Where to Stay and What to Do in Angeles City, Philippines

There has been a lot written about Angeles City in the Philippines. For the most part everything you've read is probably true. If you want Filipino companionship, cheap drinks and general all round fun you have come to the right city. But, what do you really know about Angeles City? Where should you stay, where should you go, what are the rules. How can you really have fun without getting into trouble?

Where is Angeles City and how do I get there?

Angeles City is located directly North of Manila and is approximately 2 hours drive by bus. You can catch a bus from the Rabbit Bus Station in Manila which costs about 120 PHP which is approximately $2.50 US.

The buses are pretty crowded but fortunately they depart every 30 minutes and are air conditioned. You don't have to buy a ticket before boarding the bus. Simply jump on and during the trip an attendant will come and ask you for your fare.

Upon your arrival in Angeles City you will be bombarded by an array of trikes straight as you step off the bus. If you have never road a trike before I suggest you do. It's basically a motorbike with a side carriage that will drive you where you want to go. It's always a good idea to negotiate your fare before jumping on but as a rule 100 PHP will get you anywhere you need to go.

Where to stay in Angeles City

When holidaying anywhere I always like to stay where the action is. And in Angeles City the action is all on Fields Avenue. Whether you enjoy shopping for bargains, pubs, bars or disco, Fields Avenue will have it all for you.

The Orchid Inn is always a good place to stay. Reasonably prices at about $45 per night, it is very clean and tidy, the staff are friendly and its perfectly located one street back from Fields Avenue.

On the other side of Fields Avenue is the local SM (Shoe Mart) Shopping complex. Not as big as its sister cousin store in Manila (Mall of Asia) the biggest shopping mall in all of Asia, it is still very large and should meet all the needs of a western traveller looking to snatch up a bargain.

The night life, the world famous Angeles City Go Go Bars

Angeles City is home to the United States Clark military base. Although nowhere near the size as it used to be before the eruption of a near by volcano, it still plays hosts to hundreds of US military personnel.

In it's former glory it was home to tens of thousands of US troops. For every troop there was one Filipina looking to marry him.

Now there are still lots of Filipina girl bars still thriving today. How it works is you basically walk into any bar on Fields Avenue where you are immediately received by a group of women who hope you'll by drinks through them, so they get a cut from the house.

If you really like any of the women you can ask them to go with you, but for this privilege you must pay the bar fine. A bar fine is usually the equivalent of ten drinks ($20) and the lady will go with you for the night. Anything you do with the lady is strictly between you and her and although prostitution is illegal there, it is openly practiced.

For anyone looking to have fun and excitement I recommend Angeles City. I don't recommend it for families, but anyone of all ages who is single and looking for value for money, Angeles City is for you.