Yong resort

I know we just did a blog about this resort last week but I just wanted to report on the visit we did last Sunday. It was a while since we last inspected the resort so with camera in hand and one of the staff along as a model (Elvira) we went there to poke around, take some photos and update our sales information. We did a local commute taking an ordinary bus from Olongapo to San Antonio, In Zambales. The bus ride took about 40 minutes even with its frequent stops and cost around 40 pesos. The bus stopped in front of the municipal hall where we crossed the road and got a trike, the trike was 20 pesos a person. The way we went to the resort last year is no longer accessible so now you approach the resort along the beach side. The resort itself is simple. The standard rooms are small stand alone buildings basic but they are comfortable looking. The family rooms are similar just slightly larger and an additional bed.

It is a “resort” for those more interested in the out doors. There is nothing fancy here just basic accommodation, with wonderful views and extensive sandy beach. Last year a very strong typhoon did some rearranging along the shore line of Zambales. Yong's lost a good portion of its land in the last typhoon season. The restaurant had been in the middle of the resort now it is on the edge of the lagoon.
The resort had a number of lagoon side rooms that are no longer there.

On the bright side the enlarged lagoon is very good for swimming and just playing in the waters. The Zambales coast being on the South China Sea can get good size waves. In fact this resort is about halfway between Crystal Beach Resort and Punta de Uian both resorts are well know for their surfing breaks. The lagoon gives a place to play without the waves crashing over you.

One item different about this resort is that it encourages camping and does allow people to bring in their own food. While there is a modest corkage fee the fee also provides a gas stove for cooking. When we visited there were six tents being used. If you are looking for a camping outing this is an excellent place to go. Maybe even combine it with a trip to Anawangin Cove either as a day trip or overnight.

We posted some photos in Yong Beach Resort  gallery so take a look.

Beach Time

The hot weather is here, Holy week is here and the beaches of Olongapo and Subic Bay are waiting. it a hot day today at 32 degrees c (90 degree F) and the heat index is 38c thats 100 degree F. So if you are going to be outside the beach is the place for it.

Olongapo city has been working on expanding its Half Moon Bay beach and it is great. Unlike when it reopened three years ago the beach has ample parking now.  the beach area itself is wide and very long.

The area between the beach and the road has been cleaned up and it is availalbe for those who want some natural shade.

Located on the National highway it is on the blue jeepney line from the city center.

Zambales Beaches 

The beaches in Zambales are just a a short easy drive away and some of the best in the Philippines. Our Favorits is in San Antonio which is a popular destination with many small inexpensive resorts. It is also the home of a large upscale Punta De Uian resort.

Start planning your summer now and include at least a few trips to Subic or Zambales

When You Need Something Different

Seahorse tours has added another place to the list of properties that we recommend and represents. Some times a nice hotel or fancy resort is not what you really are looking for when you are staying away from home. As an alternative to the many fine resorts and hotels in the Subic bay area we would like to introduce you to a comfortable alternative, Ero Apartelle. The apartelle is located on the edge of Barrio Barretto, the resort area of Olongapo City. It just minutes from the resorts, entertainment and restaurants of Barretto , only a ten minute drive to the Central Business District of the Subic Bay Freeport and fifteen minutes to the center of Olongapo city. Easily assessable by public transportation, it is on the Jeepney Blue line from the city center. It is conveniently located for those who do not need to be in the center of the action. There is a small beach accessible across the road with two large beaches just three minute walk away

As the year draws to the close and a new one opens, it is human nature do look back over the year and plan for the future.  A couple of items stand out in my mind.

