By Tan Yi Hui

Subic Bay, Philippines

Once the biggest United States military base in Asia, Subic Bay in Zambales province on the west coast of Luzon island is now an economic zone cradled by rich greenery and coastal wonders.

Apart from its reputation as a top wreck-diving site, there are various attractions inland that families can visit.

The city has no lack of shopping arcades, restaurants, hotels and even a world-class marina. Head to the bayside for water adventures such as snorkelling, banana boat rides and parasailing.

Spoil your kids silly in the West Ilanin Forest Area where there are several attractions tailor-made for the young.

At Jungle Joe's World, an adventure theme park, dozens of US military bunkers have been converted into kiddie-rides and playgrounds, complete with paintball courses and adventure trails.

Older children can visit Extreme Adventure Park and play Indiana Jones by walking across wooden bridges suspended 10m above the densely forested jungle, aided by cables and harnesses.

There is also the Ocean Adventure park, South-east Asia's only open-water marine park, boasting a myriad of sea critter shows and dolphin rides.

If you cannot get enough of creature thrills, check out Zoobic Safari nearby. The 25ha attraction features a wide range of animals, wild Africa style. Most notable is its Tiger Safari where visitors can watch the fearsome cats from a safari jeep.

Cap off your brush with animals with a trip to the El Kabayo Equestrian Centre for a ride on horseback into the jungle to Kabayo Falls and back.

Getting there: Take a three-hour flight to Manila, Clark International Airport on Tiger Airways (S$325). From Clark, it is a 45-minute ride by taxi or car to Subic Bay. Taxi rates may vary but car rental starts from S$80.

Stay at: Subic International Hotel (from S$79), Bayfront Hotel (from S$87) and Legenda Hotel (from S$157)

Cost: About S$1,800 for a family of four, for four days and three nights.

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This article is first published in The Straits Times on August 19, 2008.