Known in the Philippines as one of the most frequently visited places by tourists and locals alike, Angeles thrives on its status as being highly urbanized with good establishments and secure accommodations. Angeles hotels are among those that provide excellent service and are very well maintained.
Angeles is served by the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark Freeport Zone, approximately 5 kilometers from the city proper. It has adequate travel facilities such as currency exchange, duty free shopping center, souvenir shops, free wireless internet, a tourist information center, hotel and travel agency representatives, and car rental services. The airport is where budget airlines like Air Asia (from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu), Tiger Airways (from Singapore and Macau) and Cebu Pacific (from Singapore and Bangkok) fly to. It also receives direct flights from Hong Kong and South Korea from carriers such as Asiana Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Tiger Airways. Domestic flights are offered by Cebu Pacific and South East Asian Airlines.
Because DMIA is a small airport, containing only one terminal, it is often considered a more efficient gateway into the Philippines than through heavily-congested Manila. The roadways around the airport are fairly rural, making transport between the airport and the city quick and hassle-free. Don't worry about finding transport as taxi drivers will heavily solicit you for patronage as you exit the airport. However, the taxi fares are relatively steep compared to other modes of transporation. for example, the fare from the airport to Fields will cost P500 for just a 15 minute ride. If alone, it is best to find a fellow traveler to share a taxi or use the shuttle service. When going back to the airport from the Fields Ave during the daytime, jeepneys parked near the Clark AFB entrance are also an option. They're often not going to the airport itself, and normally wait until the jeepney is full - but by paying the higher price (P200 if you charter an empty one, less if you just want the driver to make a short detour to the airport) these inconveniences are resolved easily and cheaper than by hiring a taxi.
By bus
This is the most common and economical way to get to Angeles from Metro Manila. Several air-conditioned bus lines ply from Manila to Angeles route with terminals scattered across the metropolitan area. It normally takes one-and-a-half hours to get to Angeles by bus. However, travellers are well advised to consider the unpredictable effect heavy traffic and downpours will have on the commute. In short, give yourself plenty of time to travel by bus. Provincial bus companies have scheduled trips from Manila to provinces to northern provinces and key cities.
By car
The best way from Manila to Angeles via car is taking the North Luzon Expressway which extends until Sta. Ines in Mabalacat, Pampanga. You may take either the Angeles Exit or Dau exit to get there. Another motorway, though narrow, is the McArthur Highway and visitors need to pass through the province of Bulacan to get to Angeles on both routes. It usually takes about 45 minutes to travel but it is twice the travel time if you plan to take the McArthur route due to heavy traffic along its stretch. Rental car companies can be found all over Manila and Angeles. If you don't know the routes, you can hire drivers by asking the attendant of the rent-a-car shop.
Do
Events
Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta is held every year between January and February at Clark Special Economic Zone. It features multicolored hot-air balloons with more than a hundred balloon pilots from around the world and considered to be the biggest aviation sports event in the country.
Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan(Music and Dancing in the Streets) which started in 1992, is an annual all-night party along MacArthur Highway, Balibago, held on the last friday & saturday of October. Restaurants & bars set-up tables & chairs along the streets, and serves over-flowing food and drinks. It features non-stop music from amateur and national bands and is attended by celebrities, out-of-towners and locals alike. This event is used to celebrate the Oktoberfest.
Sisig Festival is held annually in the month of December, celebrating the Kapampangan dish, sisig, which said to have been originated in this city.
Sports
Drag and Go-Kart Racing is organized by the Angeles Hot Rod Association(AHRA) the oldest drag racing in the Philippines. You can find this attraction at the Omni Aviation inside the Clark Ecozone. AHRA is where you will find most of the big V8 muscle cars, as well as many "bangers." In addition to race meets, they also organize and run regular classic and custom car shows, swap meets, social events and more.
Play Pool in a city of great champions like Efren Reyes and Rodolfo Luat. Angeles has an abundance of pool tables to play all along the Fields Avenue and hundreds of other places in the city.
