Clark and Subic have always been two of the most favorite getaway destinations because of their proximity to Manila. We are even more blessed with quicker travels now, made seamless through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
Thanks to our recent trip Lakbay Norte 8 organized by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau, I discovered that there are more new sights to see, foods to taste, and things to enjoy there that would appeal to all ages. Hop into this virtual tour and check out some of the activities that I got to try!
9 Things to Do in Clark and Subic that You Might Not Have Tried Yet
9. Take a tour around Pamintuan Mansion.
The Clark Freeport Zone is arguably the next big thing when it comes to land and economic development. Still, it strengthens its balance by preserving a rich history and culture that remains intact at the Angeles City Heritage District.
Pay a visit to Pamintuan Mansion, which is currently the Museum of Philippine Social History, as part of a heritage walking tour, located at Miranda Street, Barangay Rosario. The mansion is a 129-yr old heritage house that used to be the headquarters of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo during the United States administration.
The first anniversary of the Philippine Independence was actually celebrated here, which was symbolized by Gen. Aguinaldo waving the Philippine flag from the balcony of the mansion. This historical mansion is something you shouldn’t miss when you visit Pampanga! For more information, contact Angeles City Tourism Office at 322-2286/322-8422.
8. Learn about farming with a purpose at Tibby’s Farm.
Tibby’s Farm is a place that will not only let you do some sightseeing, but will also make you engage and pique your interest in the ways of the land. It’s a “private initiative for a public purpose” where you can re-learn agriculture and aquaculture, and be amused by how the old ways of farming meet the modern ways.
We were able to harvest dicots, feed pigs, go inside a mushroom-growing room, and listen to a meaningful talk by owner Atty. Valencia Angelo Raymundo Quevedo. You’ll leave the place inspired by his advocacy to promote agriculture, the profession that truly feeds the country. Aside from the farming experience, they also offer accommodations and food made from fresh farm produce. If you’d like to visit Tibby’s Farm, you may reach Atty. Valencia Angelo Raymundo Quevedo at 0917 888 8387.
7. Enjoy the extreme Aqua Planet water attractions.
Wake up the adventurous side of you at the recently re-opened Aqua Planet, a 10-hectare waterpark with a total of 38 state-of-the-art water attractions to try. There are bright hues all over the place that we couldn’t stop taking photos of! Yes, they’re back with improved facilities, more delicious food, and even a cashless system where you’ll get a waterproof RFID wristband to pay for things. It’s an all-around resort with food kiosks, lockers, cabanas, tables, and souvenir shops. Don’t miss the Octopus Racers aka the Rainbow Slides and Flow Rider when you visit! Read more about Aqua Planet here.
6. Eat dinner in the dark and watch a night show at Zoocobia.
Your Clark or Subic experience won’t be complete without a visit to a zoo, so make sure to drop by Zoocobia. They offer a night show featuring animals and some locals in a lights-and-dance presentation.
In Zoocobia, we also tried Dinner In The Dark, an experience by Zoomanity Group where you have to eat without the sense of sight. Yes, we ate our dinner in total darkness! It was difficult, but this experience helped us understand how and what it feels like to be blind. The experience is humbling, and I must say, a tear-jerker because I couldn’t imagine how hard it is to live without seeing. This special dinner, hosted for the benefit of the country’s blind foundations, is a must-try! For inquiries, you may contact Zoocobia’s Deputy Manager, Joemar Deang at 0922 717 2402
5. Experience glamping and ride horses at El Kabayo Clark Stables Picnic Grounds.
Go glamping or camping in glam at El Kabayo Clark Stables Picnic Grounds. The place looks like a replica of an old American cowboy movie!
They have a wide space of grass where tents are pitched under the starry skies of the North. While you gaze at the stars and enjoy the cool breeze, they will light a bonfire so you can roast some marshmallows as you bond with your family and friends. By the way, toiletries are included inside each tent and you’ll sleep like a baby (like what I experienced!) on the comfortable mattresses and pillows. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of adventure in Clark!
