In recent years, we have seen the rise of new tourist destinations in the country. New surfing spots ride the waves of attracting local and international travelers alike. The tranquil haven of soft sand meeting the sea of new beach destinations continues to lure travelers. Urban areas which appeal to heritage and culture enthusiasts also are not left behind.

Despite these new rising tourist spots, which we love (the more, the merrier, and it’s good for the country’s tourism industry), one top destination is holding its own, and you will be surprised at what it now offers. This we found out when we recently visited Subic.

Ocean Adventure

Our first stop was Ocean Adventure, a popular open-water marine park in the Philippines and always a top draw for tourists since it opened in October 2001. It showcases marine life through interactive presentations and encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals.

At Sea Lion Underwater Viewing, we witnessed the angelic and majestic swimming gesture of sea lions underwater through an 18,000 liters glass pool. The Voyager Aquarium, meanwhile, features the predators of the sea and an exhibit of the divers’ suit and equipment history.

Then we proceeded with the highlight of our trip which was the encounter with the sea lions and dolphins. The sea lions put on a show that warmed our hearts. We also had the opportunity to feed, touch, and even get a kiss from the marine animal which we gamely received even though they seem to smell like fish. Our encounter with the dolphins was a short but thrilling experience. Once we spread out our arms, the gentle giant immediately leapt out of the water allowing their smooth bodies to be touched which created a deeper connection with these intelligent marine animals.

Ocean Adventure is not just a place where marine animals put on a show. It focuses on marine adventure and conservation, providing visitors with insights into marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting them.

The Walk on the Wild Side Show capped our visit here where we met some of the rescued forest animals through an interactive show. The show also helps educate people about the importance of saving wildlife.

Sunset cruise

We continued with our adventure in Subic with a sunset cruise courtesy of Subic Fishing and Yacht Charter. As the yacht traversed Subic Bay, we enjoyed the music by the two-man band and some late afternoon snacks. It was a moment to unwind, reflect and connect with the vastness of the sea. From the warm glow of the setting sun to the dramatic play of shadows on the water, every moment is a potential masterpiece. Those gave us a serene and breathtaking experience that offers a unique perspective on the beauty of nature.

The newly opened Best Western Plus Hotel Subic was our home for the night. It is currently the only internationally branded hotel in the area offering a variety of topnotch facilities and amenities. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, perfect for a refreshing dip, minimalist rooms, a bar at the ground floor and at the Sky Oasis Pool, and the Cactus Jack restaurant, also at the ground floor.

We had dinner at Cactus Jack, an all-day restaurant which serves up local and international cuisine. We devoured (an understatement) their monster boards which were loaded with a generous mix of smoked meats and classic sides. Its menu also features comfort food classics like juicy burgers, tender ribs, and perfectly grilled steaks.

We began our second day in Subic with a tour of the Central Business District via an electric bus which we were told will soon be the regular mode of public transportation in the area. We passed by some historical attractions such as the Inang Laya Monument and the Old West Gate which dates back to the Spanish times, among other commercial establishments.

The Range Subic Bay

We then proceeded to The Range Subic Bay for some adrenaline-pumping activity.

It is a state-of-the-art firing range which just opened last January providing gun enthusiasts and law enforcement personnel with a new venue to hone their shooting skills. The new facility, spanning 3,000 sq.m., is located at Corregidor Highway in the Ilanin Forest area. It occupies a former US naval building (Building 2027), which has been repurposed to include a 100-sq.m. indoor range.

The range master and range officer gave us a briefing on the facility, on gun safety, as well as how to use the gun. We took our chance at the firing range with some of us guests hitting the bullseye while others completely missing the target.

After sweating it out a little at the firing range, we then proceeded to Crabs N Crack for our lunch. The restaurant is the perfect place to end our visit in Subic with its menu featuring various delicious seafood platters, including their popular Mixed Seafood Platter, and individual items like Shrimp, Scallops, and Tuna Belly. They also serve Filipino dishes like Seafood Kare-Kare, Sinigang na Hipon, and House Bulalo, along with pasta, appetizers such as Chicharon Bulaklak, and desserts like Leche Flan.

Our visit to Subic was part of the latest edition of NLEX Lakbay Norte which also spanned Bataan and Zambales. If you haven’t recently visited Subic, now’s the best time to do so because aside from its usual attractions which never fail to excite every traveler, its new food offerings, activities, and places to relax and unwind will surely be worth your while.

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