Mount Arayat Trek is available November through May. Prices range: day trips (minimum of 3 persons, P800 per person) and overnight trips (minimum of 3 persons, P2500 per person). Phone: (63)(45) 892-6239.
Mount Pinatubo Trekking is highly recommended for trekking or hiking enthusiasts who like to have the most memorable trip to this once deadly volcano. One would have the experience to board a 4x4 which will head to lahar country passing some rough terrain, gray, barren mountains interspersed with green, lush mountains. Upon reaching the summit, you would definitely enjoy the spectacular clear blue, pristine waters surrounded by mountains. This might be a problem if one is traveling alone, as it might be hard to find company for this trip as most of the tourists in Angeles are there for totally other reasons. This is for short 9 hours or one-day trip. Hiking part is being anything between 3 and 6 hours depending on the fitness of the group. There are also overnight trips available.
Mount Pinatubo Aerial Tours is for you if you want to have the best seat to view the volcano that once ravaged Central Luzon. Considered one of the largest eruptions of the 20th century, the eruption affected global weather patterns. Having been dormant for centuries, Mount Pinatubo erupted anew in 1991, spewing an ash plume that spread across the globe. Have a bird's-eye-view of the crater, surreal ash canyons and the remnants of the once-devastating lahar flows. Flights depart out of Omni Aviation Complex at Clark Field. Cost is $55 per person, flying time for 1 to 2 persons is 45 minutes while for 3 or more is one hour. The best time to fly is early in the morning (sunrise-10AM) and in the late afternoon (3PM-sunset).
Parachuting/Skydiving has to be one of the very best ways to view the surrounding countryside. The Tropical Asia Parachute Center(TAPC) operates from Clark Freeport Zone. The center provides student training, including both tandem and static line parachuting, and advanced training. Costs are very reasonable and if you have considered trying this sport before, take advantage while visiting the Philippines.
Ultra-light Flying is one sport that is definitely growing. If you want your senses get heightened and your heart pound as the wind whistles through your hair, this is for you! This is organized by the Angeles City Flying Club. The area also offers many additional attractions, from diving to cycling to hiking to night clubbing.
Drive Off-Road is an off-road challenge where you can take on a wild, bumpy, ride in old four-wheel-drive jeeps in a safari-like journey across the dusty expanse of the valley to a campsite. It is organized by the Angeles City Four Wheelers Club and is ideal for trekking and be able to see the lahar canyons, Gate of Heaven and other sites in Mount Pinatubo.
Lawn Bowling is the only one in the country and is offered at the Hidden Vale and Angeles Sports and Country Club, a mature 11.34 hectare site which includes a nine-hole golf course, luxurious penthouse suites and driving range.
Leisure and nightlife
The Mansion is undeniably one of the best party destinations in the Philippines. The Mansion's luxury clubbing is situated at The Enclave, Friendship Highway. Its proximity to Clark Freeport gives its unique accessibility, just 1 ½ hrs away from Manila, 30 minutes away from Subic by virtue of SCTEX and is near Bulacan and Tarlac. It has 2 floors, with the ground floor having a SRO capacity 700 pax and the 2nd floor VVIP area 150 pax. It was conceptualized by socialite, Divine Lee and renowned eventologist, Tim Yap.
Barhopping on Fields Avenue is arguably one of Angeles City's most famous attractions, offering male tourists a large selection of female companionship. Surrounding Fields Avenue, Santos Street, Real Street and Raymond Street, is a large concentration of go-go bars, numbering 60-70 within a few city blocks. Although some bars are open 24 hours, most don't open until late afternoons and close during the wee hours of the morning.
Duty-free stores are to be found inside the Clark Ecozone, namely Pure Gold, Oriental, Parkson, Clark Interiors,Liberty, and Arjan that sell imported housewares, cooking items, snacks and branded clothes. Most of which are surplus so they are actually cheaper. Some of these stores have an extensive selection of cigarettes and perfumes as well.
