Subic Bay the Philippines – Top Tourist Attractions

For many of Manila's urbanites, Subic Bay serves as a quick weekend escape for some much needed vitamin sea. While sun worshipers can still enjoy its sandy beaches, extreme adventure has become the name of the game.

Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp

Think you won't survive a day in the wild? Sign up for some of Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp's (Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa) survival courses which range from learning basic survival skills to a gruelling 3-day boot camp. Designed as a team building activity, courses cost between PHP450 to PHP1,200 per pax. We had an awesome time learning tricks like starting a fire from bamboo trimmings, extracting water from vines, and many more. It was highly educational and we liked that they have a program for kids. While you're there, you may also check out Magaul Bird Park for the amazing bird show for only PHP300 to PHP350 per pax.

Tree Top Adventure

If you've never been afraid of heights, test your limit at the Tree Top Adventure (Aparri Rd, Jest Area, Upper Mau, Cubi Point) where you can experience nature from 100 feet above. You can choose your level of difficulty from a simple canopy ride to a heart stopping tree drop. It's a great bonding activity and you can select from several packages or pay for individual rides from PHP100 to PHP350.

El Kabayo Stables

For some equestrian fun, play like the Mounties at El Kabayo Stables (El Kabayo Road, Binictican). The horses are healthy and well groomed and the beautiful grounds make it popular for prenuptial events. Horseback riding rates vary from PHP350 to PHP3,000 and you can ride leisurely around the farm or gallop farther out into the picturesque El Kabayo waterfalls. Needless to say, we felt like spoiled heiresses going around the ranch.

Nature Trails

If you are longing for some time to commune with nature, put on your hiking shoes and traverse some of Subic Bay's verdant trails.

Pamulaklakin Forest Trail (Binictican Drive) lets you get close to nature with a myriad of activities that may have you getting lost in the forest and we hope it'll be figuratively. The forest is huge so make sure to get a guide. Rates vary from PHP50 to PHP250 and use of facilities such as the picnic table costs extra PHP150. We did the mini jungle tour and had an awesome time dipping our toes into a clear stream and just being surrounded by the lush forest.

Next, explore a different ecosystem this time with the Mangrove Park in Triboa Bay. Admission fee includes a guide and costs only PHP250 per person. Marvel at how the different species of mangroves host a very diverse brackish water marine life such as hermit crabs, mudskippers, fishes, shrimps, clams, and more.

Lastly, there's Apaliin Forest Trails (Ilanin Forest West) where you can trek through the jungle and learn about edible plants and herbal medicines. You can hire an aeta who knows the trail like the back of his hand, it's a 2 kilometre easy hike that ends at Apaliin Point.

Zoobic Safari

Once you've had your fill of eco-tours, drop by Zoobic Safari (Group I, Ilanin Forest) where you can have close encounter with tigers , crocodiles, and a lot more. It was our first time going on a Tiger Safari and it was breath-taking. We got near the tigers while inside a wire protected vehicle and they come and put their paws and face against the wire as we feed them chickens. Admission fee is PHP695 for adults and PHP595 for kids. You pay extra for the chickens.

Ocean Adventure

After the tigers, it's time to meet the dolphins, sea lions and sea turtles. Ocean Adventure (Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area) has been around for years and is always a pleasure to visit with friends and family. For PHP788 per person, you get to enjoy a dolphin show, a sea lion marine show, and a lot more.

Naturally, the list doesn't end here. Subic Bay has decent beaches and water parks too. On water or on land, you can be sure you'll find your adventure here.