Tagaytay really is my place to go to if I wanted a quick getaway. Ever since SCTEX opened, North became more accessible and convenient. Going to La Union, which I used to frequent (read here, I miss the place. Take me surfing! Do I hear Thunderbird Resorts perhaps?) became really faster and driving up North became smoother.

This is the reason why driving to Subic Bay became appealing to me. Besides the fact that there are several places you can visit that cater to everyone. It’s a near enough place (a little less than two hours away from the Manila end of NLEX) if you want a different environment.

I, as usual, is always on the lookout for places to eat. I do research over the net which establishments to go to and try out. My trip before this, I went to Meat Plus (which I gather is always or a must, especially for the meat-eater I’m always with ) and Xtremely Xpresso, which I read a lot about in Female Network. These two will have separate posts.

Getting there:

I have absolutely no idea on how to take the public transportation going to Subic, so it’s no use if I talk about it. But if you are bringing your own vehicle, just take the North Luzon Express way, exit to SCTEx Exit. Take SCTEx and exit on to Subic (Tipo exit if I’m not mistaken, but there are a bunch of signs that says Subic anyway).

Accommodations:

I used to go to Subic when I was younger and we used to stay at White Rock Hotel. I have no recollection about the rooms, services or the rates because it was that long ago.

A year ago, I got to stay at The Lighthouse Marina Resort. Silly me, I didn’t take photos of the room. It was pretty spacious and everything inside the room was modern. The ambiance of the room made me want to stay in it for an entire day. My only complain would be their bathroom. I’m not sure if it is standard for all rooms in The Lighthouse but the see-through glass wall of the bathroom really put me off. I suggest they place it only in honeymoon suites. The rest is great.

They have very friendly staff. The room we got was packaged with breakfast for two which sadly, I wasn’t able to avail of because of oversleeping. The location of The Lighthouse is here as well as the outline of the entire Subic Bay Free Port. Rates start at Php 6000 for two persons plus 10% service charge.

Just recently, I stayed at The Villas Moonbay Marina. The room we got had a kitchen inside (because there was no available room without the kitchen anymore) which we were charged at Php 4,500/night. Pretty reasonable considering that it was a one-bedroom type of villa. It can accommodate up to four people. I like the blue and white splash of colors inside the villa as it made the room look really clean and had this ambiance like you were in Santorini. I think we actually got to avail of the La Luna Room at Php 4,500 (when it should be Php 6,500). Don’t ask me how.

The staff were friendly and very accommodating. It came with free breakfast which you actually order at the front desk, and they’ll have your order delivered to your room. Their swimming pool was under construction but for the meantime, I think you can swim in a different hotel’s pool (not sure which). I bet once their pool is finished, they will be charging more for the rooms (I sure hope not though). As for the location, right across The Villas is The Lighthouse. So for Php 2,100 difference, plus a wider space, The Villas is very reasonable. Contact them at (63-047-2521663 / 63-047-2529718 / 09289668413 / 09053715831 or e-mail at subic_coastal@yahoo.com.ph / contact@moonbaymarina.com.ph for reservation and inquiries.

Activities:

I have yet to try a lot of things but one thing I was able to do was swim with a dolphin and a whale. That was awesome! Whenever I would watch dolphin shows, I would always hope that I get to be picked as a volunteer. I wasn’t thrown off the air (which I wouldn’t mind, really, haha) but I was able to grab on their flippers and ride with them. That was such an experience. The whale scared me for a bit because I think it was twice as long as I am and so much more times heavier than me. You can do this in Ocean Adventure, for Php 4,200 including entrance to the park. For more information, visit their website here.

Yachting would really be an experience. It’s something that I want to do one day. Preferably on a not-so-hot-day but on a not-so-windy day either. The Lighthouse offers this type of service. It’s a nice idea to do on a birthday if it wasn’t too expensive. Haha. I suggest you gather around ten people and grab some beer while doing this to have fun.

Tree Top Adventure is something for the adventurous people. You can cross suspension bridges, ride motorized cables, trek, zip-line, and rappel down a 60-foot tree. Visit Tree Top Adventure here for rates and packages. Also call them at 63-047-2529425 / 63-047-2529427 or e-mail them at treetopadventure@yahoo.com for more information. I will also try doing this some other time.

Visiting Zoobic Safari is a good place to bring your kids. The zoo offers tiger safari ride, meeting with the crocodiles, and encounter with serpents among many others. Admission rates are Php 449 for an adult and Php 349 for kids 4 feet and below. Call them at 63-047-2522272 / 63-047-2529489 / 09285245557 open from 8:00am to 4pm daily.

There is also a whole bunch of water activities if you are looking for one. From riding a jet-ski to kayaking, they offer it in Subic . Contact Networx Jetsports at 63-047-2523469 for details.

But if you’re there just to relax, it won’t hurt just going to your favorite spot in the area, have a cup of coffee while chatting with friends and enjoying an out of town ambiance.

Tags: accommodation, hotel, subic, trips, vacation