For the Mount Pinatubo Trip we went with TriPinas Travel and Tours who graciously gave us the details of the things we would be needing for the trip to Mount Pinatubo. You have to book your trip in advance though as they are always fully booked and would also require a security deposit prior to meeting up for the trip itself. Their rates are pretty awesome but I strongly recommend to go as a group of 6 to 10 to bring down the cost of the trip. The person we spoke to is Ann of TriPinas but dont be shocked if you get to speak to a French Guy over the phone from time to time when you need to call for follow ups just be prepared with your english ;). They only conduct day tours for Mount Pinatubo, so if you want to stay over night I think you'll need to have a special permit processed for that which I am sure Ann would be more than happy to help you and your group out with. They'll provide the van necessary for the trip going to and from the Mount Pinatubo Base camp (Manila - Pinatubo Base Camp in Tarlac) or you can opt to bring your own vehicle but be forewarned, they aren't pretty good with convoys so you'll have to really get to talk to their drivers prior to leaving for the trip to get a good strategy going.
This is their usual rates and services:
Mt. Pinatubo trek cost:
starts at Php1990/person (for Filipinos)
Php2750/per person (for non-Filipinos)* Skyway fee excluded if available. Skyway fee cost will be evenly distributed to all public tour participants for the day.
Inclusions:
starts at Php1990/person (for Filipinos)
Php2750/per person (for non-Filipinos)* Skyway fee excluded if available. Skyway fee cost will be evenly distributed to all public tour participants for the day.
Inclusions:
- round trip A/C land transfer (Manila-Tarlac-Manila)
- 4x4 vehicle with driver (Brgy. Sta. Juliana-Pinatubo jump off-Brgy. Sta. Juliana)
- fees (local guide, conservation fee)
- local guide for the trek
- a Certificate of Conquest
- service of a tour coordinator
We started out by preparing the day before with packing our lunch and water/beverage supplies. The meet up point starts at McDonald's Near ABS CBN at roughly around 2 or 3 in the morning. That is where we give the remaining balance for the trip and coordinate with their drivers with regards to how the convoy is going to be conducted.
Briefing talks about that following:
- What to expect about the trip
- Signing a waiver that you are of fit health (though they ask it out right especially if you looked out of shape and above recommended hiking age.)
- Ensuring that Attendance is complete
- Ensure that everyone has proper gear and food supply (they recommended to travel light-believe me once you get there you'll see why)
I also recommend bringing a first aid kit and ensure that all your gadgets are fully charged. No electrical outlets there. Also there are no toilets, so do expect to be creative when nature calls. Also bring lots of sunscreen as the only time you get into a covered area is when you reach the point that is close to the crater itself.
Once everyone has been briefed and has signed their waivers the trip officially starts. The journey to the Mt Pinatubo Base Camp takes approximately around 2 hours depending on traffic. If you bunk up with their van, be prepared not to have stretching space till you get the occasional gas station and bathroom trip breaks.
Estimated time of arrival was at 6am, which they hit pretty well. I dared not look at how fast they were driving but occasional glances showed roughly about 80kph for the 2 hour trip. At the Mt Pinatubo Base Camp you get a chance to gear up if you haven't geared up already. Then a final briefing is conducted which also is the time they start the grouping for the 4x4 vehicle assignments. We initially wanted the open 4x4 vehicles but we found out how lucky we were to get the enclosed ones especially on the hot trip back.
The trip on the 4x4 was fun and took roughly about an hour. If you are wearing contact lenses, it would be best to wear protective eye wear such us sun glasses to protect your eyes from the dust and sand blowing around. The one hour trip was picturesque enough though. Nothing but a white sandy environment from the ground to the mountain tops. All the remnants of the Lahar that hit the entire region when Mt. Pinatubo unleashed its wrath about a decade back. There is a local guide assigned to each of the 4x4 who talks about the places you'll be visiting and also will be your guide to ensure you dont get lost in this rather surreal arid area of the Philippines.
