SUBIC BAY FREEPORT Area and Beaches

The beaches around Barrio Barreto are fine but, around Subic Bay itself are a little hit and miss. However, if you go through to Subic Bay Freeport you will find three public beaches that are ideal for lazing around with a new "girlfriend" or two.

These three beaches are run by the local authorities though and they do charge to use them and do have restrictions (opening and closing time).

They are however, clean and tidy and do have additional facilities like beach huts, picnic tables, Nipa Huts, tables and Sun Lounges as well as a Volleyball court.

Firstly, you must negotiate the Freeport area which does not allow motorbikes for some reason, and is guarded and patrolled like Fort Knox! You need to leave your details on a form they supply and must show that if asked, handing it in, on leaving the area..

Then, once inside you will see the Freeport Area (once the U.S. Naval Base) Clean and tidy in fact spotless). There are Industrial Units nd Business group offices etc, and a maze of almost PERFECT ROADS that have next to NO TRAFFIC at all on them.

During our drive through heading towards the three beach areas and Fisherman's Wharf (with ferry), we pulled up to a halt at every intersection.

"Percy why are we stopping ?? There is no traffic to stop for, nothings coming the other way -- in fact we are the only one's on the road!!

To which Percy replied -- "We have to stop a while" -- "what the hell for..?" was my terse reply.

To cut this amusing story short, Percy then told me that the guy's with whistles around their necks, on virtually every intersection, were traffic cops. And, if you did not "stop a while" they BLEW their whistle and chased off after you on foot to give you a traffic ticket!

On Foot...?? Well,if you did not stop they took your number and just radioed in...Remember, you had to sign in and out there was no escape, Fort Knox or Alcatraz ???

I really thought Percy was pulling my leg over this -- but a little further on we stopped again. A Toyota van pulled up along side of us, (ever so briefly) and then pulled away, true enough off went the Cop whistle blowing away to give him a ticket --WEIRD OR WHAT !!!


DUNGAREE BEACH (1st beach telephone# 252-9060)

This was a nice wide stretch of beach, with showers, huts, a volleyball court and peddle boats to hire. White sand and calm, clear blue waters.

ALL HANDS BEACH (2nd beach telephone# 252-8153)

Another nice stretch a little further around the bay. Again plenty of barbecues to do your cooking, shower units and huts as well as tables etc for a picnic.

OFFICERS BEACH (3rd beach telephone 252-8154)

This was again like the first two beaches but, with JET SKI'S as well. Yes, a good time can be had having some fun blasting around on these high powered fun mobiles. Unfortunately, time prevented me from playing around in the water, and I did NOT get the hire charges (Yes, O.K. I messed up on that) I don't think they will break your bank balance, so try them out (I will for sure next time).

CHARGES AND DETAILS for all three beaches ....

ENTRANCE FEE (OPENING AT DAWN CLOSING AT 5 PM)

Weekdays (Mon - Fri)

Adults -------------------------P75.00 per person
Children------------------------P37.50 per child

Weekends (Sat - Sun)

Adults--------------------------P100.00 per person
Children------------------------P50.00 per child

AMENITIES

Big Huts.........................P1,500 each
Small Huts......................P600.00 each
Nipa Huts.......................P250.00 each
Concrete Table..................P250.00 each
Wooden Table.................. P250.00 each
T-Hut............................ P250.00 each
Umbrella Table................. P150.00 each
Mono Bloc Table............... P150.00 each
Sun Lounges ................... P50.00 each
Life Vest......................... P50.00 each
Volleyball.........................P50.00 per hour
Jet Ski's (Officers beach only).P ? per hour


FISHERMANS WHARF

This Hotel/Restaurant is situated at the end of the bay and has a ferry service attached to Manila, and sightseeing. The hotel and restaurant is newly opened and of a good quality. We stopped off just for a cold drink and talked with the nice waitress's who we preparing the restaurant for lunch.

There were several fish tanks, with live fish including Lobsters and the prices looked to be on the "high" side. Looked a classy place to eat, so bring your GOLD CARD.