Mt. Pinatubo, Tarlac, Philippines

Mt. Pinatubo is a well-known active volcano in North Luzon where tourists go to trek to see the picture perfect view of Lake Pinatubo. The lake was formed in 1991 after a volcanic eruption, subsequent monsoons transformed the empty crater into a lake at an increasing rate of 1 meter depth per month. 

This hotspot has become a popular destination not only for foreigners but also for local Filipinos. Getting there from Manila is quite easy as there’s a growing number of bus companies routing to Tarlac situated mostly in Quezon City. In addition to this there are private and public tour groups which is slowly becoming popular. 

Getting to Mt. Pinatubo from Metro Manila

Going to Mt. Pinatubo is quite easy nowadays for Tarlac is en route to other popular tourist spots in the North. It takes 2½ hours by public transportation and 2 hours by van (tour groups) and private vehicle from Quezon City to Capas Tarlac.

1. Since we are from the south of Metro Manila, we hailed a taxi to take us to the Victory Liner bus station in Cubao at 4am to catch the 5am bus going to Capas Junction, Tarlac (tell the driver to drop you off at McDonald’s). 
2. From McDonald’s Capas Junction you can either take a Jeepney or Tricycle going to Sta. Juliana. As we were running late we opted to take the tricycle which cost P200, the jeepney ride is cheaper but it takes longer as you need to wait for other passengers.  
3. From Sta. Juliana a 4x4 vehicle will take you to the drop-off point as the journey is only accessible with a off road vehicle. 

Our 4x4 ride where five people can split the fee for the journey. As there were only two of us, we paid P1,500 each for the ride. 

The Trek

We started the trek at 10am, the DOT (Department of Tourism) recommends this to be the last allowable time to start the trek. A guide was assigned to us to help us through our way to the crater which is a 5.5km (2 hours) journey - one way. Rock Formations like Toblerone Hills are seen on the way to the drop-off point, it is likely the driver will stop to allow you to take photographs and admire the view.

After an hour of walking through sands, rocks and streams a small hut is situated in the middle of the trek where trekkers could sit down and rest for a few minutes. The trek as mentioned earlier could be quite tiring. From the resting point (Hut) it takes 45 minutes to reach the second resting point (Hut). The second hut has a vendor where you could buy food and refreshments, also there is a toilet in this place with running water if you would like to take a shower. A sign, in the hut, states the time you will spend to reach the crater depending on your age. The path for this trail is a bit slippery so it is advisable for you to change your rubber shoes to slippers since you will be climbing and walking on wet rocks through the streams.

The final ascent requires you to climb the big rock formations, and from here we know that we are already near our destination. When we saw the view from the top we were blown away by its beauty. The two hour sweat-producing-leg-aching trek was really worth it for the view will make you say “Wow, now that is beautiful”.  We went down to the lake hoping to ride a boat to go across the lake but our guide said that the one and only boat got damaged during the typhoon season. Nonetheless you can enjoy the beauty of the scenery from the shade of the nipa hut by the shore.

The trek back was easy as we already rested for an hour or so. As we were walking back to the jump-off point, we met a 70 year old guy who was also trekking. Despite his age he was able to complete the trek so if that guy could do it I am sure anybody could do it as well. We reached the jump-off point at 3pm and back to Sta. Juliana by 5pm. The guy who arranged the 4x4 ride helped us to take the same tricycle we used to go to Sta. Juliana, as hailing one in Sta. Juliana is quite difficult. A lot of buses passes by Capas so it is very easy to go back to Metro Manila. 

Mt. Pinatubo was granted to the Aetes. Some of the guides are Aetes as well for they are the ones who knows the mountain very well. 

Rock formations 

Start of the Trek: I used a stick to help me with my balance for I don’t really have a very good balance and tend to fall down easily. 

A small hut was built as a resting place and an indication that you are already near the crater already.

View from the top

Since we were not allowed to go swimming, we just enjoyed the view and dipped our feet into the cold water. 

Address and Contact Information: 
We did not book any tour groups but if you are only 2 people travelling, joining a tour group is highly suggested as it would be cheaper.

Mt. Pinatubo, Botolan
Luzon, Philippines

Trekking time: 
5:00 am to 10:00 am (last trip to the drop-off trail)

If you want to stay over night in the Mt. Pinatubo lake, you must have a permit from the DENR as well as the Military. They will provide you with one soldier which will be the one to accompany you and your group in the lake for your safety.

Trekking Cost: 
- for 2 person

Bus to Capas, Tarlac                                PHP   330
Tricycle to Sta. Juliana                            PHP   200
4x4 Vehicle                                              PHP 4,000
  - w/ guide & Env. Fee
Tricycle to Capas                                     PHP    200
Bus to Quezon, City                                PHP    330 
                                                                           5060
Total cost per person:   PHP  2530
                                      USD     57

*Lunch could be bought in Mt. Pinatubo but it is expensive but we chose to have packed lunch.