Mt Pinatubo — Attraction in Luzon

We availed of the tour from Alvin/Angie Bognot guest house and used our own transportation. You usually depart at 7 for the tour but they didn't pressure us because we arrived around 2am. After breakfast, we were given a short briefing, then were ready to depart. The 4x4 jeep can sit 4-5 tourists, driver and tour guide. The 4x4 ride was expectedly bumpy, especially as the river valley narrowed. I would advise not to sit on material with little traction (ex. rain jacket) as you will have a hard time staying on your spot. The jeep ride is probably 1-1.5 hours depending on conditions and the aggressiveness/skill of the driver. The scenery is very interesting and the driver will stop for photo-ops whenever you want. Our kids enjoyed the ride, especially when crossing the river. Apparently the jeeps used to be able to bring tourists to within a 15 minute hike of the crater, but a typhoon damaged the path. The hike (1-way) was estimated to be 2 hours when we were there. They were trying to re-extend the 4x4 route but they say that it is unlikely that it will ever be as far as before. Eventually we arrived at the parking spot where all the other 4x4s were (we were last to arrive). From there we began our hike. Obviously, the terrain was rougher. There is a well established trail but you would have to cross the river at points. There is a way to not get your feet wet (there are a lot of sacks scattered about to help with this and provide more traction) but we didn't bother. It was shallow and the current was not too strong despite the rain. It also adds to the experience in my opinion. The scenery continued to be beautiful of course. The last kilometer or so is uphill through a stream and ending with some steep stairs. We took significantly longer than the estimated 2 hours because we wanted our 6 year old to walk the whole way. He did quite well and enjoyed himself. The lake itself is beautiful. Conditions weren't quite right to see the bluish hue though. The lunch provided for the tour (chicken adobo and a snack) was quite good and filling. There are stores at the top selling drinks, chips and cup noodles. To go right up to the lake, you would need to descend around 70 steep steps. You used to be able to swim/boat on the lake but it has since been banned because of a drowning death that occurred some years back. There is a hard stop of around 12:30pm for tourists and workers to leave the area likely due to safety reasons (i.e. sunlight for the whole journey). At some point we were surprised to see other people arriving after us. We were told there is a longer, harder hiking trail from the Zambales side. Although the scenery at the lake is amazing, I enjoyed the journey to get to/from there a little bit more. Our tour guide Kiel(?) provided interesting information about the plants, animals, geology and history after the eruption. On the return hike, he carried our 6 year old for most of the way to speed us up. We could not keep up with him despite his added load. Our 9 year old did though. While doing this, he took a small tumble and suffered some minor wounds. Kiel was ready with some first aid material and he was fine to continue. It has been said that the return 4x4 ride is not as fun and that is true. In fact, our kids fell asleep despite the bumpy ride. Upon return to the guesthouse, there are facilities available for you to wash up. Throughout the journey, you will encounter locals (usually Aetas) either going about their business or manning stores. Do say hi, as they are very friendly. And though the goods are more expensive due to remoteness, please purchase something to help them earn an honest living. Regarding toilets, they are very few and far between. Be ready to hide behind the numerous large rocks when needed. Also provided were a large water bottle per person. We didn't need more since it wasn't hot and was raining but it might be advisable to bring your own water on...

Booked a private group tour with Pinatubo Mountainero. Chose them because their rates were transparent.

The trail was really nice, which made it a bit sad that the tour itself was lacking.

The 4x4 rides were HORRIBLE. We got to experience both a covered and uncovered 4x4 as we needed two units for the size of our group. For the covered 4x4, we were stuffed past capacity in the narrow backseat and had nothing to hold on to as we were flung around on the bumpy trail. Our arms and heads kept hitting each other and we didn't have enough space to brace ourselves properly, so it was very uncomfortable. For the uncovered 4x4, we had much more space and bars to hold on to, but no backrest despite the car being open-air, so we had to brace ourselves against the bars and I hit my head and back on them multiple times. Felt like I had developed bruises by the time I got home. The 4x4 rides were so bad that we asked to skip the Toblerone hills just so we wouldn't have to ride for longer. It didn't matter though, as our driver took a detour to speed up for a while (thought I was going to fall out of the 4x4), chat with another 4x4 driver, and pick up a bottle of gasoline (why didn't they prepare this beforehand?). The trail is advertised as friendly for all ages, but I would be seriously worried about elderly people or children on these 4x4 rides.

The tour guides weren't touring. Wish they were trained to tell us about the terrain, the lahar, the effect of the eruption on the rocks and rivers and the wildlife, the rough location we were at, literally anything at all. It would have enriched the experience so much more. Instead they just walked ahead of us and never interacted with us. The tour guide also gave us the wrong advice re food on the trail. When I asked before the tour, we were warned that there weren't many stores on the trail, and the area right before the peak only sold chicheria and cup noodles. So we brought full lunches, but the stores on the way up sold inasal, hotdogs, liempo, etc. etc. There were even tables to sit down and eat at! It looked so good and I wished we didn't have our baons weighing us down. Would have much preferred to eat there instead of being misled into packing heavy and cold lunches.

The drop off point was horrible. 2 barely functioning toilets for at least 100 people visiting the trail. And Aeta kids who would follow you around begging you to buy their walking sticks, only to beg you to return the sticks to them after your hike. One kid even insulted my mom for not giving it back. If they want the sticks back, they should just call them "rentals" from the get-go. That would be better than hawking them as products on sale and then shaming hikers to return them.

I'm honestly not sure how much of this is attributable to the tour company vs the LGU/Mt. Pinatubo managing authority. All I can say is that it was not worth the p3000+ per pax we paid, and I left feeling so embarrassed that I invited my friends to spend their time and...

An Awe-Inspiring Adventure at Mount Pinatubo

Mount Pinatubo is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The trek to this iconic volcano is both challenging and rewarding, offering breathtaking views and a unique experience.

The journey to the crater lake is an adventure from start to finish. The trek begins with a thrilling 4x4 ride across rugged terrain, which adds an element of excitement right from the start. The off-road adventure is exhilarating, with stunning landscapes and views of the lahar-filled valleys.

The hike to the crater rim is moderately challenging but manageable for most fitness levels. The well-maintained trails lead you through diverse landscapes, including ash fields and lush vegetation. The ascent offers panoramic views that make the effort worthwhile.

Reaching the crater lake is a moment of awe. The vibrant turquoise water, surrounded by the steep walls of the caldera, is simply spectacular. It’s a serene and surreal sight that makes the trek truly memorable. The area around the lake is perfect for relaxing and taking in the natural beauty.

The local guides are knowledgeable and professional, ensuring a safe and informative experience. They provide valuable insights into the volcano’s history and the impact of the 1991 eruption, enhancing the overall visit.

One thing to keep in mind is that the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to prepare for both sun and rain. Proper footwear, plenty of water, and sun protection are essential for a comfortable trek.

Overall, Mount Pinatubo offers an unforgettable adventure with its stunning landscapes and dramatic history. It’s a fantastic destination for those seeking both excitement and natural beauty. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore one of the Philippines’ most remarkable...