Alwasan Lanum Cave
Sta. Cruz, Zambales
Alwasan Lanum is Zambal which means "water outflow" suggesting a concave fissure on the side of a mountain endowed with rich natural formations, the most unique of which is the sound of cascading waters coming out with cool breeze from the dark recesses of the cavern. The cave features a miniature waterfall gushing from a narrow 2-feet opening some 15 feet above the water level below. Water plunges down to a pool about 12-ft deep with a floor area of some 20 square meters. The stream flowing down the mouth of the cave teems with shrimps, biya, "tabios", eel and assorted array of small fish.
Anawangin Cove
San Antonio, Zambales
An undeveloped paradise tucked into the Zambales mountains, some five kms away from Capones Island in San Antonio, Anawangin beach is a popular camping site among outdoor and mountaineering groups. The unusual presence of pine trees on the beach instead of the expected palm trees makes the place a photographer’s choice. Its cascading yet refreshing crystal clear stream outlined by tall pine trees provides a respite to the intrepid traveler. Its near white sand courtesy of Mt. Pinatubo is a setting for a wonderful playground for beach lovers.
Apaan Cave
Sta. Cruz, Zambales
Of the many caverns in Central Luzon, only the bats of the Apaan Cave can rival the millions of bats that dwell in the Bahay-Paniki Cave. Thick guano deposits cover almost all the floor area of the cave. Entering the cave is difficult though due to a narrow opening at the entrance - at 2 feet only. Trekking east from the national highway after Uacon Bridge to the foot of the Zambales mountain range takes about two hours. The cave can be reached by passing through thick Anos bamboo species and molave-type forests at Sitio Matalahib, Brgy. Lucapon, south of Sta. Cruz. It is about 4 kms from the national highway.
Baloc-Baloc Cave
Sta. Cruz, Zambales
After a brief but arduous trek thru rocky path, one is rewarded with a magnificent spectacle: a waterfall right inside the cave. From a height of about 10 meters, natural cool spring water oozes out of the cavernous ceiling and on to the caves grotesque rocky walls. Down under, a nature-formed swimming pond awaits the exhausted trekker.
Balon Falls
Subic, Zambales
These falls have clean, clear water and is surrounded by gigantic boulders. Situated in an area of lush greeneries, the falls provide a cool, tranquil retreat for nature lovers.
Bucao River
Botolan, Zambales
Now covered with lahar and volcanic materials, this serves as the trekking area towards the foot of Mt. Pinatubo when it is dry.
Calanga Reef
Iba, Zambales
It is a peanutshell-shaped shoal approximately less than one (1) nautical mile off Brgy. San Agustin and has an area covering 40 hectares. The first station is located at the core area of a shoal. The reef flat has a depth of 30 ft. gradually descending to 50 ft. of sandy substratum. The reef flat is barren and composed of massive types of dead corals with algae covering, fungiids (fungia and herpolita sp). New growth of branching corals (Acropora sp) was also recorded. The estimated average live coral cover of this station is 48.99 percent.
Capones Island
San Antonio, Zambales
An island with a figure of a man’s face on its side, white sand and green clear waters compose one of the hidden treasures of Zambales. It is also known for an old lighthouse built around the year 1890 during the Spanish era. It is located exactly as part of Barangay Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales. From the shore of Pundaquit, it’s a 15 minute boat ride before reaching the island’s beachfront. It rises high over the cliffs like a cinematic picture right from the movies and lures people to marvel both at the structure and the enchanting panorama of the sea and the sky. There are neither resorts nor inhabitants on the island, so tourists can enjoy it for themselves. Boats can be arranged to take you to the island from the mainland resorts of Pundakit. Tourists are permitted to stay overnight provided that you bring all your gear and a boat ride has been pre-arranged to fetch you back. Source: www.zambalesnow.com
Coto Mines Mountain Resort
Masinloc, Zambales
Coto Mines Mountain Resort is nestled within a mountainous terrain of primary and secondary groth forest of relatively unspoiled and pristine quality. The mountain forest has diverse varieties of hardwood trees and wild flowering plants, a natural habitat for birds and butterflies, and fertile hunting ground for wild boars, deers and eels. The resort is accessible from the town's national highway through a 40-minute drive along a 27-km winding road. Facilities include 16 guestrooms, family cottages, conference room for 20 - 50 persons, bowling, basketball, volleyball courts, medical clinic, canteen, videoke bar,, wet market, convenience store and kids' pool.
