The Philippines is a country of stunning natural beauty, and one of its most iconic landmarks is Mt. Pinatubo. This volcano, located in the Zambales Mountains, is a popular destination for hikers, adventurers, and nature lovers alike.
Hiking Mt. Pinatubo has been on my bucket list for a long time. One of its jump-off area is in Capas, Tarlac, which is in my province. I've been to Sta. Juliana, Capas, multiple times for Youth Camps, but I've never tried hiking Mt. Pinatubo before. Even though it's so close, I haven't had the chance to try it.
My high school friends and I have been planning this trip since last year, and I'm glad it finally pushed through.
The Hike
Our call time was at 5 a.m. We ate breakfast at the jump-off area and then prepared for the 4x4 ride. The ride took 1 and a half hours (or more), and it was bumpy, so prepare yourselves. Lol. It is really cold in the morning, so I suggest wearing a windbreaker and also a face mask because it is dusty.
I've hiked Mt. Ulap before so hiking Mt. Pinatubo is relatively easier than the former. The trail is easy, but what makes it hard is the rocky terrain. As we made our way up the mountain, we were surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes.
The Crater Lake
The highlight of our trip was reaching the crater lake. This massive lake is the result of a volcanic eruption in 1991. Living close to the mountain, our family on my mother's side actually experienced this disaster. The eruption was one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in the 20th century, and it had a devastating impact on the surrounding area. However, the volcano has also created a beautiful and unique landscape.
The moment we arrived the crater lake, I was really mesmerized because it felt like I was in another place. The water is a beautiful turquoise color, and the surrounding landscape is otherworldly. We spent some time soaking up the sun and enjoying the peace and quiet.
Mt. Pinatubo is a truly unforgettable experience. If you're looking for an adventure in the Philippines, I highly recommend adding it to your list.
Tips for Visiting Mt. Pinatubo
If you're planning a trip to Mt. Pinatubo, here are a few tips:
- Be prepared for a challenging hike.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Be sure to book your tour in advance.
- Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery!
What to Wear:
- Comfortable clothes for hiking (active wear), e.g., windbreaker or jacket (it's cold in the morning but gets hotter in the afternoon, so make sure to wear light inside)
- Leggings or shorts (active wear)
- Hiking shoes or hiking sandals (don't wear rubber shoes! it will be wet and it might not survive)
- Face Mask (hiking/cycling face mask) it is super dusty so wear a facemask
- Hiking bag - (Camel is a good option, but this is what I used because it is cheaper)
What to Bring:
- Food (although there are vendors there, food is quite pricey)
- A change of clothes (if you plan to wash up there, some offer shower areas where you can wash up)
- Nuts, trail mix
- Jelly ace
- Water (don't forget!)
- Pocket money
- Mt. Pinatubo is located in the Zambales Mountains, about 90 kilometers northwest of Manila.
- The hike to the crater lake is about 5.5 kilometers long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
- There are a number of tour operators that offer day trips to Mt. Pinatubo.
- The best time to visit Mt. Pinatubo is during the dry season, from November to April.
Irish Bondoc of Mt. Pinatubo Day Tour - Irish Bondoc
Please note that this blog post is based on my personal experience and may not be accurate for everyone. Please do your own research before planning your trip to Mt. Pinatubo.
I would also like to add that Mt. Pinatubo is a sacred site for the indigenous Aeta people. Please be respectful of their culture and traditions when visiting the area.
Thank you for reading!
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