The barratillos (cheap or thrift stores) crap the likes of which you cannot imagine. If you really want a native experience, go to one of these open-air "flea markets," there are several of them around town. Hop on a jeepney and have someone take you. There are many other fun places to shop household items, clothing, including audio-video equipment in a makeshift market called tiangge at bargain prices at Apu district every Friday. Twenty-four hour convenience stores, like 7-11, are also found in the city from city proper to Balibago. Most locally owned stores, which they call sari-sari, sell retail items, especially the cigarettes that you can buy per stick or per pack.
Handicraft stores sell locally good and export-quality craftwork. The Rosa's Handicraft Gift Shop and Mhea's Custom Woodcraft have a large selection of gift items and are conveniently located in Balibago district. Stores selling souvenir shirts, woodcraft and other local stuff are also dotted along Fields Avenue and they are sold for cheaper prices.
Eat
Angeles is known for being the Culinary Center of the Philippines. This reputation reportedly goes back to the Spanish colonial times where it is said that the Kapampangan cook learned very quickly to improvise on Spanish dishes using local ingredients.
The culinary adventure in Angeles is sure to be an experience of a lifetime. A must-eat dish is "Sisig", which Angeles is famous for. From its humble beginnings in Aling Lucing's Eatery along Angeles' railroad to its present top-of-the-menu ranking in Manila's bars and nightclubs, sisig has come to conquer the Filipino drinkers' palate. It has become the quintessential pulutan fare — the default order that comes with every round of beer.
Other not-to-be-missed local mouth-watering cuisines are Dencio'skare-kare (another Kapampangan menu, which is a Philippine stew made from peanut sauce with a variety of vegetables, stewed oxtail, beef and occasionally offal or tripe), fresh papaya lumpia, tilapia in tausi sauce, adobong pugo, morcon, tortang bangus (milkfish stuffed with ground pork), Everybody's Cafe'scamaru (fried cricket adobo), kilayin baboy (pork meat and lungs pickled in a marinade of vinegar or calamansi juice, usually along with garlic, onions and hot/sweet peppers), bringhe (local Spanish paella), bulanglang (meat or fish broth soured with guava fruit), Aling Luring'sbatute (a frog stuffed with ground and seasoned pork, then deep fried to a crisp), burong isda (fermented rice with fish or small shrimps), pork and carabao tocino, Bale Dutung's burong talangka (the fat of salted little crabs, very rich and laden with cholesterol but hard to resist), Filipinized pizza in a bilao at Armando's Pizza,brazo de mercedes,halo-halo from Razon's and Corazon's (a popular dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice and milk, added with various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served cold in a glass or bowl), Susie's Cuisine's famous pancit luglog (palabok), tibuk tibok (made from carabao's milk and also known as "maja blanca"), tocino del cielo (a richer version of leche flan) and turron de casoy.
If you are a person inclined to drinking beer and eating barbecue, then Frank & Jim, Ikabud, Whythaus Grill, Wishing Well, Marisol Steakhouses and the eateries along Angeles railroad crossing are certainly the spots for you. Street foods, such as fishballs and kikiams on sticks, are a must-try at Nepo Compound vendor stands.
If local cuisine is not your type, no need to worry as the city has a wide range of pretty decent restaurants to choose from. Fine restaurants and eateries that serve international menus are C Italian, Maranao Grill-Oasis Hotel, Salvatore's, Zapata's, Rodizio-Holiday Inn, Cottage Kitchen, Red Crab Seafood & Steaks, Shanghai Palace, Tequila Reef, House of Bamboo, Subdelicious, Rumpa, VFW, Chic 'N Ribs, A la Crème, Rib Eye Steak House, Fortune Seafood, Perfect Loaf, Four Season's Grill, Angeles Fried Chicken, Bretto's, Mar's, Toll House, Hana-mi, Didi's, Peking House, Mister Frosty, China Jade Seafood and Dimsum House and a host of other American, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican and Korean restaurants.
