Aug 13 2010
The Philippines: Subic Bay
For many centuries, Subic Bay was established as a deep safe harbour. Recognizing Subic Bays possibilities, the Spaniards employed the bay as a port to protect and keep the Philippines as a part of their empire in the 17th century. During 1885, it was built into a navy base that put to use the safe harbours and natural resources.
Soon after their victory over the Spaniards in 1898, a navy maintenance and supply base in Subic Bay was set up by the USA. It was only reachable by sea before 1932 when the zigzag roadways were opened up linking Subic Bay and Olongapo to the rest of the Philippines.
The Japanese people bombed Subic Bay in the early 1940s and was used by them right up until the Us took back the Philippines in 1945. The navy base was returned to the control of the United states. The 2 invasions by the Japanese and Yanks created a quantity of bombed or scuttled naval ships in Subic Bay. Scuba divers from all around the world are now enjoying these wrecks in their under the sea graveyards.
Control and upkeep of Subic navy base continued under the United states despite the Philippines gaining their independence. The Usa was given 99 years free access of the facility via an arrangement signed between the Philippines and Us. With the outbreak of the Vietnam War, Subic Bay grew to be a strategic location in the upkeep of a strong Us presence in Asia.
During 1991, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo blanketed Olongapo and Subic Bay with almost half a metre of volcanic ash. After the Senate of the Philippines refused the renewal of the Us bases treaty in 1992, the Subic Bay Freeport was started after the last of the United states navy warships completed its pullout of forces.
Since then, Subic Bay Freeport Zone has now grown into a well-known financial, industrial and tourist hub. It is flourishing with world class dining places and duty-free shopping.
Subic Bay is nestled in Zambales Province on the west coast of Luzon a hundred and twenty kms north of Manila. Mountains with abundant jungles bound its coastal location. Mountains with lush packed jungles, suited for trekking, encompass the coastal area. The bay cuts out into the South China Sea.
Subic Bay brags of unique wreck dives. It is home to an amazing combination of wrecks. The 6 wreck locations have an average depth of 45 ft.
Subic Bay boasts its rainforest and a white sand shore. Its world-class services, which include a marina, hotels, yacht club, food shops and shopping arcades, are supported by Philippine tourism. An international airport is another attraction.
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