When you wake up in the morning, you can also go horseback-riding. For inquiries, you may contact Sheriff Gabby La’o at 0917 834 4055.
4. Go trekking or camping at El Kabayo Subic Trail.
Subic has El Kabayo Stables, as well. In here, you can start your day with a meaningful trek at El Kabayo Subic Trail. It is a relatively easy trek inside a 6-km (back and forth) forest trail, making it ideal for beginners who would love to try trekking. The heat of the sun can be draining, but the forest’s 3-layer canopy provides optimum shade.
Along the trails headed by Raf Dionisio of MAD Travel, we were taught which vines can be sources of potable water in order to survive. At the end of the trail, our guides also showed us a campsite where you can camp overnight. From there, they taught us how to make utensils, as well as a disposable rice cooker, cups, and plates out of bamboo for emergency purposes in the wild. They also demonstrated how to make fire and cook rice using bamboo. If you’d love to learn these kinds of things while you reconnect with nature, add El Kabayo Subic Trail to your itinerary. For inquiries, contact Raf of MAD Travel at 09175855512.
3. Chase the sunset on a yacht at Subic Bay.
The best way to end the day at Subic would be to watch the sunset while on a yacht cruise. A lot of people seem to think that this is just for an elite crowd to experience, but families and barkadas should have an unforgettable sunset memory, too, don’t you think?
If you’d like to spend a special occasion on a yacht, they offer packages from Php18,000 for 10 people to Php21,000 for 20 people. Both offers are inclusive of a 2-hour cruise with food and drinks.
Photo courtesy of Monique Tendencia
A yacht is a good venue for intimate celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, or even marriage proposals! For inquiries, you may reach them at 09175546411 or visit them at Rizal Highway cor Burgos Street, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
2. Enjoy a staycation at Le Charmé Suites or Lighthouse Marina Resort.
When we visited Subic, two accommodations were highly recommended: Le Charmé Suites and Lighthouse Marina Resort.
Le Charmé Suites is a 4-star hotel designed for businessmen, tourists, and sports enthusiasts who usually join athletic events in Subic. This is why every room has its own bike rack and the hotel has its own fitness area on the ground floor. The rooms are nothing short of comfortable and each one has a pristine bathroom with a bathtub. It also wows every guest with its roof deck pool backed with picturesque Zambales mountain ranges. Aside from that, it has function rooms, a KTV room, a jacuzzi, and a sauna!
Lighthouse Marina Resort is also one of the top choices. This quality boutique hotel has an impressive view of Subic Bay. It really has a lighthouse, too, which serves as an office and a good landmark for souvenir photographs. Le Charmé Suites is located at Le Charmé Building, 1131 Palm Street, Subic Bay Freeport Zone while The Lighthouse Marina Resort is situated at Lighthouse Drive, Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
1. Dine at Teppan 101.
On the ground floor of La Terraza Building, a few steps away from Le Charmé Suites, is a Japanese restaurant called Teppan 101. Here, your dinner will be prepared on iron griddles aka Teppan tables in front of you. We were served sumptuous courses with prawns, vegetables, and steak by interactive and friendly chefs who made the whole experience enjoyable.
Photo courtesy of Mac Dillera
Teppan 101 is located at Ground Floor, La Terraza Building 1131, Palm St, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales.
If you plan on commuting to Clark, ride a Victory Liner bus for around 300 pesos. Victory Liner also offers P2P services from Clark to Subic.
Photo courtesy of Mac Dillera
Hot Tip: For a much-needed coffee break during your trip, drop by PTT SCTEX and get your caffeine fix at Cafe Amazon. Try out their bestsellers, such as the Amazon Coffee, and munch on their delectable pastries. I personally love their revel bars!
Photo courtesy of Mac Dillera
Also visit Restroom 20, an air-conditioned comfort room that looks like a hotel lounge with a TV! They accept 20-peso donations that will benefit certain charities.
You can handpick the activities you want to try and the places you want to visit, so you can slow down and enjoy a relaxed getaway in Clark and Subic. After all, you can always come back to these places as they are all just a few hours away from Manila.
