Travel Photography: Subic Sweet Water Beach Resort
I've previously shared with you several instances of my travels around the Philippines. This is the latest in the series, I guess. Hahaha.
It's summer time, and what better place to go than the beach? Because of insistent public demand (well, more like glowing reviews from beach goers from certain forums), we decided to go to Subic Sweet Water Beach Resort. And I gotta say, this particular place is probably one of the best beaches I've been to lately, if not one of the best beaches I've been to period.
Don't let the name fool you though. It might be called a resort, but it's really not (well, technically it really is but...). I'd say, it's more of a haven actually. I home away from home, away from all the hustle and bustle and stress that the over-commercialized Subic Bay freeport area represents. It's fine and nearly white sand, it's breath-taking vistas, cool and surprisingly not so salty water (my personal estimation compared to some beaches I've been to, probably where it got its name), and gracious staff make the trip out of town well worth it.
I'm told that the resort was and pretty much is a private rest-house. Due to it's under-utilization, the owners have decided to share their bounty with the world at large, and what bounty they have! The sand, the surf, and that sunset...
No, they haven't got a website yet, but they do have a friendster account. For reservations, best to call 09178507292. When you get to the resort, do take the time to get to know the staff. :) They'll be your best friends from there.
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Directions:
- Get your butts to Subic. Either you take the more scenic route, via San Fernando and along the National Highway (you'll pass through San Fernando, Bacolor, Guaga, Lubao and Dinalupihan), or via the SCTEX (which by the time of this writing, has yet to open) which pretty much gets you to Subic quicker.
- From Subic, follow the signs pointing to Ocean Adventure. This road will take you past the airport, FedEx, and lead you towards the Morong Gate. The drive towards the Morong Gate will see you passing a fire station to your right.
- Exit Morong gate and drive straight through, following signs for Anvaya Cove. You will encounter a fork in the road, with the main road going up the mountain, and the road to Subic Sweet Water (and other small resorts) will be going down to your right. The Tarp they have at this juncture is torn so keep your eyes peeled. You'll pass a small church to your right, and come upon a gate with the Subic Sweet Water resort tarp. Enter the gate, drive straight through. There you are! :)
- The cast and crew of Kamandag shot an episode at Subic Sweet Water.
- Roxanne Guinoo's white-castle commercial was also shot here.
- I heard that some Marimar episodes were also done at this beach. :P
- At certain points in the year, Marine turtles come to lay their eggs on the beach. If you do find a nest, please leave it alone! :)
- Don't leave your trash on the beach. The cove's pretty clean and I'm sure the resort owners as well as other beach-goers would appreciate that it stays that way.
- Don't park under a coconut tree heavily laden with fruits! :) Don't tempt fate. If you do, don't say I didn't warn you.
- Book in advance. I heard the place was fully booked for the weekends of March, though I'm not quite sure what the April schedule is like.
- Try to go during a weekday and not on a weekend. If isolation and relaxation's your aim, weekday overnights are preferable. Let them know when you'll be arriving though so they can prepare for you properly.
- Take the SCTEX to Subic (we weren't able to). It's new, and faster than the usual route. It officially opens for business this April.
- Enjoy! Relax! Have fun!
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12 comments:
hi, how to get to Subic Sweet water via public transport? would you know? We'll be coming from Manila.Thanks.
Kathy
i'm not quite sure about public transpo from Manila, though I'm sure you'd be able to get a bus from the Cubao area (I think) to Olongapo, I just don't know which station or what bus line. and as far as commuting to the resort itself from subic...
well, i wouldn't say it's impossible, but it's very very very very very difficult. the only vehicles that really ply the route from subic to the area of the resort are private ones, or minibuses that locals use. and we didn't see many of those when we went. i only saw one even if we made the trip from the resort to subic and back several times. i think your best bet would be to rent a vehicle instead. :)
good luck!
thanks a lot for sharing this!
I'm in touch with Mr. Paolo now, and will convince our outing committee to have our outing here this May. Looks like it's a serene quiet place...thanks again!... amor
hi amor! you're very welcome! :)
i hope your committee is open to having your outing on weekdays as i'm told that weekends are fully booked! :) the good thing about that would be that you won't have much in the way of kaagaw at the resort or surrounding recreational areas! :)
enjoy!
hi! how much is the entrance fee and the cottage or room for the month of november 1-2? and for jan 1-2?
hey cheryl,
i'm pretty sure they don't charge an entrance fee, nor can i give you a price list for cottages for those dates. :) best to coordinate with paolo. :) call or text him at 09178507292
since those are peak dates, i wish you luck! :D
jace
very nice pictures!
looking for a beach getaway and this is perfect!
:) glad you liked them. :) recently revisited the place with photographer friends. i'll see if i can post some more pics. :)
thanks for the feedback!
We went there last week. The place is great! Check out our pictures at my multiply account.
We just had our company outing there yesterday. Sad to say, it was an awful experience. The place was not clean, it was full of garbage left by the guests. Don't try using the public toilets if you have weak stomach. The showers had no water pressure, we had to use "tabo". The sand in the shore was almost black and the waves were really rough. The water was murky so I decided not to take a dip.
The road leading the resort is unpaved and muddy. Better not bring your kids there.
hi Anonymous 04.19.09 (i will call you such as you commented on this date)
thanks for your comment. i'm sad to hear that your experience at Subic Sweet Water was such a negative one. i hope you don't put the blame on the resort or its care takers, like you said, the mess was left by the guests. i would assume that the same guests used the restrooms as well.
as guests of any resort (home or any establishment for that matter), i believe we should all be responsible for how we behave where we travel (mess clean-up is a must as far as i'm concerned).
i hope they get to sort out the water issue soon. :) with regards to the muddy road and murky water... well, you can't really account for the weather or the tide. last time we were there (Sept. 1 - 2, 2008) the water was ok, not perfect and clear (only still waters will give you that) but not dirty. :) the farther you wade out from shore, the better. and the road was dusty dry.
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