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. Most flights here are chartered and it usually serves the business travelers.
By bus
From Manila, you may take the "Victory Liner"(red, white and yellow bus) or the "Saulog" (green, white and yellow bus). The trip will go through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The trip from Manila is about three hours and it will cost you about PHP 250 to 300 one way.
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 Subic town, Castillejos and other towns of Zambales.
The fare is about Php 8.00 for the first 5 Kilometers 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 Php 8.00 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. twenty five-hectare land, local and foreign guests can expect an astonishing sight of diverse exotic animals roaming and frolicking in their simulated natural habitat. It features a wide range of
- 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, Zambales, Philippines 2200, ☏ +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 WW2
- SCUBA diving, Midway Baloy Long Beach, Barrio Barretto, Olongapo City, Subic Bay 2200 Philippines, ☏ +63 919 6471234.