Tarlac - Mt. Pinatubo

Mt. Pinatubo
Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac
1485 MASL
Difficulty: Minor 2/9
Trail Class: 1
Trekking Time: 2 hrs (+ 45 mins 4x4 ride)

In 1991, the world was shocked by a huge explosion made by a certain volcano. Many were affected, especially neighboring country where the volcano is located, which is due to ashes created by the said explosion. The said volcano is known as Mt. Pinatubo, found in the heart of Philippines' Central Luzon, amidst of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga to be exact, it has gained it's title as the said explosion ranked 2nd largest in 20th century.

 But, who have thought that this killer mountain can create such an awesome view? Yes, you read it right! After some years, Mt. Pinatubo now bears a beautiful scenery one can see. Anyone is now allowed to see the Mt. Pinatubo since it is now open in public for viewing. And upon visiting it, you will notice that the mount of ashes looks like an iceberg or a long fortress wall or a real mountain.due to the cogon-grass.

At first, yours truly thought that the write-ups in the net were just exaggerations of how beautiful the Mt. Pinatubo is, but the moment he experienced visiting the place, he was struck and awed as no exaggerations needed. As yours truly recalled, his first visit with Mt. Pinatubo with no camera but a low-graphics-phone to take the pictures, but anytime someone look at said pictures, the beauty of Mt. Pinatubo still emerge, especially it's crater lake on it's 960 MASL elevation.

Going to Mt. Pinatubo requires riding in a 4x4 ride. Yes, it will be a bumpy ride as you'll have to cross the lava way where nothing  but ashes, rocks and cold waters flowing downstream(since the before the explosion, the said way was a river) to see. Although lately, the place have signs that the ashes have gained little nutrients, sufficient to feed the grass that grows in some parts of the mountain. Once the 4x4s reached the point where they will not able to pass through the big rocks, the trekking time begins. The trek will last for an approximately 2 hours(old way) if they are not able to pass the new way (the rocks here are much bigger than the first 45 minutes of the ride, and could sometimes block their way especially after heavy rain), or 30 minutes if they are able to reach the last station going to the Crater Lake.

During the trek, visitors have to pass the rocks, ashes and various of creeks. Technically, the trail of Mt. Pinatubo is quite easy for experienced hikers or a very active person, but could be very hard for opposite, ofcourse! The trail is more of a rolling trail until you've reach the final ascend that you'll have to pass a ladder. The majority of the trek will be very much expose for the heat as there are nothing much shade along the trail(if you will be trekking the Old way), except for short trail 30 minutes(New way) before the Mt. Pinatubo's Crater lake. But worry not, as the reward is truly much of a worth!

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

There are lots of travel and tours agency that offers a hassle free travel to Mt. Pinatubo. This includes all fees and travel fare needed. Although, DIY is still a good thing to consider! One can take buses bound to Capas, Tarlac intersection(Mcdo), usually Dagupan, Lingayen and Baguio bound buses like Genesis and Victory is good. From there, you may take tricycle to the jumpoff  where you can arrange the guides and environmental fees.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

03:00 Assembly at Cubao
03:30 ETD for Capas, Tarlac
05:30 ETA McDonald's Capas, Tarlac, breakfast
06:00 Take tricycle and head to the jumpoff
06:45 ETA Jumpoff, arrange 4x4, fees and guide
07:15 Ride 4x4
08:00 End of 4x4 ride(Old way), start trek
10:00 ETA Crater Lake
12:00 Lunch (Take note that there are no restaurants nor eatery here so bring your packed lunch)
13:00 Start Descend
13:30 ETA New Way, Take 4x4
16:00 ETA Jumpoff, cleanup, snacks
17:00 ETD for Home