Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), also simply referred to by many as Subic, is a former US Navy Base located in Central Luzon. The SBFZ is situated along Subi Bay and covers the municipality of Subic in the province of Zambales, along with Olongapo City, and the municipalities of Morong and Hermosa in the province of Bataan. The area is also known for its maritime industry and logistics and warehousing services.
Apart from being an economic zone, one of Subic’s biggest income resources is the tourism industry. The attractions in the zone include theme parks, diving spots (wreck diving), extreme water sports, sailing, and adventure parks. It also has guided treks and jungle survival tours that help promote ecotourism. Tourists also come to Subic to visit outlet shops and duty-free shopping centers where they can find great deals.
ATTENTION! For the most updated information, it’s best to check the official website or the Facebook page of Subic Tourism, Zambales Tourism Office, and Zambales Provincial Government for updates and announcements.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Best Area to Stay
From being a US Naval Base to a major maritime gateway, Subic is among the earliest that has gone through developments in the area. Different kinds of businesses including hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and adventure parks have mushroomed here through the years.
There are a lot of accommodation options in Subic that you can choose from. Depending on your needs and preferences, here are some lodging options in Subic.
Top Hotels
If you want to stay in a hotel where you can relax, here are the top-rated hotels in Subic.
- COURT MERIDIAN HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SUBIC PARK HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - MANSION GARDEN HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - GRAND HOYAH HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - HORIZON HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels with Swimming Pool
Since there are not that many places to visit around Subic, you might just want to spend some time and unwind in your hotel. Here are some resorts and hotels with swimming pools in Subic.
- LE CHARMÉ SUITES
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CENTRAL PARK REEF RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - INTERPARK HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE AURORA SUBIC HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CHEQUERS SUITES SUBIC BAY
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Beachfront Resorts
One of the things tourists visit Subic for is the water activities and water parks. If you want to stay by the beach, here are the top beachfront hotels in Subic.
- KAMANA SANCTUARY RESORT & SPA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - THE LIGHTHOUSE MARINA RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - VISTA MARINA HOTEL AND RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CAMAYAN BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - MOONBAY MARINA THE VILLAS
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Hotels & Resorts Along Subic Bay article.
Find more Subic Hotels!
Getting There
NOTE: Changes may have occurred. Please contact the LGU, terminal, or bus company directly for the latest schedule, routes, and fares.
Manila to Subic
By Car
Subic is easily accessible from Manila through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
- Drive along NLEX and take the SCTEX exit. Then, continue driving along SCTEX and take the Tipo Exit.
- Keep on driving until you reach the Subic Bay Freeport Zone customs toll booth. Welcome to SBFZ!
Bringing your own car will allow you to travel at your own pace and make stops whenever you need to. Driving navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps also made traveling by car easier. Travel time is around three hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
By Bus
Victory Liner and Genesis Transport have trips between Manila and Olongapo City. The bus terminals in Manila are typically located in Pasay, Cubao, Sampaloc, and Caloocan.
- From any of the bus terminals in Manila, get on a bus bound for Olongapo City. The fare is P230 to 380, depending on the bus type or class. The journey takes approximately three hours. You can also read our MANILA to SUBIC Bus Schedules & Fares article for more information.
- Get off at Olongapo Bus Terminal. From there, ride a jeepney to SM Olongapo (P13). You’ll find a walkway near SM Olongapo leading to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
- Then, take an SUV taxi to get to your destination within the freeport zone. The fare depends on how far your destination is.
TIP! If it’s your first time here, it’s important to note that taking the SUV taxi is your only option to get around the freeport zone area. These taxis will take you directly to your destination. By the way, they don’t use meter service, so it’s best to ask the driver first how much the fare will be, then negotiate.
Clark to Subic
You can easily get to SUbic Bay Freeport Zone from Clark via Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The travel time is about 45 minutes.
By Car
- From Clark, take the SCTEX via Clark/Angeles Exit.
- Keep on driving along SCTEX and take the Tipo Exit.
- From Subic-Tipo Highway Exit, continue driving towards SBFZ, passing through the customs toll booth.
- Welcome to the freeport zone!
Again, using Waze or Google Maps makes driving easier and more efficient by giving you driving directions based on realtime traffic situation. You can also see the estimated time of your arrival.
By Bus
If you are coming from Clark International Airport, you can take a regular aircon bus or a P2P bus. The travel duration from Clark to Subic is around 90 minutes.
REGULAR BUS
- From Clark Airport, ride a jeepney to the Main Gate Entrance of Clark Freeport Zone.
- From the Main Gate Entrance, take another jeepney going to Dau-Mabalacat Bus Terminal.
- Board a Victory Liner bus going to Olongapo.
- Get off the Olongapo Bus Terminal, then take a jeepney (P13) to SM Olongopo.
- Near SM Olongapo, look for the walkway leading to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
- Take an SUV taxi to get to your destination within the freeport zone. The fare depends on how far your destination is.
