Inflatable Island Subic DIY Guide
Inflatable Island Subic has been the topic of social media all over the country ever since 2017 came into the spotlight. It is the year 2019 but the fun is still enormously growing. Even the award winning TV show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho has featured the newly opened beach resort in Zambales.
The inflatable island in Olongapo is currently the biggest floating playground in Asia which is currently leasing at Samba Beach Resort near Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Now, before planning your trip to Subic, Zambales, learn what are the services the inflatable beach offers.
**Quick Note: The inflatable Island in Subic is NOT the same as the Samba Blue Water Beach Resort. The floating island is only leasing at Samba.
How to Go to the Floating Beach Resort in Zambales?
Public Transportation
From NAIA Terminal 1, 2 and 3
1. NAIA Terminal to Victory Liner Pasay
Ride an UBER, GRAB or any Taxi from Terminal 1 and ask the driver to bring you to Victory Bus Terminal PASAY.
Estimated cost: 110-150 PHP ( $2.5- 3.3 USD).
Pro Tip: Angkas, Uber and GrabCar may cost you less compared to other taxis. If Uber or Grab are not allowed to enter the Terminal, you can just have a 2-minute walk down to the gate and ask for pick up. If Uber or Grab are not in your choices, choose the WHITE Taxis down the road and ask to be brought to Victory Terminal in “metered” trip.
You will say, “Metro lang boss,” if s/he agreed to that request then proceed. If not, find another one, because they will most probably give you a very expensive fare.
YELLOW Taxis cost way higher than the normal white taxis.
Alternatively, you can ride a P2P bus from Terminal 1 to Victory Terminal for less than 200 PHP ( $4.5 USD)
Private Transportation
2. Victory Pasay to Olongapo Terminal
After arriving at Victory Pasay Terminal. Head to the OLONGAPO section of the cashier and fall in line. If you are not sure, you can politely ask the security guards to guide you.
Pay the necessary tickets going to OLONGAPO, IBA or Sta. Cruz. Olongapo trips are very common, but from time to time they have buses that directly go to Iba or Sta. Cruz.
Estimated cost: (200-280 PHP or $4.4 – 6.22 USD)
What’s the difference among the three?
Olongapo Bound
Olongapo will stop in the Olongapo Terminal, and you may need to ride another means of transportation, most probably a jeepney just to go to the “floating island Subic”. This is best to choose because you will be dropped at the nearest terminal and you can manage your time.
Iba and Sta. Cruz Bound
On the other hand, are the northernmost part of Zambales. They are very far from the beach. But if you are going to the north first, then I recommend riding those buses.
But in most cases, just ride an OLONGAPO bound bus.
Double check your bus number, seat number, and insurance ticket. You may ask for a seat if there are just a few passengers.
I didn’t always have the best experience when riding a Victory bus from Pasay terminal going to Olongapo. Some seats are dirty; some have bad ventilation and so on. I recommend traveling by midnight to dawn because I always have the best experiences during those times. Or, during peak hours is to go to Saulog Terminal at the back of Sogo EDSA Taft Avenue.
3. Olongapo to Halfmoon Beach Resort
After arriving in Olongapo, you may choose to go to your hotel (click me for OLONGAPO hotels, or find the best recommendations below) or directly head to the Inflatable Island Resort found in Samba Beach Resort.
Ride a BLUE jeepney just a few steps from the terminal. Blue Jeepneys accept passengers that will just board a few miles from the terminal.
The Inflatable Island in Subic Rates
There are three passes that you can choose to have. A 2-hour pass, a half day and a whole day pass. You can just choose whatever pass you think you’ll enjoy.
A. SPLASH – a whole day tour on the beach but with only 2 hours “Playtime Pass.”
B. SPRAY – The most recommended pass. A half day playtime pass that you can enjoy in the morning or the afternoon.
C. SOAKED – Get stoked! A whole day playtime from 8:00 AM to 5:50 PM.
ProTip: Buy your tickets online and get a 10% OFF! The inflatable Beach accepts Bank Deposits, LBC/Cebuana Padala, Paypal and Credit Cards.
Cottage Booking at Samba Blue Water Beach
Cottages or cabanas in the Samba Beach Resort are subject to availability. If you want to visit the beach in a group, then you must at least rent a cottage for you to easily have a “resting point”. If you do want to book a cottage or two, it is best to contact the resort beforehand and make a reservation. Learn more in the official website’s Cabana section.
It is important to remember that the Cottages offered by the inflatable floating island in Olongapo is under the jurisdiction of the Samba Beach Resort Subic.
Cottages or cabanas in the Samba Beach Resort are subject to availability.
