Wikivoyage

city of the Philippines
(Redirected from Angeles City)
Asia > Southeast Asia > Philippines > Luzon > Central Luzon > Pampanga > Angeles

Angeles is a city in Pampanga province. The city is rich in history and heritage, with old and historical significant buildings dotting its landscape, but these days it is best known for its high concentration of casinos and sometimes questionable nightlife (though that's changing; see "Drink" below). Aside from these, it is also famous for its extreme sports adventures in the lahar flows of Mt. Pinatubo.

Understand

edit

Angeles is a thriving regional city partly due to its long history of western influence: its Clark Freeport Zone was the massive American Clark Airbase (previously named Fort Stotsenberg) from 1898 until 1991. In 1899, it became the seat of the Philippine government under General Emilio Aguinaldo and the site of the first anniversary celebration of Philippine independence. After World War II, it had the highest concentration of American expatriates as well as Filipino mestizos, some of whom chose to settle here permanently. Today Angeles is known for its booming nightlife and is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination, particularly from South Korea. Its center, Balibago, is especially known for its fine restaurants, hotels and shopping malls. Within Balibago is the neon-lit Fields Avenue, known for its bars, nightclubs and what could be one of the world's largest concentration of go-go bars. Adjoining Clark Freeport Zone is the site of world-class resorts, casinos, duty-free shops and beautifully landscaped golf courses. The city, and the rest of the Pampanga region, is known as the culinary center of the Philippines.

While Angeles is administratively separate from Pampanga, Wikivoyage treats it as part of Pampanga. This page also covers Mabalacat, while a city on its own, is more of a suburb of Angeles; it houses the Clark Freeport Zone that has the airport.

Get in

edit

Angeles is well connected by road to any place on Luzon and it has a busy international airport.

By plane

edit

Many budget airlines fly to Clark because it is reasonably close to Metro Manila and has lower landing fees than Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport. For travelers, Clark is often more convenient than heavily-congested Manila, especially if your final destination is in the northern Philippines. If you are headed further south, to the Visayas or Mindanao, then Cebu Airport is another alternative.

Flights arrive at a newer and larger terminal built to the north and opened 2022; it will also connect to the future airport rail link to Manila. The older and smaller terminal has been permanently closed.

The airport 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 roadways around the airport are fairly rural, making transport between the airport and the city quick and hassle-free.

Onward ticket required

As anywhere in the Philippines, tourist visa requirements include having an onward ticket; if you do not have a return ticket then you must have another ticket out of the country or they will not let you in. Most airlines check this when you go to check in for a flight to the Philippines, and will not let you board without it.

International flights include:

Domestic flights are offered by Cebu Pacific and AirAsia to Cebu. Davao, and Kalibo which gives access to Boracay.

Ground transportation

edit

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 steep compared to other modes of transportation, so for example, the fare from the airport to Fields is ₱500 for a 15-minute ride.

Some possible alternatives to avoid this rip-off are:

  • Use the Grab app, and hail your own taxi online just as you exit the terminal. The price varies with demand, but is generally ₱200 to ₱300 from or to the airport, as of 2020.
  • To get to the airport from Dau Bus Terminal the "cheap way": take a jeepney to the main gate (₱8). At the main gate ask for the jeepneys to the airport. These drop you at the entrance of the airport parking (₱10). You must then walk less than 5 minutes to the terminal building. Count 15–30 minutes in total. At maingate, some jeepney drivers will also offer to bring you to the terminal building for about ₱250, just insist that you want to go the cheap way.

Construction of an airport rail link with Manila began in 2021, which will terminate at a station outside the North Terminal. This is planned to open by 2026 or 2027. This will be served by limited express trains to Manila, as well as regular commuter trains that will stop at Angeles proper before continuing down to Manila.

