Clark Special Economic Zone

If you're looking for the best places to go to in the Subic-Angeles City area or even in the whole of

province of Pampanga in the Philippines, then you better head straight to Clark.

Not only is it one of the country's top tourist destinations, it is also one of the best places you will ever visit on this side of planet Earth.

Imagine a growing cosmopolitan urban area that promises opportunities for wellness, leisure, and business blended with the scenic beauties of the tropics, that is what Clark is all about. You can have a world of an adventure getting in touch with nature and still get to enjoy the best of modern living.

A Glimpse into Its Origins

You might have wondered why the place is called "Clark" in spite of the fact that it's one of the hottest places in the Philippines. The other famous places in the country have Spanish or Filipino sounding names but this one is definitely English. Here's how the place got its name.

The place was originally called Fort Stotsenburg before it was turned into one of the country's special economic zones. And even before that, the area in which the Clark Special Economic Zone occupies has a good deal of history behind it. The airbase itself was renamed as Clark Field honoring US Army Signal Corps Major Harold M. Clark.

The former Clark Airbase was renamed yet again in March 20, 2007 and was thereafter known as Clark Freeport. The last forces of the US Navy withdrew from the islands, specifically from Subic Bay, on October 1, 1992, a few months back. This was a move to end the US armed forces' presence in the region.

In fact, the entirety of Clark Airbase was turned over to the Philippine government on November 26, 1991. The last elements of the US forces left the country on November 24, 1997. From that time forward the area was rapidly transformed from an airbase to one of the best conglomeration of business and economic activity in the country. This effort resulted into one of the hottest tourist destinations in the Philippine islands.

Why Visit Clark?

There are a lot of reasons why the Clark Special Economic Zone has become one of the hottest places to visit in the entire Philippines. Not only is it a gathering of various growing businesses and markets in the country, it also offers a lot of great spectacles, services, and places of interest.

Clark has a lot of surprises for visitors and tourists from various backgrounds. Those who come here for business will find worthwhile facilities and accommodations to suit their discriminating tastes. The weekends and night life you'll experience here in Clark is one of the most notable in the Philippines, truly one of the best there is.

Historical Attractions

One of the reasons why people flock to the Clark Special Economic Zone is to see the many historical landmarks in the area. The place is quite historic with a lot of places making their contribution to the history and culture of the Philippines. It represents a people's struggle for independence, economic freedom, and a better future for the coming generation.

Some of the historical places of interest here in Clark include the US Memorial Cemetery, where the remains of 8,000 soldiers are held. The remains here date back from the Spanish-American War to World War II. It is a striking tribute to the servicemen and men of honor of all ages who fought for various causes.

The other interesting historical sites here include The Salakot, which symbolizes the turnover of this facility to the Philippine government, the President Manuel Roxas Marker, which was erected in honor of the former Philippine president who died here following a fatal heart attack, and the Jon Stotsenburg Monument commemorating the Colonel from the US Cavalry.

Other historical places of interest include historical buildings, barn houses, the site of the Old Kelly Theater, the old cannon, and the Kamikaze West Airfield among many others. Of course, you don't have to be a history buff to visit all these places. Anyone who is interested to know about the country's heritage and culture can see them for what they are and what they represent.

Theme Parks in Clark Special Economic Zone

Clark is a great place to spend the weekend and the theme parks that you will find here are great for some family fun. For instance, the Clearwater Country Club is a great place for some suburban laidback family time. You can spend your time fishing, boating, or just relaxing at the outdoor pool. It's even perfect for a garden wedding. You can choose to stay in an air-conditioned room or if you're a bit of an outdoorsman you'll love to stay in one of their log cabins.

If you want to have some fun with horses you may get a ride at El Kabayo Riding Stables. You can ride along the wooded trails for an exhilarating afternoon or just spend some time in the picnic grounds. Visit Nayong Pilipino where the cultural diversity of the Philippines is carefully encapsulated.

If you're a nature buff then visit Paradise Ranch, a conservation park for nature lovers. You may also take the kids out to the Zoocabia Fun Zoo for a bit of an educational tour. Sun worshipers and water fun enthusiasts will have a swell time at Fontana Water Park. Try out their wave pool and other exciting treats. You may also visit the Bicentennial Park and the Picnic Grounds among other places of interest.

Educational Facilities

The Clark Special Economic Zone is also a center of education in the region. It is home to some of the biggest names in education in the country. There are schools for higher learning in and around the area. Some of the most notable schools in the area include Ateneo Graduate School of Business, Omni Aviation Flying School, Clark Polytechnic School, University of the Philippines (Clark Extension), and Clark Education City among others.

Hotels and Accommodations

The hotels and accommodations in the Clark Freeport Zone provide visitors with some of most unique experiences when they visit the Philippines. Some of the facilities here are a blend of top rated residential and recreational centers. There are facilities that cater to people from all walks of life from the astute predilection of business class visitors to the simple yet functional needs of backpackers touring on a shoestring budget.

Some of the notable places and facilities where you can safely lay your head include Mimosa Resort, Clearwater Country Club, Fontana Leisure Parks, Montevista Villas, Holiday Inn Resort, and the Asian Greenville Resort. Backpackers or those on a bit of a tight budget can go for mid range hotels, inns, lodgings and affordable accommodations in the area.

Dining

Finding a place to eat in the Clark Special Economic Zone will never be a difficult task. Other than the fact that the locals are some of the renowned chefs who are masters of Philippine cuisine, you will also find a mix of different cuisines in the restaurants and dining places in the area.

There's a plethora of restaurants, bars, fast food centers, and cafes to choose from. Some of the most notable and highly recommended places to get grub and drinks include Yats Wine Club, The London Pub, Mequeni Cafe, and Rodizio Rooftop Grill among many others. Each meal you try is both a delight and an adventure for your taste buds.

A Welcome Invitation

With all the promising and exciting things to see and experience in Clark, one can't help but get that inkling feeling that you need to go there. It's a place where various cultures meet and is a rendezvous of the finest endowments of the Philippines.