Olongapo Hotel Reviews
I got hold on information of Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari from the suggestion of the travel agent. Then I checked out more information over the net. When we checked in the hotel, we were able to get hold a map of subic freeport sketched in a short sized bond paper and it was rather confusing. Not all streets had names on the map and further adding confusion, not all streets in Subic had clear and visible street names. There is a need to add more street signs within Subic Freeport. I think we had to make several u-turns when we got to some places. I think there is a need for the SBMA or even the department of tourism to make a better map available in all hotels in the area. The information of Ocean Adventure in their webpage is underdelivered. I think the park rate is quite expensive for the experience we had. The food is likewise expensive. The information of Zoobic Safari in their webpage was general but we had a better time there. The experience we had was worth it! Especially when I was able to ask my husband to hold the tiger cub and I took a picture of this one in a lifetime opportunity. When do we ordinary people get to hold a tiger cub? Not all could have the opportunity! Maybe next time they could allow even my kids to hold the tiger cub! Should you want to see the evidence please don''t hesitate to get in touch with me and I will upload the picture here.
The best night spot in Subic is Club Edge - in Olongapo City. Offer live rock bands from 9pm until the early hours. Great fun!!
Scuba diving ok on wrecks but not great corals or fish life compared to other Pinas resorts. Scuba shack near hotel provide ok diving/guiding and they have jet-ski for hire 2,500 per hour also have ok beachfront restaurant. Diving little/no current ok vis about 10m Oct 2004. Taxi rates are a real scam in Subic no meters and way more expensive than Manila but very cheap by European standards expect to pay 500peso for 20 min trip or 100 peso for 3minute trip. There don''t seem to be any tricycles for short/cheap trips. Subic inside the base is v clean and feels v safe. Roads and infrastructure left by Americans are a cut above the rest of the Phillipines making it feel quite incongruous if you''ve spent some time in other parts of the country. Worth a visit if you have lots of time but not the best beach/diving location close to Manila (Puerto Gallera is better).
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone is located within the confines of the former US naval base and all the entrances are controlled so there are relatively few street hawkers and no beggars hanging around waiting for tourists. Most everything is within walking distance inside the central business district but you''ll need to rent a car or hire a taxi if you plan to go visit the other sites in the SBFZ. The Seafront Restaurant offers a "fine dining" experience with excellent food and service, music and a view of the bay. Gerry''s Grill, an outdoor cafe located on the beach, also has great food.
Subic offers numerous ''Duty Free'' outlets - certainly the alcohol is cheap but the selection is pretty average. Royal Mall is probably the best place to shop although the Mall near the hotel has an excellent DIY section. Restaurants were ok - we had a good Italian meal and the Subic Bay Yacht Club served great pizza (especially the folded one). Outside the gate is bedlam but more like the Philippines - expect low class bars and cheap shops. Worth a small browse.