Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) is located southwest of the Luzon Island in the Philippines. The harbor is sandwiched by the Zambales Mountain Range at the east and the Subic Bay at the west and opens up to the South China Sea. It is northwest of the Bataan Peninsula and southwest of the Zambales Province. SBF is 110 kilometers north of Manila. Manila Bay and the Bataan Peninsula separate SBF from Manila. The mountain ranges around the Subic Bay area and the deep natural harbor provide excellent and protected anchorage. In addition, these features make SBF naturally sheltered from typhoons as well as from the effects of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.
SBF belongs to Region III or the Central Luzon Region. It is one of the points in the growth triangle and is an engine for economic development in the region. SBF is a supplier of services and products for the Central Luzon Development Program (CLDP), a regional growth area composed of the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales.
Climate
Like the rest of the Philippines, the climate in SBF is tropical.
There are two seasons:
Dry, from November to May.
Rainy, from June to October.
The climate is without extremes. Average temperature is 80 degrees Farenheit or 26 degrees Celsius.
Population
The population in SBF is estimated at 3,000. Right next to SBF is Olongapo City with a population of approximately 194,260.
The adjacent provinces to SBF, Bataan and Zambales, have populations of 557,660 and 433,542 respectively as of 1995. Region III or Central Luzon, encompassing the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales, has a combined population of 8.030 million as of May 1, 2001.
Environmental Protection
SBMA continues to pursue its environmental protection responsibilities. The Authority has an Ecology Center that studies and monitors the preservation of the Subic Bay's natural resources and wildlife. All development projects are required to submit Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies to ensure compliance with existing environmental standards.
The Subic Watershed Forest Reserve (SWFR), located at the southern portion of the Zambales Biogeographic Zone, 160 km. by road northwest of Manila, is one of the ten priority sites of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), noted for its high biodiversity and endemism. This lowland dipterocarp forest covers approximately 9,800 hectares, 3,000 hectares of which is closed canopy. The forests were protected from over exploitation for more than 50 years while under the jurisdiction of the Americans during the US Naval Base period.
The SWFR lies entirely within the metes and bounds of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ). SBMA has administrative jurisdiction over these protected areas under the authority of Republic Act 7227 of 1992, and in a Memorandum of Agreement signed between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the SBMA.
A wide range of habitats are present in the forest due to the terrain, presence of streams, fringing grasslands and other breaks in the canopy. It is possible to draw an imaginary line through the rain forest, running water, grassland and mangrove habitats that blend into the marine seagrass and coral reef habitats. These represent the major habitats of the tropics.
The preliminary results of the forest biodiversity survey revealed 745 plant species. Three of which are endangered while four others are potentially threatened. Hence, the urgency of preserving the Subic Forest is highlighted.
Ecologically and economically important tree species such as White Lauan, Apitong, Guijo, Palosapis are most dominant in Subic forest. A rattan palm species previously found only in Mt. Arayat was discovered.
At the southwest portion of the reserve is a well maintained network of paved roads which links two piers to a complex of 6 groups of earth-covered, concrete ammunition bunkers formerly known as the Naval Magazine. These bunker groups are enclosed in fences. It is linked to the rest of the Freeport Zone by a two-lane road intersected by a narrower road leading to the municipality of Morong, Bataan. This area has been reserved for low-impact, eco and adventure tourism oriented development.
The Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium project is taking shape. The Camayan Wharf is now home to Subic Bay Ocean Adventure, the first and the most amazing attraction in the country exposing some of the world's most attractive sea mammals like dolphins, false killer whales and sea lions in their natural habitat.
The western side of Grande and Chiquita Islands contains the highest coral cover in the bay with up to 75% of which are living. There are 75 species of fish present in Subic Bay. Important reef fish species comprises 96.25%. The world's rare and endangered Olive Ridley turtle and Hawksbill dwell in Subic Bay. Six species of seagrasses are growing in the marine preserved areas of Triboa and Ilanin Bays.
Ecotourism has tremendous potential given the variety of flora and fauna and the presence of streams, waterfalls and trail systems. Ecotour attractions are plentiful in SUBICBAY. Here are some you shouldn't miss:
Tourist Activities & Attractions
APALIIN TRAIL
Hike through the trails of Apaliin and discover the wonders of the Subic Forest. Awe at the panoramic view from the tip of Apaliin Point, and enjoy the sight of Subic Bay on a banca ride back to the Central Business District.
BAT KINGDOM
Get mesmerized at Subic's Bamboo Bats and Flying Foxes. Over 10,000 fruitbats, the biggest of its kind in the world roost in the protected forest reserve of Subic along with the Bamboo bats, which are the smallest in the Philippines.
BAT HIGHWAY
Marvel at the beauty of the bats in flight as they pass through this narrow strip at the setting of the sun.
BICENTENNIAL PARK
Enjoy outdoors with family and friends at these scenic picnic grounds. Native fishing gears are available for those who would like to try their hand at fishing in the man-made lagoon.
CAMACHILE PARK
A perfect near-the-bay stop shaded by numerous Camachile trees, best for picnics among tour groups.
EL KABAYO
Canter around the extensive grounds of the El Kabayo Equestrian Center. Riding lessons and mounts are available for horseback riding enthusiasts.
GRANDE ISLAND
Live through the grandeur of Grande and enjoy the amenities of a beach resort in an island setting. Enjoy a scenic ride to the island on board a motorized banca.
HILL 394
Subic's most popular peak takes you 394 meters above sea level and offers a spectacular view of the legendary Mount Natib and Subic Bay, in the northwest. Visit Hill 394 and let its beauty speak for itself.
JEST (Jungle Environmental Survival Training) Camp and Butterfly Garden
Familiarize yourself with jungle survival techniques from Aeta trained US Navy and US Marines. Visit the Mini Zoo and discover Subic's diverse biological resources or see how the butterflies live and flourish at the Butterfly Kingdom.
MALAWAAN PIER
Spend the day shoreline or day fishing at the designated fishing areas, or take a peek at SBMA's Seaport Operations.
MANGROVE GRAVEYARD
The sight of these giant driftwoods may surprise you, or simply leave you breathless. These dead dipterocarps are remnants of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. Unable to stand the high sulfur content spewed by the volcano, the mangrove graveyard bears witness to one of the worst calamities to hit the country.
MT. PINATUBO CRATER TREK
Sense a relaxing mood while kayaking at the crater lake of this mountain. Discover hotsprings, cool mountain pools, lahar fields and canyons as you take a trip or trek to see remains of towns destroyed by the mudflows.
Pamulaklakin Forest Trails / Pastolan Aeta Village
Take part in the Ecology Tour and trek inside the forests of Subic with the help of a native guide. Immerse yourself in the culture of the Aetas. Educate yourself in the various types of medicinal plants. Camp in the heart of the forest or simply have a unique picnic in the deep parts of the jungle.
REDONDO BEACHES
Behold the beauty of this undeveloped beach and explore the riches of a newfound land on the shores of the Redondo Peninsula.
SHIPWRECKS
Delve the magnificent underwater world of Subic Bay and come face-to-face with its rare marine inhabitants. Explore relics of history that date back to the Spanish and American eras. (Oryoko Maru. Seian Maru, USS New York, USS Rochester, LCV Landing Craft and LST).
SUBIC BAY OCEAN ADVENTURE
The first and most astounding nautical sanctuary in the country that showcases some of the world's most amazing sea mammals like dolphins, false killer whales and sea lions in their inherent habitat. Dive with them. Frolic with the
whales!.
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