Grande Island
Subic Bay Freeport, Zambales
The former R & R center for most of the American Navy personnel stationed in Subic, now an island paradise of international standards under management by Grande Island Resort. Enjoy the fine beaches of the island amidst aquatic resources. Take a trek along the wilderness trail system.
Related Info: Grande Island holds historical significance as a defense fort that protected the Philippines for four centuries. It was first occupied by the Spanish Empire and in 1885, was fortified as an island fortress together with its port city, Olongapo. Grande Island then became the key to the overall defense of Manila. The Spanish ascertained that if Subic Bay was controlled by an enemy, it could easily be made into a support base which could expedite the attack and captivity of Manila.
The Spanish were correct in judging that Subic Bay was the key to protecting Manila. In 1898, the U.S. Navy led by Admiral Dewey, attacked Manila Bay before the Spanish could complete their fortification of Grande Island. The American gunboats Raleigh and Concord, together with Filipino insurgence troops, captured Grande and Subic. With the signing of a peace treaty between Spain and the U.S., Subic Bay was then left largely undisturbed.
1n 1905, the U.S. Army purchased Grande Island and began arming it. It was given the name Fort Wint in honor of Brigadier General Theodore J. Wint, U.S. Army. Guns were mounted in the batteries. The batteries were assigned the following names: Warwick (10-inch guns), Woodruff and Hall (6-inch guns), and Jewell & Flake (3-inch guns). To this day, the remains of these batteries and some of their cannons can be seen on Grande Island.
On December 12, 1941, Japanese planes began to bomb Fort Wint and fired upon it with machine guns. No personal injuries were suffered by any Fort Wint personnel. It was later ordered abandoned on Christmas Eve. All of the fixed Coastal Defense systems were rendered useless and left in place.
The Japanese then garrisoned Fort Wint with anti-aircraft guns and automatic weapons. No efforts were made to repair the American guns or to build a new permanent fortification.
When Manila fell during World War II, the Japanese abandoned Subic Bay to protect Manila. In December 1944, the U.S. captured Subic Bay without firing a single shot. The Americans then developed it into a supply base.
During the post World War II period, Grande Island was abandoned and then rediscovered. Many sailors and marines used the island as a rest and recreational center during the Vietnam War.
In April 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War, Grande Island was made into a haven for 43,000 Vietnamese and Cambodian men, women and children refugees. Grande Island served as a temporary housing area until the refugees could be transferred to a more permanent location. This was called “Operation New Life”. One year later, the Grande Island Recreation Center was opened to military personnel and their dependents and was established as a Family Recreational Center. (Source: www.grandeislandresort.com)
Hermana Mayor Island
Sta. Cruz, Zambales
An ideal place for diving, swimming, and recreation, it is the venue where the candidates of the 1979 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant posed for photograph. It has standard facilities for beach combing and water sports activities.