By bus

edit
  • 2 Dau Bus Terminal, MacArthur Highway, Dau, Mabalacat. Open 24 hours. Angeles' central bus terminal, it serve buses headed for the city and also those headed toward Northern Luzon. There is one shelter, which has some shops and food stands. Nearby is a CityMall shopping mall, fast-food chains, and a Hotel Sogo location. (updated Sep 2023)

This is the most common and economical way to get to Angeles from Metro Manila. It normally takes 1½ hours to get to Angeles by bus, however, travelers must consider the unpredictable effect heavy traffic and downpours will have on the trip. In short, give yourself plenty of time to travel by bus.

Most provincial buses bound for the Ilocos region will have a short stopover at Dau, before heading onward. However, from the opposite direction, you need to get down at Tarlac City and transfer to an uncomfortable ordinary class minibus headed for Angeles.

Bus companies

edit
  • Five Star. Has trips from their terminals in Pasay and Cubao. ₱135 one-way. (updated Dec 2019)
  • Philippine Rabbit. Plies the Santa Cruz, Manila-Dau route. (updated Dec 2019)

By car

edit

The best way from Manila to Angeles via car is taking the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) which extends until Santa Ines in Mabalacat. You may take either the Angeles exit or Dau exit to get there. Another highway, though narrow, is the MacArthur Highway (Rte 2). Both routes pass through Bulacan, and it usually takes about 1 hour to travel but it is twice the travel time if you plan to take the MacArthur route as it take you through heavily urbanized areas. 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.

From the north, the best route is on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) or MacArthur. From Subic or Bataan, SCTEx is preferred, but there is also an old highway on the same corridor, Rte 217.

Get around

edit

By jeepney

edit

To hop on a colorful jeepney is certainly the most affordable way to get around downtown. It is available 24 hours a day and it is the most famous mode of transportation in the country, which connects towns and cities together. Since jeepneys tend to be overcrowded with passengers, tourists carrying bulky luggage should consider traveling by taxi.

By taxi

edit

Though more convenient for tourists, taxis are less common in Angeles and not normally used for travel outside the city. Rather, they are primarily used to tour around the Clark Freeport Zone and for transport to and from the airport. Simson's taxicab terminal can be found particularly next to Clark's main gate (opposite Jollibee) and SM City Clark in Balibago.

Grab ride-hailing service is available in Angeles since 2016.

By trike

edit

Trikes (or tricycles) are motorcycles with a small attached passenger cabin. They are restricted to low-speed roads and not permitted to enter the area surrounding the airport. Passengers of larger physical stature may find riding in them uncomfortable. Nevertheless, because of their slower speeds, trikes are generally a safe mode of transport. Groups of two can take a trike if one is comfortable riding behind the driver in the style of a moto-taxi.

Fares are negotiable if you hail a trike on the street, but are notoriously high in Angeles if you do it this way, with foreigners asked flat ₱100 even for a short (up to 1-1,5 km) trip, more for longer ones (or even if you just have lots of baggage), and not much chance to bargain. This is both clearly illegal (the updated fare chart published in 2019 starts from ₱25) and easily twice the metered air-conditioned taxi fare in Manila. Hailing a Grab (see above in By taxi section) car from the phone is often cheaper, not to mention the GrabTrike service available in the same app.

By bus

edit

Clark Freeport operates a bus rapid transit (BRT) system, the Clark Loop, with two lines from SM Clark. Buses leave every 20 minutes; some stops are on the median of the Manuel A. Roxas Hwy, otherwise, they operate like regular city buses. Rides are free.

