Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake
Duration: ~10-12 hours
Budget: ~Php2,000 (Budget is only for rental of 4×4 vehicles and food, additional cost for transportation fee may apply)
Bummers: unfit body for trekking, extreme heat, scared of cows
Mt. Pinatubo is no longer a scary place. It is now a popular destination after many years since its eruption..
Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake
Mt. Pinatubo has once caused wreckage and havoc to many residents of Central Luzon. Growing up in Tarlac, I was part of the population that was largely affected by its massive eruption. I could still remember that no matter how young I was back then, I was so scared of it. I even saw its pyroclastic cloud and could still remember clearly how it looks during its eruption. Earthquakes, ash fall, and lahar flow are three of the things experienced by most people in the affected areas.
However, after two decades, Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption has provided an opportunity to nearby villages to earn money. Mt. Pinatubo trek is now a very popular activity that many people enjoy doing. Moreover, volcanic ash spa is also widely known due to the supposed health benefits that it provides to people who get one.
Pinatubo Spa Town
Me and a few of my friends decided to take a trek to Mt. Pinatubo. We hired two 4×4 off-road vehicles from Pinatubo Spa Town in Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac to take us to the drop-off point where we can start trekking.
4x4 Off-Road Vehicles
Mt. Pinatubo has several drop-off points where hikers can start trekking. You can choose from the 2-hour hard trek, the 1-hour medium trek, and the last drop-off point which takes 15-20 minutes as they say. With the last drop-off point, you have no other choice but to trek to reach the crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo.
Final Drop-Off Point
We chose the 1-hour trek so that it is not so near yet not so far. 
We started walking on dirt road and what should be a 1-hour trek turned into a 2-hour trek. Lol. We were so slow. Sorry for my baby steps.
Walking on Dirt Road
We even saw a few angry cows on the road. Though they seemed pretty mad, they did not let the chance for a photo op just pass by. I thought they were gonna attack us!
Angry Cows
When we entered the last drop-off point to Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake, the trek became tougher. It is no longer a dirt road that we walk on by but a narrow path filled with stones, boulders, and flowing water.
What We Trekked On
Climbing These Boulders
It's the Climb
And finally, we were near the crater.
To the Crater Lake
The top of Mt. Pinatubo is such a sight to see. This makes all the difficulties during the trek go away and you forget for a while that you need to trek back down again. Also, I felt all the pain in the morning. But it was really, really fun! I’m glad I did it.
Mt. Pinatubo
I conquered my fear of Mt. Pinatubo by conquering the trek to its top.
Conquered Mt. Pinatubo
Here are the awesome people I’ve trekked with to Mt. Pinatubo.
The Team
Fearless hikers take a swim in the lake. Some even kayak. Lots of tourists visit this place especially during summer. During the rainy season, trekking Mt. Pinatubo is prohibited because it is dangerous to climb up.
Tourists in Mt. Pinatubo
Also, talking loudly or shouting in the crater lake is prohibited because the ruins of its eruption might collapse. I am not sure if our guide was just kidding.
Don't Shout
When you decide to trek Mt. Pinatubo, make sure that you bring your own drinking water and I recommend that you bring your own packed lunch like we did. It can save you a lot of money instead of buying from the stores there right before the climb. Also, don’t forget to wear sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, and a pair of comfortable hiking shoes. If you are going to swim in the crater lake, bring extra clothes and towel.
Spread some awesome..ness.. 
Wow! Buti pa kau, you had the chance to go down sa lake.
Why? Kayo hindi ba?
Challenging to hike up pinatubo. But it was really beautiful. And u lose lots of calories trekking it. We had fun doing it!!!!
Yeah. I agree with you. Lost a couple of lbs. climbing up. LOL.
I wish I can do it often so I would lose these extra calories.
Gusto ko punta jan.
Go!
How much your total cost per pax? When is the best tine to go hiking?? appreciate feedback!
how much ung rent ng 4×4? san pwedeng makarent nun? What is the best time to go there from Manila?
Hi Pillow,
Thanks for checking out my blog.
When we went there is 2009, we paid around 1,100-ish for the rental and the guide.
You can rent 4×4 at Pinatubo Spa Town in Sta. Juliana.
If you plan to go there, do so while it’s still summer. They won’t allow you to trek when the rainy season sets in because it’s quite dangerous by then.
If you are coming from Manila, you can check out different businesses that provide tour in Pinatubo.
However, if you want to save some money, I recommend you go to Sta. Juliana directly. Rent a 4×4 there and hire a tour guide.
Hope this helps.
Can I bring my own 4×4?
I guess so. However, you might need clearance from the local government to drive it to Mt. Pinatubo for safety reasons.
Being on nature and traversing a demanding terrain in Pinatubo has taught me that life is simple, and you can cross any pass if you have the spirit. The mysterious appearance of a place, a tiny leaf or a colored rock on a trail can reveal to you something about the complexities of life hidden within.
Really awesome place!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience in reaching the top of Mt. Pinatubo. Since the erruprtion, I tried hard to forget about my native place in San Vicente Bacolor Pampanga where I had all my childhood memories. I would like to come back again and experience what you had and if I like it, I would recommend others to do the same.