Clark and Hot Springs in Mount Pinatubo
Part of the Mount Pinatubo travel guide — see every topic in All Mount Pinatubo Guides.
Clark, in Pampanga, is a busy free-trade zone with an international airport, hotels, parks and wide, quiet roads. It is about an hour's drive from Capas, so it is a good base for a Pinatubo trip. Nearby, the volcano's heat feeds hot springs and sand spas. This guide covers what to do around Clark.
Clark as a base
Clark has many hotels, from simple business hotels to large resorts. Staying here the night before means a much shorter trip to Capas than from Manila, so you can sleep longer. Clark International Airport has domestic flights and some international flights, so some visitors fly straight in. The area is green, with wide roads, golf courses and open parks. It feels calmer and cleaner than central Manila. Grab and taxis work in Clark, and buses link it to Manila. Restaurants and malls are close to the hotels.
Hot air balloons
The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is usually held in February. In 2026 it took place at New Clark City in Capas, close to Clark. Colourful balloons rise at dawn, and there are flying shows, kites and food stalls. The festival is popular with families and photographers. Dates, venue and program can change, and the event has skipped some years, so check the official announcement before you plan a trip around it. Arrive before dawn to see the balloons rise.
Hot springs and sand spas
In Porac, Pampanga, hot springs flow from the slopes of the Pinatubo area. The best known is Puning, reached from the Sapang Bato area of Angeles City. Resorts take visitors there by 4x4 across lahar fields, similar to the Pinatubo trip but shorter. At these resorts you can soak in hot spring pools and try a sand spa, where you lie in warm volcanic sand. It is a relaxing way to see the lahar landscape if you do not want the full crater hike. Book in advance, and check road conditions in the rainy season.
Adventure parks
The Clark and Porac area has outdoor adventure parks with ziplines, giant swings, rope courses and all-terrain vehicle rides over lahar. They are popular with groups of friends and families from Manila. Most open in the daytime and charge for each activity or for a package. Check safety rules and age or height limits before you go. These parks can be very hot at midday, so a morning or late afternoon visit is more comfortable. Wear closed shoes and bring water.
Clark and Hot Springs at a glance
| Getting there | About 2 hours from Manila by bus or car via NLEX; or fly to Clark |
|---|---|
| Hours | Parks and resorts mostly daytime |
| Cost | Hotels cheaper than Manila; resort and activity fees vary |
| Best time | December to April; check festival dates each year |
| Allow | One night before the Pinatubo trip |