The international skydivers who had come to the Philippines for the  Parachute Phun Phestival really enjoyed the tours we had arranged for them. Seahorse Tours had been acting as the ground agent  organizing the hotels and a few optional tours. Some minor problems cause some scheduling changes and the tours were moved to the first few days. They  were all very happy with the tours. On the day before the rescheduled event, it was necessary to again delay the jumps. Due to cancellation of the aircraft and  problems the event organizer encountered at the last minute, changes had to be made. Called  to assist with providing alternate activities, We responded with a rapidly organized but well planned activities. I am very proud of the efficient manner that the entire office responded. In under two hours, they organized a day outing to the Capone Islands and Anawangin Cove , had a number of bancas  on stand by, prepared information , developed a itinerary , planned a menu and prepared a banner. Two hours after the initial inquiry they presented the  activity to the group and got a confirmation on how many would go. The next morning at 5am all was in place for a day of island hopping to the Capones islands, a stop at the lighthouse, a morning snack, and a barbecue on the beach at Anawangin Cove . The day went great and all of the guest loved it.

The “ Capones, Camara and Anawangin Island Adventure”  (photos) is an day outing we have added in late 2010 and  promises to be a great package for a small number of people or larger groups. Departing from Subic Bay area it is just about a 30 minute drive to Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. There you will meet your boat for the day and enjoy a nice trip to the Capones Island group 30 minutes away. Visitors to these islands will disagree on which is the best feature. Many feel that the old Spanish Lighthouse is the highlight, others the views of the island and the South China Sea, and who could argue with the beach lovers who cite the empty stretches of beaches. The other part of the trip is the Anawangin Cove only accessible by boat or if you wish you can hike in. The hike will take a full day or more. The cove has become well know as one of the best beaches in the Philippines but due to its isolation it is not over crowded. This is a great family outing and should be a prime consideration for a company outing.

As written before in this blog, Mount Pinatubo trek still is a popular outing and well worth the time and effort.

charles

Subic Bay Beaches and Resorts greet Visitors and Tourist at the start of the summer vacation season.  In the Philippines most people look at Holy Week (Easter) as the kick off to the summer, School is out, the weather hot and the beaches are calling. The Subic Bay area ,which includes parts of Bataan, Olongapo city, the Subic Bay Freeport and parts of Zambales, are a prime tourist destination and one of the most popular in the Philippines. The popularity can be attributed to many factors however the variety of activities and accommodations combined with the ease to get to from Manila ( by car), Cebu (air) and nearby countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.



The City of Olongapo relaunched the Halfmoon beach. Having been closed for a number of years the beach was partially reopened two years ago. However the area opened was small, had no parking and access was along a bamboo bridge following a small stream. This year the beach is accessible from the main road with a parking lot provided,and many times for space both on the beach and in a area shaded by trees. It is now the biggest beach in the area and is easy to get to by public transportation.

Vacation goers this year will see their old standards: the Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari theme parks, water sports  and jungle activities supplemented by new attractions and resorts. Ocean Adventure has added new attractions to the park. The highly popular high dive show from last year is now back as a permanent portion of the park with its own stadium. They have also added an area for groups that has its own beach (http://www.subicbaybeaches.com ) area. While over in their resort Camayan Beach resort they have recently opened more rooms and expanded services offered.
One big improvement is at White Rock Resort. Always been a great place but they have been expanding, added a number of seaside rooms and other features. Last year they added a wave pool and water slide, for this year they have added another. It is a full waterpark and a beach resort together, offers a wide range of water sports and has its own bowling alley, can easily hold groups of a thousand with out crowding the resort.

The Barrio Barretto portion of Olongapo (http://www.visitsubic.com ) is expanding also, this season sees a few new small beaches and a couple of new Resorts. Subic Grand Seas is a new resort with very nice rooms , a waterfront deck, nice beach and swimming

pool. The old resort was basically torn down and the new hotel started from scratch. It is a great place to enjoy the sunset. The “old' favorites such as Arizona International hotel and resort is still going great and their Mai Tai grill very popular, enjoy a meal poolside and enjoy the views of the bay.

Recently the MICE industry, that's Meetings Incentives Conventions and Exhibitions, held MICECON2010, their annual convention at Subic Bay. When the leaders of an industry that deals with conventions hold their own convention somewhere that a sure sign that you are on the map as an destination.

All of this shows that Subic Bay is the place to head this summer. Seahorse (http://www.seahorsetours.com ) tours is ready to help you with your summer plans. We can find you the best places to stay for you or even your whole company. So if you are looking for a week end getaway or spending a week or two, Subic Bay is the place

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