Tero Pikala

It’s time to move on from Subic Bay. I ended staying day longer than I thought but still this place isn’t going to get too high on list of my favourite spots.

All huge tankers in the bay just prevent charm of a nice beach destination. Beach is ok but not great - there are just too many buildings in bad repair.

Diving is adequate but nowhere close to world class. And since volcanic ash in the bottom and shipping traffic makes visibility low and has killed most corals only thing to dive are wrecks. I would dive in Ko Tao instead any day.

One thing that’s lacking is services. I would really need to get a haircut but I haven’t seen any hairdressers here. Or small corner shops to get some basic tourist things. I could take jeepney to main town but it’s too much of a hassle to get some sun tan lotion.

All businesses seem to be run by foreigners. I would much rather give my money to locals instead to support some fat German guys! Is it so that Filippinos are less entreprenial than their Thai cousins who are always opening new shops even though it sometimes fails?

Other thing missing is young backpackers. Most of the other people I have met here are well over 45 and always male. There are few families and couples but I prefer place with mainly young people and vibrant nightlife without girls selling themself.

Tomorrow I’ll take a bus to Manila and then other one south to Tagaysay. Lake Taal should be quite interesting and then I’ll be closer to Puerto Galera where I should be in 4 days.

Tags: Travel //