This quick guide to Angeles City will help you plan your trip. It contains information on what to do, eat, and drink as well as the must-see spots and the best hotels.
ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE
ABOUT
Angeles is a highly-urbanized and independent city in Pampanga. The city played a big role in the history of the country being the seat of the Philippine government under Emilio Aguinaldo and the venue of the first anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence following its declaration the year before in Kawit, Cavite. It is also the first location of the American camp which eventually expanded to neighboring towns and in later years became the Clark Air Base, the largest American base outside the USA.
Due to almost a hundred years of American settlement, the city is heavily influenced by Western civilization that still remains long after the Americans left the area due to the disastrous eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. Some monuments and street names are dedicated to Americans who made a great impact during their stay in the country. The city has shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife spots that attract tourists, local and foreign alike.
Location
Best Time to Visit
It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season. Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April. These are the summer months in this country.
Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May.
The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.
TIP: This guide recommends that booking for Angeles City summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.
The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances. Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well. This happens frequently so beware!
This guide recommends traveling to Angeles City in April-May or in November-December, just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.
Fast Facts
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well. Bring A to B adapter(s).
Getting Here
There are many ways to get here depending on your starting point. This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while in Angeles City: Rome2Rio and PHBUS. The following are the major ports of entry for this destination.
Getting Around
The following are the modes of transportation available in Angeles City …
Bicycles
Bus
Car for Hire
Car Rental
Jeepneys
Motorcycles
Ride-Sharing
Shuttle
Taxi
Tricycles
SEE & DO
The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while in Angeles City.
1 | Ancestral house
Pampanga was the first Spanish province created in Luzon in 1571. Several structures were built during the early times, and some of these structures are still standing up to this day. In Angeles City alone, there are at least two old houses that are now known tourist destinations. Bale Matua, the oldest structure in the city, was built in 1824 by the founder of the city, Don Angel Pantaleon de Miranda and his wife. It is now being used as a museum and also hosts heritage dining experiences.
The Dycaico Mansion, on the other hand, was built in 1920 and was abandoned for 50 years before it was renovated to accommodate a rural bank, a tutorial center, and a restaurant on the second floor.
READ MORE: Popular Ancestral Houses in Pampanga
2 | Bayanihan Park
Formerly called Astro Park, Bayanihan Park covers an area of 7.5 hectares and is part of the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone. The park is home to the Salakot Arch, a structure with a roof that resembles a salakot, a traditional hat in the Philippines. The park is used for sports and recreational activities.
3 | Decawake Clark Cable Park
Interested in learning how to wakeboard? This is the place for you! This cable wakeboard park is designed not only for aspiring wakeboarders but for trained ones as well wanting to harness their skill. The park’s main lake has five corners with obstacles best for experienced wakeboarders while first-timers can start at the Easy Start Beginner’s Area.
4 | Fields Avenue
Fields Avenue, also referred to as Walking Street, is the center of the red light district and nightlife of Angeles City. During the early 1960s, Fields Avenue was lined with bars and restaurants to cater to US forces stationed in the country. It was the hotspot of prostitution during the American era until it was banned in the early 2000s although there are still businesses catering to “entertainment”, particularly to single foreigner men.
The strip now has the largest density of hotels in the Philippines. It even has five-star hotels and restaurants offering various cuisines including Australian, Continental, European, Korean, and Japanese as well as Filipino, Arabic, and Indian.
The street is closed for road traffic from 6PM to 6AM everyday, mimicking that of Pattaya’s Walking Street.
5 | Museo ning Angeles
Museo ning Angeles, Kapampangan term for Museo of Angeles, houses various items significant to the history of Kapampangan. Rare photographs of the city during the early times, memorabilias, and works of local artists can be found in the museum which was originally a town hall until 1998. The museum also holds exhibits and a Culinarium to showcase the Kapampangan cuisine considering that Pampanga is recognized as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines”.
6 | Museum of Philippine Social History
The museum features various items showcasing Philippine history and culture. Aside from the items, the museum also has an audio-visual room, a lecture room, and electronic tablets visitors can use to learn more about the country.
