We Left Manila around 3 am and reached Tarlac after 2 hours. Yes that is just too fast. Mount Pinatubo is part of Zambales but the trek will start at Tarlac. We were then given enough time to freshen up at the base camp while the 4x4s were being prepared.
The 1st leg was an hour drive in the 4x4, passing through small streams and rough roads. We had short pit stop along the way for photos and you can also buy some produce from the Aetas. Of course Marlon bought a bunch of bananas which left me shaking my head. Although at a certain point I had to eat those along the way for extra energy even if I felt like puking.
After an hour on the 4x4, you can have the option to continue riding or go on a 2 hour trek. There are advantages and disadvantages with these though. Going on further on the 4x4 will let you miss the view, some of the Aetas along the way and of course the thrill of adventure. It will get you faster up the volcano though. Trekking will give you a sense of appreciation of the environment, the Aetas and the sense of achievement of going on a full 7 km trek of rough roads and streams. I'll leave it up to you which one you'll have but my group went for the trek (the other half of the group went on with the 4x4).
Halfway there we were really tired we had to eat some of those bananas. We were looking forward to the streams to refresh our feet. After 6 kilometers, we reached the next pit stop. After that, is a 30 minute trek up the crater on a much smaller trail.
The view of the crater was very rewarding. To think how many lives changed when this volcano erupted during the early 90s. This was a volcano I only saw on tv, spluttering lava and pyroclastic materials (lahar) all over Central Luzon.
After having lunch, we were awarded our Certificate of conquests. Oh it feels good.
We arranged our trip through TRIPinas. Our tour was well organized and reasonably priced. Mr. Tee the organizer was very accommodating and just simply nice to everyone. I highly recommend booking your tours with them.
Some tips when going up Mount Pinatubo--bring food and water (lots of water). Drinks are being sold at the crater but very expensive. Better to use outdoor sandals, your feet will get wet on the streams but this will be enough to protect your soles from the rocks and uneven ground along the way. Bring a light jacket, light rain can be experienced. If you have a van to your group, better make a stop at one of the gas stations along the way. The base camp lady was so strict in getting fees when you wash your face or even just change your clothes.
I wish the will stop landscaping the crater of Mount Pinatubo. I'm sure the government would like to attract more tourists but we should just preserve the natural beauty of the volcano. It doesn't need landscaping. Mountaineers don't go to this place that much now because it has become too touristy. Of course there are pros and cons to this but I hope people will still appreciate what nature is supposed to be.
