TRAVEL

Situated a 2.5 hour drive north-west of Manila are the newly discovered corals and wreck sites of duty-free Subic Bay. Originally a naval base established by The Spaniards in 1885, it became the largest US naval facility in the Far East. In 1991, the bay was transformed into a freeport economic and tourism zone.

Renowned in particular for its wreck diving, the bay is steeped in naval history. As there are virtually no currents, it is a great all-year round dive area. There is a well maintained recompression chamber on the former base that is worth a visit - hopefully just from a tourist point of view. As it is a duty-free port, good deals on equipment can be found so remember your passport. There is vibrant night life here.

A number of notable wrecks in Subic Bay are the USS New York, San Quentin, El Capitan and some smaller vessels including LST (Landing Ship, Tank), a US landing craft scuttled in 1946 and a couple of patrol vessels.