Travel is what interests me most. That's why when I got connected in a publication that launched a section on travel, I of course wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity to do a month’s featured travel destination.
The former home in the Philippines of the largest US Naval base---which now boasts of its virgin rainforest and crystal clear bay water--- was our destination. It’s Subic!
It was supposed to be just a day trip but when we were told about everything Subic has to offer by way of sports and outdoor activities, we realized that a day would never be enough. My editor and I reconciled our other stories deadlines and agreed to come together for a day and a half coverage.
We got sporty right on the first day with a jungle environment tour. Guiding us through it was the cheerful Mang Pepito of Eco Tours Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp (JEST). He taught us the basics of forest trekking –what plants and vines to keep away from, how to make forest trails and how to survive in a jungle overnight without food or water. Of course that’s never a problem because in the jungle, refreshments are never far away. Mang Pepito surprised both of us when he reached out, cut a bamboo-like plant called a “water-vine” and offered us a sip. It tasted much better than bottled mineral water!
Right after the tour we were treated to a jungle demo where we learned how to transform bamboo into table utensils, a rice cooker and gas stove! But make sure you don’t leave home without your jungle bolo.
Next on the agenda was fun in the water. My editor, a certified scuba diver tried diving Subic’s various shipwrecks offered by Scuba Shack. I stayed on the boat, sometimes dipped a foot or two into the water and went snorkeling in my braver moments.
Moby Dick Water Sports then took us jet skiing, and after that, we were off on horseback at El Kabayo that boast a stable of world-class Argentina-bred horses. We ended the day with a sunset stroll at the bat area and view deck of the Crown Peak Gardens, where the exquisite landscape and flowers could not be concealed by the dusk. With its world-class facilities, the hotel was the perfect place to wash away the tiredness of the day and recover for what awaited us the next morning.
A wake-up call at 6 signaled the start of next day’s adventures. We gave up a scheduled early morning bicycle ride in favor of trekking through Subic’s rainforest and then proceeded to the Subic Bay Golf and Country Club for a stroll. When the clock stuck twelve noon, it was time to pack our things and return home.
Driving back to the office was not as exciting as getting there, but the fun we had was the best consolation. Subic’s proximity to Manila means that nature, recreation and leisure are just a two-and-a-half hour drive from the metropolis. And that the other activities we missed, like fishing, a bay cruise, speed and paddle boats and bowling are just a hop, skip, and jump away.
