Our Impromptu Wild Orchid Beach Resort Subic Getaway

It has been a rough couple of months, and since my husband and I only get to see each other twice a month, we decided on a whim to take the kids for a quick getaway to Subic.

The travel time was only around 2–3 hours, so it wasn’t a big deal for my husband, though he had already driven all the way from Tuguegarao the night before.

How to Get to Subic by Car

Via NLEX → San Fernando → Lubao → Bataan Route (Manila)

If you are traveling by car via Lubao and rural roads from Manila:

Take NLEX all the way to the San Fernando exit

Pass through towns in Pampanga (Bacolor, Guagua, Lubao) and Bataan (Dinalupihan)

Continue to the Subic Bay Freeport Expressway (Tipo Road, Bataan)

Via SCTEx (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway)

If you are traveling via SCTEx from Manila or anywhere in Luzon:

Take NLEX and continue toward SCTEx

Pass through San Fernando and Dau

Exit toward the Subic Bay Freeport Expressway (Tipo Road, Bataan)

Once you reach the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, continue straight from the toll and head toward Rizal Gate, exiting through Kalaklan Gate. Along the way, you’ll see an aerial view of the calm, scenic beaches in the area.

Arrival at Barrio Barretto and Wild Orchid Beach Resort

In Barrio Barretto, you will see signage for the famous Baloy Long Beach, which is only about 250 meters from the National Road. At the main entrance of the Baloy Long Beach community, security guards are available to give directions to Wild Orchid Beach Resort Subic.

Wild Orchid was not our first choice. Since it was peak season and most resorts were fully booked, we ended up choosing this place.

First Impressions of Wild Orchid Beach Resort

The interiors have a modern rustic feel with a touch of seaside and marine-inspired design. A friendly receptionist with a warm smile welcomed us into a well-lit, red-carpeted lobby, which gave a comfortable first impression (lol).

The lobby is filled with marine and navy-inspired decorations that create a strong seaside atmosphere. Although I’m not entirely sure if everything matches, my kids absolutely loved the gong!

The coffee shop is conveniently located beside the reception area, perfect for relaxing while waiting for room arrangements. Additional seating is also available in the lobby for newly arrived guests. The café and bar are open 24 hours.

The elevator, however, is quite small and slow. As someone who is claustrophobic, this was a big concern for me.

Our Room Experience

The only available room that night was a deluxe room on the third floor, so we had no choice but to take it. We paid ₱3,999, and there was no chance of getting a poolside room.

Wild Orchid Beach Resort has 83 rooms in five different styles.

Room Inclusions:

• Silent air-conditioning
• Hot and cold shower
• In-room safety deposit box
• 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable
• DVD player
• Refrigerator
• Telephone
• Free internet connection
• Complimentary soap, shampoo, and lotion
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour security service
• Free secured parking
• Free use of beach area and swimming pool
• Free use of billiard table
• Daily live band at Barefoot Bar (7 PM – 11 PM)

Most rooms feature one king-size bed, except suite rooms which have two king-size beds. Children 12 years old and below sharing beds with adults stay free of charge (maximum of two children per room).

Room Condition and Honest Review

Unfortunately, the bathroom was not clean and had visible mold, which made me very uncomfortable. As someone who is very particular about cleanliness, this was a major downside for me.

I would honestly never choose this room again. Although it had a king-size bed, it was not comfortable and had a strong mothball smell. Thankfully, the kids were too tired to notice.

We lost valuable time from resort-hunting, and it definitely became a learning experience for us.

Instead of focusing on the negatives, we decided to continue exploring and head out to the pool and beach area.

Pool, Beach, and Night Atmosphere

The pool area at night is beautiful. There is also a bar located right beside it, and the swimming pool is very large. Night swimming is allowed for guests. The kiddie pool is located nearby, and there are plenty of secluded tables where you can relax.

The beach is just outside the hotel. They also offer nightly BBQ and live music at the Barefoot Bar & BBQ. The resort can also accommodate outdoor events such as weddings and parties.

Food Experience

One downside for us was the food. It was quite pricey for our taste and felt too bland. There was nothing particularly special about it, and I wasn’t able to take photos because I was genuinely disappointed.

So instead, I took a selfie instead, hah!

Another note: the sand is not powder white or off-white. It is black.

We woke up early and made the most of the pool, and it was absolutely worth it. The pool was the main highlight of our stay, we couldn’t stop swimming!

We were also lucky because we were mostly alone using the pool. Perhaps other guests preferred the beach instead.

Would I come back? Most definitely but I would try other places in Subic next time. Just not this one again.

Wild Orchid Beach Resort Subic Contact Information

Address: Baloy Long Beach, Barrio Barretto, Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines

Telephone (Front Desk): (63) 47-223-1029

Globe: 0917-512-3029

Sun: 0932-888-1058

Fax: (47) 223-1303

Email:

bookings@wildorchidsubic.com

groupbookings.wildorchidsubic@gmail.com

Website:

http://www.wildorchidsubic.com/