Masinloc Ecotourism Wonders
San Salvador Island, Masinloc, Zambales
Description: Come and join the Masinloc Ecotour Program in San Salvador Island (named as the Best in Local Governance in 1997 under the Galing Pook Award). Participate in the Marine Ecology Learning Program that includes: trip to the Mangrove Island, marine protected areas and Giant Taklobo Farm. Explore the natural beauty of underwater scenery thru scuba diving and snorkeling. Enjoy the sumptuous food (seafood, vegetable and fruits, and seaweeds) that will surely delight the visitors. Have fun while learning the environmental development program. OTHER ATTRACTIONS: 1) Masinloc Boardwalk Project. The project serves as a marine park, playground and a favorite site for various arts and cultural programs and activities; 2) Marine Sanctuaries. Two (2) other marine sanctuaries were established in sitios Panglit and San Lorenzo, managed by the Marine Protected Area managers or Bantay Dagat volunteers; 3) San Salvador Island. The long stretch and white sand beach around the pristine island captivates hundreds of tourists every year. Snorkeling on the Giant Clam Farm (Tridacna Gigas) in San Salvador provides enjoyment to nature lovers with awesome underwater scenery; 4) Caving
The unexplored caves of Sitio Bunga in Brgy Sta. Rita will surely amaze nature lovers with their astounding stalactites and stalagmite formation; 5) Waterfalls. The descending cool fresh water at KM 18 with its 15-ft waterfall provides relaxing moments for visitors and picnic - goers; 6) Mangrove. A 5-ha Mangrove-formed island (Yaha) in San Lorenzo is one of two sites in the Philippines where rare breed of mangrove abounds; 7) Coto Kidz Poo. The site offers a naturally designed swimming pool at the foot of a forest reserve where one is bound to walk thru a breathtaking hanging bridges at Coto Mines; 8) Pawikan and other Marine Species. Endangered sea turtles abound in Sitio Longos, Brgy. Bani where these sea creatures freely lay their eggs. Other marine species abundant in the area include: yellow fin (tuna), skip jack (round scad), squid, octopus, lapu-lapu, Spanish mackerel, seaweeds, among other species; 9) Fresh Mango (Carabao variety). Masinloc's One Town One Product (OTOP). Known as the sweetest fruit in the country as declared by the Guiness Book of Records; 10) San Andres Parish Church. A 400-year structure is the oldest Augustinian Catholic church built in Zambales in 1607. In 2001, the church, made of coral stones, was declared as a national cultural treasure by the National Museum; 11) Bacala Guesthouse. This structure sits astride a sand bar in the middle of the bay; 12) Binabayani Festival. Celebrated on November 30 every year, the event is a street dance/play depicting the clash between the Spaniards and the native of Masinloc - in honor of San Andres, the patron saint of the town. For further details, contact: Masinloc Tourism & Investment Promotion Office, South Poblacion, Masinloc, Zambales, Contact Marcos Aranas - Municipal Tourism Officer, Phone (63 47) 821-1835 / 1834 / 1150, Mobile 0919-827-5094 / 0915-263-0907 / 0949-405-8148 Email [email protected] Website www.zambalesnow.com
Masinloc Oyon Bay
Masinloc, Zambales
The combination of the sunset and cool breeze from the sea provides an excellent environment for nature lovers of all ages. You never get tired going there early in the morning to inhale the fresh sea breeze and in the afternoon to view the envigorating sight of the sunset. The Taclobo (Clam) Farm & Coral Reef Transplantation Project contributes to the improvement of the condition of Philippine coral reefs thru coral transplantation and resseding of giant clams. The continued production of giant clams has resulted in numerous cohorts at the grow-out phase, now ready for restocking. Masinloc Oyon Bay, with its crystal clear water, white sand and biological life forms, is perfect for snorkeling and diving, particularly Bacala diving site.
Mt. Mabanban
San Antonio, Zambales
Ideal for camping and mountaineering, this place offers a magnificent view of Subic Bay.
Mt. Pinatubo
Botolan, Zambales
Mt. Pinatubo is an active volcano located on the island of Luzon at the intersection of the borders of the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. The volcano’s eruption in June 1991 came after 500 years of dormancy, and produced one of the largest and most violent eruptions of the 20th century. Before 1991, the mountain was inconspicuous and heavily eroded. It was covered in dense forest which supported a population of several thousand indigenous people called Aetas, who fled to the mountains from the lowlands when the Spain conquered the Philippines in 1565.
