For many centuries, Subic Bay was recognized as a deep safe harbour. Realizing
Subic Bay’s potentials, the Spaniards used the bay as a port to defend and maintain
the Philippines as a part of their empire in the 17th century. In 1885, it was built
into a naval base that utilized the safe harbors and natural resources.

After their victory over the Spaniards in 1898, a naval repair and supply base in
Subic Bay was established by the Americans. It was only reachable by sea until 1932
when the zigzag roads were opened linking Subic Bay and Olongapo to the rest of
the Philippines.

The Japanese bombed Subic Bay in 1941 and was held by them until the US took
back the Philippines in 1945. The naval base was returned to the control of the
United States. The two invasions by the Japanese and Americans produced a
number of bombed or scuttled naval ships in Subic Bay. Scuba divers from around
the world are now enjoying these wrecks in their underwater graveyards.

Control and maintenance of Subic naval base remained under the United States
despite the Philippines gaining their independence. The United States was given 99
years free access of the facility via an agreement signed between the Philippines and
US. With the outbreak of the Vietnam War, Subic Bay became a strategic site in the
maintenance of a strong US presence in Asia.

In 1991, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo covered Olongapo and Subic Bay with nearly
half a metre of ash. After the Senate of the Philippines rejected the renewal of the
US bases treaty in 1992, the Subic Bay Freeport was established after the last of the
American naval ships completed its pullout of forces.

Since then, Subic Bay Freeport Zone has now become a well-known economic,
commercial and tourist hub. It is booming with world class restaurants and duty-
free shopping.

Subic Bay is situated in Zambales Province on the west coast of Luzon 120
kilometres north of Manila. Mountains with lush jungles bound its coastal area.
Mountains with lush dense jungles, suitable for trekking, surround the coastal area.
The bay cuts out into the South China Sea.

Subic Bay brags of interesting wreck dives. It is home to a impressive combination
of wrecks. The six wreck sites have an average depth of 45 ft.

Subic Bay boasts of its rainforest and a white sand beach. Its world-class facilities,
which include a marina, yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades and food shops, are
supported by Philippine tourism. An international airport is another attraction.

Nestor Santos is a field reporter for PhilippinesVacation.org, where you can
enjoy great articles about the Philippines.

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