Mount Pinatubo

What is there to see?

Mount Pinatubo, situated 89 km Northwest of Manila, came to worldwide attention when it erupted in June 1991. Huge quantities of ash were deposited in adjacent areas. Pinatubo offers stunning landscapes and an opportunity to see the site of a huge volcanic eruption - ten times larger than that of Mount St Helens in 1980.

Make your way to the PDC (Pinatubo Development Corporation) Spa Town in Sta. Juliana, Capaz (or Capas), Tarlac . From here you can hire a 4x4 jeep. It takes around an hour to get to within 45 minutes walk of the crater. It's a bumpy ride, but you'll enjoy the scenery.

To get to the crater it is a 45 to 60 minute walk from the stopping point at Dapili. If you want to walk further then speak to your jeep driver. He can let you get out earlier to walk if you like.

The view of the crater is well worth the journey!

The water is cold and sulfuric, but it is also very refreshing to take a dip in the crater lake after the trek! Don't forget your swimming gear!

You can even hire a boat for around 350 peso.

Then it is the trek back to the jeep!

It is great to meet the local people, the Aetas, along the way. There is an Aeta village during the jeep ride (10 minutes before you get to the jeep park - ask if you wish to stop). If you can, please bring them some basic supplies like rice, sky flakes, kid/adult clothes - I'm sure any basic supplies would be appreciated as there isn't a shop in miles! In return you get to meet some great people and see their way of life.

When you get back to the spa town why not get a massage or volcanic ash spa treatment for around 500 peso.

Where do I stay?

You can easily visit Mount Pinatubo in a single (c. 14 hour) day from Manila. If staying overnight, some people camp although many people will stay in Subic. If staying in Subic you can enjoy the beach and other attractions in the area.

How do I get there?

Arrange transport to Tarlac. You can catch a bus or, better still, hire a car and driver. By car it takes 3 hours from Manila (perhaps a little longer if there is heavy traffic or you stop often). From Sta Juliana, Capas, Tarlac you then hire a 4x4 jeep. This costs 1500 peso per person and includes a tour guide and a meal at the end of the tour. The jeep is an hour long drive and then it is about 45 minutes to an hour to walk to the crater, so you need to be moderately fit. Some tour companies offer tours from Manila, but these often cost considerably more (double compared to the actual price).

How long shall I stay?

You can visit Mount Pinatubo as a day trip from Manila. It does work out as a long day as you should allow a few hours to get to Tarlac. You have to start early and come back late. Some people overnight, camping at Pinatubo. Others overnight by staying in Subic.

Tips and Comments

Ask your driver to stop in the village so that you can meet the locals. It would be great if you could give them any basic foods, basic supplies or old clothes. They'll be very grateful!

Make sure that lunch is included in your tour. If it isn't, or if it is actually when you arrive back at the spa instead of a picnic, then take a packed lunch and some snacks - there are no stores at the top!

You may want to take a face mask as the trails can get dusty.

Don't forget your swimming gear so that you can swim in the crater lake!

This is strictly a good weather tour - the jeep basically follows a river and then you walk up a ravine susceptible to flash flooding. You won't be allowed in if the weather is bad and it simply isn't worth the risk if thunder storms are expected.

Make sure you are moderately fit as there is a fair bit of walking - some over loose stones and up-hill.