Pinatubo is a stratovolcano on the island of Luzon. Its eruptive history is divided into two distinct parts. The first part of this history involves an ancestral volcano to Pinatubo. This period includes all eruptions to about 35 thousand years ago. Ancestral Pinatubo was a stratovolcano made of andesite and dacite. There is no evidence of large explosive eruptions from this volcano. Ancestral Pinatubo was centered where the modern Pinatubo currently stands. It may have risen as high as 7,550 ft (2300 m) above sea level at one time. Remains of a 2.2 by 2.8 mile (3.5 by 4.5 km) wide caldera from the old Pinatubo are still standing in the area today. Several of the surrounding volcanoes were actually vents of the ancestral Pinatubo. These include the Mt. Negron dome, the Mt. Cuardrado dome, the Mataba dome and Bituin plug, and the Tapungho plug. The modern Pinatubo is a dome complex and stratovolcano made of dacite and andesite. This complex is surrounded by pyroclastic flow and lahar deposits from large explosive eruptions. These explosive eruptions have been clustered into 6-12 eruptive periods. The explosive eruption of June 15, 1991 is one of the smallest of these eruptive periods. The 460 (+/- 30) year period of dormancy that preceded this eruption was actually relatively short compared to other such periods in the history of the volcano. Pinatubo rose about 5725 ft ( 1745 m) above sea level before the June 1991 eruption. This means almost 500 ft (150 m) of the volcano was blasted away by this eruption. This seems to be the history of the volcano. After a relatively short explosive eruption, it will undergo a period of slow growth through extrusions. Then the volcano becomes dormant for a longer period, and much of the material deposited during the last eruption is eroded. Finally, another explosive eruption will occur and destroy whats left of the growth from the last eruptive period. This process seems to have repeated itself over time, creating a somewhat stable size for the volcano. The largest eruption in the history of the modern Pinatubo occurred over 35,000 years ago. This eruption distributed over 325 ft (100 m) of pyroclastic flow material on all sides of the volcano. It also marked the birth of the modern volcano. The magnitudes of eruptions since that event are decreasing with time. Pinatubo typically erupts large quantities of relatively cool ash and dacite magma. It follows that a large, shallow magma chamber exists beneath the volcano. When gas and crystal rich magma evolves in this chamber, explosive eruptions occur. There is great evidence of mafic magma mixing with the dacitic magma in these chambers causing these eruptions. Pinatubo has been relatively quiet since the 1991-1992 eruption, but it is still active. It remains to be determined whether or not more explosions at the volcano are likely during the current eruptive period. Sources of information: Newhall, Christopher G. and Punongbayan, Raymundo S., Fire and Mud: Eruptions and Lahars of Mount Pinatubo, Philippines, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Quezon City and University of Washington Press, Seattle and London, 1126 pages, 1996. For further information, visit http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/southeast_asia/philippines/pinatubo.html (or search "pinatubo fire and mud")
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Mt Pinatubo Volcano - John Seach
Luzon, Philippines Source: www.volcanolive.com
15.13 N, 120.35 E summit elevation 1486 m stratovolcano
The Mt Pinatubo eruption of 1991 was the second largest eruption of the 20th century. Mount Pinatubo Volcano had been dormant for 400 years.
Before 1991 Pinatubo was an inconspicuous volcano which was known to be active in the past 1000 years and was the site of a failed geothermal development. The area was the home of the Aetas people, who considered the mountain the home of Apo Namalyari, the Great Protector and Provider.
Before 1991 Pinatubo had a height of 1745 m, and was only 200 m higher than nearby mountains which obscured it from view. The surrounding mountains are remains of an older Mt Pinatubo.
