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.

For the city in California, see Los Angeles

Understand

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 permanently settle here. 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 this as part of Pampanga. This page also covers Mabalacat, while a city on its own, is more of a suburb of Angeles.

Get in

By plane

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 travellers, 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.

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.

Flights include:

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

Taxi

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. for example, the fare from the airport to Fields is ₱500 for a 15-minute ride.

Low-cost way
  • Walk the 300 m (980 ft) to the main road going passed the airport and take a Jeepney to Clark Gate for ₱10. 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • Five Star bus lines has a bus terminal near (1 km) from Manila airport. It is a good way of getting to Manila airport from Dau. The Five Star Bus Lines fare is ₱135. from outside the five star bus terminal in manila there are Jeppneys going to Termianl 3 at manila airport for p8.

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 highway, 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.

Get around

By jeepney

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

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's) and SM City-Clark mall in Balibago.

By trike

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, but in general ₱100 will be a common request for all but the shortest or longest trips.

See
  • Fort Stotsenburg
  • Old Pamintuan Residence
  • Founders' Residence (Bale Matua)
  • Post Office Building (Deposito)
  • Camalig
  • Holy Rosary Church (Santo Rosario Church)
  • Holy Family Academy Building
  • Museo ning Angeles
  • Bale Herencia,
  • Juan D. Nepomuceno's Center for Kapampangan Studies
  • Lily Hill
  • Mount Pinatubo
  • Apu Chapel
  • Expo Pilipino
  • Nayong Pilipino
  • Kapampangan Museum (Clark Museum)
  • Bayanihan Park (formerly Astro Park)
  • Salakot Arch
  • Clark Freeport Zone (formerly Clark Air Base)

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

Sports
  • 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 has an abundance of pool tables to play all along the Fields Avenue and hundreds of other places in the city.
  • Mount Arayat Trek, ☎ +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). 
  • Trekking Mount Pinatubo, ☎ +63-2-925-1009, e-mail: . 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 anywhere between 3 - 6 hours depending on your fitness. 
  • 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 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 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.
  • Golf, world-class golf courses, such as Holiday Inn Golf and Resort, 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-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 it unique accessibility, 1½ 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 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.

Buy

Malls & supermarkets

Shopping

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 Apo district every Friday. Twenty-four hour convenience stores, like 7-Eleven, 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 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'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.

  • Angeles Fried Chicken, 1992 Marlim Ave., Diamond Subd., Balibago (near Casino Filipino-Angeles- 2 km away from Clarkfield), ☎ +63-453224448. 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. 
  • 🌍 Frontera Tex-Mex Cantina, 580 Don Juico Ave (Next to Horizon Condo in Perimeter), ☎ +63 916 369 0548, e-mail: . 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)
  • Mother's Cakehouse & Restaurant, 1982 Marlim Ave., Diamond Subd., Balibago (near Casino Filipino- 2 km 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 homey feeling ambience with pink and white motif. Its baked macaroni is excellent. Other specialties include spareribs, sisig dinuguan, palabok, tacos, spaghetti and Salisbury steak. The restaurant is a sister company of the Famous Angeles Fried Chicken and you can order from their menu too. 
  • Tequila Reef Cantina (Tequila Reef), Corner of A. Santos and Real Streets (Just off of Fields Avenue), ☎ +63 45-892-4397. 9AM to 2AM. Authentic Mexican cuisine, Bar-B-Q chicken & ribs, New Orleans “Cajun” specialties, steaks, burgers, sandwiches and Filipino food. 

Drink

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.

  • The Mansion, The Enclave, Friendship Road, Balibago, ☎ +63 918-889-2222, e-mail: . Fridays and Saturdays, from 9PM onwards. 
  • Sax Bar, Diamond Service Road, McArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ +63 45 892-3574. 
  • Whythaus Grill & KTV, Severina Lim Avenue, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, ☎ +63 45 624-6092. 
  • Wishing Well Music Lounge (KTV & Grill), Severina Lim Avenue, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, ☎ +63 45 322-4857. 
  • Spencer's Fusion Bar & Restaurant, Saver's Mall, McArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ +63 45 892-5826, +63 45 323-6888. 
  • R&B Music Venue, Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias. 
  • S.O.S., Fields Avenue, Balibago. 
  • Skytraxx, Fields Avenue, Balibago. 
  • Suave's Music Lounge, A. Santos and Real Streets, Balibago. Nightly, from 8PM to 2PM 
  • The London Bar, 4370-B Arayat Street, 1st Floor, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago. 
  • Topsy Turvy, 4370-B Arayat Street, 1st Floor, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago. 
  • Klub Caterva, 4370-G Arayat Street, 2nd Floor, Diamond Subdivision, Balibago. 
  • Pinatubo Brewing Point, 355 Yukon Street, Riverside Sub., Friendship Subdivision. Microbrewery run by a German expat brewing German style beers and serving German snacks. (updated Jul 2016)

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

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).

