The newest Olongapo tourist spot that beckons young visitors, mostly those coming from Manila, Olongapo’s Inflatable Island has been dubbed as the ‘Biggest Inflatable Water Park’ in Asia. A playground for adults, experience a maze, monkey bars, kiddie slides, trampoline, human launcher, jumping pillow, rock climbing, and much more. Moreover, at the end of the Floating Playground, experience the BFB or 'Big Freaking Blob’, coming soon at Olongapo’s Inflatable Island. This installation of inflatable toys in the middle of a nice beach makes this “island” a must-visit when in Olongapo. To top it all off, the beachfront is lined with bean bags and parasols for the ultimate beach party.
Inflatable Island
Address: Subic Bay Waters, National Highway, Lower Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Zambales
Website: Inflatable Island
5. Reflect by Hellships Memorial
Olongapo played a major role during the Second World War with some remnants still present and part of the city’s landmarks. Hellships Memorial, as tourists would say, is a place of quiet reflection and the feeling can get overwhelming. The location was made available to the Hellships Memorial Committee by the Subic Bay Municipality Authority (SBMA). This tourist spot was built to remember the thousands of prisoners of war sent to Hellships by Japanese invaders. The prisoners of wars were captured in their home countries – Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore – and placed in Hellships to be transported to Japan and Dutch East Indies as slaves. The Hellship Memorial was built to commemorate the lives of POWS who died of starvation, murder, and neglect along the way.
Hellships Memorial
Address: Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines
Website: Hellships Memorial
6. Stop by the World Peace Memorial
Another landmark that mirrors the significance of the city in war history is the World Peace Memorial. This Olongapo City tourist attraction features the ‘Kalapati’ or Dove monument that was built in memory of the lives lost during the tragic battle at Zigzag Pass. The battle is said to be one of the longest and most tragic battles during the World War II. The monument was built at the junction of the national highway and entry road to New Cabalan.
7. Observe local life at Marikit Park
Don’t know what to do in Olongapo with your family? Marikit Park is one of the earliest parks of Olongapo and still a local hangout place. The word Marikit means “beautiful” in the local language. This park’s distinct feature is the body of a U.S. Navy plane, originally displayed at the Subic Naval Base and acquired by the city of Olongapo from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). The plane fragment is preserved and displayed as a historical and heritage artifact to the city.
For tourists, Marikit Park is a historical haven perfect for leisurely walks. Locals come to this downtown park, mostly those with children, for an afternoon of playtime. This park is a youth and children’s park complete with a playground and wide open spaces. Visitors coming to Olangapo can also come and observe or mingle with the locals.
Marikit Park
Address: Hospital Rd, Olongapo, Zambales
Tip from Trip101 local expert
I love that Marikit Park is just a quick stroll away from Ulo ng Apo and sits right in front of the newest and biggest mall in Olongapo City, the SM City Olongapo Central. Yes, Olongapo has two chains of SM Super Malls within its borders! Visiting Marikit Park is like having multiple strings in one bow, so be sure to include this on your itinerary for an eventful day in the city. As a word of caution, the roads around Olongapo Central Mall experience heavy traffic during peak hours, so I suggest that you add a bit of leeway to your schedules.
8. Spend a day or two at the city's beach resorts
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Today’s forecast: % chance of sunshine and a boatload of fun. . . . . . Activities are endless as the sun. Call us to...
Posted by Mangrove Resort Subic on Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Its beaches are one of the highlights, specifically for out-of-town guests. Notable beaches in Olongapo include the Blue Beach Resort, Treasure Island Beach Resort, and Mangrove Resort Hotel. Enjoy a sun-kissed experience in Olongapo’s well-loved beaches. Olongapo’s sandy shores are right in the city with scenic views of the mountains.
Blue Rock Resort
Address: Baloy Long Beach Road, Olongapo City
Website: Blue Beach Resort
Treasure Island Beach Resort
Address: Baloy Long Beach Road, Olongapo City
Website: Treasure Island Beach Resort
Mangrove Resort Hotel
Address: Baloy Long Beach Road, Olongapo City
Website: Mangrove Resort Hotel
9. Olongapo Night Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Of course, who wouldn’t want a midnight shopping spree with the finest merchandise offerings of Olongapo. Olongapo’s Night Market begins at 5 pm until midnight. Find trinkets and taste local delicacies; night markets are fun and a respite from the scorching heat of the sun in a tropical country like the Philippines. More than a night market, this place to visit in Olongapo also serves local nightly festivities with food stalls and a mini fair complete with rides for kids.
10. Shop and hangout at Harbor Point
Located at the heart of Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales, Harbor Point is Olongapo’s premier mall, owned by Philippines’ mall developers. The presence of Harbor Point in the city signals the chic and cosmopolitan destination Olongapo wants to evolve into, leaving its notorious past. Locals and tourists can come for retail, dining, and even entertainment.
Harbor Point
Address: Rizal Highway, Olongapo
Website: Harbor Point
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Harbor Point used to be the go-to place for the majority of mall-goers in Olongapo. But now that two SM malls are available for shoppers and diners, this Ayala-owned mall is a nice destination for the shopping-spree of locals and tourists alike to avoid crowds. I find this mall convenient, as it has ample spaces for parking. Plus, the indoor and outdoor shopping experience it offers gives it an edge over competitor establishments.
Visiting this mall means you have to enter the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, so be sure to observe proper pedestrian and driving rules to avoid getting in trouble with traffic officials. As this is a mall, expect that the area is a commercial district and best for travelers who love to be close to all the urban action.
A family-friendly weekend getaway
Shopping, dining, beaches, and various venues for fun and entertainment, Olongapo with its proximity to major cities, especially the capital city of Manila, offers a destination to temporally take a break and have fun. It’s no wonder this city will always be the choice among families and groups of friends for a wonderful weekend trip. Weekend warriors never fall short when it comes to attractions and activities either. Far from its notorious past, Olongapo has achieved a renewed reputation as a destination.
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