French
DeutschOlongapo (pronounced as “Olong-gapo”, colloquially shortened as “Gapo”) is a city in Zambales, known for the Subic Bay Freeport.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Olongapo occupies the eastern shores of Subic Bay. Although it shares the bay with the municipality of Subic to the west, most visitors tend to conflate the entire area as Subic when in reality they are referring to Olongapo.
The area's history began as a shipbuilding facility by the Spaniards in 1885. After Spain handed over the Philippines to the United States at the aftermath of the Spanish-American War, Subic Bay became a major naval outpost which existed until 1991. During this time, Olongapo became known as one of the Philippines' two major prostitution hubs catering to American garrisons, the other being Angeles in neighboring Pampanga province. Olongapo became a designated city in 1966.
The city was devastated by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, when volcanic ash leveled many buildings and facilities both inside and outside the naval facility while the Philippine Senate rejected the continued presence of the US military later that year. Since the United States forces left, it was converted into a mixed-use area with industrial and retail zones, with most development concentrated on the Olongapo side of the bay.
Get in
[edit | edit source]By bus
[edit | edit source]From Manila, ride the red, white and yellow Victory Liner buses. The trip will go through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx). The trip from Manila takes 3-4 hours and it will cost you ₱220-250 one way. The company also has 11 buses from Baguio via Angeles 3AM-11PM, and hourly buses from 4AM-10PM from [[Balanga (Bataan) |Balanga]] in Bataan.
By car
[edit | edit source]Car rentals from Manila are also available. International car rental chains like Hertz, Avis and Europcar are some of the options.
Get around
[edit | edit source]
By jeepney
[edit | edit source]Jeepneys are the primary mode of mass transportation in Olongapo. Unlike in most cities in the Philippines, jeepneys in Olongapo are color-coded according to route and the government is very strict in implementing this routing scheme. Jeepney operators must display the body number, the plate number and the decal number at the side panels to eliminate unregistered jeepneys. Drivers here are required to wear uniforms. Here are the colors and the designated routes used for this scheme:
- Red: From Magsaysay avenue going through Mabayuan and Gordon Heights
- Green: From Mabayuan (Mercurio Street) to the New Public Market
- Yellow: With red roof: Pepsi Route, from Magsaysay drive going through Rizal Avenue, then Filtration street.
- Yellow: Sta. Rita route, from Magsaysay drive going through Rizal Avenue, then Baranggay Sta. Rita.
- White/beige: Gordon Heights to Balic Balic
- Orange: Gordon Heights to Pag-asa Market
- Brown: Cabalan to New Public Market
- Blue: Olongapo to Barrio Barretto Subic town, Castillejos and other towns of Zambales. runs 24 hours a day from Olongapo to Barrio barrette ₱8.
The fare is about ₱8 for the first 5 km and an additional fee for every additional kilometer. Fares are conspicuously displayed inside the jeepney.
By tricycle
[edit | edit source]This is basically a motorcycle connected to a modified cart that can carry up to 3 persons. Similar to taxis, this is an option if you prefer private trips and for trips that is beyond the jeepney routes. The fee usually is ₱8 per person per route but the driver may charge higher fees depending on the distance and if you are carrying heavy objects (e.g. luggages).
By taxi
[edit | edit source]You can hire a taxi from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The taxis have fixed rates depending on the distance of your destinations. Fares are displayed and you may negotiate with the driver if you wish to hire the taxi for 24 hours and for multiple trips.
By car
[edit | edit source]The streets of Olongapo are well marked, so it's easy to navigate the city. Some street signs have Korean and Chinese translations due to the influx of Korean and Chinese investors in the area. Traffic rules in Olongapo is very strict and traffic officers are always on the lookout for violators. Remember to always make a full stop at any intersection that does not have a stop light.
See
[edit | edit source]- 1 Ulo ng Apo Monument, Rizal Avenue. A monument of a head of a chieftain in the middle of a roundabout in Rizal Avenue. According to local folklore, the area was once ruled by a benevolent chieftain who was known as "Apo" who was beheaded by rival tribes. The monument features the namesake of Olongapo (particularly from the phrase "Ulo ng Apo" or Apo's head).