  • 1 Fort Stotsenburg, Sapang Bato. The former headquarters of American cavalry divisions sent to the Philippines during the Philippine-American War. Destroyed in World War II, only its gateposts remains. Fort Stotsenburg (Q6517205) on Wikidata Fort Stotsenburg on Wikipedia (updated Oct 2019)
  • 2 Pamintuan Mansion (Museum of Philippine Social History), Miranda St, ☏ +63 45 304-4042. 8AM-4PM. A century-old heritage house, which houses the Museum of Philippine Social History since 2015. The museum features exhibits and artifacts related to Filipino daily livelihood and leisure. It was used by the American soldiers during World War II, converted to the Angeles Hotel sometime after the war, and was the satellite office of the Philippine central bank from 1993 to 2009. Free admission, although prior notice is needed before visit. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 3 Founders' Residence (Bale Matua Heritage Dining), #770 Santo Rosario Street. Located at the heart of Santo Rosario, it is the oldest building in the city. It was built in 1824 by the city founder, Don Ángel Pantaleón de Miranda, and his wife, Doña Rosalia de Jesus, and was inherited by their only daughter, Doña Juana de Miranda de Henson. This house, which is made of high stone and an ornate gate, nostalgically symbolizes the glorious past of Angeles amidst the overwhelming onslaughts of modernization. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 4 Post Office Building (Deposito), Arayat Boulevard. Open 24 hours. It is a building that was constructed in 1899 for the purpose of depositing religious statues and carriages of the Catholic Church, hence the name Deposito. It was also used as the headquarters of the 11th Film Exchange U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947 and was then used as a jailhouse for recalcitrant U.S. troops during the Philippine–American War. On February 6, 1967, the Angeles Post Office moved to this building. It is now the site of Angeles Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 5 Holy Rosary Church (Santo Rosario Church). The church was constructed from 1877 to 1896 by the "Polo y Servicio" labor system, a kind of forced labor imposed on Filipino peasants by the Spanish colonial government. It was used as a military hospital by the U.S. Army from August 1899 to December 1900. Its backyard was the execution ground used by Spanish forces to shoot Filipino rebels and suspects. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 6 Holy Family Academy Building. Holy Family Academy Building was once a convent and was served as a military hospital of the U.S. Army in 1900. It was later used as troop barracks, officers' quarters and arsenal by the Japanese Imperial Military Forces in the year of 1942. (updated Apr 2020)
Museum of Angeles
  • 7 Museo ning Angeles (Museum of Angeles). Museo ning Angeles a vintage building located at the "Santo Rosario Historic District" across the Holy Rosary Church. This edifice was constructed in 1922 and served as the Town Hall until 1998. The museum has become the venue of the city's cultural activities be it from the or government sector. From the time it opened in the year 1999, it has been a venue for various activities from exhibits, art classes, concerts, venue for performances and climax for traditional celebrations. In June 2012, the National Museum of the Philippines declared the Museo ning Angeles as an "Important Cultural Property of the Philippines," the first cultural property to be given such a distinction. The museum is administered by Kuliat Foundation, Inc. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 8 Bale Herencia, Lakandula St. corner Santo Rosario St. Built in 1860, it is a picturesque house with the unsavory reputation of having been built for the mistress of a parish priest. The current owners have leased the place to various restaurants, food stalls, and other businesses like salons and computer shops. The antique architecture, however, is still preserved. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 9 Center for Kapampangan Studies, ☏ +63 45 887 5748, . A museum inside the Holy Angel University showcasing the culture of the Kapampangans, a major ethnic group in Pampanga. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 10 Lily Hill / Goddess of Peace Shrine. Lily Hill is the highest point in the Clark area with an elevation of 32 meters (105 ft). The name of the hill, is the anglicized form of the word "lili" in the local language of the Aetas which means "lost". It was used as an outpost by American soldiers, and later by the Japanese during World War II. In 1998, the Goddess of Peace Shrine was set up, which has a large statue as its centerpiece accompanied by a plaque in English and Japanese. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 11 Apung Mamacalulu Shrine (Archdiocesan Shrine of the Lord of the Holy Sepulcher), C. Dayrit St. A stone church which is known for hosting the image of Jesus Christ known as "Apung Mamacalulu" (Merciful Lord). The image commissioned in the mid-19th century during the Spanish colonial era, is believed to be miraculous by its devotees. (updated Apr 2020)
Expo Pilipino
  • 12 Expo Pilipino (Clark Expo). An exposition center opened in 1998 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence. It features a 35,000-seater covered amphitheater. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 13 Nayong Pilipino Clark. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 14 Kapampangan Museum (Clark Museum and 4D theater), #2528 S. Osmena Street, Clark Freeport. 9AM–4PM. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 15 Bayanihan Park (formerly Astro Park). A park at the Clark Freeport Zone near SM City Clark shopping mall. It features the "Salakot" a large pavilion structure named after the native hat of the same name due to the shape of its roof. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 16 Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone (Formerly Clark Air Base). Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone (Q5127234) on Wikidata Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone on Wikipedia (updated Oct 2019)
  • 17 Chapel of the Holy Guardian Angel, Holy Angel University. The main chapel of the Holy Angel University. It is noted for its cotemporary white facade which has an unconventional structure for modern churches.It is dedicated to the Guardian Angel, which is the patron of both the school and the city of Angeles. It also hosts image which was commissioned in the Spanish colonial era in 1830 by Don Angel Pantaleon de Miranda. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 18 SEA Games Clock Monument, MacArthur Highway. Open 24 hours. A memorabilla of South East Asian Games in Clark in 2019. Free. 2019 SEA Games on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2023)