Geology of Mt Pinatubo
Pinatubo is flanked on the west by the Zambales Ophiolite Complex, which is an easterly-dipping section of Eocene ocean crust which was uplifted during the late Oligocene. The Tarlac Formation consists of marine, nonmarine and volcaniclastic sediments in the north, east and southeast of Pinatubo which was formed in the late Miocene and Pliocene. Ancestral Pinatubo was an andesite and dacite stratovolcano whose centre was in the same location of the current volcano. The old volcano is exposed in the walls of an old 3.5 x 4.5 km wide caldera. Ancestral satellite vents include the domes of Mount Negron, Mount Cuadrado, Mataba, Bituin plug, and Tapungho plug.
Eruptions of Mount Pinatubo
The largest eruption at Mt Pinatubo volcano occurred 35,000 years ago, and produced pyroclastic flow deposits up to 100 m thick on all sides of the volcano. The Sacobia eruption period 17,000 years ago produced two debris flow deposits which are visible on the north bank of the Sacobia River. Pasbul eruptive period occurred 9,000 years ago and is visible as pyroclastic flow and tephra deposits exposed along the road between Sitio Pasbul, Camias, Porac, and Gumain River. Crow Valley eruptions 6,000-5,000 years ago produced pyroclastic flow deposits on both sides of upper Crow valley. Maraunot eruptions occurred from about 3,900 to 2,300 years ago. The previous eruptions before 1991 (Baug Eruptions) occurred in 1450 ± 50 years ans produced pyroclastic flow deposits in all valleys of Pinatubo except Gumain and Porac rivers.
2009 Mudflows
Heavy monsoon rains caused by typhoon Kiko triggered mudflows which 12 people and flooded the town of Botolan in August 2009. There were some volcanic materials mixed with water, but the flows were not a lahar.
During 2001 the crater lake on Mount Pinatubo reached dangerous levels, and the crater lake changed colour in January 2004.
Sequence of events leading up to 1991 eruption
16th July 1990
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit 100 km northeast of Mt Pinatubo on 16th July 1990.
3rd August 1990
Loud rumbling heard, a landslide near the summit, and steaming ground. First volcanic activity in 400 years.
August 1990
Five earthquakes near Pinatubo.
15th March 1991
Rumbling and earth tremors.
2nd April 1991
Steam and ash exploded from a 1.5 km long fissure high on the northern slopes of Pinatubo. Smell of sulphur and ash fell 10 km away.
3rd April 1991
200 small earthquakes registered at the volcano.
23rd April 1991
US Geological Survey arrived with monitoring equipment.
26th April 1991
Monitoring station set up at Clark Air Base 25 km to the east of the volcano.
13th May 1991
30-180 earthquakes per day were being recorded. Volcano releasing sulphur dioxide indicating molten magma was rising beneath the volcano. Alert level 2 issued.
23rd May 1991
First hazard map completed.
28th May 1991
A tenfold increase in sulphur dioxide emissions in previous 2 weeks.
1st June 1991
Earthquakes became centered 5 km below the volcano.
5th June 1991
Sulphur dioxide emissions almost stopped as the vents became blocked. Earthquakes continued and the mountain started to bulge as magma moved towards the surface.
7th June 1991
1500 earthquakes under Pinatubo. An ash eruption sent a cloud to 8 km high. Alert level 4 issued stating an eruption could happen within 24 hours. Danger zone extended to a 20 km radius.
Lava reached the surface and formed a small dome 1 km northwest of the main crater.
9th June 1991
Sulphur dioxide began escaping again from the volcano. The first nuee ardentes rolled down the volcano. A large eruption of ash. People evacuated from a 20 km radius.
10th June 1991
Evacuations begun at Clark Air Base. (14,400 people)
12th June 1991
Ash eruptions to 20 km above the volcano on Philippine Independence Day.
13th June 1991
Ash eruption to 25 km high followed by 28 hours without an explosion. Earthquakes continued.