- 2 Marikit Park, East Tapinac. A park beside the SM City Olongapo Central. At its entrance is a concrete mural/relief dedicated to Filipino workers, and a model of a RA-5 Vigilante aircraft. The park also has a children's playground.
- 3 The Dove Monument, Jose Abad Santos Avenue, New Cabalan. Open 24 hours. Historical landmark. Free.
- 4 Magellan's Landing Museum, Argonaut Highway, ☏ +63 47 252 2230.
- 5 Fort Wint, Grande Island. Ruins of an American fort in Grande Island.
- 6 Bat Stop II, Zambales Highway. A hotspot for seeing bats, The best time to visit is sunset.
- 7 Hellships Memorial, Waterfront Road. Open 24 hours. It’s a nice memorial to read about its history. The memorial does a great job conveying the history. Free.
- 8 The Hands that Freed the Nation, Waterfront Road. Open 24 hours. A historic monument, commemorating the Magnificent 12 Senators of the Republic of the Philippines who stood up and said "no" to the military bases in Olongapo and ended the foreign military presence in the country. Free.
- 9 Children of the Sun Returning, Waterfront Road. Open 24 hours. Symbolises the past event on how the volunteers saved the Subic Bay from the Mount Pinatubo eruption, transforming the former Navy Base. Free.
- 10 Spanish Gate, Sampson Road. Open 24 hours. The old Spanish Gate at Subic is the remnant of the naval installation established by the Spanish colonial authorities in 1885. Two cannons straddle the gate as a reminder of its military past. Two markers are installed on both sides of the gate giving information about its origin. One can visit the gate with no special permission needed and it is generally open to the public. Free.
- 11 SFEX Twin Tunnels, N Luzon W Expy, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Bataan. Open 24 hours. Nice forest and mountain green views along the way. Free.
- 12 Port Of Subic Bay, Waterfront Road. Sign.
- 13 Waterfront Park, Waterfront Road. Open 24 hours. Morning or evening walk, jog, bike, picnic, play frisbee or badminton, etc. This is definitely a good place to be. Free.
- 14 Volunteers Park, Saint Columban Street. Open 24 hours. Free.
Do
[edit | edit source]Scuba diving
[edit | edit source]The tourism office for the area calls Subic Bay the "Pearl of the Orient" and much like a pearl inside an oyster, its true value is hidden unless you know where to look.
Subic Bay offers some of the world's best shipwrecks, all within recreational diving depths, as well as tranquil coral and artificial reefs that explode with marine life. Unlike Coron, and other wreck diving locations, where you ride for hours to get to a wreck site, the majority of Subic Bay dive sites are a quick 15 minutes trip from the dive centres.
The bay is a unique "wreck heaven" because its sheltered waters allow calm year-round diving (except in the strongest typhoons), with short duration transits to the dive sites and a fantastic collection of exceptionally well-preserved historical wrecks.
Just how many wrecks are there in Subic Bay? That is a difficult question. Unlike Coron or Truk, whose wrecks occurred over a relatively short period, Subic’s World War II wrecks covered almost the entire war period. No fewer than 25 Japanese ships were reported sunk during the war years. Some of these may have been removed in the late 1950s as salvage operations were conducted to open up the bay for shipping. Additional ships were sunk after the war either as targets or victims of mother nature. It is widely believed that an additional ten large ships may lie within the bay. The area is not limited to World War II wrecks. At the entrance to the bay alongside Grande Island are the remains of the Spanish–American War wreck, San Quintin. Outside the bay in deep water lie the remains of a Spanish galleon as well as a 16th-century Chinese junk (beyond diving range).
The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 did an enormous amount of damage to Luzon and the Zambales/Subic Bay area was hard hit. A meter of ash covered the area, including homes and businesses. Within days, a typhoon entered the area, turning the ash into mud. Many homes and businesses collapsed under the weight. One resident stated that the river looked just like the cement coming out of a cement mixer. A large percentage of coral was killed lying under the ash.
