Subic Bay: Experiencing a civilized beach

14-15 December 2007: Another northern Philippines destination, but this time we headed to the white beach of Olongapo and embarked in the busy bay of Subic. Passing through the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was a great experience. I felt like it was a place of responsible people, laws and governing rules were being implemented well. Locals and visitors are obedient. Drivers are cautious. Authorities are vigilant. Clean surroundings. I think this is a safe and a must-see place in Gapo (term used by many as substitute to Olongapo).

Finding hotels, motels or other sort of accommodations in Long Beach Rd is not a troublesome, the place has a lot. Convenient stores and restaurants is not a problem too. It was a civilized and busy place. Foreigners were dominant also in the said road, especially Americans with Filipina girl friend/wife. Locals said that it has been a lounge of US army retirees since past-Pres. Ramos administration up to now.

Beach Front of Subic

The shoreline of Subic Bay is composed of white-to-gray semi-fine sand. Not so clear water but it is salty of course. Many resorts offering different water activities like banana boatride, Water ski, jetski (personal watercraft), boating, snorkeling, island hopping, etc. But we didn’t try any on our first day, tired? Or excited to drink? Haha.

Off to White Castle Island the following day, an island few kilometers away from shore with man-made castle-like structure. It is an island with sharp rock formations and shallow water. Our boatmen tour us within the bay, showed the popular White Rock Resort, and some undisturbed shoreline. Subic Bay salty water is far beyond the sea water of any town in Batangas.

Beach Front of White Rock Subic

Since Olongapo beach destination is near to ports and other industrial plants, I believe that few years or decades from now the Subic Bay will be the same of Manila Bay especially when people and administration are not so keen to look on this.

Ms. Jerica Clara's superfriendlyfriends (SFF) - name of their group? =)

Overall, it was a great overnight quest with new friends. Special thanks to Ms. Jerica Clara for inviting and introducing me to her super friendly friends (SFF).