“Mt. Pinatubo is one of the most popular and stunning active stratovolcanos you will ever see in the Philippines”
Have you ever seen an active volcano up close? If not, then you might consider visiting one of the most famous volcanoes in the mountain of Zambales in Luzon Island of the Philippines. You will not just see if from afar, but you get to experience standing near the crater lake. This famous volcano is 87 kilometer northwest of Manila, around three hours’ drive and accessible to tourists. It is also one of the most popular weekend getaways to hike from Manila.
About Mt. Pinatubo
Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano situated in the tri-border area of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. It is famously known as one of the largest eruption incidents of the 20th century, ejecting a large amount of ash and smoke clouds. This event caused great damage, destroying thousands of houses and killing almost 800 people. From 1991, another eruption was recorded again in late 1992. Since then, no notable volcanic activity has been recorded until November 30, 2021, which later confirmed a phreatic explosion produced by hydrothermal fluids near the surface rather than a magmatic eruption. Presently, Mt. Pinatubo is still active, but no eruption is foreseeable in the future. Today, it is one of the most visited mountains in the Philippines and reachable on an adventure 4WD jeep ride on a day hike. The trek is also relatively easy, making it suitable for beginners who are seeking a minor climb.
How to get to Mt. Pinatubo?
DIY, Public Transportation: Take a Bus in Manila going to Capas, Tarlac via any major terminal bus in Cubao or Pasay. After that, ride a tricycle or jeep to Mt. Pinatubo base camp or Sta. Juliana Tourism. This option mostly takes around three hours, so allocate your time properly.
Once there, pay the necessary environmental fees & 4WD jeep transfers going to the jump-off point of Mt. Pinatubo.
Private Vehicle: Drive from Manila to Mt. Pinatubo base camp for about two and a half hours. Make your way to NLEX and take the exit to SCTEX/Clark Airport. After that, exit toward Dolores, merge onto MacArthur Highway, and follow the road to Sta. Juliana Capas. If unsure, use Google Maps or the Waze app for an accurate route guide.
Tours with transfers: For convenience, join a group tour available on Facebook or any travel agency tours offering this hiking experience to reduce your cost, mostly scheduled every weekend from Manila. Usually traveling by Van on Friday night or early morning of Saturday, then returning back Saturday evening. This includes a transfer from Manila, a 4WD Jeep ride from base camp to the jump-off point, and an environmental fee.
By the way, I opted to join tours with transfers, and I highly recommend this one, especially if you are traveling solo. As of 2024, the price ranges from PHP 3000 to PHP 4000, depending on the target number of people in the group.
How many days required to visit Mt. Pinatubo?
A one-day tour is enough to explore and wander Mt. Pinatubo
When is the best time to visit Mt. Pinatubo?
The months of December to May provide a dry summer month with a clear blue sky, making it the best time to visit Mt. Pinatubo. Although, hiking is allowed all year round, avoid traveling here during the wet season from June to September. In some cases, where heavy rain is coming in some months, the area is prone to landslides and floods, making it difficult to travel and hike up to crater lake. Be updated on weather reports and watch the news before planning a Trek to Mt. Pinatubo.
My journey going to Mt. Pinatubo
Mt. Pinatubo has been on my bucket list ever since I was hooked on traveling. And for someone who is fascinated by mountains with lakes, who would not be impressed with the magnificent view of Mt. Pinatubo crater lake? It is even compared to and tagged as the equivalent of a famous lake in Alberta, Canada, and yeah, it felt like somehow I am on another country when I was there.
So, since I am traveling alone, I opted to join a group tour from Manila for a reasonable price. Our meeting place was in Cubao, from there, we rode in a van for about three hours, going to Capas, Tarlac up to base camp. Once we arrived, they gave us time to take breakfast and prepare ourselves for the trek. After that, we transfer to a 4WD Jeep ride and travel for about an hour and a half, crossing through lahar Canyons. The scenery on the road is otherworldly, and it felt like I was in an adventure movie. It was really one of the most exciting and fun experiences I have done so far, regardless of the bumpy ride due to rough road. The lahar Canyons are really amazing, and I got to experience see and talk with Aetas, the indigent people living in the mountain. Our tour guide also gives as time to stop over to take some beautiful photos along the way.
