Mt. Pinatubo – an active volcano in the Philippines that embodies the rage and beauty of what nature is capable of. It’s popularly known because of it’s historical 1991 eruption which brought devastation to nearby towns and felt throughout the Philippines. That eruption, which ejected more than a billion tonnes of magma/ashes combined with the rain water brought by typhoon Diding, changed the landscape of the area from a vast plain of forest to a lahar-filled plain with deranged cliffs and upheavals. After the eruption, which removed a large portion of the volcano’s summit lead to the creation of a very beautiful rainwater lake above it. Historically one of the worst nightmare disaster in the Philippines, yet one that brought another magnificent work of nature to behold.

Technically part of 3 provinces (Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales), Mt. Pinatubo (together with is owned by the indigenous Aeta people and were granted Ancestral Domain titles to protect them from foreigners and people who want to exploit it without their consultation; so all hikes to the crater lake will always have to go thru them. Now that history class is over, let’s get down to business and rediscover an out of this world landscape at Mt. Pinatubo!

HOW TO GET THERE

Well there are several different options to choose from to reach Mt. Pinatubo. The easy (great for family outings especially if with elderly people) routes to choose from are from the jump-off points at Capas Tarlac or Botolan Zambales. Both of these easy routes offer 4×4 rides to cross the lahar plains into the hiking areas of Pinatubo. 1.5 hours 4×4 ride and 2 hour hike to the crater lake.

A more challenging and difficult route will be found on Porac Pampanga where hiking would take longer and would require sufficient knowledge on long trails and river crossings. And to my hike buddies, don’t worry I’ll feature this in my next posts!

Public Transport

• If you’re coming from Manila and wanted to take the Botolan route, just ride Victory Liner buses (or any buses for that matter) going to Iba Zambales; drop off at Botolan and ride a trike to Pinatubo’s jump point.
• If you’re opting to take the Capas route, then ride a Victory Liner going Olonggapo or Baguio and drop off at Capas public market; from here take a jeepney or better rent a trike to barangay Sta. Juliana Pinatubo jump off point.
• On both jump-off points, you could arrange your ride via 4×4 (or any off-road vehicle) and pay entrance fees as well.

Private Transport

• If you’re coming from Northern Luzon or from Subic (or close to Zambales) it’s advisable to take the Botolan route; travel down to Iba Zambales and drive further down to Botolan.
• If you’re closer to Tarlac, then take the Porac route. You’re google maps should do the talking right. Haha.

Tours

• Well if you’re really lazy on booking and arranging things then you’d probably be taking this option.
• If you’re coming from Manila, I suggest TRIPinas Travel and Tours. Facebook: TRIPinas – Explore more
• If you’re not coming from Manila, then I suggest you contact them first; they’ll probably fetch you depending on participant number.

THE BUDGET

Air fare is probably the most expensive item you would consider (unless you wait for a promo). The next thing would be food which I would discuss in detail the succeeding sections. For reference, below are the common tours and services with their corresponding prices. Though if you have lots of free time and a little sporty, you could probably just rent a bike and run all the tours!

• 4×4 ride: 1400php per pax (private rates will cost more)
• Entrace Fee: 700php (Environmental fee, Ancestral domain fee, Preservation fee)
• Guide Fee: 500php (up to 5 pax)

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Bring a face mask or hand towel as protection from ashes.
• Shades are also adviseable to protect your eyes from dust.
• It would be a 1.5 hour bumpy and dusty ride before taking a 2 hour hike so be metally ready.
• It is prohibited to hike during rainy days as the area will have strong currents of water.
• Swimming on the lake is prohibited. No life guards are employed here.

THE HIKE

This adventure took the Botolan route as the starting point. It’s best to start here if you have plans to plunge in the beaches of Zambales after hiking.

It all starts here at Botolan’s jump-off point.

The sun welcomes you to an eventful adventure up ahead!

And not long after riding a 4×4, somebody gets stucked! Haha!

It’ll be a long 1.5 hours on a bumpy journey across rivers and lahar areas.

But as you could see, the view is no less than spectacular!

The lahar-covered plains surrounding Mt. Pinatubo is a breath-taking view by itself.

Well I suppose you wouldn’t prefer to walk under the scorching heat would you?

And of course there are kids that jump around every now and then. Lol.

And by the looks of this guy, I think he’s welcoming you to his territory. Haha.

Then the hike resumes with lovely mountainscapes surrounding you!

This land belongs to the Aeta’s and you would probably encounter some of them along the way.

Of course you still need to pause and enjoy wilderness…

And continue along a long and winding road downhill.

Sometimes the saying “break a leg” is taken a little too seriously here.

And we’re halfway done. This is the junction where Botolan and Capas hikers merge.

And we walk along the riverbed/magma bed whichever you want to call it.

And after a little walk uphill, you reach the unworldly crater lake!

Descending down the lake along a flight of stairs.

And as we inch closer, our excitement rises another level!

Truly you can feast this view with your eyes all day long!

Undeniably one of the most beautiful and historically rich destination in the Philippines!

Oh yeah, don’t forget to take silly groupies as well alright!

Jumping around seems to be a trend nowadays. Haha!

Almost forgot the welcome sign to the crater lake. Hahaha better late than never.

Before leaving, be certain to check who’s driving the vehicle…

Check if anyone tampered your wheels…

And if someone wants to hitch in a free ride.