A number of coffee shops are also to be seen even in the outskirts of the city, such as Beatico Coffee, Zulu Coffee & Tea, Ciocollo, The Coffee Academy, Starbucks, Northern Brew, Coffee Overdose, and Mequeni Cafe-Holiday Inn, that serve drip regular coffee, decaff, brewed coffee, espresso-based hot drinks, other hot and cold drinks, and snacks.
Angeles Fried Chicken, 1992 Marlim Ave.,Diamond Subd.,Balibago, Angeles City (near Casino Filipino-Angeles--- 2 kms away from Clarkfield), ☎ +65-453224448. The oldest Restaurant in Angeles City. A must try when in Angeles City. Offers wide array of food at very reasonable prices. Famous for its juicy chicken (crispy or regular)with coleslaw and gravy that everybody loves.... Recommended/ Bestsellers:gambas,sisig,calamares,japanese fried chicken,pancit canton,bihon, clubhouse sandwich & their famous Iced Tea--an afc trademark!
Mother's Cakehouse & Restaurant, 1982 Marlim Ave.,Diamond Subd.,Balibago Angeles City. (near Casino Filipino- 2 kms away from Clarkfield.), ☎ +63-456257593. The oldest Cakehouse in Angeles City. Known for its traditional and personalized cakes... The restaurant is so cozy that gives you a home-y feeling ambiance with pink and white motiff. Its baked macaroni is to die for! Other must try: spareribs, sisig dinuguan, palabok, tacos, spaghetti, salisbury steak and a lot more... Good thing about this restaurant is that, since it's a sister company of the famous Angeles Fried Chicken, you can also order foods from Angeles Fried Chicken--which they would cross over for you to fill your crave...
Tequila Reef Cantina (Tequila Reef), Corner of A. Santos and Real Streets (Just off of Fields Avenue), ☎ 6345-892-4397, . 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM. Authentic Mexican Cuisine, Bar-B-Q Chicken & Ribs, New Orleans “Cajun” Specialties, Steaks, Burgers, Sandwiches andFilipino Food
Drink
The infamous nightlife scene in Fields Avenue originally sprung up to service American military men nearby Clark Air Force Base. But now, the adjoining Balibago district is home to many decent bars and karaoke joints. It has of a number of clubs which fit any budget and personality. There are traditional clubs with DJ's and the live band clubs. For endless evening of dancing and pulsating music, head for the bright lights of Balibago. Fields Avenue and McArthur Highway are the places to head for go-go bars, comedy bar shows, sing-along or karaoke bars, nightclubs and drinking beer - it is a non-stop pleasure seven days a week, everyday of the year.
The Mansion, The Enclave, Friendship Road, Balibago, ☎ 0918-889-2222 ([email protected]). Fridays and Saturdays, from 9 p.m. onwards.
Klub Caterva, 4370-G Arayat Street, 2nd Floor, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago.
Sleep
There are many nice hotels around the city, furnished with the luxury of modern day living with upgraded facilities to accommodate your needs. Some can be found along the Clark Perimeter Road while others within the Clark Freeport Zone. Lower-cost accommodation in the main entertainment area near Fields Ave., however, tends to be expensive by Asian standards, with prices starting around P800-1000, and the cheapest places are often fully booked. If you look for the budget options, while still in the bar area and walking distance from Fields Ave. proper, head along the Fields Ave. to the west, where it is no more traffic-free and continues along the Clark Freeport Zone fence as the Perimeter Road (Don Juico Ave.). Numerous cheap (P400-700) rooms can be found here, as well as more upmarket hotels (ABC Hotel. for example, which is also a well-known landmark in the area). The Perimeter Road is quite busy even at night, and so is relatively safe to walk home late, compared to the other streets around. Another option is to accept tricycle driver's "cheap hotel" tout - but, as everywhere, this may mean overpricing due to the driver's commission, more concerns about hotel security, and a P50 or more for a trike ride every time you go in and out (or a long walk, which may be not safe in the night time also).
