Raise Your Hands for All Hands Beach
Since the chef was based in Olongapo for a year, we tagged along and by we, I am referring to myself and our daughter. We stayed here for the entire summer.
If you are planning to go North for staycation, I can recommend a really good resort for you and your family. Or if you like travelling alone, this can also be a good place.
All Hands Beach resort is located inside the Subic Bay Freeport which makes it accessible to anyone who is coming from the North. If you are from Metro Manila, it will take you a good 2-3 hours via SCTEX. No need to worry about the long drive, there will be plenty of places you can stop over to have your coffee fix or if you go hungry.
We went here several times and my daughter will get really excited as if it was her first time to visit this place.
Now, to make sure that I don't miss any of the good stuff, I will write my review in bullet points:
Accessibility - again, the resort is inside the Subic Bay Freeport. It will be difficult to miss since everyone knows this place. Signs can be found in the road side so you will know your next turn. You have two options if you plan to go by bus -- you can take the San Fernando route, to which you will be dropped off at the terminal. I suggest take Victory Liner, they have free WiFi. If you are going to take the SCTEX route, you can ask the driver to drop you off at HARBOR POINT. Public transportation is limited only to taxis inside the Subic Area, so you will need to hail a cab. The driver knows where this resort is. Transportation budget is at 1,500php, (Manila-Olongapo-Manila).
If you are planning to go around and have a tour of Olongapo City, tricycle fare is 20.00 pesos, 7.50 per head.
Budget - per head will cost you 500php. That already includes cottages with tables and chairs. They also have electrical outlets, all you need is to bring your own extensions. If you are planning to stay longer, you can check out their family rooms here. You can also book with them in advance.
Food - the resort also offers their own selection of food. They have a restaurant inside the resort and they are very affordable. But if you want something in particular, you can always bring your food, the resort do not charge corkage fees, however glass-bottled drinks are not allowed, so you have to drink your beer in a can.
Amenities - they have public toilets and showers that is very well-maintained. They have designated maintenance personnel assigned to each of the toilets. You can also play watersports, they have banana boats, jet ski and more. You can also play beach volley ball and have your team building since the beach front area is massive. The beach is clean, you can actually see your foot when in water! The sand is not as white as LaBoracay, but the kids can go and build sand castles. They also have plastic benches at the sea shore. You can also go fish feeding but you can't take them home.
Safety - We went here several times and we didn't lose anything, so I guess that is a good sign. But of course, you still have to make sure to watch out for your belongings, after all it is a public resort. They also have a lifeguard house and lifeguards on standby both land and water.
All Hands Beach Resort is a must to visit when you are in Olongapo. I am raising my hand on the roof for this one!