The building itself has historical significance having been used as the seat of government in 1899 and being the venue of the celebration of the first anniversary of the Philippine Independence. The two-storey mansion was constructed in 1890 by the Pamintuan family and is intricately-designed depicting the wealth of the family.
7 | Nearby destinations
Angeles City is sandwiched between the cities of Mabalacat and San Fernando. Mabalacat has several tourist destinations including Aqua Planet, Dinosaurs Island, Air Force City Park, and of course, the Clark International Airport. San Fernando has resorts, eco parks, golf club, and Sky Ranch, the home of the tallest and biggest ferris wheel in the Philippines.
NOTE: The Apu Fiesta occurs annually in Angeles City every last Friday of October.
EAT & DRINK
The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while in Angeles City.
1 | Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy
Experience the best of Kapampangan cuisine at Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy, Angeles City’s homegrown restaurant. Aside from tokwa’t baboy, the restaurant is also known for its sisig, a popular Filipino dish originated from Angeles City. Despite its humble setup, Mila’s is one of the must-visit restaurants when in Angeles City.
2 | Toll House
With a few branches in Angeles and another in San Fernando, Toll House is known for its baked macaroni and cakes. Their tropical chicken and seafood supreme are good, too. Aside from good food, Toll House is also priced reasonably, thus a great place to hangout with family and friends or waiting for your flight as it is just less than 10 minutes away from the airport.
3 | Piccolo Padre
One of the few Italian restaurants in Pampanga, Piccolo Padre is a fine dining restaurant serving not only Italian dishes but Western cuisine as well. Its Venetian design and interiors make the restaurant a perfect place for romantic and elegant dinners. Its Italian Chef Dan Giampaolo is the man behind those delectable dishes including Ahi Katsu, Piccolo Padre’s Maine Lobster Tails, and Ossobuco Alla Milanese.
4 | Susie’s Cuisine
It doesn’t look much but Susie’s Cuisine is one of the most visited food establishments in Pampanga as it is also a one-stop pasalubong center where you can find a variety of Kapampangan delicacies. What started out as a small carinderia is now a favorite gastronomic destination for its pancit luglug (a noodle dish), tibok-tibok (dessert made of carabao milk), and other Filipino dishes. Susie’s Cuisine has another branch in San Fernando.
5 | Binulo Restaurant
Binulo Restaurant specializes in Kapampangan cuisine and grilled U.S steaks which make it a great dining destination for local and foreign customers alike. The restaurant is spacious and has a nice and relaxing ambience. While the price is a bit high for local standards, the servings are generous. That and the quality of food being served makes the restaurant worth it. Some of their best dishes include Pangat na Ulang, Pork Bulanglang, Oxtail Kare-Kare, and Crispy Pata.
6 | Mesa Filipino Moderne
With over 60 branches all over the Philippines, Mesa Filipino Moderne serves Filipino modern dishes such as crispy boneless hito in sweet tamarind sauce, bangus bistek, crispy beef pares, and many more. While the restaurant looks classy, the price range is actually reasonable considering the quality of food being served.
7 | Camalig
Originally built as a rice granary in 1840, the structure was restored and converted into a restaurant in 1980. Camalig Restaurant serves Filipino dishes with a twist but is more known for its Armando’s Pizza, also known as “Pambansang Pizza” (Filipino term for national pizza). Toppings for the pizza include various Filipino food and ingredients such as tuyo, tinapa, chicken adobo, kesong puti, salted duck egg, longanisa, and many others.
8 | Patcharawan’s Thai Restaurant
Owned by a Thai living in the Philippines, Patcharawan is the best place in the city to experience authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant has a homey ambience and serves large portions with affordable prices. Best to try their Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and sticky rice with mango.
9 | Rob’s Gastro Pub
Rob’s is a British pub serving good food and an impressive selection of liquors and beers. It’s a nice place to hang out and enjoy a glass, or more, of your favorite drink.
10 | Rasoi Indian Restaurant
For the best Indian dishes in the city, consider Rasoi Indian Restaurant located at Hensonville. The restaurant serves a great selection of vegetarian, meat, and fish dishes such as chappati, prawn tikka masala, and vegetable samosa.