Events

edit
  • 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 every December, celebrating the Kapampangan dish sisig, which said to have originated in this city.

Sports

edit
  • Drag 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 City has an abundance of pool tables to play all along the Fields Avenue and hundreds of other places in the city.
  • 1 Mount Arayat Trek, Mount Arayat National Park, ☏ +63 45 892-6239. Available November through May. Prices range: day trips (minimum of 3 persons, ₱800 per person) and overnight trips (minimum of 3 persons, ₱2500 per person). Mount Arayat on Wikipedia 
  • 2 Trekking Mount Pinatubo, ☏ +63-2-925-1009, . A once-in-a-lifetime experience, highly recommended for hiking enthusiasts. Board a Filipino 4x4 jeep and experience a thrilling drive across Crow Valley, a moon-like terrain, with vast ash fields and rocky rivers. You will hike up towards the summit passing through sandy cliffs and up a mountain path. The views of the Crater Lake are absolutely breathtaking. On the way back you have the opportunity to visit an Aeta Village and enjoy interacting with one of the oldest indigenous tribes in the Philippines. The trip is a full day tour departing early in the morning. You will hike between 3 and 6 hours depending on your fitness. Pinatubo (Q1451) on Wikidata Mount Pinatubo on Wikipedia 
  • Mount Pinatubo aerial tours are 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 around 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 US$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).
  • 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 a 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.
  • Golf, world-class golf courses, such as Fontana Resort, Angeles Sports and Country Club, and J&K Golf are the recommended golf courses for those so inclined.
  • 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 hectares (28.0 acres) site which includes a nine-hole golf course, luxurious penthouse suites and driving range.
  • 3 Clark International Speedway (CIS), Panday Pira Ave, ☏ +63 45 4998 8034, . Reserve a day for motorsports activity at the Clark International Speedway, a 4.19 km (2.60 mi) permanent race track. No walk-ins allowed. Closed Mondays. (updated Jan 2021)

Leisure and nightlife

edit
  • 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 it unique accessibility, 1½ hr 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 standing room capacity 700 people and the 2nd floor VVIP area 150 people. It was conceptualized by socialite, Divine Lee and renowned eventologist, Tim Yap.
  • Gambling, being renowned as a city with high concentration of casinos, such as Casino Filipino-Angeles, Casino Filipino-Mimosa, Fontana Casino, and Casablanca Casino, Angeles offers a variety of activities that will keep leisure travelers definitely happy.

