Jihan EstrellaWith the congestion of the terminals at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, it’s only natural for travellers to look for other hubs that will give them an easier flight experience.
Now enters the Clark International Airport in Angeles City, Pampanga—an easy 1.5-hour drive from the busy Manila airport. Many passengers have recently made this their airport of choice as evidenced by reports that it has broken its passenger record for the month of March 2018 with 215,000 passengers. News agencies have stated that it will most likely be serving at least 2,000,000 passengers come 2019.
Also read: How to Avoid Getting Offloaded in Philippine Airports
So, what should you know about this up and coming international airport in the Philippines? Here are some interesting things to note about the Clark International Airport:
1. It’s easy to get to by public transit
Image credit: Judgefloro
It may be quite the travel from the main airport in Manila, but getting to Clark International Airport is easier than you think. For passengers using public transport, there are public buses leaving from most parts of Metro Manila (Quezon City, Mandaluyong City and Pasay City) and North Luzon (Baguio and Tarlac). Check out the list of busses, fares and schedules here.
2. It will be opening a new modern and luxurious Terminal 2
Image credit: Clark International Airport Official Website
To complement the newly popular airport, the management will be constructing a second terminal to accommodate the growing number of passengers. About the size of the Hong Kong International Airport, Terminal 2 will be designed with the concept of luxury in mind. The roofline will be reminiscent of the famous mountain range in the country called the Sierra Madre. Using advanced and sustainable materials, there will be more open spaces in the new terminal with views of nature. It is expected to be completed in 2020.
3. Economy class passengers can pay to enter the First Class Lounge
Image credit: Priority Pass Official Website
Rumour has it that economy class passengers can chill at the Priority Pass VIP Lounge by paying an entrance fee of ₱800 (US$15.27). The lounge is open from 8am to 2am daily and is located close to boarding gate 5.
4. There are a hundred restaurants five minutes away
If you’re famished and have a day to spend around Clark, be sure to walk around the Clark Freeport Zone. The area is known for excellent home-style cooking. From American-style food (the airport used to be a US Army base) to Cuban and Japanese, you’ll be spoilt for choice. For a list of restaurants, click here.
5. It’s practically a duty-free heaven
Image credit: Visit Clark Official Website
While airport passengers can avail of duty-free shopping inside the airport’s 46 sqm store, the large duty-free malls in Clark Freeport Zone offer a bargain experience like no other. There are 11 duty-free shops in Clark but the two biggest ones are the Oriental Duty-Free (Building 7272 C.M. Recto Highway and Puregold Duty-Free Inc. (C.M. Recto Highway corner of P. Kalaw Street).
6. You’ll get to visit famous landmarks
Image credit: Angeles City Official Website
Clark actually has a rich history and is home to a number of historical landmarks. The Clark Veterans Cemetery is also the final resting place of the Philippine-American war soldiers. It’s known to be the only place in the city to have the Filipino and Japanese flags set next to each other. The Salakot, (Tagalog word for a “farmer’s hat”) is another landmark built to commemorate the U.S. returning the Clark area to the Philippines.
7. Easy opportunity to visit the water park, zoo, and other outdoor attractions
Image credit: Visit Clark Official Website
Since the area as a special economic zone, there are a number of Las Vegas-style casinos and gaming facilities. If you have a lot more time to spend, stop by the Dinosaur Island theme park, Clark Museum and 4D Theatre, Aqua Planet waterpark, Swiss G-Karts, Insectlandia, Zoocobia Fun Zoo, and others.
Also read: 10 Souvenirs Abroad You can Buy with Your ₱1,620 Travel Tax
Clark International Airport sounds promising. Who else is excited to fly with them?