P2P BUS
- You can also take a P2P bus from Clark Airport to Olongapo. The bus fare is P250-260. Note that the boarding platform is at Terminal 2 – Arrival Area Bus Station. You can also check out our CLARK AIRPORT Bus Guide article for more information.
- The bus will terminate at Olongapo Bus Terminal. From there, you can take a jeepney (P13) to SM Olongapo.
- Alight at SM Olongapo. Take the walkway leading to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
- Take an SUV taxi to get to your destination within the freeport zone. The fare depends on how far your destination is.
TIP! If it’s your first time here, it’s important to note that taking the SUV taxi is your only option to get around the freeport zone area. These taxis will take you directly to your destination. By the way, they don’t use meter service, so it’s best to ask the driver first how much the fare will be, then negotiate.
RELATED ARTICLE: You can read a more detailed article here: HOW TO GET TO SUBIC (From Manila, Clark, and Baguio)
Tourist Spots & Attractions
ATTENTION! The opening hours and rates might change from time to time. Make sure you check the official websites or Facebook pages of the attractions and tourist spots prior to your trip.
Here are just some of the things to do and places to visit in Subic. We created a more detailed article of this. Read it here: TOP THINGS TO DO IN SUBIC
Subic Inflatable Island
Subic Inflatable Island is a huge floating playground where you can slide, bounce around, and swing. This is perfect for kids-at-heart and is a great bonding activity for friends and family. You can also find the biggest floating unicorn in the world here!
You can score a good deal when you book online! There are package options — all-day pass, half-day pass, 2-hour access, one-hour access, etc. Choose the best that fits your preference.
✅ CHECK OPTIONS & GET YOUR PASS HERE!
Rates: Beach Club Pass Kid, P500; Beach Club Pass Adult, P899; Spray (Half-Day Pass), P1,299; Soaked (Whole-Day Pass), P1,399
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Note that opening schedule may change without prior notice, so check the official website or Facebook page for updates.
Location: Olongapo – Bugallon Road, Olongapo City, Zambales
Beaches and Resorts
The beaches here may not be as fair as that of Boracay or other beaches in the country, but they still offer great spots to relax and unwind. You can spend your time just lounging around the beach or try the water activities offered by the resorts.
Subic Shopping
If you love shopping and getting cheap deals or if you simply want to get pasalubong for your loved ones, you shouldn’t miss shopping in Subic. There are a lot of shopping spots, but the most popular are the outlet stores and duty-free shops.
El Kabayo Subic Trail
There are many trekking sites in Subic. One of those is the El Kabayo Subic Trail. You can join MAD Travel’s Tribe and Trek program where you can explore the flora and fauna surrounding the trail and learn about jungle survival as well as making herbal medicine. The El Kabayo Subic Trail is home to Aeta’s Pastolan Tribe and the program aims to help the indigenous tribes preserve their ancestral domain. This helps tourists understand the importance of natural heritage and sustainable tourism.
You can also check out the waterfalls towards the end of the trail. It’s not grand though, so may also choose to skip it if waterfalls are not your thing. MAD Travel also has Feast in the Forest where you’ll explore the forest and forage to experience a unique culinary journey with the local Aeta community.
Contact Details: info@madtravel.org | +63 939 920 7627
Official Website: www.madtravel.org
Facebook Page: MAD Travel (@makeadifferencetravel)
Wreck Diving and Snorkeling
Subic is claimed to be one of the biggest naval bases of the U.S. Navy outside the US when it was still operational. Now, Subic Bay is filled with several vintage shipwrecks and remnants of WWII. These attract both local and international divers who have a penchant for wreck diving.
Some shipwrecks in Subic Bay are the USS New York, the Oryoku Maru, the Sakura Maru, and the USS Lanikai. Some of these sites are only about 15 minutes away from diving centers.
There are several dive centers around Subic Bay and the rates vary depending on the course, the number of sessions, and the inclusions. Recreational wreck dive prices range from P2,000 to P3,000 if you have your own gear. If you will rent gears, add P500 to P1,000 on top of that.
If you’re not a diver, some diving operators allow non-divers to go snorkeling. The snorkeling fee with gear rental is around P1,000 to P1,200.
Subic Bay Cruise
A Yacht Cruise is expensive, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion, this is something you can do. This is perfect for a romantic getaway especially if you do it at dusk in time for the gorgeous sunset.
You can also split the cost if you’re in a big group and celebrating special events like reunions. The rates will depend on the type of boat and the size. You may contact or check the official websites of Subic Bay Yacht Club and Subic Sailing Club for inquiries.
