| 
Tomas
Morato - Padi Course Director and TDI Instructor Trainer,
DSAT Trimix Instructor Trainer, DSAT Tec Deep Instrcutor
Trainer, Digital Underwater Photography Instructor Trainer,
with 16 specialties, DSAT Gas blender Instructor, DSAT Tec
Deep Instructor, DSAT Trimix Instructor, Adv. Wreck Inst,
CCR Rebreather, CPR1st IT, CPROX IT.
Tim
Aukshun - Padi Course Director for 20 years, 23 Specialties
including DSAT Tec Deep Inst. Trainer, and DSAT Trimix Inst.
Trainer. Over 740 sucessfull Instructor taught. 1982-1996--
PADI I.E. EXAMINER, 1984-1986-- PADI DISTRICT DIRECTOR GUAM,
1984-1996-- PADI DISTRICT DIRECTOR PHILIPPINES, 1996-2001--
PADI I.E. COORDINATOR: PHILIPPINES.
Jason
Park - Padi Instructor and TDI Instructor Trainer. TDI CCR
( inspiration) Inst. , TDI Advance Wreck Inst. , TDI Adv.
Trimix Inst. , TDI Extended Range Inst. , TDI Decompression
Procedures Inst. , TDI Adv. Nitrox Inst. , TDI Blender Inst.,
CCR Rebreather Inst.
Subic
Bay scuba diving, instantly conjures up images of wrecks.
The majority of the wrecks are a result of either the Spanish
– US war in 1898 or World War II, where a number of
Japanese vessels were sunk by US aircraft. You can scuba dive
Subic Bay pretty much all year round.
Some
of the most visited wreck;
El
Capitan
The El Capitan is a really good shallow dive and is used as
the second dive of the day. It was a freighter of nearly 3,00
tones just under 130 metres long. She crashed in Ilanin Bay
where she rests on a sloping bottom, with the deepest point
being less than 18 metres and coming to within 5 metre of
the surface. As you arrive at the dive site, which is a gorgeous
little bay sheltered from most of the elements, you find it
hard to believe that such a great wreck lies so close to the
shore.
The
hull of the El Capitan has seen better days and has collapsed
in a number of places. It is now home to an abundant array
of marine life and has some good photo opportunities utilizing
the natural light squeezing through the holes in the superstructure.
Highly recommended dive.
Hellship
– Oryoku Maru
Hellships was the name given to unmarked Japanese freighters
during World War II. They were used to carry Allied prisoners
of war. These hellships, being unidentifiable were targets
for the allied forces who frequently bombed and torpedoed
them, not knowing that there fellow soldiers were on board
as prisoners of war.
The
Oryoku Maru was a hellship. On 15th December 1944, she had
1,619 American and British prisoners of war on board when
she was sunk, under heavy bombardment by US fighters whilst
on its way from Subic Bay to Japan. She was less than half
a kilometre off the Alava Pier when attacked, taking 300 prisoners
of war to her watery grave.
The
actual dive site is only in 18 metres of water. As the Oryoku
Maru was sunk in the shipping lanes she crushed by explosives
so she was not a threat for other vessels trying to navigate
Subic Bay. It is now a mess of iron which has provided many
marine organisms a home and has brought the Oryoku Maru to
life with the fantastic coral growth and colours.
Seian
Maru
During an air raid on Subic Bay, the 3,712 tone freighter,
Seian Maru was bombed and sunk. Only 4 days after the bombing
of the Oryoku Maru on the 19th December 1944.
She
now lies in 28 metres of water and lies on her portside, her
starboard side is as shallow as 15 metres. Due to her proximity
to the pier and river, visibility can be a bit scratchy, you
need to pick the tide right. The wreck has collapsed at amidships,
which was probably caused from bombing than anything else.
Some nice penetrating swim throughs.
LST
(Landing Ship, Tank)
This is one of the larger LST that litter the floor of Subic
Bay. She was scuttled in 1946 in the middle of Subic Bay between
the southern tip of the runway and Grande Island. This LST
lies upright in 35 metres of water, visibility on this dive
site is generally better than average. The LST is still in
relatively good condition.
USS
New York / USS Rochester
This would have to be my favourite wreck dive in Subic Bay.
She has had three different names during her years of service,
with her original name New York the common name she is referred
to in her peace. During the first World War she was renamed
the Saratoga. She was known as the USS Rochester at the time
she was deliberately scuttled in January 1944. At the time
she was in dry dock waiting to be scrapped used for spare
parts, but the onset of the Japanese march into the Philippines
found the USS Rochester scuttled.