When the navy occupied the naval base at Subic, many of the wrecks were closed to diving. However, divers had the advantage of diving in water that was crystal clear with 40 m or more of visibility on the wrecks that were open. The bay was the home of different varieties of sharks, dolphins, and turtles. While a few turtles still nest on the beaches, sharks and dolphins are no longer here. The visibility is returning slowly and the coral is recovering. Perhaps the turtles, sharks and dolphins will return in abundance also, but this is not likely. Populatios of turtle, rays and sharks just outside the bay seem to be on the rise.
There have been increasingly more common sightings of bull sharks around the deeper wreck sites, along with Eagle Ray around the USS New York, LST, and El Capitan, and black tip reef sharks around the outside of Grande Island.
Underwater photographers have been reporting success with macro critters, such as harlequin ghost pipe fish and many species of nudibranch.
There are more than ten full-time dive operators in the bay area. These dive operators serve a variety of scuba training agencies, including PADI, SSI, ANDI, PSAI, BSAC and DSAT. They provide a collection of entry-level and specialist scuba training courses, including (of course!) basic and advanced/technical wreck diver training.
- Boardwalk Divers (At the free port). Run by George AngDyPay, an experienced TDI and PSAI technical rebreather instructor. Set up to cater to both recreational and technical divers it has quickly become the dive center of choice for most tech divers. Guiding is done by local staff members who are all trained as divemasters and technical wreck guides. Accommodation is at the nearby hotels, Herbie's Mansion, Boardwalk Inn, and Mango Valley.
- Scuba Tech Philippines. Runs PADI and TecRec technical courses from a luxury dive boat based in Subic Freeport Zone. The instructor, Andy Davis, is a highly qualified and experienced UK-trained instructor with PADI, SSI, BSAC, and DSAT TecRec. Daily scuba diving trips are offered to the wrecks and reefs of Subic Bay. These trips can be tailored to fulfill diver requirements at any level. Accommodation can be booked at any hotel inside SFZ, with pick-up/drop-off included.
Area wrecks
[edit | edit source]- El Capitan - A 3,000-ton freighter, about 130-m long that sunk near the mouth of Ilanin Bay. 5m below the surface.
- Landing Craft Utility (LCU) - Triboa Bay. 5-20 m (25-60 ft).
- Landing Ship Tank (LST) - Between Grande Island and the southern tip of the runway. 32 m deep.
- Oryoku Maru- 400 m off Alava pier. 20 m (60ft) deep.
- Patrol Boat - In Triboa Bay at a depth of 20-25 m (60-75 ft).
- San Quentin - The oldest known wreck in Subic, a wooden gunboat scuttled by the Spanish in 1898.
- USS New York - A 120-m long hull. 27 m of water between Alava Pier and the northern end of Cubi Point runway.
Other
[edit | edit source]- 1 JEST Camp (Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp), J.E.S.T Camp, Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, ☏ +63 917-796-4668, contact@jestcamp.com. Jungle survival training. Learn how to survive the harsh jungle environment through the courses that they offer.
- 2 Subic International Golf Club, 6900 Binictican Drive. 6:30AM–8PM.
- 3 Malawaan Picnic Park, Argonaut Highway. Free.
- 4 Subic Bay Yacht Cruise and Rentals. Open 24 hours.
- Scuba diving, Midway Baloy Long Beach, Barrio Barretto, ☏ +63 919 6471234.
- 5 Inflatable Island, Olongapo-Bugallon Rd, Kalaklan, ☏ +63 917 835 2665. 08ː00-18ː00 daily. An beachside amusement park dealing with just about every floaty imaginable (unicorns, castles, dragons, etc).
- 6 Subic Fun Land, Km 133, Baloy Long Beach Road (located in The Cliff Seagrapes Royale Subic). 8AM–6PM. ₱₱.
