By Gavin Foo

ONCE a military airbase, it's now a golf, shopping and tourist hotspot.

Since the closure of Clark Air Base in the Philippines in 1991, the area has been developed into an economic zone and renamed.

About a 90-minute drive from Manila, the Clark Freeport Zone houses IT industries, aviation- and logistics-related enterprises, and in more recent times, tourist attractions.

The Philippine tourism authority has rebranded the area as 'Asia's most affordable gateway', which resulted in Clark Freeport Zone becoming one of the country's top tourist attractions.

From Clark, you can take excursions to nearby attractions.

A six-hour drive from Clark takes you to Puning Hot Springs.

SPRING FEVER: After a six-hour drive along the Sacobia River, pools warmed by Mount Pinatubo are a treat for the visitor.

The ride costs 3,000 pesos ($93) a person and includes transportation on a jeep, sand spa treatment, foot massage, mud clay treatment and a dip in the natural hot-spring pool.

River ramble

The trip takes you along the Sacobia River through scenic valleys and steep cliffs. But don't make the trip in the rain - flood waters from the river could rise waist-high.

At Puning Hot Springs, there are eight spring pools of varying temperatures to take a dip in. They are heated by Mount Pinatubo, a volcano which last erupted in 1991.

The area was opened to travellers just two years ago. As the hot spring is in a remote area, you will need to book your package in advance with the help of a local tour agency.

Another must-do day trip is a trek to Mount Pinatubo's hidden crater.

At the end of the trek, an all-natural spa awaits you. Dip into the jewel-blue volcanic lake or get a suntan while you relax on the volcanic sand.

The trip to the crater costs 1,800 pesos a person and includes transportation and a guide.

If you prefer to stay put within the transformed 44-sq-km Clark, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy. There are a golf resort, high-end hotels, retail establishments and even a casino.

What used to be the former residential area and golf club of US Air Force officers is now called the Mimosa Leisure Park.

It features a 36-hole championship golf course set amid stunning foothills and idyllic countryside.

This custom course was designed by the acclaimed Honolulu-based team of Nelson, Wright and Haworth.

There are also villas and hotels for holidaymakers.

For those who don't fancy golf, there is, of course, shopping. The greater Manila area is home to some of the world's largest malls. It's no different at Clark.

For those who find shopping irresistible, the popular SM City Clark shopping mall is just a five-minute drive from the leisure areas. With over 100,000 sqm of retail space, you can find just about everything under one roof.

Another attraction, which is fun for the whole family, is the Fontana Leisure Park, also within the Clark Freeport Zone.

You'll find all the US-styled wet-and-wild thrills here, complete with rides for all ages - from extreme waterslides to a toddlers' play area.

For history buffs

There's something for history buffs too.

Visitors can learn about Clark's rich heritage, dating back about 25,000 years with the Aetas indigenous people.

According to the Aetas people, Clark was called Ubatod, meaning place of origin.

You can make a trip to Nayong Pilipino, a Filipino historic and cultural amusement park that takes you back in time. It's a miniature version of the country, offering its diverse culture and history all in one place.

The park is divided by geographical sections.

The Clark Museum, which is within the freeport zone, has a repository of artifacts from when the US Calvary arrived to its present status as a freeport zone.

Within the compound is a lush green lawn and the old Fort Stotsenberg parade grounds which visitors can stroll through.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

CEBU Pacific has daily flights to Clark (Diosdado Macapagal International Airport) from Changi Budget Terminal. A one-way ticket costs $29, excluding tax and surcharges.

Clark is about 60km from Manila, or 90 minutes by bus.

Getting around Clark is relatively easy. Jeepneys and tricycles are available for tourists. Or you can arrange your own transport, with a driver, for 7,000 pesos ($215) a day.

Top photo: The drive along the Sacobia River takes you through scenic valleys and steep cliffs.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Dec 19, 2008.