Introduction 

The prices and information quoted was correct at the time of updating. April 2002. The prices are of course subject to change. 

Subic Bay and Barrio Baretto are about two hours by road from both Manila and Angeles City. The area is much changed since the days it was a leading US naval base. However, it still has a lot to offer and is an ideal destination for a few days break from either of the two destinations aforementioned.

Most of the hotels are along the main road stretch of Barrio Baretto with beaches all along this stretch. Although some of the better more business type hotels are actually located on the base.

In addition there is now a top quality hotel in the Subic City area called the Asian Reef hotel, this was formerly the Miami Garden hotel. This is ideal for those wanting to be located by the main bar and nightlife area.

Restaurants as well are mainly located along the main road in Barrio Barretto or the hotels along the beach at Baloy.

History 

The country's major free port sits on Subic Bay, next to Olongapo City, Zambales. The former U.S. naval base at Subic Bay boasts a world-class infrastructure and facilities, and has become one of the country's most successful duty-free industrial and commercial centers. Although it still remains the look and feel of a military base - and it once was a immense one - hotels and other accommodations are available within the zone. Which includes the Subic Bay International hotel, in what was the former bases bachelor enlisted quarters. Also the Subic Bay resort and casino, in the old bachelor officer quarters.

Subic Bay of course is now only a shadow of it's former self after the Marcos's were disposed and the Americans withdrew it's naval base there. At the time Subic and surrounding areas were a hive of activity, especially in terms of nightspots for the off  duty sailors.

The election of Major Gordon in recent years and certain political turmoil's changed the face of the areas nightlife scene further. Dancers were not allowed in go-go type bars in Barrio Baretto - In 2001 those restrictions were lifted and it was considered that dancers would return to Barrio Barretto. However, there were so many conditions, that although some new bars opened and some bars installed stages, most bars still have no dancers.

How to get there 

Fly the Bus (no smoking van service)

Daily P300 or P500 return.

Picking up at any Angeles or Subic hotel.

Time: Angeles - Subic 10am

Subic to Angeles 12 30pm 

Bookings can be taken at  Beeline office 

Subic Express (no smoking van service)

Daily P400

Time:  Angeles - Subic 9am  Sunset Gardens hotel (pick ups arranged)

Subic to Angeles 10am

Bookings can be taken at Beeline office 

Public Bus Services

From Dau you can catch a Victory Liner through to Olongapo. Approximate cost P70. From there another that goes along the National Highway bound for Iba and other coastal towns. Also from Olongapo a trike will cost around P100 or a blue Jeepney will take you for just P5.

Also at San Fernando (Pampanga) you can catch one of the other bus services to Olongapo and then take a Jeepney or trike. Cost P53 for Air-conditioned bus.

Journey time can vary usually around 2 hours, if you get all the right connections. Give yourself at least 3 hours, with waiting for buses etc.

Also at San Fernando you will find on the road side opposite the Bus terminal and in the direction of Olongapo small private vans who will ferry passengers at P60 a head to Olongapo. Needs at least 8 passengers before leaving.

The bus terminal in Olongapo is on Rizal St - Behind Chow-King and across from Jolly Bee. Just down the road from Olongapo Market. Victory Liner bus service run every half an hour to Manila starting at 4am. Similar service to Angeles where you  can also elect to go to San Fernando and ride a jeepney in from there.

Private Car or Van Hire - 

BEELINE TRAVEL (see link to book transport/hotels)

Beeline can provide a late edition car or van with A/C and drinks on request. To pick you up and drop you off anywhere around Olongapo/Barrio Barretto or Subic. If there is a small group this can work out as cheap as Fly the Bus/Subic Express. But more comfortable. Smoking is allowed. - The Subic Sucks bunch used this service.

Time : To suit your convenience

Cost P1600 car P1900 van.

Beeline can provide overnight driver and guide inc of food and accommodation for driver/guide. Cost additional P1000. and there would be a discount for the return if using overnight guide service.