The
USS New York rests in 28 metres of water and is only half
a kilometre off the main pier of Alava and is less than a
five minute boat trip. She can be penetrated, swimming up
and down the corridors exploring all the nooks and crannies.
The visibility can be variable depending on weather conditions
and time of year. Lots to see and never enough time to see
it all.
Patrol
Boat (Japanese)
This Japanese vessel was also bombed by US forces in 1944.
She now lies in Triboa Bay on the southern side of Subic Bay.
She lies in 25 metres of water in an upright position. Marine
life is overwhelming with lots of fish life and corals that
have taken up residence and providing numerous homes for other
marine organisms, getting into the patrol boat is not really
worth it as it is tight entry with not a great deal to see.
San
Quentin
During the Spanish – US war in 1898 the Spanish scuttled
the San Quentin in the hope of blocking the passage, between
Grande Island and Chiquita Islands, to the Americans who were
relentless in there approach. The San Quentin lies in only
12 metres of water and is often frequented by great visibility
being exceptionally close to the entrance to Subic Bay.
LOCATION
Subic
Bay Freeport (SBF) is located southwest of the Luzon Island
in the Philippines. The harbor is sandwiched by the Zambales
Mountain Range at the east and the Subic Bay at the west and
opens up to the South China Sea. It is northwest of the Bataan
Peninsula and southwest of the Zambales Province. SBF is 110
kilometers north of Manila. Manila Bay and the Bataan Peninsula
separate SBF from Manila. The mountain ranges around the Subic
Bay area and the deep natural harbor provide excellent and
protected anchorage. In addition, these features make SBF
naturally sheltered from typhoons as well as from the effects
of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.
SBF
belongs to Region III or the Central Luzon Region. It is one
of the points in the growth triangle and is an engine for
economic development in the region. SBF is a supplier of services
and products for the Central Luzon Development Program (CLDP),
a regional growth area composed of the provinces of Bulacan,
Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales.
SUBIC
BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Subic Bay International Airport accommodates both domestic
and international flights and is certified by the Federal
Aviation Administration as a modern facility with state-of-the-art
safety navigational communications and meteorological systems.
Population
The
population in SBF is estimated at 3,000. Right next to SBF
is Olongapo City with a population of approximately 194,260.
The
adjacent provinces to SBF, Bataan and Zambales, have populations
of 557,660 and 433,542 respectively as of 1995. Region III
or Central Luzon, encompassing the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva
Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales, has a combined
population of 8.030 million as of May 1, 2001.
Environmental Protection
SBMA
continues to pursue its environmental protection responsibilities.
The Authority has an Ecology Center that studies and monitors
the preservation of the Subic Bay's natural resources and
wildlife. All development projects are required to submit
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies to ensure compliance
with existing environmental standards.
The
Subic Watershed Forest Reserve (SWFR), located at the southern
portion of the Zambales Biogeographic Zone, 160 km. by road
northwest of Manila, is one of the ten priority sites of the
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), noted
for its high biodiversity and endemism. This lowland dipterocarp
forest covers approximately 9,800 hectares, 3,000 hectares
of which is closed canopy. The forests were protected from
over exploitation for more than 50 years while under the jurisdiction
of the Americans during the US Naval Base period.
The
SWFR lies entirely within the metes and bounds of the Subic
Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ). SBMA has administrative jurisdiction
over these protected areas under the authority of Republic
Act 7227 of 1992, and in a Memorandum of Agreement signed
between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) and the SBMA.
A
wide range of habitats are present in the forest due to the
terrain, presence of streams, fringing grasslands and other
breaks in the canopy. It is possible to draw an imaginary
line through the rain forest, running water, grassland and
mangrove habitats that blend into the marine seagrass and
coral reef habitats. These represent the major habitats of
the tropics.
The
preliminary results of the forest biodiversity survey revealed
745 plant species. Three of which are endangered while four
others are potentially threatened. Hence, the urgency of preserving
the Subic Forest is highlighted.
Ecologically
and economically important tree species such as White Lauan,
Apitong, Guijo, Palosapis are most dominant in Subic forest.
A rattan palm species previously found only in Mt. Arayat
was discovered.
At
the southwest portion of the reserve is a well maintained
network of paved roads which links two piers to a complex
of 6 groups of earth-covered, concrete ammunition bunkers
formerly known as the Naval Magazine. These bunker groups
are enclosed in fences. It is linked to the rest of the Freeport
Zone by a two-lane road intersected by a narrower road leading
to the municipality of Morong, Bataan. This area has been
reserved for low-impact, eco and adventure tourism oriented
development.
