Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo, Subic Zambales

This is my first visit to Olongapo, Subic Zambales where the former US Naval Base at Subic Bay was situated. Since its closure in 1992, it had been turned into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, managed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). It takes slightly over an hour's drive from Clark International Airport (formerly known as Diosdado Macapagal Airport) via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

The hotel that I stayed at is located inside the Freeport Zone, along Dewey Avenue. The Poco A Poco Condotel is part condominium and part hotel. It is relatively new and the rooms are large and comfortable, and with free wifi.

The hotel is almost halfway between the Main Gate and the Rizal Gate (2nd Gate) and within walking distance from both. It is a stand-alone development and not closely surrounded by other buildings. A short walk away is the San Roque Parish Chapel and the Subic Beach.

 
The Main Gate (above) is closed to vehicular traffic and only meant for people walking in and out of the SBF zone, whereas the Rizal Gate (below) is meant for both vehicles and pedestrians.

 
A newly opened shopping mall, Ayala Malls' Harbor Point, is also a short walk away. It is a huge shopping mall featuring many branded shops, a large atrium and also cinemas. When it is completed and fully opened, I am sure it will be really crowded.

 

There is even a Korean supermarket nearby and the Times Square Cinemas across from the Harbor Point.

Along the waterfront, there is Subic Beach and the boardwalk where you can find some historical monuments, the ferry landing pier and many bars, restaurants, a water-sports station, and even a casino. At the far end of the SBF zone, is the famous Lighthouse (which is part hotel, part restaurant and part viewing deck). Every evening there is also a flea market selling handicrafts and souvenirs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking past the Lighthouse, there is a 3rd gate called the Kalaklan Gate which leads to the Olongapo City Public Cemetery and the RH 5 National Highway going to Baretto and Baloy Beach.

Staying inside the SBF zone is really like staying in a large resort, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Jeepneys and tricyles are not allowed into the zone, and even taxis are not allowed to ply the area, meaning you cannot hail a taxi on the roads within the zone. There are designated taxi depot at the gates, or you can call for a taxi through the hotel or restaurant.

All in all, I had a great stay there. My only gripe is that the transport from Clark airport to and from Olongapo cost even more than my return airfare between Singapore and Clark.