Subic Bay remains one of the more popular tourist spots in the country and is a family favorite of ours! It's just the thing for when you're itching to get out of town without having to board a boat or plane and the travel time from Metro Manila isn't as long as say, Baguio, so it's perfect now that we have an active toddler to contend with ;) You can learn more about the Subic and its various attractions here, but here are some highlights from our own travels:
Accommodation: The Lighthouse - named so for the Lighthouse at the back of the property, this hotel has never failed to provide good food and great service! If you're looking for a luxury hotel with large rooms complete with flatscreen TV, cable, DVD player, aircon, hot/cold water, and a bath with huge bathtubs your babies can swim in - this is the place to be. It's pricey and far from the main tourist attractions (it's at the opposite end of Subic from where Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, etc. are located - about 30 minutes away via car), but it's a great way to kick back and relax after a long, hot day of exploring all that Subic has to offer. It is, however, just a stone's throw away from a number of other hotels, bars, and restaurants lined up in front of the beach and is ideal for travellers seeking the nightlife. On the other hand, families and their children will enjoy leisurely walks along the beach. There is also a convenience store and playground within walking distance, and a nearby Catholic church offering regular Sunday mass. Although the beach is not fit for swimming, it does cater to water sports! If you fancy a swim, the hotel has a small kiddie and adult pool for their guests.
Zoobic Safari - meet and greet wildlife such as tigers, crocodiles, and other exotic creatures (you'll be amazed at the variety)! Although the tigers are fatter and more sluggish than they used to be and you're no longer allowed to feed them live chickens (I think this is actually a good thing though), the thrill of getting up close and personal with the animals is still there and is almost always a big hit with the kids. Plenty of feeding and picture-taking opportunities await! The only downside for me is the addition of a "cavern" type exhibit in which you are led through a dark warehouse filled with faux plants and animals - what's the point? If you are taking your family to Zoobic, be sure to bring hats/caps, a change of clothing, and drinks because there's a lot of walking involved under the sweltering heat of the sun.
Ocean Adventure - not to be confused with Ocean Park in Manila, this park offers shows and exhibits that showcase the beauty of marine life. Exploring the park is typically a whole-day affair as you move from one show to another, but proves to be worth it especially if you're travelling with young kids. Although my daughter much preferred the tigers to the fish (go figure), most children are apt to adore the dolphins and sea lions and their cute stunts. I only wish the security was a bit more discerning about their guests. We were at the park at the same time as a school field trip and a number of teachers and students had conjunctivitis (they were openly talking about an outbreak of the disease in their school), which made us a bit uncomfortable since we had a baby along.
Tree Top Adventure - this is one of those things that you just have to try at least once in your life. This adventure park offers a unique way of communing with nature - through thrilling rides and stunts that you will perform yourselves, usually 100 feet off the ground! Start off with the canopy ride to help you relax before you jump into the big guns. The long walk to this ride will also give you a sneak peek at the other activities the park has to offer - if the screams and cheers around you are any indication. Once you're all revved up and ready to see what the excitement is all about, go for the Ultimate Adventure and soar from tree to tree. Still haven't lost your lunch? Go all out and jump off that tree in the Tree Drop Adventure! Just to note, though - this is no place for a toddler or baby and there's no suitable waiting area for them. While my husband, brother, and I were gathering the courage to fly amidst the trees, I sent my baby with her lola to El Kabayo for some horseback riding.
El Kabayo - no puny ponies here! Home to retired racehorses, this equestrian center features horses imported from the U.S., Argentina, and Australia. While the center offers several horse riding activities, I am unable to expound on the experience. My baby bravely put on her safety helmet and got on the horse, but when the guide told her to pick up the reins, her prissy little self shuddered in distaste and she requested to be taken off her high horse, so to speak. I have heard from other mothers that this is a good place for kids who like horses and want to experience riding a real horse.
Shopping, shopping, shopping - what better way to cap off your vacation than by spending money at the numerous outlets and stores boasting of imported goods at low prices?
If I haven't detailed it enough, Subic offers something for everyone - if you're up to a family road trip, this is the place to be.
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