Buy
[edit | edit source]- 1 SM City Olongapo Downtown, Magsaysay Drive cor Gordon Avenue, Asinan (by Bus: Saulog Transit (Terminal is beside the mall), By Olongapo City Color-coded jeepneys: Yellow, Red and Orange, By Olongapo City color coded tricycles, (Orange), by Freeport Taxi or by Private Vehicle (Parking Space available on the upper mall floors)), ☏ +63 47 223 2078, customercare@smsupermalls.com. 10AM-9PM. Formerly known as 'Olongapo City Mall', the SM City Olongapo is a mid-sized flagship shopping mall by SM Supermalls in Olongapo.
- 2 SM City Olongapo Central, Rizal Avenue, East Tapinac, customercare@smsupermalls.com. 10AM-9PM. Shopping mall.
- 3 Olongapo Public Market, Rizal Avenue, East Bajac Bajac. 8AM–8PM. The city public market sells souvenirs including native crafts, as well as local food products such as "kakanin".
- 4 Brettos Deli - Olongapo Branch, 430 RH 5 Subic Baraca National Hwy. 9AM–7PM. A meat shop. They sell good meats, such as steaks, chicken sausage, and ground beef. as it is one of the few places that has imported US meat.
- 5 American Hardware, Rizal Highway (at the back of Royal Duty Free Subic). 9AM-5PM. Carries lots of useful things. All their products are imported from the US. They have lots of items that are very rare in the Philippines. American Hardware also runs the only car wash in Subic Bay.
- 6 Royal Duty Free, #1109 Palm Street. 9AM–7PM. The biggest department store in Subic. They carry imported and local housewares, cooking items, snacks, and branded clothing. Most of the items are surplus so they're actually cheaper. Has an extensive selection of cigarettes and perfumes.
- 7 Ayala Harbor Point Mall (Harbor Point or HP or Ayala Subic), Rizal Highway, CBD, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, ☏ +63 47 250 8888. 11AM-9PM. The first Ayala Mall development in the province of Zambales. This sprawling mall offers a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment choices. It also has its anchor stores such as Puregold Supermarket, Timezone (gaming arcade), Abenson Appliances, and four Ayala Cinemas. VIP lounges are available to special members so they could take a quick rest in the middle of their shopping or while they wait for their movie schedules. The Riverwalk area is a green park concept where people could enjoy the riverside park along with a dancing fountain. Shops and restaurants also dot this area. The mall has both indoor and outdoor activity areas where special exhibitions, shows, and bazaars are held. The mall also offers weekend and holiday sales usually extending up to the wee hours of the night.
- 8 Royal Duty Free Hypermarket, Manila Avenue corner Canal Road (walking distance from Harbor Point Ayala Mall, go there by taxi, or private vehicle). 9AM-8PM. A mini version of Royal Duty Free which is a stone's throw away from Harbor Point, this store offers duty free grocery items, clothing/apparel and other imported goods.
- 9 SM City Olongapo Central, Rizal Avenue Extension. 10AM–9PM.
- 10 Robinsons Easymart Victory Center, Olongapo-Bugallon Road, West Bajac-Bajac, ☏ +63 922 873 7204, re485sm@rsc.com.ph. 7AM-10PM.
Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 Pugon Corner Smoke Yard, #31-J Jasmin Street, Barrio Barreto. 11AM–11PM. Barbecue restaurant.
- 2 Tiya Violy's Hongkong Style Fried Noodles, #23 Osmundson Street. 4PM–11PM.
- 3 Himay-himay, #2798 Jose Abad Santos Avenue. 9AM–2AM. Filipino restaurant that serves its food in banana leaves.
- 4 Ma'am Olive's Cafe, #22 Kessing Street. 10AM–10PM. Chickens, pasta, salads, rice, coffee.
- 5 Itameshi, #21-W 2nd Street. 11AM–10PM. Japanese food restaurant.
- 6 Vegetarian Restaurant, #14 Corpuz Street. 11AM–9PM. This place is good for vegetarian people.The food here are so delicious at a cheaper price.