Mid-range
  • Hotel V, Block 1,4,5,6 Lot-1 Mac Arthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ +63 45 625 5642. 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. From ₱1300. 
  • Affinity Condo resort, 107a Sofia St, Malabanias (100), ☎ +63 9272634675, e-mail: . Feel at home with your own kitchen, dining room, separate bedrooms, built-in-robes, linen cupboards and low-cost laundry facility. We offer fully furnished studios, 1-bedroom and 2 -bedroom condominiums. ₱1500. 
  • Holiday Inn Hotel and Resort - Mimosa, Mimosa Drive, Clark Field, ☎ +63 2 845-1888, +63 45 599-8000, toll-free: +63 1-888-465-4329, fax: +63 45 843-1363, e-mail: . The region's only Holiday Inn Resort, it has deluxe rooms which range from about US$60/night on up. This is by far the largest hotel in the Angeles area, having over 300 rooms, suites and villas. It is on 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 (in front of SM City Clark), ☎ +63 45 892-2222, e-mail: . 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. 
  • Eureka Hotel, Don Juico Avenue, Balibago. Eureka Hotel has furnished rooms equipped with basic amenities like, Wifi, air-conditioner and LCD TV with cable. The hotel also has an affiliate travel agency that arranges day tours in the city and trekking in the famous Mt. Pinatubo. It is near Field's Avenue, the center of Angeles City's entertainment. ₱1190. 
  • Oasis Hotel, Clark Perimeter Road, Clarkview Compound, Malabanias, ☎ +63 45 322-3301, e-mail: . 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. 
  • Fontana Leisure Park, C.M. Recto Highway, Clark Field, ☎ +63 45 599-5000, +63 45 599-8118, e-mail: . 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, toll-free: +63 866 978-4962, e-mail: . 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. 
  • 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 US$83, executive suit is $98, Clark suite is $263 and Stotsenberg suite is $299. 
  • 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, e-mail: . 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, e-mail: . 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, room rates range from US$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 each. It has an in-house travel agency that can arrange tours around Angeles. Rooms rates start at about US$36. 
  • Clark Hostel Hotel, Ninoy Aquino Avenue corner M.A. Roxas Avenue, Clark Field, ☎ +63 45 599-7500, +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, e-mail: . Rooms are priced from ₱1400-2850. It has no swimming pool but has an excellent restaurant. 
  • Orchid Inn Resort, 109 Raymond Street, Balibago, ☎ +63 45 322-0370, +63 45 892-2653, fax: +63 45 322-2790, e-mail: . 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 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 US$32-66. 
  • Wild Orchid Resort, A. Santos Street corner Johnny Street, Balibago, ☎ +63 45 625-6335, fax: +63 45 625-6267, e-mail: . Prices range from US$80-100. The resort is situated in the center of the entertainment district for easy walking to all of Angeles' finest clubs. 
  • Central Park Tower, 888 Lourdes Street, Balibago, ☎ +63 45 458 0122. 
  • Montevista Villas, Mimosa Drive, Clark Field, ☎ +63 45 599-3333, +63 2 845-2493, fax: +63 45 599-2531, e-mail: . A renovated former USAF housing, the Montevista Villas are in 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 US$78-129. 
  • Century Resort Hotel, MacArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ +63 45 322-7454, e-mail: . 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 ₱1440-2880. 
  • Maharajah Hotel, Texas Street, Villa Sol Subdivision, Anunas, ☎ +63 45 625-6973, e-mail: . Price ranges from ₱1050-2000. 
  • Phoenix Hotel, 1810 Malabanias corner Perimeter Road, Malabanias, ☎ +63 45 888-2195, +63 45 888-2196, fax: +63 45 322-2074, e-mail: . 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, e-mail: . 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 45 599-3956. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. ₱1300+. 
  • Patio Inn, 4410 S.L. Orosa St. Diamond Subd. Balibago, ☎ +63 45 322-4272, +63 45 892-0890, fax: +63 45 332-1771, e-mail: . 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. 
  • Widus Resort and Casino, 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. It offers you modern comforts in a traditional style, perfectly suitable for business and leisure. It has 119 modern Asian inspired hotel rooms, uniquely-shaped swimming pool and waterfalls, spa, gym, all-day dining restaurants that offer local and international cuisine, function rooms, 24-hour reception and room service, wireless internet and casino. 
  • Donald Paul Apartelle (& Country Kitchen), Surla Street (across from the city hygiene, near the casino, a few steps away from Fields Avenue), ☎ +63 45 322-5569, e-mail: . Check-out: noon. A relatively new establishment, in a quiet location, which offers queen and king size rooms, as well as two apartments that each have two bedrooms and a lounge. The whole building is very clean. The hotel has a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi/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. 
  • Best Western Metro Clark, Saver's Mall, MacArthur Highway, Balibago, ☎ +63 45 458 3423. 
  • Bourbon Street Condotel, Bourbon Street Apartments, A. Santos Street, Balibag, ☎ +63 45 625-6172. Bourbon Street Estate Apartments is centrally located in the Tourist District of Angeles City. We are not just a hotel. Th suites are contemporary designed and furnished. Complete facilities and amenities, security system and internet services, spacious bathrooms and functional built-in kitchen system. 
  • Villa Santol, Fatima St, Santa Maria 1, ☎ +63 919-2201143. For any backpackers heading to Angeles after a Clark flight, this place was an inexpensive and friendly budget option. Not far from restaurants, Clark or Dau bus terminal (for buses north to Baguio, Banaue, Vigan and so on) and friendly, helpful staff. Make sure you tell your taxi or trike driver "Santa Maria 1", not to Santol Street. It is just south of Fields Avenue, and just west of the Macarthur Highway. ₱450 for a double fan with TV. 
  • 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. ₱1295. 
  • Princess Madison Hotel Angeles, RJK Zapata Bldg, 105 Zeppelin St. Balibago. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Princess Madison Hotel is in Fields Avenue. The hotel has 32 furnished rooms inclusive of basic hotel amenities. The hotel is also famous for its Zap Bar that serves specialty drinks, premium wines and beer. ₱3000. 
  • Surla Hotel, 1335-A Surla St., cor Sorluisa, Balibago. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Hotel Surla is a 10-room budget hotel. ₱850. 
  • Perimeter Hotel, 464 Don Juico Avenue, Clark View, Malabanias, Pampanga , Philippines. Check-in: 1PM, 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. ₱1300. 
  • Rumi Apartelle Hotel, Malabanias Road. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. 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. ₱1270. 
  • Hotel Inn Crown Apartelle (Hotel/Lodge), Lot 1 Makiling st. Cor. Arayat st. Clarkview Subd., ☎ +63 9183552829. Offers check-in and checkout at any time of day, 24 hours room service, hot and cold water, 32" LCD TV, internet access, food order, inter phone, air-conditioned rooms. ₱800, 3 hours ₱200, succeeding hour is only ₱60. 
  • Tune Hotel, Don Juico Avenue, Malabanias, ☎ +63 3 7962 5888, e-mail: . Check-in: 2PM onwards, check-out: 11AM. On Friendship Road where hotels, restaurants and bars are found. Oe of the many Tune Hotels in the Philippines and Asia. The hotel has 10 floors and 165 rooms. Each room features high quality spring mattress beds with pillows, pillowcases, bed sheets and 250-thread count duvets, power showers, Internet connection, flat-screen TV, safe deposit box, and 24-hour security. 
  • Hostel C Hotel, 127 A Avenue, Balibago. Hostel C Hotel offers budget accommodation in Economy, Standard and Deluxe hotel rooms. Long term accommodation is also being offered.It is within the perimeter way of the famous Fields Avenue- the center of Angeles City's entertainment. ₱790. 