After arriving at the Mt. Pinatubo jump-off point, we started hiking, which took around two hours before reaching the Crater Lake. We crossed small rivers and walked on some rocks. Overall, the trail is easy with minimal steep ascents. Once you reach the top you will be amazed with the overlooking view of Crater Lake from above, it is really magnificent. We also go down near the lake at took photos and videos. It would be nice though, if we are able to ride a boat like in Alberta lake experience, however, swimming and boating in the lake is not allowed. Nevertheless, I still enjoy the view from the shore of Crater Lake. The view of crater and surrounding areas are stunning, great for photo shoot. And then, I look for a place there to take my pack-up lunch while watching the view of the lake. We stayed almost two hours there, after that we started walking back to the jump off point.
Travel Tips when planning to visit Mt. Pinatubo
Below are some tips you should consider when heading to Mount Pinatubo
- Wear your hiking shoes, as you will be crossing through some rivers and volcanic trails to reach the world-renowned blue-green crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo
- If you are planning DIY, please note that open-back type 4WD jeep rides are subject to availability, so it is best to be early to get a chance to book this type of jeep.
- Bring extra sets of clothing, but remember to pack light.
- Hiking in Mt. Pinatubo is hot during the dry summer months, so protect yourself from the sun. Wear a cap and apply sunscreen.
- Bring lots of water in an insulated bottle for a longer-lasting cold drink along the trail.
- Don’t forget to pack up food for lunch and light snacks. You can buy food at your chosen fast food restaurant before traveling by van to Manila.
- Be prepared for the occasional rain and bring an umbrella or rain coat/jacket for protection
- The 4WD jeep rental can be costly, so maximize the ride with 5 people and split the cost among yourselves.
- Be updated with the weather forecast when planning your hiking on Mt. Pinatubo
- Be a responsible traveler, take your trash with you, and help keep Mt. Pinatubo clean.
- Take only memories, leave only footprints.
Budget in Mt. Pinatubo
The cost of traveling to Mt. Pinatubo is considerably budget-friendly, especially if you join a group tour. Based on my experience, most tourists spend around PHP 3000 to 4000 from Manila if you join a group tour. Otherwise do DIY.
Suggested Itinerary to Mt. Pinatubo from Manila
Day 1
1:30 am – Travel from Manila to Mt. Pinatubo Base Camp
4:30 am- Arrival at the base camp, take breakfast & prepare for a trek.
5:00 am- Transfer to 4WD vehicle
7:00 am- Start hiking in the lahar canyon.
9:00 am-arrive at crater lake, take a rest, enjoy the view, take may videos and photos.
11:00 am- Take your lunch, be sure to bring pack-up lunch.
11:30 pm- walk back to the jump off point.
1:30 pm- Ride to 4WD vehicle back to the base camp
3:00 pm- Arrival at base camp, then Pack-up, prepare for travel back to Manila.
3:30 pm- Travel back to Manila
6:30 pm- Arrival in Manila
Please note there are safe parking facilities and shower areas at the base camp.
Essential things to bring in Mt. Pinatubo.
- Money in Cash
- hiking shoes or any running shoes will do, otherwise sandals for hiking
- Sunblock
- Bottle of water for trekking
- Hygiene Kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
- Sun glass
- Trail Snacks/Pack-lunch
- Cap for head & face sun protection
- Jacket
- Extra clothes
Additional Tip: Enjoy the thrill and adventure, “Be at the moment”. Use this time to reconnect with your friends or if traveling solo, bond with new people, and build friendship.
So, have you been to Mount Pinatubo? Please share your thoughts and experience.
TRAVEL SHORT VIDEO OF MT. PINATUBO
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