The anniversary day-out in Subic left us screaming for more. We could only wish that we stayed longer that November. And so, three months after, we find ourselves in the same spot. This time, we skipped Zoobic and wandered around unhurriedly for alternatives.
Sunset at the Boardwalk
Thanks to my mother’s free RCI accommodation at Subic Holiday Villas, we were able to spend three days in comfort and no less than in the central SBMA district. The furnished apartel-like studio rooms were homey and contained all the basic necessities a guest could ask for: hot running water, a microwave and kitchenware, comfy bed and sheets, and sufficient space. Not to mention a gym and a huge pool (and I mean huge!) fronting the villas!
Hotel photos courtesy of the Subic Holiday Villas website
While located near the Freeport Zone and along the highway, this retirement community, surrounded by canopies of lush forests, lend an air of privacy and tranquility to its guests. A peaceful respite from the busy SBMA Freeport Zone, indeed.
We set off for the Subic Bay Boardwalk in the late afternoon to unwind. A stark contrast lied between the boardwalk itself and the strip of bars, modern hotels and restaurants that loomed over it. A rich, beautiful land-seascape struck Subic’s marina and its grey sands as the sun slipped down.
Water in this part of Subic Bay is not recommended for swimming as it serves as a port and docking place for cruise ships. But its relaxing ambiance amid the dramatic sunset makes it an ideal destination for serene, breezy walks at dusk. This place is best enjoyed with a lover or a friend, easy talks and dirty ice cream:)
Also a must-see at the Boardwalk is Subic’s premier boutique hotel, The Lighthouse Marina, whose modern architectural design and majestic lighthouse are a stunning sight to behold.
We opened the following day with a refreshing trip to the flesh-colored shores of Camayan Beach Resort. We were able to enjoy the beach for P150/head (2008 rate; includes use of layback bench).
The beach is surrounded with undulating blue mountains and a nearby natural forest. Contrary to expectation, the beach wasn’t that packed considering it just sits next to Ocean Adventure, where tons of visitors go daily to interact with dolphins and see them perform fascinating tricks in open water.
We had a nice lunch at Camayan’s open-air restaurant, Reef Restaurant and Sand Bar. Food was a bit expensive (We paid around P600 for a single order of Sinigang na Baboy and liempo each, plus two cups of rice, and that was in early 2008), but the casual, laid-back environment, combined with an expansive vista of the seas and mountains compensated for the price.
While thriving with opportunities for recreation – guests may choose from swimming, kayaking, jetskiing or kayaking in the mangrove forest – the beach itself is not that promising. There are no exceptional snorkel sites nearby and rocks are sprawled almost on the entire seabed, making swimming quite a feat. What’s good about Camayan though, is that it provides more privacy than the other public beaches in the area like All Hands or Dungaree Beach.
But surely, there are tons of other places left to explore in Subic. Perhaps, a visit to Tree Top Adventure and Balon Falls, or plodding through the mangrove forest or Snake Island next time?