The
Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium project is taking shape. The
Camayan Wharf is now home to Subic Bay Ocean Adventure, the
first and the most amazing attraction in the country exposing
some of the world's most attractive sea mammals like dolphins,
false killer whales and sea lions in their natural habitat.
The
western side of Grande and Chiquita Islands contains the highest
coral cover in the bay with up to 75% of which are living.
There are 75 species of fish present in Subic Bay. Important
reef fish species comprises 96.25%. The world's rare and endangered
Olive Ridley turtle and Hawksbill dwell in Subic Bay. Six
species of seagrasses are growing in the marine preserved
areas of Triboa and Ilanin Bays.
Ecotourism
has tremendous potential given the variety of flora and fauna
and the presence of streams, waterfalls and trail systems.
Ecotour attractions are plentiful in SUBICBAY. Here are some
you shouldn't miss:
Tourist
Activities & Attractions
APALIIN
TRAIL
Hike through the trails of Apaliin and discover the wonders
of the Subic Forest. Awe at the panoramic view from the tip
of Apaliin Point, and enjoy the sight of Subic Bay on a banca
ride back to the Central Business District.
BAT
KINGDOM
Get mesmerized at Subic's Bamboo Bats and Flying Foxes. Over
10,000 fruitbats, the biggest of its kind in the world roost
in the protected forest reserve of Subic along with the Bamboo
bats, which are the smallest in the Philippines.
BAT
HIGHWAY
Marvel at the beauty of the bats in flight as they pass through
this narrow strip at the setting of the sun.
BICENTENNIAL
PARK
Enjoy outdoors with family and friends at these scenic picnic
grounds. Native fishing gears are available for those who
would like to try their hand at fishing in the man-made lagoon.
CAMACHILE
PARK
A perfect near-the-bay stop shaded by numerous Camachile trees,
best for picnics among tour groups.
EL
KABAYO
Canter around the extensive grounds of the El Kabayo Equestrian
Center. Riding lessons and mounts are available for horseback
riding enthusiasts.
GRANDE
ISLAND
Live through the grandeur of Grande and enjoy the amenities
of a beach resort in an island setting. Enjoy a scenic ride
to the island on board a motorized banca.
HILL
394
Subic's most popular peak takes you 394 meters above sea level
and offers a spectacular view of the legendary Mount Natib
and Subic Bay, in the northwest. Visit Hill 394 and let its
beauty speak for itself.
JEST
(Jungle Environmental Survival Training) Camp and Butterfly
Garden
Familiarize yourself with jungle survival techniques from
US Navy-trained Aeta Training Officers. Visit the Mini Zoo
and discover Subic's diverse biological resources or see how
the butterflies live and flourish at the Butterfly Kingdom.
MALAWAAN
PIER
Spend the day shoreline or day fishing at the designated fishing
areas, or take a peek at SBMA's Seaport Operations.
MANGROVE
GRAVEYARD
The sight of these giant driftwoods may surprise you, or simply
leave you breathless. These dead dipterocarps are remnants
of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. Unable to stand the high sulfur
content spewed by the volcano, the mangrove graveyard bears
witness to one of the worst calamities to hit the country.
MT.
PINATUBO CRATER TREK
Sense a relaxing mood while kayaking at the crater lake of
this mountain. Discover hotsprings, cool mountain pools, lahar
fields and canyons as you take a trip or trek to see remains
of towns destroyed by the mudflows.
Pamulaklakin
Forest Trails / Pastolan Aeta Village
Take part in the Ecology Tour and trek inside the forests
of Subic with the help of a native guide. Immerse yourself
in the culture of the Aetas. Educate yourself in the various
types of medicinal plants. Camp in the heart of the forest
or simply have a unique picnic in the deep parts of the jungle.
REDONDO
BEACHES
Behold the beauty of this undeveloped beach and explore the
riches of a newfound land on the shores of the Redondo Peninsula.
SHIPWRECKS
Delve the magnificent underwater world of Subic Bay and come
face-to-face with its rare marine inhabitants. Explore relics
of history that date back to the Spanish and American eras.
(Oryoko Maru. Seian Maru, USS New York, USS Rochester, LCV
Landing Craft and LST).
SUBIC
BAY OCEAN ADVENTURE
The first and most astounding nautical sanctuary in the country
that showcases some of the world's most amazing sea mammals
like dolphins, false killer whales and sea lions in their
inherent habitat. Dive with them. Frolic with the
whales!
|
