The Island Explorer

Ever since I went to Zoobic early this year, and noticed the signs of a resort I have not heard of in Subic, I  have been running after Kamana Sanctuary in my mind. Finally, because of iTravelerAsia.com, I was able to experience it and satisfy my curiosity. 

The last time I went to Camayan Cove was probably 3 years ago. So, I was pleasantly shocked when I saw a new Camayan Cove Resort beside Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay. What used to be dilapidated cottages are now rooms located in 2 new resort wings. The rooms are bigger and more modern. The Sunset Wing have more luxurious rooms, with private verandas and balconies. The price is a bit expensive though. A standard room can go as high as P4,500 during peak seasons. We stayed in the "other wing", which is made of two new resort buildings. These rooms all face the beach, though the foliage block the view of the sea. The restaurant is also bigger. Now called Reef, the dining area can seat up to 200 people. There is also a bar beside it. The food is not impressive though, except for the Grilled Prawns, which at P240 was a bargain. Camayan Beach may be the busiest beach in the Subic area, so don't expect paradise. Lots of people go here on day trips, so you will be sharing the beac...

Subic Park Hotel is my choice of accommodations in Subic. It is strategically located along the Moonbay Marina Waterfront road after Pier 1. It is also a boutique hotel, and I have been staying here for the past 2 years when I am in Subic. It is a small hotel with a unimpressive facade. You may not even notice the hotel as it looks like a typical apartment. However, once you enter the lobby, you feel see how charming it is. It is airy, and the atmosphere is cozy. The rooms here range from P2,200 up, which is already of value here in Subic. The only other hotel I can consider of great value in Subic is the Boardwalk Inn, which is almost always full. The rate comes with free breakfast or dinner. The food in its only restaurant is a mix of continental and Filipino dishes. I like the pool here as it remains private even though it looks out to the bay. The pool is also open until 10PM, so you can have a night swim while you wait for your dinner at one of the 2 cabanas. And just outside the ...

The Lighthouse Marina Hotel is one of the most exclusive and luxurious hotels in Subic. It brands itself as such, and thus, the rates here are one of the most expensive as well in the area. The Lighthouse is situated at the end of the marina bay, and yes, there is a lighthouse that serves as its landmark. It's a small hotel, making it the boutique type. The service here is good, and the ambience quite relaxing. There is a restaurant that served sumputous grilled dishes and international cuisine. We were here to have a night cap after having dinner in Vasco's, another favorite of mine in Subic. It's best to have a drink in their patio/terrace area, near the poolside. I also love their flourless chocolate cake, which was topped with chocolate ice cream. It was one of the best I have tasted. There was a singer performing some chill out jazz and contemporary music. The pool was still open at night, so it was lit up. I still haven't stayed at the Lighthouse Marina because I ...

Subic is like home to me. It's my weekend getaway, more than Tagaytay. With the NLEX and SCTEX (expressways) linked together now, it only takes an hour and a half drive to Subic from Balintawak in North EDSA. That's like going to Makati during morning rush hour. And with more options than Tagaytay (though less on food), like shopping, beaches, mountains and adventure parks, Subic will always be my number one choice for that quick travel fix. One of the coolest places in Subic is Vasco's. Dining by the sea with sails as ventilation (fans) makes you feel you're inside a galleon. That ambience is unmatched here, and gives Vasco's the charm it is known for. Their menu is comfort food, offering a wide array of international dishes. You can have Asian favorites from curries to Filipino staples, or savor steaks and continental cuisine. Their food is not the best though in Subic, so I must warn you. I am not promoting it as a food heaven, but more of a place where you can e...

Whenever I am in Subic, I make it a point to hang out at Xtremely Xpresso Cafe in Subic. It is situated on a corner at the back of the Legenda Hotel, parallel to the boardwalk. I wasn't able to take pictures of what we ordered that afternoon, but it was just cake and coffee. On the other times I have visited the place, I have ordered their huge 22 inch pizza, the Big Ben that included all their toppings. The pizza is so big, that two slices and you're done. It's the perfect meal for sharing, pambarkada. For the pasta, I have tasted their Blackened Chicken Alfredo, the Aglio Olio, and their Parmigiana. For entrees, I recommend their Cordon Bleu and the Chicken Cacciatore. Also try their Grilled Fish in Mango Salsa if you want to have some seafood. The Bacon Cheeseburger is also an excellent choice. The cheese just oozes out of the bun. I also like their Baby Back Ribs, but the taste is inconsistent. I have ordered their ribs 4 times already, and at one time, it tasted excell...

I am a fan of Subic. It's my new Tagaytay. And since the SLEX is under construction, it is now the time to head North. Subic is not really a foodie's destination, but there's one restaurant that has probably been there ever since it was an American base. Of course, now it is an institution, and whenever you go to Subic, you must eat here. I'm talking about Meat Plus. Meat Plus is actually owned by the family of a fried of mine. Meat Plus, as the name implies, serves a lot of meat, and is known for their steak. You have roast beef, ribs, burgers and steaks that come with a lot of choices of sides. My friends ordered the Tenderloin ((P225 I think), the Roast Beef and a New York Cut from the menu. Since I was in a Baby Back Ribs stage, I ordered their ribs. The Tenderloin was a good choice. The meat was cooked medium rare correctly and the meat was tender. The meat was flavorful too. The same went for the New York Cut. Though the New York Steak was a bit tougher and the g...