Budget under ₱700
  • C Palace Hotel, 1080 Jake Gonzales Boulevard Malabanias. (near the Abacan bridge.), ☎ +63 45 6261880. 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. ₱320/₱430. 
  • Big Tommys Hotel and Resort, Mc arthur highway balibago (at the of back sumpan and rosalino restaurant), ☎ +639185885487. More than 100 A/C and fan double rooms with own hot water bathrooms. Cable TV, refrigerator, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Free Wifi. Surrounded by fruit bearing trees. Spacious parking. 24 hour security. Can pay day or by the month. per day ₱500, per month ₱8000. 
  • Vistillana Hotel, charlotte street and Arayat avenue Balibago. (on a side street off mac arthur hwy.), ☎ +63 45 892-5004. Fan and A/C double rooms with own bathrooms. Cable TV add ₱25. Double room ₱475. 

Connect

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
  • 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). Phone +63-936-7789018. (free STD and HIV testing and Treatment). Mon -Fri 8AM-5PM.

Cope
  • Bureau Of Immigration Angeles Office. Ground Floor, metro supermarket. Marquee Mall. Phone 045-4040215.

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.

Go next

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.
  • 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 most beautiful church, the Betis Church, which is a fascinating work of religious art and architecture.

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

Becomes ← Tarlac City ←  N  S  → San Fernando → Manila
Becomes ←  N  S  → Porac → Subic
San Fernando ←  N  N  → Mabalacat → Tarlac City/Baguio


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