Olongapo Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to stay, food and drinks to try, local culture and customs, safety and health, and so much more in Olongapo with our ultimate travel guide.


Introduction to Olongapo

Situated in the province of Zambales in Central Luzon, Philippines, Olongapo City is a scenic destination that has undergone a significant transformation from its former reputation as a rowdy American military base town. Today, Olongapo boasts a dynamic combination of natural attractions, rich culture and history, and a bustling city life. Here, you can take a stroll down memory lane with a tour of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), a former United States naval base turned Freeport Zone that houses theme parks, beaches, and shopping centers. You can also explore the city’s plethora of cultural and natural attractions, indulge in the local cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.

List of Places to Visit in Olongapo

Olongapo City offers plenty of attractions that will take your breath away. The following are some of the must-visit places while you’re in the city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Subic Bay Naval Base Historical Museum - A living testament to the city’s rich military history, the museum houses artifacts and memorabilia from the US Navy Base spanning the 1900s to the 1980s.
  • Marikit Park - Known as the “Heart of Olongapo,” this park is home to a statue of local hero, Jose Abad Santos, and is a popular spot for picnics and events.
  • Gordon Memorial Park - The park houses the Olongapo City Museum, which showcases the city’s culture and heritage, and a bronze statue of James L. Gordon, a former mayor of Olongapo.

Natural Attractions of Olongapo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Subic Bay Freeport Zone - Known for its white sand beaches and water sports activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
  • Dungaree Beach - A recreational spot for campers and hikers where you can also enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Pamulaklakin Forest Trail - This 3.2 km eco-trail leads you through the lush green forest of SBMA where you can go nature walking, bird watching, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Olongapo

Olongapo offers a wide range of outdoor activities for adventure seekers. Below are some of the popular hiking and biking routes you can try.

  • Mount Balingkilat - The highest peak in Zambales offers a challenging climb for experienced hikers.
  • Mount Pinatubo - An active volcano and one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country, offers a challenging trek that rewards you with breathtaking views of its crater.
  • Subic Trails - A mountain bike trail network that offers varying degrees of difficulty for mountain bikers.

Best Things to Do in Olongapo: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and biking adventures, Olongapo also offers a myriad of activities for all types of travelers. These include:

  • Ocean Adventure - A marine park that provides fun learning experiences, hands-on animal encounters, and shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and other sea creatures.
  • Zoobic Safari - A 50-hectare wildlife park boasting tigers, crocodiles, and other exotic animals, which visitors can observe from a zoo train.
  • Inflatable Island - The biggest floating playground in Asia consisting of giant slides, towers, and swings set up atop an inflatable island in Subic Bay.

Week-Long Itinerary for Olongapo

To fully enjoy and experience all that Olongapo has to offer, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Tour around SBMA and visit the museums
2 Go on an adventure in Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
3 Enjoy the beach and water sports activities at Subic Bay Freeport Zone
4 Discover the local wildlife at Zoobic Safari
5 Experience the marine life shows at Ocean Adventure
6 Challenge yourself to a hike up Mount Pinatubo
7 Shop, dine, and relax in Olongapo City Center

Food and Drink Scene of Olongapo

A trip to Olongapo is incomplete without indulging in the city’s local cuisine and refreshing beverages. Here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Binukadkad na Pla Pla - A deep-fried fish that is flattened with bamboo sticks then served with a special sauce.
  • Bulalo - A traditional Filipino beef soup with bone marrow slow-cooked until tender.
  • Adobong Kangkong - A vegetable dish made of water spinach cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.

Local Beverages

  • Sampaloc Juice - A refreshing drink made with tamarind fruit juice and sugar.
  • Tuba - Sweetened fermented coconut tree sap.

Where to Stay in Olongapo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Olongapo offers plenty of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some choices to consider:

  • Subic Bay Yacht Club - A luxury hotel overlooking the Subic Bay waterfront.
  • Wild Orchid Beach Resort - A four-star beachfront resort near Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
  • Inn Rocio - A budget-friendly inn located in Olongapo City Center.

What to Buy in Olongapo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take a piece of Olongapo home with you and buy some of the city’s local products and souvenirs, such as:

  • Mangoes - Olongapo is known for its juicy and delicious mangoes which are available all year round.
  • Woven Items - Handmade products like bags, hats, and mats made from locally sourced materials.
  • Subic Bay Memorabilia - Keep a piece of Subic’s history with you by purchasing military-inspired souvenirs like dog tags, challenge coins, and patches.

Local Culture and Customs of Olongapo

Olongapo is a diverse and multicultural city. Language, food, and customs vary from one neighborhood to another. However, visitors should remember and follow some of the city’s cultural norms, such as:

  • Respect for Elders - Filipinos have a deep appreciation for elders. It is customary to show respect by utilizing the “po” and “opo” terms when talking to them.
  • Modest Clothing - Although the Philippines is a tropical country, wearing revealing clothing is not appropriate for all occasions and cultural customs may require women to cover their shoulders or knees in some places.

Best Time to Visit Olongapo

The best time to visit Olongapo is from November to May, which is the dry season. The city experiences typhoons and heavy rainfall during the months of June to October, making it difficult to engage in outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Olongapo

Do:

  • Respect the locals’ customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and energizing beverages.
  • Take your time to explore the city’s history and cultural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places, as the city takes cleanliness seriously.
  • Disrespect the city’s conservative norms and beliefs.
  • Engage in illegal drug use or any unlawful actions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Olongapo

Olongapo City is generally safe for travelers. However, like any other destination, it is essential to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding unfamiliar areas at night and not carrying too much cash around with you.

Health in Olongapo

Visitors traveling to Olongapo should ensure that their routine vaccinations, including tetanus and measles, are up to date. It is also advisable to carry insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever.

Getting to Olongapo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Olongapo

  • Clark International Airport - Located approximately 45 minutes away from Olongapo by car. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and other airlines have frequent flights to and from this airport.

Bus Stations Near Olongapo

  • Victory Liner Bus Terminal - Located in Subic Town, this bus terminal provides trips from Manila and other nearby cities.

Other Options

  • Private Car Rentals - Several rental car agencies offer services to and from Olongapo City.
  • Jeepney and Tricycle Rides - The most common mode of transportation in Olongapo is by jeepney or tricycle, which allows for an easy and efficient mode of transportation around the city.

How to Get Around in Olongapo

To get around the city, you can use public transportation like jeepneys or tricycles. Car rentals, taxis, and motorbikes, are also available for hire. While walking is an option, it may not be recommended for longer distances due to the tropical heat.

Where to Go Next from Olongapo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations that are worth visiting from Olongapo include:

  • Angeles City - A historical city famed for its nightlife and entertainment.
  • Baguio City - Your gateway to the Cordillera mountains and the famous strawberry farm beside Burnham Park.
  • Bataan Province - Explore the historical sites of World War II in the Philippines, such as Dambana ng Kagitingan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, and Mount Samat.

Conclusion

Olongapo City is a vibrant destination that offers a dynamic combination of natural attractions, rich culture and history, and a bustling city life. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, learning experiences, or just relaxation, Olongapo City has something to offer. Follow this ultimate guide to Olongapo, Philippines, and make the most of your trip.