Mount Pinatubo is one of Philippine’s natural wonders. The “sleeping volcano” took many lives when it erupted back in 1991. Now, two decades after that powerful, killer blast Mount Pinatubo has transformed itself into one beautiful, unique tourist destination.
I was invited by a few travel buddies to join them in this one-of-a-kind trekking experience. At first I hesitated given the fact that I never went hiking nor trekking before and my body might not be ready to deal with the challenge but I realized that everyone who’s physically healthy can do it with or without prior experience in trekking.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles take you on an hour trip to the arid terrain before leaving you on the starting point of the hike. The 2 hour hiking takes you to the mountain to see the caldera and witness its spectacular view.
Me with Indigenous People of Mount Pinatubo.
How to get there
There are many ways by which you can go to Mount Pinatubo. Either you get yourself the services of travel agencies or you DIY it to save money. I prefer the former. For agencies, they arrange to pick you up somewhere in Manila or depending on your agreed meeting place. It’s best to travel in group as it makes the trekking enjoyable and less taxing.
If you’re DIYing it, from Manila, take buses going to either Baguio, Dagupan or Lingayen. Buses in Quezon City and Cubao have trips going to these destinations and they all pass Capas, Tarlac. Alight in there.
Take a tricycle in Capas and tell the driver to take you directly to Santa Juliana tourism office. You’ll pass by the public market at Tizon drive before reaching the tourism office. Once there, you can negotiate with 4×4 operators to take you to the trail.
Helpful reminders when climbing Mount Pinatubo
- Take some food with you to eat while trekking like sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, energy bars, water, etc. The store installation at the top of the mountain offers no meals.
- Wear appropriate trekking shoes.
- Apply sunblock onto your skin frequently
- Don’t litter. It’s part of the “leave no trace” culture in mountain trekking/hiking.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Im still looking forward to see Mt. Pinatubo’s crater, ibang klase talaga ang ganda nya!
Very comprehensive and cool website:) I’m really a fan of you Jules, I started travelling just last year. This website will serve as my guide as a new traveler.
Thank you for the kind words, Jessan.
I’m glad you enjoy traveling, too.
Hey there! Nice blog! Me and my girlfriend are planning to do a DIY trip to pinatubo. How much would it cost us knowing that we’re from Manila? HEHEHE! I’ll very much appreciate you’re answer Jules!
Hi Johann, consider the cost of transpo from Manila to Capaz so that’s probably around less than 300 pesos. I really have no idea how much would it cost to rent a 4×4 so that’s something you can ask once you get there. With the heat of the sun in there, I don’t think its wise to DIY it but its worth it if you want a more memorable trip!