Holiday Inn Hotel and Resort - Mimosa, Mimosa Drive, Clark Field, ☎ 63)(2) 845-1888, (63)(45) 599-8000 and 1-888-465-4329 ([email protected], [email protected], fax: (63)(45) 843-1363),. The region's only Holiday Inn Resort, it has deluxe rooms which range from about $60/night on up. This is by far the largest hotel in the Angeles area, having over 300 rooms, suites and villas. It is located at the Mimosa Leisure Estate, which has the best golf course in the region and a casino. This is a business-class convention hotel for Clark. No problem bringing in a guest (or two). It has smoking and non-smoking rooms. Government rate is generally the lowest available. This location within the Clark Freeport Zone is only a few miles away from the entertainment district. Taxi service is available 24/7 for P150 to the bar area.
Angeles Beach Club Hotel (ABC Hotel), Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias, Angeles City (in front of SM City Clark), ☎ (63)(45) 892-2222 ([email protected]),. This four-star hotel is known as "The Party Hotel," with unique furnishings such as an in-room party Jacuzzi and a sauna cabin. Its main attractions are its tropical beach pool and bar, and the Sky Bar and Lounge on the ABC Hotel rooftop, which allegedly offers the best views of the sunset over the mountains west of Angeles City. The hotel has a free shuttle service for its guests to and from Clark International Airport, as well as a helicopter service to Manila, Subic, and Mt. Pinatubo. All its guestrooms have Wi-Fi internet access, and are furnished with imported king-size to XXL mattresses among other five-star caliber, luxury amenities.
Oasis Hotel, Clark Perimeter Road, Clarkview Compound, Malabanias, ☎ 63)(45) 322-3301 ([email protected], [email protected]),. Once a favorite of visiting US Air Force officers, this quiet, respectable hotel is located within a secure residential compound. The hotel has all the services you will need including a 24-hour room service, 24-hour foreign currency exchange, 24-hour high security and dual-key safe deposit boxes, laundry service, a beautiful swmimming pool, a business center with internet access and a gift shop. The hotel restaurant, Maranao Grill, is open 24 hours and there is an English pub. Standard and deluxe rooms are offered, but if you are going to stay here, take a P2750 junior suite and ask for a discount. The suites are among the largest rooms in Angeles. Each suite is available with one king or two queen-size beds and has a large, clean bathroom. This is a place where you can bring your wife and kids if you are not able to leave them at home.
Fontana Leisure Park, C.M. Recto Highway, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-5000 or (63)(45) 599-8118 ([email protected]),. It features a world-class wave pool that can electronically produce various types of waves and three giant aqua thrill slides. The park also has other attractions like the mad scientist water laboratory, the buccaneer ship and the lazy river. A prelude to the coming 18-hole championship course, the pitch and putt of the golf course is a perfect place for golfers to practice their game. It also has a casino which offers over a hundred slot and video machines and 40 gaming tables with games like Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette and Pai-Gow.
Clarkton Hotel, 620 Don Juico Avenue, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-3424 or USA toll-free: (866) 978-4962 ([email protected]),This is a German-managed hotel that has 93 rooms. Large suites are available on the 3rd floor. It has an excellent restaurant, on-site go-go bar, a 24-hour room service and a large, clean pool. The pool area is a popular gathering place. Single deluxe room is P1650 while a suite is for P2500 or P2800.
Hotel Stotsenberg, Gil Puyat Avenue corner A. Soriano Street, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 499-0777, . This resort, with a casino, enjoys the best of worlds as it is a serene sanctuary, yet only a breeze away from an exciting nightlife. Just five minutes away from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, the hotel is accessible from all points in Greater Luzon via the North Luzon Expressway and other arterial highways - making it an excellent base for the discerning business as well as leisure travelers. Deluxe room is $83, executive suit is $98, Clark suite is $263 and Stotsenberg suite is $299.
