General Tips about Subic Island

Note: To minimize SURPRISES during your Subic travel., pls read thoroughly. Please ensure that all members of your group know what to expect and not to expect.

General

1.      Subic travel is an adventure and not for every traveler.
2.      Don’t expect too much. Remember that you are visiting a remote rural environment. Subic tourism is still in the developing stage. If you are looking for banana boats, zip lines, other modern recreational facilities then you will be disappointed. Subic has very limited facilities. Subic offers natural beaches, crystal clear waters, scenic views, lagoons, caves, rock formations, pink sand etc  as they are given to us by mother nature, untouched by the so-called tourism development.
3.       Some places in Subic are still in a virgin state, the closest places you can get to nature. Just take extra care not to disturb them.
4.       Subic power is very unstable. Power failure occurs occasionally specially at night when you needed an AC most. Some accommodations provide emergency power to run electric fans. Very few accommodations have standby power to run all ACs.
5.      Sometimes during peak power usage hours(6pm to 7pm), most ACs won't work properly due to low voltage.
6.      If you travel on a do-it-yourself, bring some cash in case the ATMs in Matnog (1 ATM booth only in matnog port Land Bank) are off line.
7.       Most travelers visit a place once in a lifetime. Don’t take a risk on unknown travel agent or operators in Subic. You could fall into the trap of the cheapies. Remember “If it is too good to be true, it probably is”.
8.       Try to avail a tour operator recommended by a friend/relative or just visit Trip Advisor or other travel blogs and websites and see all the reviews about Subic accommodations/hotels. Written by travelers based on their first hand experience, the reviews are subjective and just a guide but  should always be “taken with a grain of salt”.
9.       Clear all your “DOUBTS” about Subic and your travel. If you have any doubts, e-mail us at holytrinity.beachresort@yahoo.com or add us in facebook and send us a message about your query. We will be glad to answer your questions. Surprises and unexpected turn of events can ruin your trip.

Security

1.       Subic Island is generally peaceful. Crime rate is next to nothing. You can walk in the seaside in the middle of the night and no one will bother you.
2.       There is no night life in Subic Island apart from a videoke machines, a favorite night pastime of Filipinos. This can be an irritation to some guests not aware of this ubiquitous machine.
3.       Subic Island is a laid back island . Most locals are usually inside their houses as soon as the night falls.

Travel

1.       Subic  is an Island. It is not ready for highly discerning visitors.
a.       Via land Route - Regular Daily bus trips to Matnog are  available from Manila bus terminal, a bus going to Samar, Mindanao you can drop off in Matnog port.

b.    Via Boat matnog port to Subic Island
              i.      approx 15-20 minutes  hours from Matnog Port to Subic Island
2.        Watch your steps carefully when getting on and off a boat. The steps at the /boat can be very slippery

3.   Wrap your mobile phone with a plastic or fit a neck strap when traveling the sea.

4.   For 2Days-1Nights, if you are traveling from manila by bus and returning using the same transportation on the next day, this tour package is not advisable  the travel time will exhaust you. 3 Days-2 Nights would be ideal, at least you will have 2 nights to rest. If you travel by plane(via Legazpi Airport), the travel time for 2 Days-1 Nights to some is bearable. Some guests do this if vacation time is very limited.

Health and Safety

1.       If you don't know how to swim, always wear a life jacket while on board a boat and while swimming.
2.       Never jump into the water if you are not sure of the depth.
3.       Never swim alone. Always have a companion and stay as close as possible to the shore. Tidal changes and current can put you in trouble.
4.       Adults should look around the area for potential hazards before allowing the children to play or swim.Never leave children swim unattended.
5.       Use sunscreen lotion before exposing to the sun.
6.       Wear sun protection like wide hats, sun glasses, etc.as required.
7.       As much as possible, avoid the sun from 9AM to 3PM.
8.       If your skin is sensitive to insect bites, apply insect repellant to your skin at all times.
9.   If you stay overnight at an isolated beach or island, have a standby boat just a cover in case of an emergency.
10.   Have a bottled water with you at all times during travel.
11.   Always be aware of the hazards of the sea.
12.   Expect a very noisy engine during your trip. Bring along an Ear Muff or Ear plugs to minimize the noise level.
13.   Ask if you are not sure of anything you see around the area. One question can save you from an untoward incident.
14.   Report any danger you see to your companions.
15.   There are no food stalls or restaurants to buy your food on the beaches during island hopping. Most people bring their food/packed lunches from Matnog port  and eat anywhere convenient.
 

Weather and Tide

1.   Always check the weather forecast regularly especially before your travel date. Weather Forecast 1, Weather forecast 2, PAGASA Forecast, Typhoon Tracking

4.  EXPECT NOT TO VISIT ALL THE ISLANDS IF THE SEA IS ROUGH. GUESTS SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY.  

If you are not prepared to experience the above, WE BEG YOU not to come to Subic.

HAVE FUN, TAKE YOUR PICTURES, LEAVE YOUR FOOT PRINTS and DISPOSE YOUR TRASH RESPONSIBLY.

Let us preserve Subic Island. It is OURS, LET'S LOOK AFTER IT. We owe it to the next generations.