What to Do Inside the Resort?
The floating beach resort in Zambales is no ordinary beach resort that you have experienced in your whole Philippine getaway. And I think this will be your first time playing in this kind of journey, right?
The Inflatable Island Subic consists of an inflatable playground just like what kids play in the swimming pool. But do not just merely compare them to this large playground!
It has a 3400 square meters area that spans like an eight basketball courts lying side by side. One basketball is big enough, but what about eight?
Within that huge playground, little inflatables in Olongapo can also be enjoyed like floating swans, clams and unicorns. Just think of those things that you can find in a swimming pool and are placed together in one big event!
It’s time to go back to your childhood experience, right?
But if you think that there are too much “childish experiences,” then think again! The Inflatable Island Subic will also burn those calories and fats of yours!
Your natural swimming experience ain’t no normal anymore!
Get stoked and soaked while doing extreme experiences like jumping, balancing, swimming, rock climbing in an inflatable and of course, slipping. You will slip A LOT!
Preparations Before the War
- Of course, before entering the resort, you should show and confirm your tickets and other requirements. Proper attire is strictly imposed. Clothes with zippers, beads and any other sharp objects are strictly NOT ALLOWED.
- Head to the floating beach resort in Zambales 30 minutes before your booked time. Attend an orientation and waiver signing. Carefully listen to the instructions especially the do’s and don’ts while inside the premises.
- Have fun!
17 Sections of the Inflatable Island in Subic
- Entrance
- Jumping Pillow
- High Balance
- Giant Tarzan Swing and Slide
- Wobbly Bridge
- Sunbathe Lounge
- Monkey Vines
- Kiddie Slide
- Jungle Bars
- Trampoline
- Slippery Slope
- Happy Swing
- Human Launcher
- Jumping Pillow
- Sunny Slide
- Rock Climbing
- Big Freakin’ Blob (coming soon)
Relax at the Bali-Inspired Lounge
Colorful lounge awaits you in the newly opened floating beach resort in Subic. A romantic and picturesque view awaits you near the shore after a whole day of playtime in the beach. With this awesome colors and romantic setting, I am sure you’ll have a great time with your loved one as time passes by while you breathe the fresh air of the rural areas.
Where to Stay in Subic?
There are numerous hotels near the floating beach resort in Subic. You may check TravelBook PH and find the hotel according to your budget.
You may also visit our article about Win Hotel in Olongapo and Subic Waterfront Hotel and Resort. Both hotels are just a few minutes away from Samba Beach.
I recommend to stay at the Subic Waterfront Hotel and Resort. They are top quality but just a few minutes away from the floating island.
Subic Waterfront Resort and Hotel
The hotel has a swimming pool that has a maximum depth of 5ft, and a kiddie pool with around 2ft. You can relax in their Deluxe Rooms and have an average breakfast. For those with big budgets, you might try their rooms that has an access to Jacuzzi.
On the other hand, White Rock Beach is a spectacular beach resort where you can also play in a pool. Think of it that after you had a great fun in the Inflatable, you will now play in in a pool full of happiness. Although, White Rock has a much expensive room rates but has a higher quality services and facilities.
Other notable hotels are: Buena Casa Hotel (Pay at the hotel) and Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel.
Where to Eat in Subic?
The Inflatable Island has a few food stalls inside the premises like the Grand Seas Resort’s food stall that offers meals and other refreshments in Subic.
Sam’s Pizza also has a stall inside the resort that provides an excellent but budget-friendly square pizzas. For those who got some foods to bring inside, you may pay a corkage fee of P500 pesos ($11.11 USD) up to P2000 pesos ( $44.44 USD). However, please remember that those foods are not allowed to be brought or eaten in the Bali-inspired lounge.
Shakes and cold drinks are also offered inside the premises that you can enjoy while relaxing in the Bali-inspired lounge. They are placed in cute floaters that can also be brought home as a souvenir.
On the other hand, just a few minutes away from the beach lies the Fortune Hongkong Seafood Restaurant, one of the best seafood serving restaurant in Olongapo as well as Texas Joe Subic Bay that caters the best grilled pork ribs in town! 10/10 would dine in TJ again!
Nearby Attractions
White Rock Resort
Subic is not just full of beach getaways. There are also… pools! You can try to visit the White Rock Resort that also offers extreme adventures in the water. It is just a few minutes away from the Sabana Beach, and it is very easy to access!