Marlim Mansions Hotel, MacArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ 63)(45) 322-2002 or 63)(45) 322-2393 ([email protected], fax: (63)(45) 722-2972),. A five story full-service hotel, Marlim Mansion Hotel is one of the biggest hotels located at downtown Balibago with a total of 100 rooms. Standard room is $25, deluxe room is $29 and junior suite is $19.
Pacific Breeze Hotel and Resort, 1888 Vian Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45)625-6494, (63)(45) 625-6495 and (63)(45) 892-5293 ([email protected], fax: (63)(45) 892-5680), . It offers the most complete set of services and it is one of the better facilities in Angeles. With the completion of the Oahu Wing, they have also added a large conference rooms that may be rented for meetings, parties or other social functions. Here is a brief list of some of the amenities that await you: a 56 guest-room main building with elevator access to the roof top; a 50 guest-room Oahu Wing annex; and a large rooftop conference room for meetings, or other social functions.
Oxford Hotel, M.A. Roxas Avenue corner N. Aquino Avenue, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-7888, . It features small function and meeting rooms and a very large convention hall which can accommodate approximately 2,500 business, personal company team building or political guests. Stay at this hotel and get Mount Pinatubo Trek discounts.
Hotel Royal Amsterdam, 648 Fields Avenue, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 892-3392 ([email protected]), . It is one of the newest hotels in town. Built from the ground up, room rates range from $20 to $150.
Mo's Place, Fields Avenue corner A. Santos Street, Balibago, (63) (45) 892-0509, . Budget hotel with its own sports bar, swim-up bar and swimming pool. Rooms are a bit worn, and extra towels will cost you 30 pesos each. It has an in-house travel agency that can arrange tours around Angeles. Rooms rates start at about $36.
Clark Hostel, Ninoy Aquino Avenue corner M.A. Roxas Avenue, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-7500 or (63)(45) 599-7501 (fax: (63)(45) 599-7462), . Stay in a cozy, unique boutique condotel with many amenities and most importantly, good old fashioned warm and friendly Filipino hospitality. If you are planning an extended trip to Clark, this is the place to lodge. It is a favorite lodging facility for budget minded games-of-chance players as various casinos abound in and around the area, some within walking distance. It has a coffee shop, bar and grill with seating capacity of 200 persons at the garden coffee shop/bar with live music performances Friday nights.
Swiss Chalet Hotel, A. Santos Street corner Real Street, Balibago, at the site of the former ''Lollipop Bar'', ☎ :(63)(45) 888-2618 ([email protected]), . This is a new hotel built from the ground up. Rooms are priced from P1400 to P2850. It has no swimming pool but has an excellent restaurant.
Orchid Resort, 109 Raymond Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-0370 or (63)(45) 892-2653 ([email protected], fax: (63)(45) 322-2790), . This resort has 84 rooms in the heart of the Balibago entertainment area. The resort has three buildings: the 24-room original inn, a 27-room extension and a third building, a 33-room annex completed in November 2001, called the Jasmine Wing. The family superior deluxe rooms, located in the extension, are huge. A large tropical garden of lawn and shrubs surrounds the new 50 feet by 25 feet swimming pool. 24-hour room service is available from the hotel restaurant. Safe deposit box access is available 24 hours. Orchid rooms are priced from $32 to $66.
Wild Orchid Resort, A. Santos Street corner Johnny Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 625-6335 ([email protected], fax: (63)(45) 625-6267), . Prices range from $80 to $100. The resort is situated in the center of the entertainment district for easy walking to all of Angeles' finest clubs.
Central Park Hotel, 261 Real Street, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 892-0256 ([email protected], fax: (63)(45) 892-5680), . It has 48 rooms in the heart of Balibago nightlife. Central Park rooms were extensively renovated in late 2003. Rooms are kept quiet by double-pane windows. If you are interested in taking a swim or sitting around a pool, it is a short walk to Kokomo's. A standard room is $25, standard plus is $33 and premiere is $35. This hotel used to be named Park Chicago.
