Why Clark?
Tranquil and luscious, the tax-free Clark Freeport Zone is located in the Philippines’ northern Luzon region and is part of the Pampagna province. The area has been spared the devastation caused by the recent deadly Typhoon Haiyan that recently devastated the central Philippines.
With a relatively low profile, Clark still holds significance to the American army and military historians. The zone hosts Clark Air Base, used by the American army to conduct its regional military operation from 1901 to 1993. The Americans returned and refurbished the base last year.
Clark also played a pivotal role during the Second World War. When the base was overrun by Japanese forces, the American and Filipino armies wrestled it back in 1945. However, Clark is not suited only to history buffs. The city is a must-see destination for adventure travellers, with treks to the majestic Mount Pinatubo crater offered almost daily. With Emirates Airline now conducting daily flights to the compact airport, Clark offers quick connections to other popular destinations in the Philippines and throughout Asia.
A comfortable bed
While Clark is not yet blessed with five-star hotels, a number of comfortable four-star options are available. The biggest and arguably most popular is The Holiday Inn Clark (www.ihg.com; 0063 2 845 1888). The hotel is five kilometres from the airport and three kilometres from the Mimosa Golf and Country Club. Expect the hotel to be full of American army personnel during military exercises. A double room with breakfast begins from 6,500 Philippine pesos (Dh546) per night. For a more modern touch, the slick Widus Resort (www.widus.com; 0063 45 499 1000) offers rooms with breakfast from 6,085 pesos (Dh512) per night.
Find your feet
Known for its imposing mountains and lush greenery, the genteel Clark is known as a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle of Manila. Its calmness and fresh air, coupled with its proximity to metropolitan Manila – only 60km away – makes it an ideal weekend gateway for Filipino families and a more relaxing entryway for foreigners to the Philippines.
Clark's relatively small airport means that you can disembark your plane and hop into a taxi in about 20 minutes. The biggest drawcard is the Mount Pinatubo trek, with starting points located 90 minutes from Clark in St Juliana. Amega Travel (www.amegatravelandtours.com, 0063 45 624 0203) has trek packages, including hotel pickup and lunch, beginning from 2,700 pesos (Dh227) for a minimum group of four. Come prepared with water-resistant clothing to cross nearly a dozen rocky ravines. Less daunting is the Puning Hot Springs in the nearby Sapangbato district. With up to nine thermal springs situated on an elevated enclave, it's a serene spot to unwind and soak up nature. A two-person package begins from 2,678 pesos (Dh225).
Meet the locals
Clark residents are more friendly and easy-going than Manila’s bustling lot. They’re also extremely proud of the region’s role in the country’s history. The cultural village Nayong Pilipino remains a community drawcard. Locals and students come to watch the 45-minute daily dance shows or sit on park benches that overlook the golden tilapia breeding ponds. Clark also has plenty of green, open spaces and parks, the biggest of which is the 22-hectare Parade Park.
Book a table
Unlike Manila, there is a dearth of halal eateries in Clark. That said, the lunch and dinner buffets at the Widus Resort do serve a healthy variety of halal-friendly options, including vegetarian stir-fried noodles and sushi and sashimi. Prices start at 710 pesos (Dh60). If you're venturing into town, visit The Red Crab Seafood and Steak Restaurant (www.philippines-tonight.com; 0063 45 599 5346) where crabmeat dishes are served by the gram. Prices start at 105 pesos (Dh9) per gram.
Shopper’s paradise
Manila’s city-dwellers often descend on Clark to purchase housewares, cooking items and chocolates. Puregold, Oriental and Arjan are some of Clark’s largest duty-free outlets. Those looking for brand names – and air-conditioned relief from the outdoors – should seek the central mall SM City Clark. Those wanting a more organic affair can head to the farmer’s market Farm Fresh, which operates every Friday from 6am to 6pm at C M Recto Highway (across the road from the Department of Foreign Affairs). The meet brings farmers from across the region to hawk their products with markdowns as high as 25 per cent.
What to avoid
Mount Pinatubo in the rain. If the weather hints at upcoming drizzle, resist the urgings of unscrupulous tour operators to take up the trek regardless. Half an hour of rain is enough to make otherwise placid ravines into havens for flash floods. Clark’s wet season is from around June to October.
Don’t miss
The Mount Pinatubo Crater. The trek may be long and arduous, but you’re rewarded with a truly spectacular view of the crater, now transformed into an emerald-green lake that stretches eight kilometres in diameter. Sit down on the strategically placed benches and enjoy the startling scenery.
Getting there
Return flights with Emirates (www.emirates.com) direct to Clark from Dubai cost from Dh2,405, including taxes.
Follow us @TravelNational
Follow us on Facebook for discussions, entertainment, reviews, wellness and news.