14th June 1991
Violent explosion at 1:09 pm. Eruption column to 21 km in 15 minutes. Nuee ardentes devastated the main valleys radiating from Mt Pinatubo.
15th June 1991. The Main Eruption
Typhoon Yunya passes 100 km northeast of Pinatubo. Mudflows raged down the mountain at 30 km/hr. At 3:39 pm the main eruption began. In 9 hours 90 percent of the total material for the eruption was expelled from the volcano. Cauliflower columns of ash, gas and steam rose 34 km high and traveled 400 km. At 4:30 pm the summit of Pinatubo began to sink. The evacuation area was increased to 40 km radius. The eruption stopped at 10:340 pm.
Effects of the Eruption
740 people killed. A huge caldera was formed 2.5 km across. 260 m was lost off the summit of the volcano. The ash entered the stratosphere and covered the whole earth within 12 months. Global temperatures were reduced by 0.5 degree C the year after the eruption. Forests buried under 50-200 m deep ash and pumice. During the last five months of 1991 200 mudflows raced down the valleys of Pinatubo. Damage amounted to $450 million dollars. 8,000 houses were destroyed and 75,000 houses damaged. 2 million people were affected by the eruption. The biggest volcanic disaster of the 20th century was avoided due to good planning and monitoring.
Mt Pinatubo Volcano Eruptions
1992, 1991, 1450 ± 50 years, 1050 BC ± 500, 3550 BC?, 7030 BC ± 300, 7460 BC ± 150, 15,000 BC, 33,000 BC.
Mt. Tapulao
Palauig, Zambales
Mt. Tapulao, standing at a height of 6,683 feet (2,037m) above sea level with temperature cooler than Baguio at 12 - 16 Celsius (53.6 - 60.8 Farenheit), is veritably a garden of nature abundant with century-old pines, locally known as Tapulao, hence, the name of the mountain. It plays host to species of orchids, ferns, mossy forest and a secret garden of Bonsai trees, wild strawberry farm, home to monkeys, wild deers, birds, wild boars, upland horses, cattles, wild cats and lizards. Truly, a perfect paradise for nature lovers. It is located at the rolling terrain of Mt. Salaza, Palauig, Zambales. Ideal for biking, driving, trekking, camping and kayaking at the Wild Water River. HOW TO GET THERE: Take a bus (Victory Liner) bound for Sta. Cruz. At the Banlog Triangle Palauig Arc, leave the road at a clearly marked crossing that leads inland to Dampay Resettlement Area (about 8 kms). From there, it is an 18 km or 7-8 hours of trekking up to Mt. Tapulao. The journey may be shortened to about 4 hours on board 4x4 vehicle. For further details, contact Palauig Tourism Office (Danny Timbol), Mobile: 0917-952-1533
Pinatubo Lake
Botolan, Zambales
The existence of this large body of water was caused by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. Buried in this lake were some 600 houses and establishments. The place is now considered a potential tourist destination.
Potipot Island
Candelaria, Zambales
About 60 kms. off the coast, the town of Candelaria in Brgy Uacon is the jump off point to Potipot Island, an idyllic South Sea setting with fringes of white-sand beaches and a beautiful snorkeling reef
Sagrada Familia Caves
Sta. Cruz, Zambales
Found along the cliffside of the Zambales mountain ranges, the Sagrada Familia caves are typical of others except that a mysterious image of the Holy Family was caused by a continuous dripping from the apex of the cavern. Evidences of coral fragments along the cliffside point to the fact that the area was millions of years ago part of an ocean bed.