Malls

edit
  • 1 MarQuee Mall, Aniceto Gueco Street (beside North Luzon Expressway). 8AM-9PM. A major shopping mall under Ayala Malls. Marquee Mall on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2023)
  • 2 City Mall-Angeles City (next to Dau Bus station). 8AM-10PM. A small retail center in Dau, Mabalacat. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 3 Robinsons Angeles, McArthur Highway. 9AM-8PM. A Robinsons shopping mall. (updated Nov 2023)
  • 4 SM City Clark, Manuel A. Roxas Highway. 9AM-9PM. A major shopping mall at the Clark Freeport Zone under the SM Supermalls chain. SM City Clark on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2023)

Shopping

edit

Duty-free stores are to be found inside the Clark Ecozone, namely Puregold, 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 cheaper. Some of these stores have an extensive selection of cigarettes and perfumes as well.

The baratillos (cheap or thrift stores) sell crap the likes of which you cannot imagine. If you really want a native experience, go to one of those open-air tiangges; 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 barangay Apo every Friday.

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 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.

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.m, which Angeles is famous for. From its humble beginnings in Aling Lucing's Eatery along Angeles' railway 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's kare-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's camaru (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's batute (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 like 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 with American, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican and Korean cuisines.

A number of coffee shops are also to be seen even in the outskirts of the city that serve drip regular coffee, decaff, brewed coffee, espresso-based hot drinks, other hot and cold drinks, and snacks.

  • 1 Angeles Fried Chicken, 1992 Marlim Ave., Diamond Subd., Balibago (near Casino Filipino-Angeles- 2 km away from Clarkfield), ☏ +63-453224448. 9:30AM–9:30PM. The oldest restaurant in Angeles City, offers a wide array of food. Locally famous for its juicy chicken (crispy or regular) with coleslaw and gravy. Also popular: gambas, sisig, calamares,Japanese fried chicken, pancit canton, bihon, clubhouse sandwich, iced tea. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 2 Frontera Tex-Mex Cantina, 580 Don Juico Ave (next to Horizon Condo in Perimeter), ☏ +63 916 369 0548, . Noon - 10PM. Very good Texas/Mexican cuisine. Also a standout among many others serving a similar style of cuisine for its young age. US$5. (updated Jul 2016)
  • 3 Tequila Reef Cantina (Tequila Reef), Corner of A. Santos and Real Streets (just off of Fields Avenue), ☏ +63 45-892-4397. 8AM–1AM. Authentic Mexican cuisine, barbecue chicken & ribs, New Orleans “Cajun” specialties, steaks, burgers, sandwiches and Filipino food. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 4 Camalig, 292 Sto. Rosario St, ☏ +63 45 322 5641, . A local restaurant open since 1973 known for "Armando's Pizza" which is billed as "the national pizza". It is purported to be made in-house using classic homegrown Pinoy pizza recipe. Camalig has a selection of 18 pizza flavors. It is housed inside a historic structure built in 1840 by Don Ciriaco de Miranda, the first gobernadorcillo of Angeles, and was used as a grain storehouse. It was restored in 1980 by Armando L. Nepomuceno. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 5 Spanglish, Pavilion Mall Building, Manuel A. Roxas Highway. 11AM–9PM. Mexican food restaurant. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 6 Clark Lomi House, Manuel L Quezon Avenue. 6AM–11:30PM. A large eatery inside Clark airbase serving a variety of Filipino local food. Prices are affordable and food tastes good. They have indoor and outdoor area dining. Parking is huge.
    They also serve coffee, fruit shakes, milktea and hot or iced coffee.     (updated Sep 2023)
  • 7 Amante Ribs And Steaks Airforce City Golf Club Branch, Manuel A. Roxas Highway. 10AM–8PM. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 8 Aling Lucing's Sisig-Angeles City, Glaciano Valdez Street. Open 24 hours. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 9 Purple PadThai Restaurant, #400-A Yale Avenue. 10AM–8:30PM. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 10 Makimura Ramen Bar, Tinio Building, Manila North Rd, Balibago. 5PM–2AM. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 11 The Orange Bucket- Balibago Branch, Manila North Road. 11AM–11PM. Cajun Fusion restaurant. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 12 19 Copung Copung, Manila North Road corner Looban Street. Open 24 hours. Filipino & Exotic Filipino foods restaurant. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 13 Hashi Sushi, Stalls 2&3, 2-3 Arayat Street, Balibago. Open 24 hours. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 14 Z TAPA'S Tapsilog Atbp., Arayat Sreet corner S. Rivera Lim Avenue. Open 24 hours. Filipino eatery. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 15 Raphael's Unlimited-Balibago Branch, B1- Lot, 11 Mon Tang Avenue., Balibago. Open 24 hours. Korean food restaurant. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 16 My Lola Nor's Meryendahan, #181 MacArthur Highway. 9AM–6PM. Every dish is surprisingly delicious and authentic. They have short orders for merienda and lunch servings. All food is cooked very distinctively. Tidtad capampangan (dinuguan/pork blood stew), pork sinigang, fresh lumpia (the crepe is hand-made, smooth and soft) with peanut sauce (amazing), pancit luglug (the serving is generous), batirol (eveyday Christmas!) and their batirol shake. (updated Sep 2023)

