Formerly a major United States Navy facility, known as U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, the Subic Bay of today is an industrial and commercial area known as Subic Bay Freeport Zone, under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Located on the west coast of the island of Luzon, 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) from famous Manila Bay, Subic Bay is known for its deep and protected waters, as well as its collection of shipwrecks, which date back to the Spanish American War, in 1898.
Subic, as it is commonly called, is more synonymous with weekend trips, especially among families. It also has some of the best Airbnbs if you’re looking for a place to stay. If you do decide to explore this vibrant area, here is a list of things to do in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines.
1. Bring the whole family to Zoobic Safari (from USD 14.0)
Looking for where to go in Subic to start your adventure? Zoobic Safari is a 20-hectare (49.4-acre) expanse of exotic animals, adventurous terrains, streams, and grasslands. The park has many different attractions, thus, plan to spend at least half a day to fully enjoy it. Part of Zoobic Park consists of a two-hectare (4.9-acre) forest, where guests can experience mini-trekking to see the animals – semi-domesticated, wild, and exotic – in their natural habitat.
Guests can also get a chance to pet the likes of Bearcats and camels, perfect for little children. The Savannah, meanwhile, is a sanctuary for wild animals such as ostriches and wild boars. Serpentarium is an old ammunition bunker, that features a variety of reptile species, such as snakes and lizards. The highlight of Zoobic Safari is feeding the tigers, from inside a protected vehicle.
Zoobic Safari
Address: Subic Bay Freeport Zone Group 1, Ilanin Forest, Subic Freeport Zone
Website: Subic Safari
Zoobic Safari Entry with Lunch Option
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
2. Get closer to ocean animals at Ocean Adventure (from USD 12.19)
Ocean Adventure is a natural-setting marine park that offers tourists an extensive list of aqua-related activities, such as swimming with sea animals, up-close encounters with sea lions, dolphins, jacks, turtles, and even sharks! Ocean Adventure also features shows and a collection of marine life at the Ocean Discovery Aquarium and Seatrek. The main attractions are the animal shows and swimming with the dolphins.
Ocean Adventure
Address: Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, 2222, Philippines
Website: Ocean Adventure
Ocean Adventure Ticket in Subic Bay
3. Have fun indoors at Funtastic Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Funtastic Park Subic Bay on Saturday, March 7, 2020
Funtastic Park is a ‘fun-tastic’ place for kids and adults alike. With the tagline 'where feel-good moments are made’, Funtastic Park is an educational Fun Park that offers unique and fun activities, such as a Mirror Maze, 3D Enchanted Forest, Science Zone, Optical Illusion Wall, Kids Learning Nook and more!
The park also offers a comfortable picnic area, as well as a souvenir shop and cafeteria. Attractions are interactive and educational. Most of all, Funtastic Park is a great venue to burn some of your kids’ limitless energy!
Funtastic Park
Address: Corregidor Rd, Ilanin Forest East, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Bataan, Philippines
Website: Funtastic Park
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Enjoy and survive the Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
Need another idea of what to do in Subic? When you want to experience nature firsthand, the Pamulaklakin Forest Trail is a must visit! Pamulaklakin, from the native Amabala language meaning “vine”, is located in the heart of Subic and offers exciting tourist activities. It includes sightseeing, a mini jungle tour, ecology tour, and overnight jungle tour.
Aside from the tours, the venue also offers a picnic area and picnic table, best for group activities, photo ops and even team building. Tourists are fully immersed into a culture-rich wonderland here, where they can see how the natives of Subic live and survive in the forest.
what to do in subic
Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
Address: Pamulaklakin Trail, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, 2222 Zambales, Philippines
Website: Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
5. Magaul Bird Park for bird shows and interactive activities
The Magaul Bird Park showcases Subic’s bird life, with its number of bird shows – including Winged Wonders, Survival Demo, Talk and Feeding Times, with interesting bird species, such as the hornbill, parrot, and raptor. The bird park also features life-sized Angry Birds, the Goliath Swing over a cliff, the Aerial Adventure Walk, Kiddie Rappelling, Tree Camping, the Peregrine Plunge and more!
