For a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, a quick trip to Holiday Inn Clark in Pampanga may just be the best idea for yourself or your family.

 

It’s just an hour-and-a-half drive from Metro Manila (Nlex, then Sctex), yet Holiday Inn Clark is far enough to be secluded from the noise of urban life; it can be a refreshing experience.

 

The room we got is clean, very cool and furnished with a fridge, coffee maker and a big flat-screen cable TV. It’s for people who just want to leave home, cuddle up in a comfy bed and read a book through the weekend.

 

Outdoor activities

 

But for the more active, there’s a shortlist of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in the leisure and sightseeing destinations at Clark Freeport Zone.

 

Nayong Pilipino has relocated here—six hectares of land showcasing the beauty and richness of Philippine culture. Bring the kids to soak up Filipino art, music and literature.

 

Zoocobia Fun Zoo is just a half-hour ride from the hotel; if you enjoy feeding birds, monkeys and horses, this is the place. It’s one of the few zoos where you can have a truly personal interaction with the animals.

 

Gravity Kart racing, also available in Zoocobia, is a guaranteed treat for the kids (or the kids at heart).

 

Dinosaur Island, with its animatronic dinos, is also an attractive option for the young ones. The nearby El Kabayo Riding stables provide a fun activity for playing cowboy.

 

Mouthwatering steaks

 

After a day of exploring the expansive Clark Freeport Zone, you can relax at Holiday Inn Clark’s lagoon-shaped swimming pool.

 

When it’s time for dinner, the Rodizio Rooftop Grill and its grilled-to-perfection steaks can satisfy even the most carnivorously inclined patron. Imagine giant skewers of different meats served at your table; you can slice off as much meat as you want. Mouthwatering!

 

Breakfast at Mequeni Restaurant is a must-try. A mixed buffet of Filipino and international dishes is served, a grand finale for your quick weekend getaway.

 

Individuals or families who prefer not to bring cars may arrange, for a fee, transport provisions to Clark from either Holiday Inn Galleria in Ortigas or its new branch, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati.

 

Holiday Inn is still the go-to place for business travelers and remains the world’s most recognizable hotel brand. With the opening of its Makati branch, it now has three strategically placed hotels in the Philippines.

 

Holiday Inn Manila Galleria: ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center Pasig City; tel. 6337111

Holiday Inn Clark: Mimosa Leisure Estate, Mimosa Drive, Clark Freeport Zone; tel. 8451888

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati: Glorietta 1 Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City