Trekking Mount Pinatubo

Starting point of our walk to the crater

It was a typical Saturday night for me, I was just at home checking some emails when Belmond sent me an IM inviting me to go to Mount Pinatubo for a day trip. It was just normal for me to say yes since this will be another fun trip. I had to wake up early Sunday morning so I could meet up my friend Belmond at Alabang at around 4 AM since the call time was 5:30 AM somewhere along Edsa. The package includes the transportation as well as the guide who will bring us there. Belmond, Shey and I will join a group who is scheduled to climb the volcano too. Once we got there, Belmond and I were surprised, one of the "hikers" that we were with was our previous schoolmate in Mapua, Mervin. The van left at 6AM already since we were a little late. The trip to Capas Tarlac (where Mt. Pinatubo is located) was about 4 hours from Manila. On route, the van we were riding at had some engine trouble so we had to stop over somewhere in Pampanga (where Robinsons Starmills is at). We waited for another van to pick us up for more than an hour and during that time the group had time to know each other, talk and bond. It wouldn't be complete without pictures ofcourse. 

Waiting for our van to get fixed

Once the van got there, we were back on track and on our way to climb the mountain. Everyone was still a little sleepy waking up early in the morning so we tried to get some sleep and to also save energy for our hike. Before reaching our destination, we had a stopover to stock up on supplies like water and lunch since we'll have a picnic there at the crater. After a few hours, we arrived at the drop off where we will need to ride a 4X4 pick up truck to be able to climb the steep slopes. Before riding, everyone had to be ready for the sun so each one put on a hefty amount of sunblock. It already seemed like we were going to the beach and not climb up a mountain. 

Let's go!

Belmond, Shey, Mervin and I rode at the back of a pick up truck and it was quite an experience. It was a good thing that it was a little cloudy that time so we weren't really burnt by the sun. The road was bumpy and very dusty and after sometime our butts were numb already since we were just sitting on the back of the pick up. the scenery was fantastic, we passed by dozens of Carabao, streams and even some houses of the Aeta's who were still living there. After the ride, we had to go on foot already to reach the crater.

Picture from the back of the 4x4

There's a sign where it'll tell you how long it'll take you to reach the crater depending on your age. The trail was a little muddy since we passed by little streams of water, good thing I didn't get my pretty shoes wet. 

The trail

After 20 minutes, we reached the crater and it was a nice view. We went down to the lake so we can see it up close. Belmond and I were supposed to swim but it was drizzling, the water was a bit cold and the water seemed very deep so we just soaked or feet in the water and took pictures. There's a toilet/changing room inside the crater for the ones who want to use the toilet and ofcourse change clothes after a dip in the lake. You can also take a bangka ride in the crater although we didn't try it, we were already contented taking a lot of pictures. 

View of the crater

Belmond and I

View of the crater

Together with Shey and Belmond

Pinatubo crater

View of the crater

After an hour or so and after taking our lunch, we decided to head back home already. It continued to drizzle but it was OK, atleast it kept the temperature cool. Just like before it took us 20 minutes to trek the trail and this time around, I rode inside the 4x4 since I wanted to rest. I was so comfortable that I dozed off during the ride back.

The group

Coming back from the crater

The group, new friends

Our rides

At the base of the mountain is a spa so that one can get a massage after a tiring hike and rest those footsies. There's also a restaurant available for people who worked up an appetite. Everyone was tired from the trip that the ride back to Manila was silent since everyone was sleeping. It was already 7PM when we reached Manila and our drop off point and I got home at around past 8PM already. The trip was a tiring but very fulfilling since I've always wanted to climb or hike up a mountain. That's something I can mark off my bucket list. It was also nice to meet new people and to spend some time with friends.