Olongapo City is a city in Zambales, known for the Subic Bay Freeport.
Get in
By plane
The Subic Bay International Airport (SFS) serves Olongapo and Subic. Flights here are chartered and it usually only serves the business travellers with their own plane.
By bus
- From Manila, you may take the "Victory Liner"(red, white and yellow bus). The trip will go through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The trip from Pasay Manila is 3-4 hours and it will cost you ₱220-250 one way.
- Victory Liner also has buses to/from Baguio via (Dau bus terminal) Angeles there are roughly 11 buses a day from 3AM till 11PM. the trip to Angeles takes 2 hr. and to Baguio 6 hr.
- Victory Liner also has buses Rounghly every hour from 4AM-10PM to/from Balanga city Bataan the trip takes 2 hours.
By car
Car rentals from Manila are also available. International car rental chains like Hertz, Avis and Europcar are some of the options.
By boat
Subic Bay Seaport - A major alternative port for importers and exporters in the Northern and Central Luzon areas of the country to decongest the Manila International Container Terminal.
Get around
By jeepney
Jeepneys are the primary mode of mass transportation in Olongapo City. Unlike in most cities in the Philippines, jeepneys in Olongapo are color-coded according to route and the government is very strict in implementing this routing scheme. Jeepney operators must display the body number, the plate number and the decal number at the side panels to eliminate unregistered jeepneys. Drivers here are required to wear uniforms. Here are the colors and the designated routes used for this scheme:
Red :from Magsaysay avenue going through Mabayuan and Gordon Heights
Green :from Mabayuan (Mercurio Street) to the New Public Market
yellow :with red roof: Pepsi Route, from Magsaysay drive going through Rizal Avenue, then Filtration street.
Yellow: Sta. Rita route, from Magsaysay drive going through Rizal Avenue, then Baranggay Sta. Rita.
White/beige: Gordon Heights to Balic Balic
Orange: Gordon Heights to Pag-asa Market
Brown: Cabalan to New Public Market
Blue: Olongapo to Barrio Barretto Subic town, Castillejos and other towns of Zambales. runs 24 hours a day from Olongapo to Barrio barrette ₱8.
The fare is about ₱8 for the first 5 km and an additional fee for every additional kilometer. Fares are conspicuously displayed inside the jeepney.
By tricycle
This is basically a motorcycle connected to a modified cart that can carry up to 3 persons. Similar to taxis, this is an option if you prefer private trips and for trips that is beyond the jeepney routes. The fee usually is ₱8 per person per route but the driver may charge higher fees depending on the distance and if you are carrying heavy objects (e.g. luggages).
By taxi
You can hire a taxi from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The taxis have fixed rates depending on the distance of your destinations. Fares are displayed and you may negotiate with the driver if you wish to hire the taxi for 24 hours and for multiple trips.
By car
The streets of Olongapo are well marked its easy to navigate the city. Some street signs have Korean and Chinese translations due to the influx of Korean and Chinese investors in the area. Traffic rules in Olongapo is very strict and traffic officers are always on the lookout for violators. Remember to always make a full stop at any intersection that does not have a stop light.
See
- Subic Bay Freeport
- Ocean Adventure, Camayan Wharf, West Ilanin Forest Area Subic Bay Freeport Zone 2222, Philippines, ☏ +63 47-252-8000, info@oceanadventure.com.ph. Amazing shows to entertain and enlighten you. Up close encounters with our animal friends, and a look into the colorful and mysterious underwater world.
- Zoobic Safari, Group I Ilanin Forest Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines, ☏ +63 917-8351111. 25-hectare land, local and foreign guests can expect an astonishing sight of diverse exotic animals roaming and frolicking in their simulated natural habitat.
- Subic Treetop Adventure, JEST Area, Upper Mau Cubi Point Subic Bay Freeport Zone 2222, ☏ +63 917-838-2696. Experience nature tripping from a breathtaking view – from 100 feet above the ground! jungle trails comprised of platforms nestled on branches, suspension bridges, and the world’s first motorized canopy tour.
Do
- JEST Camp, J.E.S.T Camp, Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa Subic Bay Freeport Zone, ☏ +63 917-796-4668, contact@jestcamp.com. Jungle survival training. Learn how to survive the harsh jungle environment through the courses that they offer.
- Wreck diving. Scuba dive and check out the ship wrecks of World War II.
- Scuba diving, Midway Baloy Long Beach, Barrio Barretto, Olongapo City, Subic Bay 2200 Philippines, ☏ +63 919 6471234.
Buy
- Ayala Harbor Point Mall, Rizal Highway. 10AM-9PM.
- SM City Olongapo & Savemore Supermarket, Magsaysay drive. 9AM-10PM.
- Puregold Supermarket, Argonaut Hightway. 9AM-10PM. Also ground floor Harbor point Mall.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
- Johansson's Lodge, 128 National Highway Barrio Barretto, ☏ +63-47-2239293. Check-out: noon. Fan single/double room with own bathroom. has a restaurant. 20% off if you stay a month. ₱500 a night.
Connect
- Immigration Office.