Subic Bay Yacht Club
Contact Numbers: +63 (47) 252 5211 | +63 (2) 844 5777 | +63 917 554 6411
Official Website: www.subicbayyachtclub.phSubic Sailing Club
Contact Number: +63 917 536 6349
E-Mail Address: contact@subicsailing.com
Official Website: www.subicsailing.com
Magic Lagoon
Magic Lagoon Restobar is one of the most popular dining places in Subic. It is known for the scenic view of the lagoon beside it, hence its name. Located across Subic Bay Yacht Club, the restobar is open 24/7, serving classic Filipino dishes and delicacies. Some of the items on the menu are kare-kare, chicken tinola, bistek Tagalog, pinapaitang kambing (goat), and of course, sinigang, which is available in different protein options: pork, beef, fish, and shrimp.
For drinks, they offer fruit juices, fruit shakes, and coffee. But since this is a restobar, of course there are alcoholic beverages too. Among the options on the drinks menu is the “below-zero” beer, which they call balot sa puti.
Price Range: P99 – P1,600
Opening Hours: 24/7
Location: Bicentennial Park, Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
727 Coffee
If you need a pick-me-up, there are many local coffee shops around Subic. One of the go-to places for a good cup is 727 Coffee. Their menu includes a variety of coffee choices, from the classics like latte, cappuccino, and flat white to their signature drinks like honey oat lavender latte, zebra mocha, and the 727 signature. They also serve non-coffee drinks and tea if you’re traveling with non-coffee drinkers.
And if you’re hungry, they have meals, waffles, and cookies on the menu as well. Their drinks range from P100 to P350 while their food items are priced between P100 to P700.
Price Range: Drinks, P100 – P350; Meals/Snacks, P100 – P700
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Note that opening schedule may change without prior notice, so check the official Facebook page for updates.
Location: Building 727, Manila Avenue, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Maple 28
Subic is also peppered with a lot of restaurants, many of which serves different cuisines. But if you can’t decide what cuisine to go for or your group has different choices, one of the places you can go to is Maple 28. They have an extensive menu with mostly American and Filipino dishes, but also has a mix of dishes from different cuisines.
Among their best-selling mains are baby back ribs, beef burger, fish and chips, and nasi goreng with chicken satay. For the local dishes, their best-sellers are pork liempo, laing, sizzling sisig, and pork binagoongan. They also serve pastas and sandwiches.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Note that opening schedule may change without prior notice, so check the official Facebook page for updates.
Location: Labitan Street corner Dewey Avenue, Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone,
Spectacular Sunsets
Subic Bay has many great spots where you can watch the spectacular sunset. Some of the spots are the Malawaan Park, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Boardwalk Park, and the Waterfront Road where you can also find the Children of the Sun Monument, Inang Laya Monument, and The Hellship or Oryoku Maru Monument. You can even admire the beauty while on a yacht cruise.
Best Time to Visit
Most of the attractions in Subic are outdoors so it’s best to go during the dry months. Summer months are from March to May, but the period from December to February is pretty dry too. July to October period is the rainy season, which could hinder you to enjoy many outdoor activities.
Practical Travel Tips
- Always check for updates. Don’t forget to contact or visit the official websites or Facebook pages of the attractions and activities for announcements and updates before going.
- Bring sun protection. The sun can be unforgiving sometimes, especially in summer. Don’t forget to bring a hat/cap and sunglasses or apply sunscreen. Avoid sunscreen products that contain the following chemicals: oxybenzone, benzophenone, and parabens.
- Leave no trace behind. Help protect the environment by collecting your garbage and following proper waste disposal. If you can’t find a garbage bin right away, keep your trash with you until you find one.
- Practice sustainable and responsible tourism. Support the local community by purchasing their products. Lessen the waste by bringing your own water bottle and dry bags or eco bags to avoid buying plastic bottled drinks and plastic bags.
- Follow the town’s rules and regulations. Make sure you know the travel safety protocols and requirements and follow them.
Sample Itinerary
Here are two itinerary options for Subic. Feel free to make adjustments depending on your preferences and the number of days you want to stay.
Option 1: Beach Trip
– Travel from Manila to Olongapo
– Travel to Barrio Barretto
– Barrio Barretto Beaches: Baloy, Sierra, & Manga
– Swim/Chill at the beach
– Lunch
– Freshen up
– Travel to SBFZ
– See the monuments along Waterfront Road
– Sunset watching along Waterfront Road
– Travel back to Manila
Option 2: Forest Trail
– Travel from Manila to Olongapo
– Trail options: Pamulaklakin Forest Trail or El Kabayo Trail
– Explore Pamulaklakin Forest Trail or El Kabayo Trail
– End of trek
– Lunch
– Shopping
– See the monuments along Waterfront Road
– Sunset watching along Waterfront Road
– Travel back to Manila
Updates Log
2024.08.23 – Updated information (fares and fees), process, and format and added photos
2021.03.26 – Updated information
2021.03.20 – First uploaded
Written by: Mariah Cruz
Additional Writing by: Astrid Alvarez
Related Article: Top Things to Do in Subic
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Comments