Magaul Bird Park
Address: Ilanin Forest East, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Bataan, Philippines
Website: Magaul Bird Park
6. Learn how to make fire at JEST Camp
Survival training is not just for men in uniform, it can come in handy, as well. Learn some new skills, while having fun at JEST Camp. JEST, short for Jungle Environment Survival Training, is the most famous as well as the toughest survival school in the Philippines. JEST Camp has topnotch instructors, offers survival certification programs and includes courses such as Camp Craft, survival training and a Boton Falls visit.
There is also the option to participate in Wild Child, a survival program for children, campfires, a Hunter-Gatherer course, Tribe Team Building and extreme Survival Bootcamp. JEST Camp is popular as a team building activity and for groups.
JEST Camp Jungle Survival Training
Address: Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, Olongapo, 2200 Zambales, Philippines
Website: JEST Camp
Subic Bay Day Trip from Manila
Duration: 8 hours
7. Retreat to the cove of All Hands Beach Resort
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
When tired of adventure, it is time to take a break and relax on the shores of Subic, which feature crystal clear water. All Hands Beach is a comfortable sanctuary and is best for swimming, as it has a gradually sloping shoreline. Dine along the beachfront, enjoy cold tropical drinks with mountain views or have fun with all the activities offered by the resort, like jet skiing.
All Hands Beach Resort
Address: San Bernardina Road, Subic Freeport Zone, Philippines
Website: All Hands Beach Resort
8. White Rock Beach Hotel + Waterpark is the place to splurge
With an area totaling eight hectares (19.8 acres), White Rock Beach Hotel + Waterpark is a one-stop destination for all recreational activities. Lounge by its private beach or enjoy recreational and aqua-related activities. The beach, likewise, has a waterpark and wave pools, and an offering of watersports.
If the heat is too much for you, temporarily retreat inside the resort and enjoy facilities like the spa and bowling alley. When it comes to accommodation, this property has a total of 262 guest rooms, ranging from standard rooms to suites and beach villas.
White Rock Beach Hotel + Waterpark
Address: Matain, Subic, Zambales 2209, Philippines
Website: White Rock Beach Hotel + Waterpark
9. Nightlife in Subic, over cocktails and music
Aside from the tranquil beaches, a sanctuary of exotic animals, marine and nature activities, Subic is also known for its energetic nightlife and this resonates with the following bars in the area, like Pier One Bar and Grill, Hydra Resto Bar, and Midnight Rambler Bar Subic. As far as fun Subic activities go, checking out the local nightlife is certainly up there.
Pier One Bar & Grill
Address: Lot 249 Waterfront Rd, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, Philippines
10. End your Subic trip with duty-free shopping
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Of course, who would forget about shopping? Duty-free shopping is a top activity in Subic, especially among frequent visitors.There are three major duty-free shopping areas in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and these include Puregold, Royal and Freeport. These shops, along with imported items, also carry locally-made merchandise.
Puregold
Address: Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo, 2222 Zambales, Philippines
Website: Puregold
11. Have a blast at Adventure Beach Waterpark (from USD 9.55)
Looking for a cheap way to have tons of fun while in Subic? For guaranteed fun that the whole family can enjoy, check out Adventure Beach Waterpark. Located near Subic Bay, this experience offers an assortment of waterslides, pools, and other activities to beat the heat. Riding down man-made rapids on inflatable rafts is especially fun. There are pools and slides for all age groups, and the lifeguards on duty prioritize safety, so there is no need to worry. Right next to the park is the beach, so you can always go exploring before coming back.
Adventure Beach Waterpark Ticket in Subic
12. Enjoy delicious Asian cuisine at Coco Lime Restaurant
Coco Lime is an incredible restaurant that offers up mouthwatering Asian cooking. Inside, its ambiance is pleasant and inviting, while its assortment of dishes is sure to pique your interest. Their pineapple rice, sweet and sour fish, and chicken sisig are especially popular with locals and tourists alike. Make sure you don’t pass up the chance to eat here. The food is hearty, the portions are large, and the staff is always friendly.
