Being just a few hours away from the Metro, Subic Bay has become one of the most popular destinations for a quick weekend getaway. The mountains along its periphery and the bay’s natural harbor provides cool weather and stunning views. It also has a variety of attractions suited to all kinds of tourists (or travelers, whichever you prefer). And here, we give you the top 3 must-visit places when you’re in Subic Bay:
3. JEST Camp
Jungle Environmental Survival Training (JEST) Camp is the Philippines’ most well-known survival school. Here, you can learn life skills such as building a fire, and finding sources of fresh water in the jungle.
Demonstrating how to make fire out of bamboo
Getting the most out of a bamboo by making utensils
But aside from the survival skills you’ll get from JEST Camp, there are other activities to do and attractions to see within the vicinity. One of these is Magaul Bird Park. This bird park features hundreds of birds from all over the globe. A bird show called “Wings of the World“, and a walk-in aviary are some of the come-ons of the park.
Feeding the stars of the Wings of the World
“Whaddup?” – the owl
Rope courses are also available for try in the area. There is also the Goliath Swing that has a great view of Subic Bay.
Sumo wrestling — one of the team-building activities in JEST Camp
Up the Goliath Swing
Additionally, there is Kawayan Kitchen where visitors can sample the traditional dishes of the indigenous Aeta tribe. This includes sinigang na manok, and rice – both cooked in bamboo. Another unique feature of the place is the Bird House. It’s this red and white structure right in the entrance of JEST Camp. The Bird House is a cafe that serves delicious cupcakes and milkshakes all in the company of lovebirds!
The Bird House is hard to miss; it is right by the entrance to JEST Camp
Dine with these lovebirds inside the Bird House
Yummy cupcakes and milkshakes from the Bird House
JEST Camp
JEST Area, Upper Mau Cubi Point, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun; 9AM- 6PM
Landline: +63 47 252 1489
2. Funtastic Park
Along Corregidor Road is the quirky Funtastic Park. This indoor recreation facility draws crowds with its novel attractions such as the 3D Mirror Maze, the Dark Room, the Enchanted Forest, and 3D illusions. There is even an “inverted room” for some off-the-wall photos (see what I did there?).
ala Spiderman
Up the Rainbow Steps
Funtastic Park
Bldg. 2070, Corregidor Highway, Ilanin Forest East District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun; 9AM to 6PM
Movile: +63 998 530 9377
Landline: +63 47 250 3099
Email: funtasticparksubicbay@gmail.,com
1. Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
For a more adventurous and grassroots take on tourism, go to Pamulaklakin Forest Trail. The area is managed by the local Aeta community whose members serve both as the caretakers and tour guides of the place. Here, visitors can go on a guided Nature trek and learn about the names and uses of trees and plants. There are also areas for picnics and camping. But perhaps the most interesting thing about the Pamulaklakin Forest Trail is Tatay Nestor – a legit survival experts who’d already been featured in Time magazine and other notable publications. He does demonstrations, including building a fire and making utensils out of bamboos, as well as constructing a trap for small monkeys.
A huge balite along the Pamulaklakin Trail
Tatay Nestor in traditional Aeta garbs
Tatay Nestor demonstrating one of the ways to build a fire out of bamboo
Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
Binictican Drive, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Landline: +63 47 252 4151
So, these are the top 3 places you should go to when in Subic. For an affordable place to stay and a hassle-free tour around Subic Bay, check out BUMA Subic Hotel and Restaurant. Want to DIY your trip? Check out this guide.
Have you been to these places? Which of them is your favorite?
