Once the site of the biggest U.S. naval base in Asia, Olongapo is fast developing into an industrial and tourism destination through the Subic Bay Freeport Zone under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
Definitely the best all-around diving along the coast of Luzon, Subic Bay in Olongapo also has the best infrastructure and facilities, with the major draw being the wrecks. The main attraction is the USS New York, a battleship scuttled during World War II. A rare, fine example of an 1899 dreadnought, she lies on her port side in 27m of water, cannons intact. Another great dive, the El Capitan is a 130m-long, 3000-ton freighter that went down in the mouth of Ilanin Bay. As the top of the wreck is just 12m below the surface, it is an easy dive. The San Quentin is the oldest known wreck in Subic. This wooden gunboat was scuttled in the Spanish-American War in 1898 in a futile attempt to prevent the US Navy from entering the channel between the Grande and Chiquita islands. It is one of the more popular dives because of the wreck's historical past. Among the many others worth seeing is the Oryoku Maru, the "Hell Ship" that was sunk in an air attack, with more than 1600 American POWs on board. Subic also has some good coral dives. Grande Island, formerly an exclusive US military R&R resort, has some worthwhile wall diving, and Triboa Bay has a good coral garden at Nabasan Point.
Accommodations are plentiful between Olongapo City and Barrio Barretto. Babyko.com will try to list them all. If we missed any please drop us an email, we'll be happy to add them. We will try to provide links if they have web sites. Also the contact information will be provided. Due to frequent fluctuations in exchange rates, room pricing will not be listed.
Arizona International Hotel in Olongapo City, Philippines, offers comfortable accomadations for one to relax. The amenities include, queen sized beds, Broadband internet, wireless connections, 24 hour room service, 24 hour restaurant, sports bar, swimming pool, private secured parking and of course the beach.
Hotel address: 47 National Highway, Barrio Barretto, Olongapo City Philippines
Email arizonasubic@yahoo.com
Phone 063 047 224 4557 or Cell Phone 063 917 257 7012
Kokomo's Resort Hotel in Baloy Beach, Olongapo City, Philippines, offers 10 unique themed rooms & 2 large bungalow rooms for one to relax. The amenities include, in room safes, wireless broadband internet, 24 hour room service, 24 hour restaurant - bar, Voodoo floating bar, and of course the beach.
Hotel address: Baloy Beach, Barrio Barretto, Olongapo City Philippines
Email kokomossubic@yahoo.com
Phone 063 047 223 7902 or Cell Phone 063 919 311 3141