When you book a return Beeline will have a car or van at your hotel waiting for you. (If you get up late the driver will wait THE BUS DOES NOT! - cost for waiting with Beeline is P100 Per hour.)

visit the website above or book at the Beeline office.

Seaplane.

From Manila you can also catch a boat  or try  Subic Seaplane Inc. They do private charter flights from :

Main Dock location - Golden Horizon Restaurant, Gate 1, Rizal Park. (nr the US Embassy)

They also fly incidentally to Puerto Galera, Boracay, Mt Pinatubo,  Coron , Palawan, La Union, and other destinations.

You can call them direct as well : (63 47) 252 2230 Or E Mail : seaplane@svisp.com 

Ferry Service to and from Manila.

From Orion, Bataan to Manila it is a 45 minute ride across on a modern A/C ferry equipped with CR's and TV/Bar. Ferries run on time, but do not operate in bad weather. The Manila Terminal is across from the cultural center on Roxas. Transportation to Olongapo is available at the Terminal in Orion.

Published Timetable (please check for reliability...Tel : (047) 244 6951 / 6936

Where to Stay 

Budget Class

T-Rose Hotel Barrio Barretto

This budget style accommodation is ideal for those looking for an inexpensive, clean and friendly place to stay. Rooms are with or without A/C the Standard rooms are very clean but, very basic. A fair sized and comfortable bed with Cable TV at the bottom of the bed. Just enough room to squeeze pass through to a clean and respectable bathroom with shower (hot water heater) There is a small place to store clothes and linen as well. Coffee making facilities are in the room and complimentary which I thought was a real nice touch for such a small hotel.

There is a fridge with a small selection of mineral water, soft drinks and SM. The hotel rooms are at the back of a small bar (T Rose Bar) and is located on the main road through Barrio Barretto and almost opposite the By the Sea hotel. There are snacks available for guests at the bar. But, no restaurant service. Just 2 minutes down is Dryden's hotel which has a VERY GOOD restaurant whether or not you are a guest.

Verdict: This was a small friendly and clean hotel - except Columbian's who complained of an ant attack! Now I'm not saying it was me who left a trail of sugar to his room! Seriously, ideal overnight stop for such breaks as reported here. Nice touch with the complimentary coffee in the room, which are small (standard)

Dryden Hotel Barrio Barretto

Also located on the main road of Barrio Barretto. This is a small family run hotel with budget styled accommodation. The Restaurant is the best part about this hotel, and whether you are staying there or not, I would recommend stopping of for breakfast or a meal whilst your in the area.

Verdict : If T Rose is full try the Dryden. And try the Restaurant.

Bart's Hotel is another worth considering.

Economy Class

Subic Mirage Beach Resort & Hotel.

Subic Mirage was opened in 1997 and is one of the areas newest hotel/resorts. The hotel is on the small but friendly style of management with 17 rooms and 10 staff. Subic Mirage offers affordable accommodations in a relaxed atmosphere with idyllic views across the bay. Located on main road in Barrio Baretto

Rooms have AC with cable TV a mini bar and hot and cold water. There is a restaurant which opens from 6am until Midnight, there is facilities as well for functions such as weddings, birthdays or company parties, with a capacity of up to 200.

The hotel also allows rooms to be booked for 3 hour "wash up" periods, ideal for day trippers to clean up after a day on the beach before heading home.

*Now the hotel has been fully refurbished and painted.*

Room type	Daily Rate	Discount or weekly rates
Regular Room	P1,450.00	Wash up rate (3 hours) available P350/450 and P550 three standards of room.
Deluxe Room	P1,750.00
Beachside Room	P1,950.00
Extra person	P300.00
10% service charge to be added

Suzuki Hotel

Probably the best place to stay Beeline Travel's and my personal favorite,  RECOMMENDED HOTEL of the area along with the Zanzibar. The Suzuki located right on the sea front and has 22  good clean and comfortable rooms, with mini bar, cable TV, AC and hot and cold water, bathtubs. The sea view rooms are nice but all rooms are of similar standard the cost reflects the view and their location at the hotel.