- 7 Sit-n-Bull, #58 RH 5 National Highway. 7AM–11PM. American/Filipino food restaurant.
- 8 Blue Rock Resort, Baloy Long Beach Road. Good for Western food. Great prices, quantity and quality.
- 9 Texas Joe's House of Ribs, McKinley Street, ☏ +63 47 252 3189. 10:30AM–10PM. Chophouse restaurant. Smoked meats and ribs. Numerous barbecue sauces. Attentive service.
- 10 Xtremely Xpresso Cafe Restaurant, SM City Olongapo, ☏ +63 47 252 3681. 10AM–9PM. A casual bistro style restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner The cafe is known to serve Italy's no. 1 coffee, Lavazza, and is famous for its unique collection of Italian menu.
- 11 Coco Lime Restaurant, Rizal Highway. 11AM–8:30PM. Subic Bay's beloved restaurant that offers a variety of Filipino and international dishes. Famous for its Pineapple Rice. The place is always full so always be ready to go there early to save a seat.
- 12 Sakura Japanese Restaurant, Lot 5 Time Square Bldg.Corner Sta.Rita Rd. Subic Bay Freefort Zone and a branch at Harbor Point Mall, ☏ +63 47 252-2666. 10:30AM–9PM. Known by the locals as the authentic Japanese restaurant in Subic. They serve fresh sashimi and a variety of sushi choices.
- 13 Magic Lagoon Bar, Rizal Highway, ☏ +63 47 252-1475. Open 24 hours. Magic Lagoon Restaurant is near a man-made lagoon where you can catch your own fish and ask the staff to cook it for you. An ideal place for family outings and group activities.
- 14 Meat Plus Cafe, #65 Sampson Road. 10AM–9PM. American food restaurant.
- 15 Leonardo's Pizza Tradizionale, Block 6 Lot 3, Moonbay Marina, Waterfront Road. 3–10PM. Italian food restaurant.
- 16 Sonamu Korean Restaurant, Canal Road (in Subic International Hotel Complex). 10AM–10PM. Best Korean restaurant in Subic Bay.
- 17 Buddha's Bowl, Santa Rita Road. 11AM–8PM.
- 18 Golden Dragon Restaurant, Canal Road. 10AM–10PM. Chinese restaurant.
- 19 Golden Tea House Restaurant, Bldg.281-282 Raymundo Street. 7AM-10PM. Chinese food restaurant.
Drink
[edit | edit source]- 1 Bar Barretto, Iloilo Street corner Olongapo-Bugallon Road, Barrio Barreto. 4PM–2AM.
- 2 Hops and Brews Beer Garden, #14 Del Pilar Street. 1PM–1AM.
- 3 Alaska Club, Del Pilar Street. 5PM–2AM.
- 4 Hideaway Sports Bar (Formerly Dive In), #49 National Highway, Bo Barreto. 9AM–9PM.
- 5 Baguio Craft Brewery Subic, Riverwalk, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, ☏ +63 9177997072. Offers draft beer and beer on tap (Stella Artois or Heineken). This concept originated in the northern city of Baguio and features local beer brews and international selections.
- 6 Pier One Bar and Grill, Lot 249 Waterfront Rd, ☏ +63 47 252 7097-98. 11AM–midnight. Entertainment and dining. They have live bands, a dance floor and sports bar. They also offer a wide variety of dishes and beer food. Order beers by the bucket or try to get those beer towers. Located in the waterfront, sea breezes keep the place cool and airy.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]- 1 Johansson's Lodge, 128 National Highway, Barretto, ☏ +63-47-2239293. Check-out: noon. Fan single/double room with own bathroom. has a restaurant. 20% off if you stay a month. ₱500 a night.
- 2 Sanjaha Inn, 64 Gordon Ave, New Asinan. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱1500.
- 3 Asiana Hotel, 48 Gordon Ave, Asinan. The hotel has a touch of Asian architecture and delicacies. ₱1200.
