Olongopo City..Subic Bay..Barrio Barreto are basically all one in the same. It is where the US Navy was stationed for many years and has now been converted into a business and tourist center. There is a Filipino Casino with a hotel if you want to try your hand at black jack or slots..however..we headed staight for the beach.
The Baloy Beach area is not the cleanest in the P.I. but it is very acceptable and the accomadations are warm and friendly. The restaurants are out of this world. The 'lane' as I like to refer to it is a dirt road that fronts the beach and is fairly secluded off the main entrance road. It seems that the area has become an enclave of Aussies , Germans , Italians , and Americans that have married Philippine women and have set up restaurants, bars, and bed and breakfasts. Some of the best food we have ever had in the P.I. was consumed right here. The swimming and diving are marginal but its a nice relaxing place to be. Boatmen can be hired inexpensively for fishing to sightseeing...
watersports seemed to be quite limited.
Quick Tips:
Philippine Airlines now services Subic Bay and the cost of a round trip ticket is minimal for the 20 minute flight. The drive is approx 3 hours and the roads are well maintained..by bus it is approx 4 hours and much more difficult(unless you like buses). There is a golf course there..Benectican Valley which has been rebuilt after the Mt Pinatubo eruption that is worth playing if time permits. The benefit of driving to Subic is that you can view(from quite a distance)Mt Pinatubo on a clear day and see the wasteland that it left behind. Day treks are available however I've heard some bad things about them so be careful! Subic is a great place to just VEG out.
Best Way To Get Around:
We always opt for taxis and of course that means there's always an arguement! Make sure the driver is willing to turn on the meter or you will get charged an inflated amount. There are also motor cycles with side cars that can take you on short hauls however they are not very comfortable and you will feel every chuckhole in the road..and there are lots of chuckholes. As for getting to the beach..its right outside the hotel or inn's door. All major cities in the P.I. are serviced by major bus lines so getting where you want to go is really never a problem..just don't be in a hurry!!