The Suzuki is a Japanese run hotel, but very world wide friendly. Tourists from all nations are most welcome. The restaurant facilities are excellent and over look the sea. The hotel also arranges boa trips and other water sports activities.

Para Sailing $35.00 - Jet Ski P2,000 per hour - Boat Rental P400.00 per hour - 

Fishing Rods - P250.00 per day - Beach Cottage -P250 (2 tables) P1.000 (1 row 8 tables)

Room type	Daily Rate	Discount or weekly rates
Executive	P2,300.00	Beeline discounts (10%) and occasional off season and promo offers.
Deluxe	P1,900.00
Standard	P1,325.00
Extra Bed	P300.00
10% service charge added

 

Blue Rock Resort Hotel - Baloy Beach

The Blue Rock beach resort hotel is located right on Baloy Beach. It has several air conditioned beach front rooms and has Johan's Adventure Dive Center 1 and adventure center, with para-sailing, boat rides, jungle treks, scuba, Jet ski's and many more activities available on site as well. You can enjoy the warm tropical conditions of the South China Sea and relax in comfort. Johan's Adventure Center now also do course where you can swim with the whales at the nearby Ocean Adventure Center on the base.

The hotel has cable TV in all rooms and there are also fan rooms available. There is a restaurant that serves local cuisine as well as, American, Australian, German and Thai cuisine. Rooms are on the small side but, adequate and clean.

Johan and his Dive masters are friendly and very experienced divers that will help you with any equipment or special needs you require for scuba diving. They also run full courses for PADI certification.

Room type	Daily Rate	Discount or weekly rates
Beach Front	P1200
		Beeline discounts (10%) and occasional off season and promo offers.
Some fan rooms available & off beach AC prices available on request

Shavens

Shavens resort hotel is also located at Baloy Beach just before you get to Blue Rock. This is a new hotel only one year old. It has a bar and patio area over looking the sea. Rooms are Air conditioned and more spacious than Blue Rock. It has cable TV and mini bars in the room

Room type	Daily Rate
Ex large room with 2 beds	P2500
Large room with bath tub	P2300
Large room - no TV	P2000
Large Room	from P1500 - P1700 (view)
Medium room	P1300
Fan room only deduct P300 - 10% surcharge on Credit Cards

Asia Reef hotel - Subic City NEW HOTEL highly recommended.

This was formerly the Miami Garden hotel. Although you would not thinks so. It has undergone intense remodeling and re-building and is still partially under construction. Expected to be fully operational later this summer (2002) It will on completion, have 18 rooms of a deluxe and suite standard.

The rooms are of a superior quality and standard to anything else in the area, with quality decor and furnishings. Air conditioned with cable TV and bathroom. There is a sitting room area in the suite rooms.

On the first floor there is a go-go bar, but very tastefully designed and styled along with a further private VIP room, which is also a bar, with stage and bench seating.

On the top floor they have a huge balcony bar which has two pool tables and a dining area as well as a bar. They plan to add a darts board and a Spa on the top floor as well, along with a Internet cafe. The view from the balcony bar of the bay and the mountains is spectacular - There will also be a restaurant opened here serving Pizza as a specialty soon.

They are doing a grand job on this place and I would strongly recommend, and advise you stop on by, and even stay there if you get the opportunity. The Subic City area is where the majority of the bars and nightlife are - especially with actual go-go dancing. With Asian Reef being the only hotel in the area away from Barrio Barretto you now have a choice where to stay.

Room type	Daily Rate	Discount or weekly rates
Deluxe	P800	Beeline discounts (10%) and occasional off season and promo offers.
Suite	P1000

Other hotels worth considering :

Zanzibar on Baloy Beach.  - By the Sea - Regular rooms P1000 the better rooms and beach apartments suitable for families (Seafront lower P2500 Sea front upper P3500) - Marmont has reportedly large beds! but is a little run down - Samori - Mangrove Resort. New hotel next to Shavens on Baloy beach

To book these, or find out more about Subic and the hotels and transportation visit the beeline travel website.

