Travel Story

Subic Bay Philippines
For many centuries, Subic Bay was recognized as a deep safe harbour. Realizing Subic Bay?s potentials, the Spaniards used the bay as a port to defend and maintain the Philippines as a part of their empire in the 17th century. In 1885, it was built into a naval base that utilized the safe harbors and natural resources. After their victory over the Spaniards in 1898, a naval repair and supply base in Subic Bay was established by the Americans. It was only reachable by sea until 1932 when the zigzag roads were opened linking Subic Bay and Olongapo to the rest of the Philippines. The Japanese bombed Subic Bay in 1941 and was held by them until the US took back the Philippines in 1945. The naval base was returned to the control of the United States. The two invasions by the Japanese and Americans produced a number of bombed or scuttled naval ships in Subic Bay. Scuba divers from around the world are now enjoying these wrecks in their underwater graveyards. Control and maintenance of Subic naval base remained under the United States despite the Philippines gaining their independence. The United States was given 99 years free access of the facility via an agreement signed between the Philippines and US. With the outbreak of the Vietnam War, Subic Bay became a strategic site in the maintenance of a strong US presence in Asia. In 1991, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo covered Olongapo and Subic Bay with nearly half a metre of ash. After the Senate of the Philippines rejected the renewal of the US bases treaty in 1992, the Subic Bay Freeport was established after the last of the American naval ships completed its pullout of forces. Since then, Subic Bay Freeport Zone has now become a well-known economic, commercial and tourist hub. It is booming with world class restaurants and duty-free shopping. Subic Bay is situated in Zambales Province on the west coast of Luzon 120 kilometres north of Manila. Mountains with lush jungles bound its coastal area. Mountains with lush dense jungles, suitable for trekking, surround the coastal area. The bay cuts out into the South China Sea. Subic Bay brags of interesting wreck dives. It is home to a impressive combination of wrecks. The six wreck sites have an average depth of 45 ft. Subic Bay boasts of its rainforest and a white sand beach. Its world-class facilities, which include a marina, yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades and food shops, are supported by Philippine tourism. An international airport is another attraction. Nestor Santos is a field reporter for PhilippinesVacation.org, where you can enjoy great articles about the Philippines. If you want to enjoy more articles related to going on a <a href="http://www.philippinesvacation.org">Philippines Vacation</a>, visit the site.
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London Hotel Breaks ? Grange Holborn Hotel 5* (Holborn)
Contemporary design reflecting one of the world?s most fashionable cities ? the Grange Holborn Hotel contrasts some of London?s more traditional accommodations. The modern architecture and d r mirror a city eager to keep its standards, striving to remain the benchmark. Your stay at the Grange Holborn Hotel will be one of luxury. Service is exquisite and obliges your every need. Situated where West End greets the city, the hotel is ideally placed for shopping adventures in Oxford Street, or maybe you prefer the surreal experiences of Covent Garden. The Holborn tube station is barely 400 metres walk and offers easy access to the city?s financial district. Bed and full breakfast (based on two people sharing) will cost you ?89 (per person per night) during spring, and ?92.50 throughout summer and winter. For those travelling alone a supplement of a similar amount will incur. A mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement valid for summer and winter will cost a further ?32.50. Royal Garden Hotel 5* (Kensington) The 5 AA red star Royal Garden Hotel parades elegance and panache to very high standards. The Royal Garden sets the yardstick others strive for, and invariably fail. Boasting a total of 396 sizeable rooms, many have magnificent views over the majestic Kensington Palace and its beautiful gardens. The hotel features two marvellous restaurants and serves three stylish bars. For the more health conscious a health club is on site and also a spa. Based in up-to-the-minute Kensington, the hotel resides just 4 minutes walk from High Street Kensington tube station, presenting easy access to most of the city and London?s vast library of attractions. Bed and full breakfast (based on two people sharing) will cost you ?102 (per person per night) during spring. Through summer and winter the price drops slightly to ?87.50. The single person?s supplement is ?93 in spring, falling to ?87.50 in the course of summer and winter. A mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement of ?7 is valid during spring. This rises to ?32.50 throughout summer and winter. A deluxe room upgrade is available from an extra ?40 per room per night. Please note all prices are correct at time of press (December 2005). For reservations call Superbreak on 0870 701 2200. Lines are open 8am ? 11pm 7 days a week (excluding Christmas Day). Steven Cronin owns the Sargas Travel online magazine featuring travel reviews, news, inspiration, advice and special offers. For further reading please visit <a href="http://www.sargas.co.uk" title="http://www.sargas.co.uk" target="_blank">http://www.sargas.co.uk</a>
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