Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

A look behind the scenes.

Around the world nuclear power is looked upon from different levels of acceptance. Many countries fully embrace nuclear power as an clean safe method to generate electric. There are more than 400 nuclear plants all over the world. In other countries, the general belief is that it has too much potential for harm to even be considered. A large portion of the world is still battling the question. The Philippines is one country where the disagreements are still going on. At the center of the discussions is the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Construction on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant began in 1976 a project of then President Marcos. Following the 1979


Three Mile Island accident in the United States, construction on the BNPP was stopped, Some design changes were made and Construction was restarted. Marcos was overthrown by the People Power Revolution in 1986. Days after the April 1986 Chernobyl disaster, the succeeding administration of President Corazon Aquino decided not to operate the plant. At the time the decision was made the plant was ready for fueling.

Equipped with a Westinghouse light water reactor, it was designed to produce 621 megawatts of electricity. The BNPP has 3 sister plants operating in other parts of the world today. The KRSKO plant in Slovenia. The ANGRA I plant in Brazil. And, most notably, the KORI II plant in S. Korea. These plants are practically identical to our BNPP. These plants have been operating for over 25 years now without incident, accident and with utmost reliability and economy.

Despite never having been commissioned, the plant has remained intact, including the nuclear reactor, and has continued to be maintained. We are proud to present a one of a kind tour. While many power plants have visitor centers, a visitor at the BNPP can visit inside the plant itself. Having never been fueled visitors are able to go inside the containment area. Call Seahorse Tours to arrange your visit

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

. First comprehensive Tour guide for Subic Bay. Most in-depth dive guide about subic, includes shipwreck history

(PRLEAP.COM) Encyclea Publishing has released the "Subic Bay Travel & Dive Guide" The guide provides a wealth of information on hotels, restaurants and local attractions. It also has additional historical and general information. The book is unique in that beyond the information found in traditional travel guides; this one incorporates a full dive guide. This is the most comprehensive guide and reference book ever done about Subic Bay. While once the largest US navy base outside the US, it is now a fast growing tourist destination
The dive section alone is 90 pages of dive site information including the history of many of the ship wrecks that are now artificial reefs at Subic bay.
The author, Charles Davis, is also President of Seahorse Tours & Souvenirs.He spent many years researching the history of the ship wrecks of Subic Bay to produce the Dive section. It is Available at local bookstores through out the Philippines and at select locations around Subic Bay. International buyers can order from the Publisher web site. Bulk purchases available from the author or publisher. info about book also at www.visitsubic.com and www.seahorsetours.co