Mt. Pinatubo Trekking

After two times of planning, finally our Mt Pinatubo pushed through. Mt. Pinatubo per se is not visible from afar. It borders the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga and Tarlac. It was made famous because of its eruption last June 1991, which the effects of it were felt worldwide. So it was thought in school but we haven't seen it personally that's why we pay a visit.

After 3 hours in the van, we finally reached Capas, Tarlac. Specifically at the Pinatubo Spa Town where we would be registering our climb and to do our preparations.

We rode a 4 x 4 towards the drop off point, where most of us agreed to walk the long way which is a 3 hour walk to the crater. Well, it would still depend on the pace of the climber.

Because we are one batch of the said event, we used six to eight 4 x 4 so that all of us could reach the crater. According to our guide, we are only few then because they could use seventy (70) 4 x 4 simultaneously depending on the demand of the tour.

You will be passing by rivers and rocky dirt roads which is part of the adventure and thrill. You could also see the rock formations, which is like when you knock one side of it, it will be ruined over you.

After reaching the drop off point because there are no way for the 4 x 4 to pass through, the walking journey begins.

At first everyone was excited and taking pictures of the place but as three hours of walking went by, everyone was really exhausted and tired. Be warned that you should only bring stuffs that you could use throughout the journey.

Don't bring excess food thinking that you'll be hungry along the walk. Trust me, you might not be able to eat it all and would rather rest and drink. Bring water or energy drinks like Pocari Sweat or Gatorade which is better that juice drinks. Also wear sturdy footwear or sandals which are allowed to be wet because as I said you will be crossing the river several times.

This is just the start of the shortcut way to the crater and would depend on your pace again. You will be following the river towards the crater.

Your walk would be hard if you are already exhausted and you still carry so many stuffs like what we did because what you brought up must be also brought down to preserve the environment.

After reaching the crater, your exhaustion and tiredness will be worth it, seeing the environment-made scenery. It seems like you are still looking at the postcard of it.

You could swim at the crater, but the water is only few steps deep literally. After walking I think for five steps to the water you'll be stepping at nothing.

Before reaching the swimming area, you will be going down the steep which is also again very tiring unless you are actively inclined.

The water is so inviting even if it is so deep. The water is also shimmering cold plus the breezy wind. There are no rinsing area here obviously because it would be very tiring to put some drainage system and it doesn't have electricity and cellphone signal at all.

There is a newly made nipa hut where everyone could share a shade, eat their food or rest/sleep. There is also a rest room but you would rather not use it because of cleanliness. You could change your clothes beside of it.

There are other activities that you could do here like boating, swimming at the other side of the crater and even sleepover, just bring your own tent or rent one at the Spa Town. If you are decided to ride the boat be sure that you have paid at the Spa Town and show the receipt at the locals there or ask a help of the tour guide. I think the boating costs PHP 150 each, I'm not that sure because we refunded ours because of the lack of time.

There are travel organizations who are having their weekly climb at the Mt Pinatubo at a very affordable price and to different places in the Philippines. To name a few, you may try triPinas or Travel Factor.c",)