The former site of a United States Air Force Base and once the most strategic military position of America in the Far East, Clark, Pampanga, has successfully morphed into a highly developed city within a city. Known today as the Clark Freeport Zone, it currently houses modern infrastructure serving as a major hub for tourism, business, aviation, education, manufacturing, and other leading industries. The robust development—which rapidly started in 1995 after years of neglect brought on by the departure of the US Military and the destructive eruption of Mount Pinatubo—helped the Clark Freeport Zone quickly become the premier leisure, entertainment, and gaming center in Central Luzon.
Fun, Cultural, and Family-Friendly Places in Clark, Pampanga
Encompassing a main area of 4,400 hectares and 27,600 more hectares of outer sub-zone, the Clark Freeport Zone is now widely seen as a thriving and continuously growing region perfectly primed to showcase an exciting future. Inside the main Clark Freeport Zone, an array of fun and culturally-oriented spots offers a wide range of enjoyment for the entire family.
Check out some of these highly recommended places that will definitely lure you to stay for a day or two in Clark.
Comercio Central
Situated comfortably within the scenic Clark Parade Grounds, Comercio Central gathers local artisans and food connoisseurs through various vibrant food and craft stalls set up in an intimate, camp-like outdoor setting. Here, visiting tourists can freely sample various authentic Kapampangan and international cuisines, as well as buy fresh, locally-sourced vegetables and fruits. Shops selling trendy clothes, local artworks, and souvenir items are also highly accessible. Comercio Central is the ideal place to unwind before successfully calling it a day. It opens late in the afternoon and lasts until late in the evening.
Hansa Toy Factory
One of the very earliest companies that set up base in Clark has now grown into a world-acclaimed stuffed toy maker. Various realistic stuffed animals almost magically come to life from the meticulous hands of Hansa’s skilled local workers, including tigers, lions, elephants, grizzly bears, horses, monkeys, and more.
Some of their impressive creations even landed on film sets and had on-screen time in numerous Hollywood blockbusters like Life of Pi, Harry Potter, and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, just to name a few. As a grown-up, I had a surprisingly fun time getting up close with many of Hansa’s beautiful creations, which are boldly on display and fully open to the public on the second floor. Imagine the pure look of joy in a kid’s eye when they interact with these stunning life-sized animal stuffed toys.
Aqua Planet
Slated to fully open in February 2018, this massive water park features a thrilling assortment of giant slides perfectly suited for all ages. A staggering total of 25 pool attractions are available, which heavily include the Flow Rider, the Super Bowl, and the Spiral Slide. Just by their names, they already instill heaps of high-speed thrills. What more if you spend a long afternoon or a whole day just frolicking around and safely enjoying Aqua Planet’s electrifying swimming pools!
4D Theater
Familiarize your whole family with the dramatic history of how the Clark Freeport Zone slowly came back to life by watching a highly immersive documentary narrating the tragic story of the Mount Pinatubo eruption of 1991. Clark’s 4D Theater features state-of-the-art cinematic technology that will definitely make your viewing experience far more absorbing—especially after you vividly see the intense scenes depicting the Kapampangan’s unshakeable resolve to get back up on their feet right after the devastating regional effects of Pinatubo’s violent eruption.
Clark Museum
Right next to the 4D cinema is the Clark Museum. Exactly 100 pesos gets you in, but if you’re a female, then you get in completely for free—thanks directly to the progressive Gender Development program currently being initiated by the management of Clark Freeport Zone.
The museum proudly displays significant military artifacts and other historical items strictly dating back to the American occupation, World War II, and the storied, tumultuous years of the US bases in the Philippines. By also showcasing various emblems of true Kapampangan culture and traditions, the Clark Museum makes for a highly informative stop to learn more about the province of Pampanga, its resilient people, colorful history, and rich heritage.
The Clark SunValley Country Club
Play a relaxing round of golf for only 3,000 pesos on weekdays and 3,500 pesos on weekends at the prestigious Clark Sunvalley Country Club. Beautifully situated on a high hill overlooking the picturesque and lush countryside of Pampanga, there’s arguably no better, more exclusive place to unwind and relax than hitting golf balls on this sprawling, world-class golf course.
Nayong Pilipino
I grew up making numerous weekend visits to the old Nayong Pilipino located near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. I felt incredibly sad when I heard that it was sadly closed down many years ago. This is precisely why I felt a great sense of nostalgic relief when I learned that a brand new Nayong Pilipino was established right inside Clark, Pampanga.
Memories of my childhood years were instantly replayed through my mind as I saw the physical replicas of the Philippines' natural and man-made landmarks, such as the Ifugao rice terraces, the Barasoain church, traditional indigenous houses, and the like. Among the exciting highlights includes a daily cultural show safely happening at the auditorium, followed directly by a colorful street parade actively participated in by performers fully adorned in vibrant traditional festival clothes.
Other than food-tripping at the ever-increasing list of fancy restaurants and charming hole-in-the-wall establishments inside Clark Freeport Zone, your whole family can also opt to safely stay at the many fine luxury hotels located here. A weekend staycation for a couple of days or more is a truly good length of time to fully explore the whole of Clark.
