Make the most out of this year with these fun Subic activities!
The year is coming to a close, and if you feel like you haven’t made the most of it yet, why not go visit a new place? We recommend Subic! There are so many Subic tourist spots to choose from, so it might get a bit overwhelming to choose where to go. Besides its beautiful beaches and delicious restaurants, the area also offers a lot of different Subic activities. From having picnics by the El Kabayo Falls to hiking the Pamulaklakin Forest Trail, Subic is sure to make the rest of your year!
Here’s a list of exciting things to do in Subic:
- Capones Island
- El Kabayo Stables
- Arizona Dive Shop
- JEST Camp
- Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
- Camayan Beach Resort
- Zoobic Safari
- Dinosaurs Island
- Magaul Bird Park
- Ocean Adventure
- Inflatable Island
Subic Bay Travel Requirements
But first, here’s what you need to know before you enter Subic and have an adventure of a lifetime:
- Valid ID
- Negative RT-PCR test result for those below 18 years old and above 65 years old and those staying more than four days regardless of age.
- Fully vaccinated individuals* are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They should present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment or a Certificate of Quarantine Completion showing the holder’s vaccination status.
*A fully vaccinated individual is someone who has more than or equal to 2 weeks after having received the second dose in a 2-dose vaccine; or more than or equal to 2 weeks after having received a single-dose vaccine.
You can read more about COVID-19 travel guidelines in the Philippines here.
1. Take a quick breather at Capones Island
Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1003733246313469&set
Photo Source: http://www.pundaquit.com/attractions-in-pundaquit/capones-island-pundaquit-zambales
From Subic Bay, it will take around two hours to get to Capones Island using a car, plus a quick 15-minute boat ride. The island is known for its beautiful views and quiet surroundings, so this is the perfect place to be if you want to catch a quick break from work. Take a quick visit to Faro de Punta Capones, or the Capones Island Lighthouse, an icon in Zambales. However, if you’re looking for something that will get your adrenaline pumping, the island is also known as one of the country’s best coral reef diving destinations!
How to get there
Address: San Antonio, Zambales
- From Manila, take a bus to Sta. Cruz or Iba, Zambales – this will take around 4-5 hours.
- Get off at the San Antonio bus stop.
- Take a 20-minute tricycle to Brgy. Pundaquit.
- Hire a boat to take you to Capones Island!
COVID-19 Guidelines for Subic, Zambales
Make sure to have the complete list of travel requirements to be able to enter Zambales. Visitors should have the following:
- Get a QR-coded Tourist Pass from the Zambales VIS.I.T.A. website
- Pre-book a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment
- Negative RT-PCR test result (48 hours validity)
- Isolation in accommodation until release of results of the RT-PCR Test
For more details on traveling to Zambales, check out this comprehensive guide.
2. Go horseback riding at El Kabayo Stables
Photo Source: El Kabayo Stables Subic Bay Facebook Page
Photo Source: https://elkabayostables.com/
If you enjoy horseback riding in Baguio, you’ll definitely enjoy El Kabayo Stables, just two hours away from the Metro! Here, you can gain a new skill by signing up for lessons and learning the basics of riding. They also offer guided rides around their grounds, which include the forest to El Kabayo Falls. Doesn’t that sound like a fun adventure? Other than horseback riding, you may choose to just take pictures around their beautiful pastures and hang out with the horses.
El Kabayo Stables
- Address: 1411, El Kabayo Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, 2209
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Contact Details: (047) 252 1050
3. Go wreck diving with Arizona Dive Shop
Photo Source: https://www.arizonadivesubic.com/scuba-diving-lessons-subic/padi-specialty-courses-2/wreck-diver-course/
Photo Source: Scuba Tech Philippines on Facebook
Photo Source: https://www.arizonadivesubic.com/beer-barrels-dive-site-in-subic-bay-philippines/
Did you know that Subic Bay boasts over 19 diving wreck sites? Through Arizona Dive Shop, you can visit them and get up close to these pieces of history, with the most popular site being the USS New York shipwreck. This one, in particular, was built in 1891 and was used in both World Wars! Other than the shipwrecks, you can also take a look at the L2D “Tabby” Japanese airplane, and even old bridges that look like beer barrels! This is one of the Subic activities that may need prior experience, but the shop offers dive lessons for beginners. So, what are you waiting for? Take an adventurous dive now!
Arizona Dive Shop
- Address: 47, RH 5 National Highway, Subic Bay, Olongapo, 2200 Zambales
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM-8:00 PM
- Contact Details: (047) 224 4557 | +63 472 244 557 or +63 472 2445 59
4. Learn survival skills at JEST Camp
Photo Source: JEST Camp Subic Facebook Page
Photo Source: JEST Camp Subic Facebook Page
Photo Source: https://www.jestcamp.com/mission?pgid=jt6zks4o-38e18abe-3bfc-4fc0-8507-7f3e9ca797ca
If you’re looking to gain some survival skills, visit JEST! JEST, short for Jungle Environment Survival Training, is the first survival school in the Philippines that offers Jungle Survival Certification since 1963. They offer different survival courses, depending on how much you want to learn and how long you plan to stay. With top-notch instructors teaching you modern and primitive techniques, you’ll definitely survive the wild now!
JEST Camp
- Address: Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa, Subic Bay Freeport Zone Subic, Zambales 2222
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
- Contact Details: (047) 252 1489 | (+63) 947 533 4925 or (+63) 917 701 6356
5. Take a hike at Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
Photo Source: @napoles_eugene on Instagram
Photo Source: @thereal_rover on Instagram
A guided trek in Pamulaklakin Forest Trail is the perfect way to be one with nature and learn about native Aetas while they bring you around the forest. They happily show you how to make different things out of bamboo–from utensils to basic weapons and even fire! They can even demonstrate cooking, as long as you bring uncooked rice and other food you’d like to enjoy on the trail. You can learn all about nature and their tribe from them, making this experience truly one of a kind.
Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
- Address: Pamulaklakin Trail, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, 2222 Zambales
- Contact Details: 09295721105
- Socials: Facebook
6. Bask in the sun at Camayan Beach Resort
Camayan Beach Resort is one of the most visited Subic tourist spots, and for good reason. With its white-sand beaches and clear blue waters, this beach offers a piece of paradise not too far away from the city. Enjoy a day under the sun with your friends by snorkeling, diving, or just hanging out in their cabanas. If you want extra relaxation, the resort also offers massages in their facilities. The waves are calling, so what are you waiting for?
Make sure to get the best deals during your tropical escapade by booking with Klook!
Camayan Beach Resort
- Address: Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area, Subic Bay
- Contact Details: (047) 252 8000
7. Meet majestic tigers in Zoobic Safari
Photo Source: Zoobic Safari Facebook Page
Get a chance to meet exotic animals in Zoobic Safari! You may even feed them and interact with them as tour guides educate you about these wonderful animals. They offer an attraction called the Tiger Safari, where a 400-pound tiger jumps on top of your safari vehicle! Besides interacting with different animals, you may also take a break and enjoy the different shows the park offers.
Book your admission ticket with Klook for a chance to get a FREE Photo Opportunity or Animal Feeding session during your visit!
Zoobic Safari
- Address: Ilanin Forest West, Morong, Bataan
- Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 4:00PM
- Contact Details: (047) 252 2272
8. Watch dinosaurs come to life at Dinosaurs Island
Photo Source: @dinosaursislandclark on Instagram
Photo Source: @dinosaursislandclark on Instagram
Curious to see what dinosaurs were like during their era? Dinosaurs Island will show you just that! With their state-of-the-art animatronics technology, they allow dinosaurs to come back to life. This theme park offers visitors an interactive learning experience with their life-sized dinosaurs and different attractions, such as the Dino Adventure Ride and Dino World of Fun.
But wait! Did you know that Klook has an exclusive offer with Dinosaurs Island? Book your trip with Klook and get the chance to also explore Insectlandia and Wonders of the World with your Klook admission ticket!
Dinosaurs Island
- Address: Clark Picnic Grounds, Gil Puyat Ave, Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, 2023 Pampanga
- Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 6:00PM
- Contact Details: (045) 499 3019
9. Go bird watching at Magaul Bird Park
Photo Source: Magaul Bird Park Facebook Page
Take birdwatching to a whole new level by seeing them up close and even interacting with them! Magaul Bird Park offers different shows and activities that feature these lovely creatures. Their Winged Wonders Bird Show presents 100 birds on stage! Besides birdwatching, you can also try out their Goliath Swing over a cliff—a thrilling activity that offers a fantastic view over Subic Bay!
Magaul Bird Park
- Address: Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa, Subic Bay Freeport Zone Subic, Zambales 2222 (inside JEST Camp)
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
- Contact Details: (047) 252 1489 | (+63) 947 533 4925 or (+63) 917 701 6356
10. Live your underwater fantasy at Ocean Adventure
After you’ve seen exotic animals from the wild, dinosaurs from the prehistoric ages, and beautiful birds, it’s time to go underwater! Ocean Adventure will provide you with exciting shows presenting wonderful marine creatures, such as dolphins, sea lions, and more. You can even meet and greet sharks and turtles! The park also makes sure to provide environmental awareness and advocate for environmental protection through its various programs.
Make sure to book your tickets with Klook and get the Wild World, Dolphin & Sea Lion Show package!
Ocean Adventure
- Address: Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
- Opening Hours: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
- Contact Details: (047) 252 9000
11. Bounce around in the Inflatable Island
Photo Source: Inflatable Island Ph Facebook Page
Photo Source: Inflatable Island Ph Facebook Page
Photo Source: Inflatable Island Ph Facebook Page
In need of some child-like fun? Bouncing around inflatables on water will surely make you feel like a kid again! Leave all your worries behind and enjoy the wonders of Inflatable Island. Spanning 4,200 sqm, or eight basketball courts, the fun will last up until the last second you are here.
If you’re fully vaccinated, there’s good news for you! Present your vaccination card, and you may enter Inflatable Island for free!
Inflatable Island
- Address: Subic Bay Waters, National Highway, Lower Kalaklan, Olongapo City
- Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday - 7:30AM to 6PM| Friday to Sunday - 7AM to 6PM
- Contact Details: 0945 733 4256
BONUS: Go shopping before you leave!
Subic doesn’t just offer delightful views and thrilling activities. It also offers fun shopping experiences with three major shopping areas! There’s Puregold, Royal, and Freeport— all duty-free shops that sell imported items without you having to fly out of the country. These stores sell locally-made merchandise too!
Puregold Duty Free Subic
- Address: R7CX+RF7, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo, 2222 Zambales
- Opening Hours: 9:00AM-9:00PM
- Contact Details: (047) 252 5558
Royal Duty Free
- Address: Manila Avenue, cor. Canal Road Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo, 2200 Zambales
- Opening Hours: 9:00AM-9:00PM
- Contact Details: 0908 326 0840
International Freeport Traders, Inc.
- Address: Sampson Rd, Olongapo, Zambales
- Opening Hours: 10:00AM-7:00PM | Friday & Saturday - 10:00AM-7:30PM
- Contact Details: 0919 955 8827
Look no further than Subic for exciting activities to end your year with a bang! With beautiful tourist destinations and fun adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do in this vibrant coastal city.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