Nighlife

Prices are about the same up and down the two strips. Local Drinks between P30-P35  "regular' ladies drinks P60 and imported ladies drinks P120. * Be advised to make sure you make it clear you are a regular and want regular ladies drink or you will be billed for the imported ladies drink!* In our latest update some of the bars appeared to have scrapped this two tier Ladies Drinks system - But, check for it anyway.  Tour Guides range from P800 -P1000 and are the same 50/50 split as in Angeles. Tipping therefore is not compulsory..

Barrio Barretto

In early 1996 Mayor Kate Gordon made all the bars in the Barrio stop go-go dancing, but a few bars are still hanging in there with "entertainers." (aka GRO's)

During 2001 The Mayor's office appeared to be prepared to allow a return of dancers to Barrio Barretto. Some new bars appeared on the scene, and stages were put into some of the bars.

Now in 2002, we have a situation where the dancers are allowed but, the restrictions are such that you will not find go-go dancers and bikinis as in Subic City. 

That was not really expected anyway... There were hopes that some form of costume similar to what Angeles City had a few years ago, would reappear. (tops and shorts) It appears that only dancing by the 'entertainers' in street clothes is permitted. As a result, you will not see that many dancers still in Barretto. During my latest visit only Rock Lobster had anybody dancing on stage.

The Bars of Barretto consist mainly of drinking type bars with pool tables, and darts boards where the local ex-pat community participate in many leagues and competition during the day. At night they remain hangout type of places. Many have restaurant facilities, or serve food as well. The GRO's are of course available to buy ladies drinks for, and go on TG's (Tour guide) or EWR (Early work release)

You will find most of the bars open in the early afternoon (noon-2pm) and close late, (midnight - 2am)  Local drinks are variable around P30-P35. Whilst ladies drinks can be as little as P60 but go up to P120 for imported drinks. Always check with the waitress.

Below map of Barrio Barretto Bar Area

As a result of the on-off situation with the dancers, Barrio Barretto remains very much a 'hit or miss' area for female companionship. You could get lucky and find a real gem... But, you will need to do some serious looking most of the time, to find one. It is however, an area where you can just be laidback, and enjoy friendly conversation and a bite to eat before heading to Subic City bar area.

Midnight Rambler has moved literally across the street and replaced what was known as the Ozone bar. Midnight Rambler is a large open aired bar, with a pool table and darts as well as GRO's and restaurant facilities.

Next door is Nightriders bar. On the occasion we were in town the bar was closed on both nights, but it did not look as if it were closed permanently. Last time I was in here, there was a pool table and dance stage and plenty of GRO's. You can check out their web-site for more information.

Across the road is Gringo's which again is an open aired bar with pool table and food as well as GRO's.

The Oriental Rose recently opened , and was one of the first bars to go for the dancers with a stage. A large bar, with again pool tables and darts as well as entertainers. Occasionally dancers.

One of the most popular destinations on the strip in the past, and still today is Mango's. Inside you will find a good quality restaurant, although no A/C and the fans are not strong enough for my liking when it is really hot. Within Mango's you will find the popular Rock Lobster bar. They have a pool table, and a stage and dancers in street clothes. Most of the best choices in terms of female companions are here still.

You can get a massage if you require one at the Geisha house, next door to the Samori hotel.. They run a massage service from there. Expect to pay around P500 for a straight massage. Anything else is probably negotiable.

D'coconut barn and Bos'n Locker are located right next to each other. Both are new to the scene, and are hangout type of open aired bars. All the normal facilities such as pool, darts, food and GRO's are available.

The Bar Dixie is also new, and as the name suggests you will find the emphasis is on Country music. It is a large bar again with, pool, darts and GRO's.

Next door is the Lions Den. A GRO hangout bar that is usually open later than most. There were about 8 girls in here the night I was in and there was at least 2 cute ones. There is a TV and a pool table.

The Medway Magic bar is still there but was boarded up and closed when we were in town.