Montevista Villas, Mimosa Drive, Clark Field, ☎ (63)(45) 599-3333 or (63)(2) 845-2493 ([email protected], fax: 63)(45) 599-2531), . A renovated former USAF housing, the Montevista Villas are located within the Mimosa Resort amidst stately Mimosa rain trees, the former residential grounds and golf club. It is a good place for a long-term stay if you have a car. Their rate ranges from $78 to $129.
Century Resort Hotel, MacArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-7454 ([email protected], [email protected]), . The Casino Filipino-Angeles and Klownz Comedy Bar are just right next to this hotel and it is very accessible to Angeles' vibrant nightlife of Balibago district. Rate ranges from P1440 to P2880.
Maharajah Hotel, Texas Street, Villa Sol Subdivision, Anunas, ☎ (63)(45) 625-6973 ([email protected]). Price ranges from P1050 to P2000.
Phoenix Hotel, 1810 Malabanias corner Perimeter Road, Malabanias, ☎ (63)(45) 888-2195 or (63)(45) 888-2196 ([email protected], fax: (63)(45) 322-2074), . This hotel has 33 spacious, comfortable rooms including non-smoking rooms. Each room is fully carpeted and includes cable TV, mini-bars, air-conditioning, telephones and a 24-hour room service with a full international menu. Same day laundry and dry cleaning service are available.
Swagman-Narra Hotel, S.L. Orosa Street, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, ☎ (63)(45)322-5133 ([email protected]), . Named after the national tree of the Philippines, the Narra tree, it offers a spa, swimming pool, a bar and restaurant, pool, karaoke stage, barbecue cooking area and excellent food with a variety of steaks and seafood as well as Australian, Filipino, Thai and Chinese specialties. As an added bonus, there are night-time specials and a Sunday lunch roast. Fine wines are always available.
Blue Bianco Suites, C.M. Recto Highway, Clark Field, ☎ 63 045 599-3956. checkin: 12:00 NN; checkout: 11:00 am. 1300+.
Patio Inn, 4410 S.L. Orosa St. Diamond Subd. Balibago, ☎ (63)(45) 322-4272 or (63)(45) 892-0890 ([email protected], fax: (63)(45) 332-1771), . With 16 well appointed rooms, a 24-hour bar and restaurant, library and business center, the Patio is where you can escape, relax but still be in touch, when you want. It also has top-quality car rentals, van, trucks and motorcycle rentals. This is a series of hotels, which cater to American and Australian travelers, mostly men. Patio V is named after the American VFW post, which is just situated next door.
Bluefields Hotel, 1239 Malabanias Road Pladirel I, Malabanias, ☎ (63)(45) 892-7290 ([email protected]). checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Quite decent budget option at the Perimeter Road end. Standard room with bathroom, aircon and TV is for only PhP975. It also has a swimming pool and free internet. It's a little barred but staff is friendly.
Hotel Vida, 5414 M.A. Roxas Avenue, Clark Freeport, ☎ (63)(45) 499-1000, . A tropical paradise hotel in Clark Freeport, this deluxe hotel is set in a lush green landscape of acacia and palm trees, where natural light and ventilation were given emphasis to achieve a breezy atmosphere. A host of first-class recreational facilities and accommodation amenities await travelers and guests.
Donald Paul Apartelle (& Country Kitchen), Surla Street, Angeles City (Across from the city hygiene, near the casino, a few steps away from Fields Avenue.), ☎ (045)322-5569 ([email protected]). checkout: 1200. A new establishment, in a very convenient, but quiet location. The Donald Paul Apartelle offers queen and king size rooms, as well as two apartments that both have two bedrooms and a lounge. The whole building is brand new and very clean. The hotel has a swimming pool, free wifi / computers, and a kitchen that is open "24 & a half" hours with room service available around the clock. The staff are exceptionally friendly. Rooms start from 1600 a night.