- 4 City View Hotel, Magsaysay Dr, New Asinan, ☏ +63 47 2529978. ₱1800.
- 5 Ocean View Beach Resort, Lower Kalaklan. Check-in: 2OM, check-out: noon. It has 40 renovated rooms and a spacious conference facility. The beach is safe for swimming and water sport activities like aqua bikes, jet skiing, and banana boat all at an affordable price. ₱2500.
- 6 Olongapo Travel Lodge, Magsaysay Drive, Asinan. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 1PM. Olongapo Travel Lodge offers modern rooms in a budget-friendly hotel. ₱1600.
- 7 Palm Tree Resort, 116 National Hwy, Barretto. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Sea view rooms and suites overlooking the mountains. Also has an in house restaurant that serves Filipino and English cuisines. ₱2200.
- 8 Subic Grand Seas Resort, 83 National Hwy, Barrio Barretto, ☏ +63 47 222-8541. 22 deluxe rooms, all of which have an air-conditioning, an LCD television with cable connection, and a telephone with NDD and IDD access. Some of its amenities include an infinity and kiddie pools, and a massage service. From ₱2500.
- 9 [dead link] Win Hotel Olongapo, 27 18th St, West Bajac Bajac (at Victory Liner Terminal). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Rooms are cozy with warm lighting fitted with wooden furniture and modern decor. ₱1600.
- 10 Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant, #43 National Highway, Barrio Barreto. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. One of the popular hotels & resorts in Olongapo and Subic.
- 11 By The Sea Resort Hotel, #5 National Highway. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Pared-back rooms feature free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Most offer hot water; some have cold-water bathrooms. Upgraded rooms offer bay views and/or minifridges. Suites add sitting areas. Room service is available. There's a casual bar/restaurant offering views of the bay and live music on the weekend. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and covered picnic areas. Activities consist of water sports, volleyball, badminton and table games. Massages are offered.
- 12 Central Park Reef Resort, #888 National Highway, Barrio Barretto. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Warmly decorated rooms provide Wi-Fi, TVs and safes, plus minibars. All have balconies, some with bay views. Some rooms sleep up to 6 people. Suites add whirlpool tubs, kitchenettes and/or living areas. Room service is available 24/7. Amenities consist of a diner and a casual rooftop restaurant, as well as outdoor infinity pools. There's also direct beach access and secured parking. ₱₱₱.
- GAPOTEL, 1020 Rizal Avenue. Check-in: Anytime, check-out: Noon.
- 13 All Hands Beach Subic, All Hands Beach, San Bernardino Rd, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, ☏ +63 47 250-2270. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 2PM. Air-conditioned beachfront rooms and cottages. Bamboo huts, function rooms and pavilions are also available for family, business or special events.
- 14 Arizona International Hotel, 47 National Hwy, Barrio Barreto, ☏ +63 47 224 4557. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 15 Bayfront Hotel Subic Bay, Blk. 19 Lot 1 Moonbay, Marina Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, ☏ +63 47 252-3148-49, fax: +63 47 252-2591, bayfront@subictel.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. The unassuming rooms with simple furnishings have Wi-Fi, TVs and minifridges, as well as tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms add verandas. Room service is available.
- 16 Casablanca Hotel Condominium Resort Bar & Restaurant, Lot 14 Agronaut Hwy. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fully furnished condo-hotel that has a pool side bar, Jacuzzi, and restaurant that serves international cuisine.
- 17 Court Meridian Hotel and Suites, Waterfront Road, ☏ +63 47 252-2366. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Air-con rooms equipped with cable TV, private toilet and bath with hot and cold running water. Business center, jet ski, bar, and restaurant.
- 18 Elmolina Beach Resort Subic, 135 National Hwy, Barrio Barretto. Budget beachfront accommodation. Kayaking, banana boating, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
- 19 Grand Hoyah Hotel, Canal Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Set alongside a tributary of the Santa Rita River, this relaxed hotel is an 8-minute walk from SBMA Beach, 8 km from Subic Bay International Airport and 21 km from Ocean Adventures marine park.