The guide sat on the front of the 4x4, seemingly relaxed irregardless of the bumpy ride
This was one of the Photo Ops Places During the 4x4 ride to Mt Pinatubo
We stopped at a place that looked like a valley and this is where you'll see the need to either bring slippers or sneakers suitable for hiking cross country. The first task of the 3 hour hike to the top was to cross a river bank that was knee deep, but on our way back was a lot higher. Make sure your gadgets are all water proof sealed either in ziplocks or in specialized water proof gear. The hike after the river crossing was no easy task. With the guide leading the was and fortunately helping our female companions with their rather heavy gear, showed us the easiest and quickest route to the original entrance to the hike to Mt Pinatubo prior to its eruption. The hike from our drop off point to the original entrance was 3 hours, the hike back though was about an hour and 45 minutes. I guess that is because on the way to the top we were all too busy taking pictures :).
This was the first river crossing challenge on foot after the 4x4 trip
This is some of what you would see mostly on the flat land hike to Mt. Pinatubo.
The dessert like surroundings of the initial hike on foot was tiring though, cause it was an uphill climb though gradual was still difficult for those that aren't cardio vascularly prepared. So if you are a smoker I recommend to quit smoking at least 12 hours prior to the climb. Also, ensure that you have enough water with you and if you can find a way to keep it cool even better. I used sneakers, which made it a lot easier. Those that wore slippers had trouble with the several river crossings along the way. You will also notice marker stones, that are piled on top of each other. Please do not topple them, cause these are the markers to help you get back to the 4x4. It also marks the quickest and less hazardous route to and from Mt Pinatubo.
River Crossings are common in the area. Proper Gear is needed on this particular Hike. Travel light though cause the heat is quite bad at certain times.
You can have your occasional pit stops but not too long cause the hike is quite long and you wouldn't want to be back by night fall.
Past the dessert area right before the steep climb upwards there is a resting zone where you can use a make shift toilet and a tank of cold water to cool off with. It also serves a place to take a breather and allow the rest of the group to catch up. We also had a quick snack here as there is a structure that shades us from the sun.
The area after the rest area marks the start of the steep climb up Mt. Pinatubo. We went there during a time of rain so we had to be very careful not to slip on the rocks and mindful of where we tread as there were places that fall deep. Unlike the dessert area though, the area where the steep climb begins is much greener and full of wild life. You'll find rather peculiar Floras and Faunas here, I particularly found the giant fern plants quire interesting as they were an uncommon sight for me. This part of the trip was quite fun cause it wasn't so hot (This is where people start to learn the importance of plant life in the prevention of global warming).
It was literally the complete opposite of the initial hike once you reach the foot of Mt Pinatubo. It was lush with greenery and life.
Once you reach the top there are portalets you can use near the Welcome to Mt Pinatubo sign. Past that are resting areas on the peak of Mt. Pinatubo that gives you a breath-taking view of the entire crater filled with water now. One must take note that you shouldn't make unnecessary loud noises once you reach the Crater of Mt. Pinatubo as you may cause unwanted "landslides". From the peak to the Crater Lake you'll need to go down a rather steep staircase which was easy to go down from but the climb back up is what killed a lot of people.
You wouldn't want to miss a photo Op here :)
The Crater Lake of Mt Pinatubo is said to have a lot of healing properties due to the sulfur and mineral content provided by the last eruption. There is even a guided boat ride that you can take for about Php250 (price may change though from time to time depending on season), or simply take a dip in the Lake. Water isn't so cold and is quite pleasant, an awesome reward for the long hike. It is here that people can camp overnight.
Crater Boat Guides - A definite must try
The trip back from the Lake upto the 4x4 was made more fun by our group as we raced and tried to challenge each other on who would get to the 4x4 the quickest (Guess that was also the reason why it was a shorter time to get back). Once back on the 4x4, we tried our hardest to stay wide awake but exhaustion took the better of all of us. We had our bandanas covering our nose and mouth and sunglasses for our eyes. By the time we woke up when we reached the Mt Pinatubo Base Camp, all our faces were covered in the white sands of the Lahar. There are shower rooms for rent and sari sari stores to help get you back to looking human again though, but pray that you be the first to get there cause it'll be a pretty long line once the others arrive.
Steep Climb down to the Lake
We all had a blast in this trip though and we even have a certificate to show that we conquered Mt. Pinatubo courtesy of TriPinas. Would I recommend going? Of course, it is definitely something you shouldn't miss and all it'll take is just one weekend with your family and friends.
This view was worth the journey
Till the next time...
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