Metro Clark Hotel, 22nd Street Josefa Subdivision Malabanias Angeles City, Pampanga , Philippines, ☎ (63)(45) 892-3201, . Metro Clark Hotel has 18 well equipped rooms. Newly renovated 3 storey Hotel with good security system: CCTV, fire alarm panel, high speed wireless broadband, Cable Channels: HBO, Star Sports, ESPN. All rooms are with reasonable size, simple, clean and well maintained. Hotel is conveniently & centrally located for good food, fine dining, shopping, banking /money transfer transactions, and the world's famous entertainment center of Angeles City.
Internet and phone services
Internet cafes have become a common sight along university roads, at the malls, hotels and different establishments. You will have no trouble finding cheap and fast internet access. Usual rate ranges between PhP15 and PhP30 an hour. You will also find cheap gaming stations aside from internet access.
Prepaid SIM cards of local GSM operators (Globe, Smart, Sun) are widely available and cheap (P50-100). International calls, however, are not particularly cheap (though still much cheaper than roaming rates) and usually cost around US$0.40 per minute ($0.30 for Sun, but at the expense of network coverage quality). However, often they have promotions with lower call/SMS rates to the chosen countries - just ask the dealer about that.
Stay Safe
The tourist and entertainment areas are generally safe as it is filled with pedestrians and police around-the-clock. If you're male, you will likely get heavily solicited by street vendors pitching cigarettes and trike rides. However, they are usually nothing more than minor nuisances. They aren't persistent as long as you show disinterest. It’s the same with the begging population, which is small but visible.
However, venturing into the Clark Perimeter bar areas (around the ABC Hotel) after dark is not recommended or along Santos Street south of Wild Orchid Resort. The rule of thumb is, if it's not well-lit and populated at night, don't go there.
Furthermore, be extremely vigilant of street strangers pretending to know you. These scammers, often middle-aged male trike drivers, usually target solo tourists. With an extended hand, they would say something like "Hi, my friend, I met you at the hotel last night" or "Hey, remember me? I was your driver." Their initial goal is simply to get you talking and drawing down your guard. But their ultimate goal is to transport you to an illegal gambling den, brothel, or to set you up for theft or mugging. They will try to entice you by offering a free ride or to show you a new or secret bar. Ignoring random street strangers is essential advice. It's best not to confront them but to walk past saying "sorry, I'm late!" And definitely never go anywhere with them or show your wallet. Filipinos are known for their hospitality, but they're not that friendly to the point where they'd appear out of nowhere just to befriend you!
Lastly, do not engage with street prostitutes, some of whom are underaged or have criminal intent. There are countless stories of male patrons bringing a street prostitute to his hotel room only to be startled minutes later by police knocking on the door. The girl may claim rape and the police may demand a bribe to "settle" matters.
Get out
Explore the Philippines and more of Angeles City. There is still life outside of Fields Avenue and Clark Ecozone.
San Fernando — The provincial capital of Pampanga, famous for it s Giant Lantern Festival on Christmas, Cuted Lenten Crucifixion(Re-enactment of Christ's crucifixion) on Holy Week as well as Hilaga Philippines which showcases the cultures, character and wealth of the four northern regions of Luzon.
Mabalacat — This is where the airfield where the first Kamikaze suicide attacks were launched on 1944 is located. Today a memorial stands in the airfield visited by tourists commonly by the Japanese.
Porac — Famous for the Lahar flows which were the result of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.
Arayat — is known for its majestic Mount Arayat which is a National Park.
Candaba — is known for its Bird Watching, thousands of birds migrate here from October to April of every year. It serves as a bird sanctuary and a haven for migratory birds, such as egrets and wild ducks during winter in China. Indigenous ones like the rare salaksak and batala are to be seen as well.
Guagua — takes its pride for having Pampanga's oldest church, Betis Church, which is a fascinating work of architecture.
If leaving by airport, remember to carry enough cash for the P600 departure tax (P150 for domestic flights).
