A little historical overview of this adventure.
Erupted in June 15, 1991; I t produced the second largest terrestrial of the both century after the 1912 eruption of Novarupta in the Alaska Peninsula. Complicating the eruption was the typhoon Yunya bringing a mix of ash & rain causing the lahar.
The crater lake or "Mt. Pinatubo Lake" was formed afterwards through succeeding rainfalls. Initially it was high in Sulfuric Acid with the temperature of 40°C. & pH2. Subsequent rainfall cooled and diluted the lake lowering the temperature to 26°C.
I chose to celebrate my birthday at Mt. Pinatubo coz I wanted to have a different feel for my birthday. Not your typical birthday party that kind of stuff. And besides, looking at the photos Google has offered me and some of the blogs I've read, celebrating my birthday there is like the coolest thing ever with the most amazing view there is.
I have prepared for this trip meticulously. Researched it if which one is better, a DIY or a Travel Tour (public/private). If traveling via DIY it is very much doable but I find it too much of a hassle regardless of it being much cheaper than going on tours. Comparing the DIY vs Tour package, the difference is nothing much really. Only a few pesos. However, comparing between going on a public tour vs private tour, the prices were so much of a shock. For a private tour of 2pax you'll have to pay between P6k to P6.5k depending on the travel tour you're going to have. Compare it to the public tour of P2,090/pax. o if you're on a tight budget, I suggest to take the public tour. And hey, you'll even meet new friends.
Of all the travel & tour packages from different company, I decided to take from TRIPINAS. Please check the link for more details.
ITINERARY.
2:30am Call Time. Meet with the coordinator. Briefing with the rest of the participants and payment settlement.
3:30am Take off from MNL to base camp at Capas, Tarlac.
5:30am ETA Brgy. Julianna, Capas, Tarlac. Final Briefing. 4x4 & local guide assignments.
6:00am Take off from base camp. 1hr 4x4 ride.
7:00am ETA take off camp for the 2hrs (7km) hike going to the crater.
9:00am ETA Mt. Pinatubo Crater. Rest. Photo taking. Lunch.
11:30am Start of the descend back to the waiting 4x4.
1:30pm ETA waiting 4x4. Start heading back to the base camp.
2:30pm ETA base camp. Rest. Shower.
3:00pm ETD for MNL back to the meeting point.
5:00pm ETA MNL. (Depending on traffic)
**There is however an alternative route whereby the hike is only 30min.
Coming from a long international flight, I arrived in MNL at 2pm. Met BF and decided to just check-in while waiting for midnight to go to El Pueblo. By 12mn we went off to the meeting place. and the rest went on according to the itinerary.
The whole trip was fun and kinda tiring especially during mid day as the sun was all up.
Here's my tips for the trip…
- Have a big big big breakfast.
- Bring loads of water. At least 1.5L per person. It is a long and very hot adventure.
- Bring your lunch. There's NO RESTAURANT at the crater. They do sell drinks though but too expensive.
- Pack light. A hydro pack suits this hike.
- Wear rash guards & leggings unless you want to have tanned skin.
- Wear sunscreen. It is an ultimate must. Remember, it is very hot.
- Wear a cap/hat.
- Bring a scarf or mask or balaclava. It is very very dusty during the 4x4 ride.
- Wear proper shoes for the hike. I was so glad to have worn my trekking shoes. The path was very rocky. Like literally. Tons of rocks. Plus there's some river to cross too.
- Stick with your group and guide at all times.
- Exercise before going on this adventure. You'll be needing loads of cardio & legs workout.
- Share your food with your guide. And please, don't forget to tip them.
- Bring your camera.
- Do not throw any garbage. If you have any garbage, bring them with you back to base camp and throw it there.
- And lastly, RESPECT Mt. Pinatubo and the locals. Remember, you are visiting their home.
P/S: Swimming at the crater is no longer allowed. Too bad. It's for safety reasons so don't be an ass or else your guide will be blamed for your inconsideration.
Take pictures and create memories. Indulge in the beauty of what Mt. Pinatubo has to offer and in the same time make new friends and learn their history.
When we got to the crater, it was too hot that we were so tempted to dive the clear blue waters. Argh.. Anyways, I got a free mud pack though. Our guide happened to find a mud pack brick and told us that it was what they use in the spa for the mud pack spa but they only added some artificial stuff. So I asked him if I could take the mud pack and he gave it to me. He said that it was very good because it was natural. No chemicals added or whatsoever. And it was damn heavy! I've yet to try it though.
It was the best birthday ever so far. And a destination that I once dreamed of to go now crossed out from the list. I was so glad I decided to go.
If you want to go to Mt. Pinatubo and experience this adventure, I encourage you guys to do so. If going by groups it is so much better and cheaper!! I suggest you guys make a booking with TRIPINAS. At the end of your adventure, you'll get a certificate. Proof that that you've been there and you survived.
The best time to visit Mt. Pinatubo is on summer. They do not provide any tours during the rainy season as the river gets high and becomes too dangerous to cross.
P/S: do not drink the water from the river. It contains high doses of sulfur. Bring your own water.
Thanks for reading!
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN TO LATELY?!?!
Much Love!