Drink

edit

The infamous nightlife scene on Fields Avenue sprang up to service American military men stationed at the nearby Clark Air Force Base. But now, the adjoining Balibago district is home to many decent bars and karaoke joints. It has a number of clubs which fit any budget and personality. There are traditional clubs with DJs and live band clubs. For an 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, every day of the year.

One of the famous attractions of the area is prostitution which is illegal in the Philippines but widespread, especially in some areas including here. See the Philippines article for discussion.

Sleep

edit

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 ₱800-1000, 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 (₱400-700) rooms can be found here, and 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 ₱50 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).

Budget (under ₱1,000)

edit
  • 1 C Palace Hotel, 1080 Jake Gonzales Boulevard Malabanias (near the Abacan bridge), ☏ +63 45 6261880. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fan double rooms with own bathrooms 12/24 hours. Jeepneys go passed the door of the C Palace Hotel to Clark gate and Angeles city ₱8. 

Mid-range

edit
  • 2 Hotel Vanna, Lot 17 & 18 Block 11 Friendship Highway, Anunas, ☏ +63 45 625 5642. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Well-maintained rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen cable TV and private toilet and bath. Facilities and services are room service, airport transfer and laundry service. 
  • 3 Affinity Condo Resort, #107-a Sofia St, Malabanias (100), ☏ +63 9272634675, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Feel at home with your own kitchen, dining room, separate bedrooms, built-in-robes, linen cupboards and low-cost laundry facility. There are fully furnished studios, 1-bedroom and 2 -bedroom condominiums. ₱2,849-3,419. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 4 ABC Hotel, Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias (in front of SM City Clark), ☏ +63 45 892-2222, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 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. ₱7,549. 
  • 5 Oasis Hotel, Clark Perimeter Road, Clarkview Compound, Malabanias, ☏ +63 45 322-3301, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Once a favorite of visiting US Air Force officers, this quiet, respectable hotel is in 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. This is a place where you can bring your wife and kids if you are not able to leave them at home. 
  • 6 Fontana Hotel and Villas - Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks, C.M. Recto Highway, Clark Field, ☏ +63 45 599-5000, +63 45 599-8118, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 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. ₱5,068. 
  • 7 Clarkton Hotel, 620 Don Juico Avenue, Balibago, ☏ +63 45 322-3424, toll-free: +63 866 978-4962, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 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 ₱1650 while a suite is for ₱2500 or ₱2800. 
  • 8 Hotel Stotsenberg, Gil Puyat Avenue corner A. Soriano Street, Clark Field, ☏ +63 45 499-0777. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 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 US$83, executive suit is $98, Clark suite is $263 and Stotsenberg suite is $299. 
  • 9 Pacific Breeze Hotel and Resort, 1888 Vian Street, Balibago, ☏ +63 45 625-6494, +63 45 625-6495, +63 45 892-5293, fax: +63 45 892-5680, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 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. ₱3,350. 
  • 10 Hotel Royal Amsterdam, 648 Fields Avenue, Balibago, ☏ +63 45 892-3392, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. It is one of the newest hotels in town and right in the middle of all the action on Fields Ave. Built from the ground up,. 