- 20 Hotel Interpark, Bldg 663 Dewey Ave Corner Santa Rita Rd, Subic Bay Freeport Zone (1 block from Waterfront Rd and Oriental Paradise Casino). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 21 The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Block 4, Lot 1, Lighthouse Drive Moonbay Marina Complex, Waterfront Road (Central Business District), ☏ +63 2 8711 0019. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Set in a building with a lighthouse, this casual hotel facing Subic Bay is 10 km from Fort Wint and 12 km from All Hands Beach.
- 22 The Pub Hotel Subic, #76 National Highway. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Amid the nightlife district of Barretto. Seconds walk away from beachfront restaurants and bars as well as the famous go-go bars of Subic.
- 23 RK Hotel, Decent Circle, Rizal Highway. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. The hotel has 64 well-appointed rooms, private KTV rooms, a sports bar, swimming pool, conference and meeting facilities and its own Oriental spa. The hotel is near duty free shops, spas, and restaurants that serve international cuisine.
- 24 Subic International Hotel, Canal Road, ☏ +63 47 252-22-22, fax: +63 47 894-55-79. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Labitan and Sta Rita Roads, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, This hotel used to be naval barracks.
- 25 Subic Oceanview Hotel, #202 Purok 6, National Hwy, Calapandayan. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11PM. All the guest rooms are equipped with a work area.
- 26 Subic Park Hotel, Moonbay Marina, Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, ☏ +63 47 252-2092, +63 47 252-2093, +63 47 250-2039. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Along a boardwalk lined with restaurants, this informal hotel facing SBMA Beach is 11 minutes' walk from Harbor Point mall, and 3 km from both Olongapo City bus station and Inflatable Island, an amusement park set in Subic Bay.
- 27 Terrace Hotel, Blk 1 Lot 2 & 3 Moonbay Marina, Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, ☏ +63 47 250-2730, fax: +63 47 252-2733. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Rooms equipped with TV with cable channels, coffee/tea maker and mini-bar. It also has a business center, rooftop patio, and swimming pool.
- 28 Vista Marina Hotel and Resort Subic, Waterfront Road, Block 3 Lot 2, Moonbay Marina Area, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Check-out: noon. Set on palm tree-lined grounds overlooking the boardwalk and SBMA Beach, this low-key hotel is 11 km from Subic Bay International Airport, and 28 km from bird-watching and trekking in Bataan National Park. A Mediterranean-inspired hotel on the beach.
- 29 Horizon Hotel Subic, Canal Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. This casual hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is an 8-minute walk from SBMA Beach, 3 km from Inflatable Island water park and 11 km from Subic Bay International Airport.
- 30 Camayan Beach Resort, Ilanin Road, Camayan Wharf Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. This laid-back beachfront resort set along Subic Bay is 4 km from Zoobic Safari and 30 km from Fort Wint.
- 31 The MG Grand Hotel, Dewey Avenue. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Set in a polished building overlooking Subic Bay, this modern hotel is a 4-minute walk from SBMA Beach and 5 km from the Magellan's Landing Maritime Museum.
- 32 The Aurora Suites and Pavilion, CBD, Canal Road corner Labitan Streets. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 33 The Reef Hotel and Residences, Waterfront Road. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A 5-minute walk from Grande Island Resort ferry terminal, this contemporary hotel overlooking Subic Bay is 7 km from boating and swimming at Baloy Beach. It's within 5 km of several amusement parks.
Safety
[edit | edit source]Olongapo, being in a mountainous area, commonly experiences landslides and flash fooding during the rainy season.
Connect
[edit | edit source]- 1 Bureau of Immigration Field Office-Olongapo City, #72 Gordon Ave. 8AM–5PM.
Go next
[edit | edit source]| Routes through Olongapo |
| END ← | S  N | → Dinalupihan → San Fernando |
| END ← | S   N | → Dinalupihan → Angeles |
| Bolinao ← Iba ← | N  S | → END |