If by any chance you are a fan of "the hash" you will find that the local branch of the hashers meet on Mondays at 4pm at the Beachside cafe. The hash is a fun run.... or walk stopping off frequently for some liquid refreshments!

Most of these bars have pool tables as there main entertainment, so if you're hot with the stick you'll be an instant hero. 

That about concludes the Barrio Baretto section for the nightlife. The area still is primarily where a lot of hotels are based and also several good restaurants and cafe's.

Subic City

Below map of Subic City Bar area

Subic City bar area comes under a different Barangay to Barretto, which means here you are allowed go-go dancers in the bars. Bikinis and all. There are several bars along the strip, and now the old Miami Gardens hotel has been completely remodel, renovated, and re-styled at great expense by two partners, Phil and John. To become the only hotel on the strip called  the Asian Reef hotel.

The journey up from Barrio Barretto can be done by trike (P50) or a blue coloured Jeepney (P5) The Jeepneys run frequently  up and down The National Highway and the journey is a few km's that takes about 5 minutes.

The Jeepneys returning from Subic City are frequently full, and it can be a little bit of a pain at times waiting for one. I usually end up taking a trike back to Barretto.

The dancers are more in numbers  in this area compared to Barrio and of course they are go-go styled bars with bikini costumes. In addition though, there are also the GRO type of bars as well.

We will start this review with the new Asian Reef hotel. The bar area is probably one of the most popular reasons to visit Subic. After a day at the beach many venture out mid-afternoon onwards to the bars for a drink, and in search of female companions. Now, for the first time in years, if you so choose, you can actually base yourself along this strip, and avoid all the traveling back and forth.

The Asian reef hotel will have 18 rooms when completed. At present (April 2002) there are only a limited number available. Rooms will start from P800 and the better 'suite' rooms are set to be P1000. All the rooms are brand new and very well designed and furnished. The decor being of the very highest standard.

Within the hotel is a go-go bar on the first floor. The bar at this point is called The Asian Reef Bar. Like all other aspects of this hotel, it is well designed, new, clean, and with Air Conditioning. The bar is a medium size, with a stage. There are plenty of dancers, GRO's and waitresses. The lighting and decor is good, and far in excess and better than all of the other bars on the strip.

Within the bar there is another bar, which at first glance, I thought was a Karaoke/VIP lounge. Inside though, there is a bar in itself, complete with a stage, bench seating, and stage seating. Ideal for private parties!

On the roof top there is only what I can describe as a Margarita Station/ Kokomos type, huge balcony bar with terrific views of the mountains, the bay, and the strip. There is ample seating all around. A restaurant area, and another stage. In addition they are installing a Spa at one end. There is also a couple of full sized pool tables and they plan on putting up a dart board as well. 

In time they will also have a mini Internet cafe - so it will have absolutely everything you could possibly want all in one location.

So within this hotel you have three bar sections. Two on the first floor, and one on the roof.

Across the road is Kinky's Bar. This bar has been around now for a number of years. The couple that owned it were Dutch and as I understand it, they have separated - or at least the wife is in Holland, whilst the husband is in Manila. The bar was run for a while by the Kokomos group, but is now leased by one of the backla's, named Jackie. You can visit their web-site as well.

They have installed a stage and have one of the best pool tables in the area. For those that are not aware, there are some backla's (lady boys) that work this bar. This however, should NOT put you off visiting the bar. They also have a fine selection of girls, and the backla's are not always aggressively, approaching you. They are infact quite fun, outrageous, and friendly to chat too.

Jackie is also opening up the bar next door, which was for a long time was used as a store room. The new bar is ready to open, and should be as you read this. The name will be Kinky's Extension. There is a stage and seating.

Up above Kinky's is a new bar called Fantasy Bar. The owner was previously attached to Tahiti and has now opened this bar and taken over Foxhole bar. Back under the Kokomos management of Kinky's, the plan was to open a balcony bar and the bar next to Kinky's... Well, it has happened now. Fantasy bar has a pool table and a stage and outside you have a long balcony with seating to enjoy the view below and along the strip.

