BIRDWATCHING IN SUBIC BAY

Subic Bay invites you to discover the quieter side of adventure, where forest canopies shelter fascinating birdlife and every trail offers a reason to look a little closer.

Home to a remarkable forest ecosystem, Subic Bay offers nature enthusiasts an opportunity to observe wild birds in their natural surroundings. From learning to recognize distinct calls to photographing birds in the canopy, every outing invites you to experience the forest in a new way.

Whether you're an experienced birder searching for your next memorable sighting, a wildlife photographer waiting for the perfect frame, or a first-timer discovering the joy of birdwatching, there's always something more to notice.

BIRDS TO LOOK OUT FOR

RUFOUS-CROWNED BEE-EATER

Merops americanus

BALICASSIAO

Dicrurus balicassius

LUZON HORNBILL

Peneloipides manillae

ORIENTAL DOLLARBIRD

Eurystomus orientalis

ASHY MINIVET

Pericrocotus divaricatus

COLETO

Sarcops calvus

TOP BIRDING SPOTS & TRAILS

Nabasan Trail: The prime lowland rainforest tracks for spotting canopy endemics like the Luzon Hornbill, Sooty Woodpecker, and Green Racket-tail.
Apaliin Forest Trails: Dense forest trails ideal for forest-floor and understory species like the White-browed Shama.
El Kabayo Road & River Track: Open roadside and riparian birding suitable for beginner walks, kingfishers, and the Rufous-crowned Bee-eater.
CUBI Area: Canopy viewing areas for raptors like the Philippine Serpent Eagle.

HOW TO GET A BIRDWATCHING PERMIT

HOW TO HIRE AN ACCREDITED SBMA GUIDE

BIRDING PERMIT FORM

ESSENTIAL GUIDE TIPS FOR VISITORS

Best Time of Day & Season:
- Peak Daily Hours: Early morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) offer the highest bird activity as species feed and call before the midday heat.
- Best Season: September to April brings a influx of seasonal migratory birds alongside our year-round resident endemics.
Essential Packing Checklist:
- Optics & Gear: Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended) or a camera with a telephoto lens (300mm+).
- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral or earth-toned colors (greens, browns, tans) to blend into the forest backdrop.
- Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots suitable for soft soil and forest trails.
- Trail Essentials: Environmentally friendly insect repellent, rain jacket/poncho, reusable water bottle, and a dry bag for electronics.
Permits & Accredited Guides:
- All forest trail access requires securing an official SBMA Environmental Permit prior to your visit.
- Mandatory local forest guides must be requested through the SBMA Tourism Department or Ecology Center to access restricted zones like Nabasan Trail and Ilanin Forest.

BIRDING WITH A PURPOSE

Subic Bay is home to some of the last remaining lowland contiguous rainforests on Luzon. We invite all visitors to practice responsible, low-impact birding to ensure these habitats remain protected for generations to come:

Stay on Designated Trails: Never venture off established paths. Straying into dense understory disrupts ground-nesting birds, causes soil erosion, and damages native vegetation.
Avoid Call Playback: Refrain from using loud bird audio playback or call recordings to lure species. Repeated playback stresses territorial birds, disrupts feeding patterns, and exposes them to predators.
Maintain Respectful Distance: Observe from a safe distance using binoculars or long lenses. If a bird shows signs of distress, flushes repeatedly, or vocalizes nervously, move back slowly.
Practice "Leave No Trace": Pack out all trash and food waste. Avoid leaving food scraps along trails, which attract invasive species and stray animals.
Support Local Community Conservation: Hiring SBMA-accredited local guides directly sustains forest livelihoods and reinforces community-led habitat protection.

FUNtastic Subic Bay on TikTok

BIRDING BLOGS AND TRIP REPORTS

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