KNOWN FOR: Sisig, a dish made of chopped pig’s face and belly and chicken liver and served on a hot plate with raw egg and calamansi.
WHERE TO STAY
There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following is your guide to our top choices for each range in Angeles City.
1 | Rishan Village Residences (Budget)
2 | Hotel Euroasia (Mid-Range)
3 | Widus Hotel and Casino (Luxury | Resort)
This guide recommends using the following sites to conduct research online of where to stay in Angeles City or for a specific destination:
Book your room with these trusted online booking sites. Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive. We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:
TIP: Widus Hotel and Casino is the best property to experience this destination.
Book Online & Save Money
BUDGET
Suggested Budget
Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily. Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.
Travel Costs
Accommodation
A bed in a hostel dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD). For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).
Most budget hotels begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast. For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night. AirBnB is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night. For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.
Resorts and luxury accommodations vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD). However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.
We use and recommend booking online to save money using HostelWorld, Agoda, Booking.com, and AirBnB.
Food
Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD). For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD). For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD). Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food. Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.
Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD). A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).
A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person. However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!
Transportation
There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly.
Public Transportation is cheap. Bus services on the islands are inexpensive. Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).
On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips.
Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap. Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.
To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly. There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option.
Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD). However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel. It’s only recommended if you have limited time.
We recommend booking online to save money using: Skyscanner, momondo, Kayak, kiwi.com.
Attractions & Activities
Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter.
Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less. You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!
Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).
The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.
Always book your tours and activities when you arrive. Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will. Booking tours online is almost always more expensive.
Typical Costs in Angeles City in 2023:
- Hostel Dorm Bed: 250-350 PHP ($5–7 USD) night
- Budget Hotel: 700 PHP ($14 USD) night
- Mid-Range Hotel: 1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
- Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
- Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
- Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
- 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
- Jeepney Ride: 10-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
- Tricycle Ride: 20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
- Taxi: 75-500 PHP ($1.50-10 USD) ride – use GrabTaxi app
- Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
- Domestic Flight: 2,000-3,500 PHP ($40–70 USD) flight
BEST NO-FEE INTERNATIONAL DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS
ADVICE
The following is some of our best advice on traveling to Angeles City. Learn what you need to know BEFORE you go!
Tips & Hacks
he following are our Top 10 Tips when visiting this destination in the Philippines:
- Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
- Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
- Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
- Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
- Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
- Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
- It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
- Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
- Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
- Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.
For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.
VIEW & DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines
Money Matters
The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.
READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know
Health & Safety
Crime
While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Angeles City, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.
Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.
READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines
Safety
There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:
- 6 Common Accidents to Avoid
- How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
- Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
- Motorbike Safety Tips
- Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
- Sun Safety Tips
TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.
Health
Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines.
The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to.
The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:
- Maintain a Balanced Diet
- Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
- Get Plenty of Rest
- Allow Your Body Time to Adjust
- Keep Active
- Sanitize Often
- Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
- Take Your Vitamins
- Practice Safe Sex
- Be Prepared Should You Get Sick
READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick
Staying Connected
You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.
While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province. So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.
Recommended Travel Apps
Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling. Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.
The following are our Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in the Philippines:
- Grab (taxis/ride shares)
- Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
- WhatsApp (phone calls)
- Skyscanner (flights)
- Rome2Rio (transportation)
- Agoda (accomodations)
- Booking.com (accomodations)
- AirBnB (accomodations)
- Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
- Klook (attractions & activities )
Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.
For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below. Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.
READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines
Itinerary
Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options.
We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip. Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.
VIEW: Angeles City 7-Day Travel Itinerary
Packing Checklist
The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list. This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing. To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list. Click the link below to download it for FREE now.
Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.
VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist
Things to Remember
This guide recommends to take note of the following while traveling in Angeles City or in the Philippines in general.
Smoking
There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas. Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.
Alcohol
The minimum legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores. The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold. Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit. Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.
Drugs
Drugs are illegal in the Philippines. Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana. It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children. The penalties are severe … up to and including death.
Nudity
Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated. Most locals consider it offensive. There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.
Foreigners & Expats
If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly. Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.
READ MORE: Practical Information about the Philippines
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