Coco Lime Restaurant
Address: Along Rizal Hiway, Across Times Square Cinema Subic Bay, Rizal Hwy, Olongapo, 2200 Zambales, Philippines
Website: Coco Lime Restaurant
Opening hours: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm (daily)
13. Discover El Kabayo Waterfalls
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For the nature lovers out there, El Kabayo Waterfalls should be on your list. The gorgeous and lush forest surrounds enchanting trails, which invites you to explore until you find water. Follow the stream upwards, and it will widen and quicken before leading you to the waterfalls. Once there, make sure to stop and appreciate the beauty around you. This place is serene and mesmerizing - a perfect place for meditation or quiet contemplation. Whether you go alone or bring loved ones for a picnic, El Kabayo Waterfalls is definitely one of the best places to visit in Subic.
El Kabayo Waterfalls
Address: Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Bataan, Philippines
14. Explore the jungle with Tree Top Adventure Subic
Explore the beauty of Subic like never before with Tree Top Adventure Subic. Elaborate trails weave through the jungle, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The twist? You are actually 100 ft (0.3 m) off the ground, walking over study platforms and rope bridges built between the branches of mighty trees. For the adventurous among you, try ziplining, rappelling, and riding through the canopy in custom made chairs. No need to worry, however, as all safety equipment is provided and the guides always make sure to prioritize safety. For a truly unforgettable experience in Subic, definitely give this a try.
Tree Top Adventure Subic from Manila, Philippines - Klook
15. Indulge in a luxurious experience with Spasify at Acea Subic Bay
Unwind at the end of a long day by treating yourself to a massage with Spasify at Acea Subic Bay. This spa right by the beach is a great way to relax, and the professional staff knows what they are doing. Far from simply catering to massages and facials, they also operate a full salon and run yoga classes as well. Lest you be afraid that Spasify is only for women, guys can also enjoy a little pampering while in Subic Bay. Why not spoil yourself while in the area?
Spasify at Acea Subic Bay
Address: Acea Subic Bay, San Bernardo Rd, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Bataan, Philippines
Website: Spasify at Acea Subic Bay
Opening hours: 1pm - 3am (daily)
More tours in Subic to check out:
Subic Bay Adventure
Duration: 8 hours
Price: 138 USD
Inflatable Island in Subic
Price: 9.35 USD
Subic Bay Day Trip from Manila
Duration: 8 hours
A favorite weekend destination
Due to its proximity to the capital city of Manila, Subic has been a top choice for those who want to temporarily escape the metro area. If you’re looking for beaches, waterparks, kid-friendly attractions and cheap shopping, come to Subic and explore beyond the capital. Subic appeals to both families with children and squads of weekend warriors. Check out the value-for-money day tours if you don’t know where to start planning your trip and save on the trouble by booking one of them! As for a place to stay, it wouldn’t be a problem at all as you can find a plethora of fine accommodations like hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals within or near Subic.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines
1. What are the best attractions to visit in Subic Bay Freeport Zone?
Subic Bay has an abundance of amazing attractions to visit. These include the fun Zoobic Safari, the culturally rich Pamulaklakin Forest Trail, and the breathtaking El Kabayo Waterfalls. Ocean Adventure and Magaul Bird Park are also worth a visit.
2. What are the best outdoor activities in Subic Bay Freeport Zone?
If outdoor activities are what you seek, Subic Bay has you covered. Exploring the jungle from the treetops with Tree Top Adventures Subic is tons of fun, while trekking to El Kabayo Waterfalls or learning survival skills at JEST Camp is also enjoyable.
3. What are the most popular things to do in Subic Bay Freeport Zone with kids and family?
Subic Bay is full of activities that are fun for the whole family. Take the gang to Adventure Beach Waterpark or visit Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure for some exciting and educational fun. Spending an afternoon at Funtastic Park or visiting Magaul Bird Park are also popular choices.
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