Subic's Tourist Belt
Text by Denny Ski
They call it Barretto, they call it the Barrio, they call it Subic Bay. What exactly are we talking about? The tourist belt of the Olongapo/Subic area. Heading north on the euphemistically titled "National Hiway", from Olongapo City towards Subic City is a stretch of beach starting from Ocean View Resort running through to Baloy Beach, about 4 miles of sand, sea and fun in the sun.
The tourist belt is made up of hotels, resorts, restaurants, clubs and every kind of tourist attractions and activities for travellers. With the beach bordering the highway like it does the Subic Bay Resort Association (A group of over 50 tourist related businesses), decided to change the name to Beach Boulevard. IN November 1993 a resolution was passed and it describes the area in two words "Beach Boulevard". Every kind of beach related activity is there, swimming, fishing, boating and all types of water sports. For diver s it's the leading area in the Philippines for wreck diving with two dive operations in the tourist belt. Capt'n Gregg's not only does diving but has an excellent nautical bar and restaurant. Mein Host Brian Homan is the wreck diving specialist of the Philippines. They are located on the lower (south) end of Beach Boulevard. Toward the top (north) end is Angel Scuba. Both are PADI operations.
If you're looking for excitement then a tour to Mt. Pinatubo may be to your liking. By the Sea Travel and Tours offers two types of Mt. Pinatubo Tours. These adventure trips are done via a jeepney and take five hours. The highlight of the tour is the town of Pinatubo with over 600 houses under water. The cost is P 450.00 per person, including tour guide and lunch, departing daily depending on weather. A second option is a fly-over tour. You'll take off from the water in a sea plane and get a bird's eye view of the volcano of the century. This tour costs $ 50.00 per person for a minimum of three. By the Sea Travel and Tours is located in the center of the tourist belt.
Dining is great along Beach Boulevard with every kind of food available. On Baloy Beach alone there are seven nationalities serving food, Swedish, German, American, Australian, English, Danish and of course Filipino. Fine dining or fast food can be found on the strip. One of the popular nights for something special is the all you can eat "MONGOLIAN BBQ" on the beach at By The Sea Resort, for only P 120.00.
Accommodations in the past have been a problem but no more. The influx of tourist to this area has been so great, accommodating them has been a problem. This has changed with existing hotels expanding and new hotels opening. This year alone over 100 new rooms are opening. Prices range from P200.00 up depending on your budget. Suggested resorts/hotels, By The Sea, Marmont, Bart's House, Subic Bay Garden Inn, Marriott, Ocean View. Beach Boulevard is not only a daytime activity center but when the sun goes down the music starts and the lights shine. There are over 40 honkytonks and bars featuring entertainment and excitement to keep you entertained till the wee hours.
For those who like to partake in a little gaming, the Casino Filipino is located in Olongapo a short distance from the tourist belt.
Subic's Tourist Belt, for decades an R&R Mecca of the US Navy, is becoming the nation's fastest growing entertainment and vacation spot. Why not drop by and get a piece of the action for yourself soon?