Further up the strip and the last bar, is Heads 'n Tails bar. This is one of the Filipino type bars and you can have a drink at least in there.

Moving down in the other direction from Kinky's, you will see Luna Bar. Again a Filipino drinking bar with GRO's. Tahiti for the time being at least has closed.

Foxhole bar has been taken over. Inside the bar remains the same, with even dimmer lighting than I remember before. Still some fun and friendly go-go dancers, and they still serve pizza which is pretty good.

Next door is a balcony bar called The Eagle Bar. This is a GRO place with ST facilities. Also has a VIP/Karaoke room. Always a nice little bar to hangout and just chat with some of the girls.

Across the road and upstairs is the popular Muff Divers bar. A go-go styled bar with a center stage and a pool table. Along with the Asian Reef bar, they seem to have the best lookers and most in numbers. This is the bar that used to have the price list on the wall for a regular ladies drink P60 and a imported ladies drink P120 - And, would always serve you a imported drink if you didn't ask for a local ladies drink. Still one of the better bars to visit.

Back across the Street and you have the Filipino run Bow Bells and next to them The Crow Bar. The later is probably the best. Another go-go bar with dancers they have had some good looking girls there in the past. This trip it looked as if they were fewer in number. But, still a good bar to stop off at.

At the end of the strip and past The Crow Bar, is The U-571 bar and restaurant. Forget the restaurant part. This is a Filipino 'showgirl' bar (striptease) It costs you P100 for your first drink and after that P35. In these bars you will get individual girls come out and dance. And, very gradually remove their clothes. It takes time so be patient! - EWR's are available, but will cost you double the normal. This is because;

a) They have ST rooms and don't want the girl to leave the bar for  LT. 

b) They try to discourage EWR's  away from the bar, and you are a foreigner.

There is very little point in you trying to argue a point, or price in these bars. You will not get anywhere, and as a Filipino bar you will be out numbered if you take things too far. 

So do not get into a fight or agreement!  Instead just accept it for what it is, and enjoy the show. Always wise and a good thing to talk with the mamasam to establish the ground rules in these showgirl bars.

Across the road again and you will see two other balcony bars. Proud Mary and Rose Garden (formerly Zeppelin bar) These again mainly appeal to the local Filipino market. They are hangout/GRO bars. Also here is a massage parlor. I have not tried it, and I understand it is pretty basic and grotty - maybe you will need a few San Miguel's, to venture inside this parlor.

-Warning - 

Some bars are really for locals only. For example U-571 will allow foreigners but if you TG expect to be asked for anything from P2000-3000 for the TG.!! This is to discourage foreigners. Of the bars that are mainly catering to "locals" I'm told Proud Mary, U-571,  & Heads and Tails are the main ones. Bow Bells is also a "mixed" bar Luna bar is OK but hardly anyone goes there. The one's I believe you should concentrate on are Crow Bar, Eagle Bar, Muff Divers, Foxhole, Tahiti - when open - The new Fantasy Bar, Kinky's, Kinky's Extension, and The Asia Reef bar at the hotel in Subic City.

Some of these bars are real fun. Some are a little laid back and slow - some even have accommodation attached if you feel tired! All are worth exploring several times. And, the one's I have mentioned here are not the end of it. There again are one or two others if you walk around this strip you might find a few other little places.

The ladies

The ladies in these bars seem to have a different attitude than those in Angeles. They are less professional. They are fun. But, with it being such a small area we had a couple of problems with girls having steady's in town. Advice is to get in early in the afternoon. Have a few drinks and then whisk away your selection and get back to the hotel and enjoy a meal elsewhere, or go for a romantic stroll along the beach. Late night bar hopping is not so appealing here. IMHO.

If you get frustrated then just enjoy the warm China Sea, the friendly people (lots of Europeans/Americans and Aussies here who own the bars and restaurants), the great seafood and the beautiful natural setting of Barrio Barretto -- Subic and Barrio Barretto is only 2 short hours away from Angeles or Manila and is well worth a trip for even the shortest of stays. It's inexpensive and a lot of fun.