There, you can:
- Stay overnight
- Play Bowling, billiards, and Karaoke
- Zipline and wall-climbing experience
- Snorkel, scuba dive, banana boat, jet ski, parasail, and fly board
- Island hop
- Play at the Wave Pool
Ocean Adventures
A few kilometers away from the beach resort lies an “ocean park” that caters the needs of rescued marine animals. READ: Ocean Adventures Review
There, you can:
- Dance with the dolphins
- Feed the sea lions
- learn more about marine ecology
Snake Island
You can island hop to the Snake Island and experience the fresh air of Subic. You can also try to camp there and have cool night stories. The island is also remote which is good for a quiet and peaceful getaway. In other words, the island should be all yours!
There, you can:
- Camp and have fun
Anawangin Cove Getaway
Anawangin Cove is a bit far to the middle part of Zambales. You need to go to San Narciso first, ride a boat and have fun in the cove.
There you can:
- Camp and experience the love of nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city
Coto KIDZ Pool Masinloc
- Cliff Jump
- Swim & Snorkel
- Camp
- Star Gaze
Contact Details:
Official Website: The Inflatable Island (dot) com
Contact Number: (+63) 917 835 2665 Globe
E-mail: play@theinflatableisland.com
ProAmateur Tips
- Bring and wear the allowed swimwear at Inflatable Island Subic Olongapo. Do not bring clothes with zipper or with pointy accessories in the beach.
- Bring your waterproof action cameras such as GoPro Hero 4 as well as its accessories.
- Eat before going inside the inflatable, because bringing foods on the Subic island will have you a corkage fee. Or bring a couple of bucks and buy some meal inside.
- Bring spare clothes and medical kits. However, do nor over pack your things or you will be over encumbered which will be harder to travel.
- The experience in the beach might be too extraneous to some, be sure that your body can handle these extreme adventures.
- Be sure to get a ticket or pass that suits your needs. A whole day pass? Sure, as long as you can do the plaything from 8 to 5 PM.
- I recommend to Island hop while in Subic. In addition, it is also best to try some of the sweetest mangoes in the Philippines which can easily be bought at the northern part of Zambales.
- Visit other places like the northern part of Zambales where you can learn to surf. For instance, the Crystal Beach Resort and Liw-Liwa offer surfing lessons even for beginners.
Travel Gears to Bring
- Latest GoPro or Underwater Cameras
- Monopod
- Floating Bobber
- Swimwear
Frequently Asked Questions
I am short, can I still go?
The resort requires a minimum height limit of three feet.
What About Kids?
Kids can be brought inside, as long as they are within the height limit providing that a 1:1 kid to guardian ratio applies. However, parents should always look for their kids.
How Deep is the Water?
The water’s depth depends on the tides. It may range from 4-15 feet. Everyone are recommended to wear life vests for safety precautions.
Are there any Life Guards?
Yes, of course. They are ready to jump and swim whenever you need them 🙂
Final Notes
The Inflatable Island is a new attraction in Subic that boomed in popularity just a few years ago. Since it is already summer, the beach resort is pretty popular that almost all of Subic goers want to experience the joy of being a child at Samba Beach and Inflatable Island. It is a game changer in the history of beach goers that certainly captivated the hearts of many Filipinos. This beach resort in Zambales might become one of the best in the near future. However, just like other tourist destinations, the floating island targets certain adventurers.
4 Comments
Joe Gibson
Visit inflatable Island now!
MackyOzzy
I'm kind of wondering, if Inflatable Island is inside Samba Bluewater Resort, why can't blogs or even Inflatable Island itself recommend accommodation in Samba Resort since they have rooms for overnight stay. Can you actually stay in Samba Bluewater Resort for the beach, and overnight stay then pay for a walk in pass in inflatable island? Or once you're in Samba Bluewater Resort, you cannot crossover to Inflatabe Island since they also have their own inflatable playground. That's what I'm actually planning but I don't know if it will work. My group will stay in Samba Bluewater Resort since it's your conventional, family friendly summer getaway with activities and stuff and some of us will just walk in and pay for a pass in Inflatable Island then come back to the resort once done.
MackyOzzy
I'm just wondering if Inflatable Island is inside Samba Bluewater Resort, why can't blogs and Inflatable Island itself recommend accommodations in Samba Resort? Will it work if my group will stay in Samba Bluewater Resort since it's your more conventional, and family friendly summer getaway then a bunch of us will pay passes and walk in to Inflatable Island?
Joe Gibson
Hi Mackyozzy,
You may also just check in via Samba Blue Water Resort, but according to Inflatable, you still need to pay their entrance fee to have an access to the inflatable island. SO it's Samba room + Inflatable tickets. I have recommended different hotels in this blog for cheaper options which are just a few minutes from the Inflatable Island, plus, they are very near in the necessity shops.