  • 11 Swiss Chalet Hotel, A. Santos Street corner Real Street, Balibago, at the site of the former Lollipop Bar, ☏ +63 45 888-2618, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Rooms are priced from ₱1400-2850. It has no swimming pool but has an excellent restaurant. 
  • 12 Orchid Inn Resort, #109 Raymond Street, Balibago, ☏ +63 45 322-0370, +63 45 892-2653, fax: +63 45 322-2790, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 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 in the extension are huge. A large tropical garden of lawn and shrubs surrounds the 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 US$32-66. 
  • 13 Wild Orchid Resort, A. Santos Street corner Johnny Street, Balibago, ☏ +63 45 625-6335, fax: +63 45 625-6267, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Prices range from US$80-100. The resort is in the center of the entertainment district for easy walking to all of Angeles' finest clubs. ₱3,530. 
  • 14 Central Park Tower, 888 Lourdes Street, Balibago, ☏ +63 45 458 0122. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱4,496. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 15 Century Resort Hotel, MacArthur Highway, Balibago, ☏ +63 45 322-7454, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. The Casino Filipino-Angeles and Klownz Comedy Bar are next to this hotel and it is very accessible to Angeles' vibrant nightlife of Balibago district. Price range: ₱3,408-6,248. 
  • 16 Maharajah Hotel, Texas Street, Villa Sol Subdivision, Anunas, ☏ +63 45 625-6973, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱2,300. 
  • 17 Seinpost Hotel, 15 Rizal Street Plaridel I, ☏ +63 45 892-2585. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Renovated building, walking distance from the entertainment capital of Angeles City, Fields Avenue. Away from busy streets, with parking space. 
  • 18 Reddoorz @ Clarkview 21St Street Angeles City (Perimeter Hotel), 21st Street. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A renovated hotel with fully air conditioned rooms. Hotel has Jacuzzi rooms, free Wi-fi access, cable tv, running hot and cold water, free hot tea or coffee, safety deposit box, safe parking 24/7, laundry service and transport service. The restaurant serves International cuisines and has two bars on the ground floor with pool tables. Near the nightlife localities of Angeles City. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 19 Rumi Apartelle Hotel, Sierra Madre Street. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Rumi Apartelle Hotel caters to all types of travellers. The hotel offers budget, standard, deluxe and superior rooms. It is in the heart of Angeles City near the malls, bars and restaurants of the city. ₱1,600++. 
  • 20 Clark Renaissance Hotel, Lot 7, 21 Amazon St, Angeles, Pampanga, ☏ +63 947 329 7773. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 21 Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Manila North Road (in Saver's Mall). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Along a bustling stretch of MacArthur Highway lined with eateries and shops, this polished hotel is 1 km from Bayanihan Park and 3 km from the Museum of Philippine Social History. It's 9 km from Clark International Airport. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 22 Red Planet Clark Angeles City, #2009 Don Juico Avenue. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 23 Hotel Seoul Clark, Abacan & Chico Streets, Clark Freeport. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. ₱4,000. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 24 Royce Hotel and Casino, Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Corner Ninoy Aquino Avenue Zone, Clark Freeport. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. This lively casino hotel next to Air Force City Golf Course is 4 km from Clark International Airport. ₱5,000. (updated Sep 2023)