San Salvador Island and Marine Sanctuary
Masinloc, Zambales
San Salvador Island, located in the western side of Masinloc, Zambales, is about 2.5 kilometers away from the mainland, or a 30-minute pump boat ride from the coast. The reefs in the northeastern part of the island are fringing, characterized by a vast reef flat with sudden drop-offs in the crest. Spur and groove formation is common along the reef crest, particularly in the area facing the South China Sea. Divers would certainly love feasting their eyes on seeing the largest Manta Rays in the country, each measuring about 10 feet in diameter. The island is rich in fruit- bearing trees like mangoes. Clear water, smooth beaches coupled with powdery white sand and cool sea breeze. The island is host to the only fish sanctuary in Luzon whose reef is made up of used tires to substantially increase fish production. The Giant Clam Farm (Tridacna Gigas) provides enjoyment to nature enthusiasts with perfect underwater sceneries.
Silanguin Bay
San Antonio, Zambales
Endowed with abundant marine resources, this place is ideal for scuba diving, and is one of the five coves to be developed into a fish sanctuary. Naturally an ideal place to visit for scuba diving adventures.
Sta. Barbara Falls
Iba, Zambales
Sta. Barbara falls, a newly discovered wonder of nature, is located in Brgy. Sta. Barbara, Iba, Zambales. From the barangay hall, it is a 30-minute car ride and 30-minute trek by the river to reach the twin falls. It has now become one of the tourist attractions of Iba. For information, contact office of the barangay chairman, Mobile: 0918-512-3512
Sto. Nino Cave
Candelaria, Zambales
Sto. Nino Cave is a fissure on the earth's crust in one of the hills of Barangay Babangcal, northeast of of the town of Candelaria in Zambales. It is accessible by any type of transportation and can be reached from the town proper in about 20 minutes. The cave measures about 50 by 75 meters and at the central wall sits an altar with the images of the Holy Family. The weired cross in the background is a makeshift human femur bones. The place is actually a shrine built in honor of an unsung hero, who during the last world war provided a company of Japanese soldiers with a meal of wild, boiled but poisonous cassava roots that "wiped them out without a single shot being fired." Another unique charm of the cave is the presence of a petrified giant clam (taklobo), measuring almost two feet in diameter, imbedded in the rocky stratum of the cave's ceiling.
Subic Bay
Subic Bay, Zambales
Subic Bay has the country's only remaining three-layered virgin canopy rainforest teeming with wildlife and foliage. The bay offers ocean-going vessels a natural, deep-water port facilities and sheltered harbor. It contains a wealth of historical wrecks many of which lie in quite shallow waters below 130 feet. Of the dozen known vessels that were sunk during the last world war, seven are now dive sites. Of the seven vessels, three are from the American Navy, one is from the Japanese, one is from the Spanish, and the rest are barges and landing crafts. The significant vessels fom the American Naval Forces are the El Capitana, the Catalina Patrol Aircraft, and the USS new York, the flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron. The Japanese Oryoku Maru, christened as "Hell Ship," was even a luxury liner. It was actually carrying more than a thousand Americans and Allied Prisoners when the Americans made the deadly mistake of attacking it, thus sending their own people and allies to a watery grave. The USS New York, which was scuttled by the US Navy in 1941 at the approach of the Japanese, is now the home of multitudes of marine life species. To swim past the barrels of those massive cannons while schools of talakitok dart overhead in this eerie environment is never to be forgotten. La Gallega, a scaled-down faithful reconstruction of an authentic Spanish galleon used to be commissioned for one's cruising trip along the bay. It is host to the sprawling Subic Bay Freeport Zone - now an industrial and tourism estate. Needless to say, opportunities for excellent underwater photography including scuba diving and snorkeling are endless. (Credit: Blue Rock Resort)
Tumutugol Cave
Masinloc, Zambales
The cave features a large dome glistening with stalactites and supported by a broad white column. The floor of the cave is lain in a 45-degree diagonal position which is about 150 meters down to a deadend. It is characterized by both big and small boulders and a thick mixture of guano and alluvial soil in the lower portion. Water dripping (every two seconds) from the tips of three newly formed 2-inch long baby stalactites are noted on the low-lying ceiling in the lower portion of the cave. Bats are the only form of animals found.
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