His Trip - Subic, Zambales, Manila

We just got back from our 5-day trip and I still haven't decided on what to write on this blog. As I've said, I always travel but I'm not used to writing about it. It's a different experience when you travel with the thought of writing a blog about it, since you'll be more focus with the details of the trip (e.g. name of places, distance and time to get there, etc.). It was technically a long trip since we got to explore the nice beaches, islands and coves of Zambales, enjoy the water sports activites in Subic and explore the free port, and wander about the historical sites of Manila all in 5 days.

Since my girl had already described and explained the sites to see in the places we've been to, I'll just write about the important highlights of the trip.. according to my point of view.

1. Riding the Waves - I've never ridden a jetski until this trip. Thanks to a friend who drove all the way to Subic to let us borrow his unit. Subic is known for its water sports activities, having a nice bay area being a former naval base. It was a wonderful experience since I got to do it with my girl riding and alternately driving with me. But it got a little scary though when she took over the handle bars. There are also jet skis available for rent for less than 2,000 PHP/hour (40 USD). There are also para sails, banana boats and small yachts for rent. Check out Networx at Subic.

2. Living the American Life - Since Subic is a former US base, the place was made and patterned after most US communities with wide roads and sprawling areas. And ever since they left, it was turned into a free port zone where you could purchase imported goods at duty free prices. Strict traffic rules were also implemented so you can't drive the way you do anywhere else in the Philippines. To complete the experience, we dined at the Meat Plus Cafe (for the imported steaks) and Hotshots Diner (for the diner meal experience). Since i just got back from my US trip early this year, it was a welcome respite to experience places like these again.

3. Morning Walks - Just like anywhere else, the best time to explore Subic is during early morning. The time when the temperature is still cold, when there are still few cars and fewer people on the street, when the sun has just risen and it makes a good picture backdrop.. What makes it even more special is walking with that special someone in your life, exploring and experiencing the place.

Subic Lighthouse

Subic Bay Yatch Club

4. Island Hopping - The main itinerary for this trip was the visit the island cove in San Antonio, Zambales. Anawangin Cove is known for its unspoiled beach and camping grounds. The only way to get there is to take a half day mountain hike or a 30-minute boat trip. We, of course, chose the latter. It was good that I didn't set my expectations too high before the trip. I had been to far better beaches compared to Anawangin. But what's unique about the place is the pine tree-covered shore area where you could set up tent for a back-to-nature experience. You can't see any resort nor restaurant there, and there's not even any mobile phone reception. It's ideal for a weekend break to get away from the bustles of the city. We didn't get to stay the night though but we visited the other islands nearby like Capones.

Anawangin Cove campsite area

Anawanging Cove Beach

4. Historical Tour - I would highly recommend everyone joining Carlos Celdran's Intramuros (the old walled city of Manila) tour when in Manila. I've already been to Intramuros before but you get a different perspective of this historical place with his tour. Intramuros is top on the things-to-do list of virtualtourist.com and it is a must-visit for people who visit Manila.

Carlos Celdran at his Intramuros tour

5. Christmas in CBD - One good thing about traveling this time of year is the Christmas attractions you see all around. I've read about the Christmas Lights & Sound Show in the Central Business District of Makati before the trip. And I made sure we were there to watch it. Even though the show just took 7 minutes, it was well worth going to and watching. It ignites the Christmas feeling in this early Yuletide season. And it was made more special since I was there to cherish it with my girl.

6. China Walk - Since we were already in Manila, I decided to bring my girl to the Chinatown of Manila. Since the place is always very crowded, the best thing to do is commute going there then walk. It's also a better way to take in the sight, sound and smell of the place as well. Once you're there, it's good to try visit the Chinese doctor who checks your health by just feeling your pulse. And yes, he found out what was wrong with me even if I didn't admit to having any symptoms. It's also good to try the different dimsum and tea houses that serve Chinese food while there. And before heading home, make sure to shop for Chinese delicacies like hopia, ba-chang, etc.

I can no longer keep track of the number of times I've saved and edited this entry before publishing it. Finishing it has been a big task for me. I hope blogging more in the succeeding trips would make it easier.

Up next, Hong Kong and Macau this coming February.

Getting there:
Subic Freeport Zone - With a GPS navigation guide and a rented car (2000 php or 40 usd/day), we took the fastest way to go to Subic by taking the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) then the Subic-Clark-Tarlax Expressway (SCTEX). The whole trip would just take you less than 3 hours and would cost you around 300 Php (6 usd) in toll fees. Another option is to take a bus for Olongapo and take the public transport to Subic when you get there.

Zambales - the GPS come in so handy on our trip to this beachside town for the jump-off point to Anawangin Cove. From Subic, it's just a 40 km. trip passing by the other towns of Zambales. From there, you could just arrange for an outrigger boat (for 1200 php/25 usd) to take you to the cove and the other islands.

Manila - From our hometown in the central Philippine region, Manila is just an hour long plane ride away. It also has direct international flights from most major cities in Asia and the US. when you get there, you could take the taxi (but it take so hard to get one during rush hours) or the MRT to take you around the city.