Splurge

edit
  • 25 Quest Hotel Clark, Mimosa Drive, Filinvest Mimosa + Leisure City, Clark Freeport Zone, ☏ +63 45 599 8000, . Price range from ₱4,000, or as high as ₱42,000 for a private villa. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 26 Clark Marriott Hotel, 5398 Manuel A Roxas Highway Zone, Clark Freeport, ☏ +63 45 598 5000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. This posh hotel across from a golf course is 3 km from Clark International Airport. ₱11,590++. (updated Jun 2023)
  • 27 Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, Jose Abad Santos Ave, Clark Freeport, ☏ +63 45 598 5400. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. ₱9,350++. (updated Jun 2023)
  • 28 Widus Hotel and Casino Clark, 5400 Manuel A. Roxas Hwy, Clark Freeport Zone, ☏ +63 45 499 1000. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: noon. Set on landscaped grounds, this modern casino hotel is adjacent to the Widus Convention Center and 3 km from Clark International Airport. ₱6,500. (updated Jun 2023)
  • 29 Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, Claro M. Recto Highway, Clark Freeport, ☏ +63 45 308 8888. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. ₱8,000-15,000. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 30 Swissôtel Clark Philippines, Lot2a, Lot2b, Lot2e1 Manuel A, Zone, Clark Freeport, ☏ +63 45 306 2000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. ₱11,600. (updated Jun 2023)
  • 31 Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, Mimosa Leisure Estate, Mimosa Drive. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱6,000. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 32 Kingsley's Hotel, Clark Center, Pavilion 15 lot 6 Bertaphil 3, Jose Abad Santos Ave, Clark Freeport. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Unpretentious rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities, plus safes, wet rooms and Juliet balconies. Minibars are available on request. Rooms service is provided 24/7. The casual pub features a pool table, TV and wood decor, plus regular live entertainment. There's also an event space. Breakfast is available. ₱5,000. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 33 Olle Hotel (formerly W Clark Hotel), Lot 7, O'Donnel St., Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Freeport Zone. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Sep 2023)

Connect

edit

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 ₱12 and ₱30 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 (₱50-100). 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 healthy

edit
  • Angeles City has a high rate of STD & HIV cases.
  • Social Hygiene Clinic, RHWC/Bale Angeleno. C Suria Street Balibago (in front of Donald Paul Apartelle), ☏ +63 936-7789018. M-F 8AM-5PM. Free STD and HIV testing and treatment. 

Cope

edit

Stay safe

edit

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.

Go next

edit
  • San Fernando — The provincial capital of Pampanga, famous for its Giant Lantern Festival on Christmas, the Cutud 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. Beyond that, it has a downtown full of historic sights, most notably a train station that served as the end of the Bataan Death March.
  • Southwest Pampanga is known for its towns and municipalities with a wide variety of sights and activities. Some of the most notable places on that region are:
    • Porac — Famous for lahar deposits which were the result of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.
    • Guagua — takes its pride for having Pampanga's most beautiful church, the Betis Church, which is a fascinating work of religious art and architecture.
  • Arayat — is known for its majestic Mount Arayat, also a national park.
  • Candaba — is known for 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.
  • Capas — a nearby city in Tarlac province, which also hosts the New Clark City portion of the Clark area.

If leaving by airport, remember to carry enough cash through security for the ₱600 departure tax (₱150 for domestic flights.) There is an ATM kiosk outside security, and at arrival times there is a change booth which sells pisos outside security, but it is closed when no flights are arriving. The change booth inside security will buy pesos for foreign currency but will not sell pesos, and there is no ATM inside security.

Routes through Angeles
Tarlac City/Baguio via ← Junction ←→) ← Service area ←  N  S  → Porac → Floridablanca → Subic
END ←  N  S  → Mexico → San Fernando → Manila
San Fernando ←  N  N  → Bamban → Capas → Tarlac City


This city travel guide to Angeles is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Angeles&oldid=4922888"