Mt. Pinatubo Adventure

My colleagues and I purchased a voucher going to Mt. Pinatubo for Php2000. The package includes:

• Round Trip Transportation from Manila/Pampanga/Manila
• Packed Lunch
• Facilitator and local guides
• 4×4 vehicle
• Certificate of Conquering Pinatubo and ID!

Sometimes it’s okay to purchase such package deals than do-it-yourself so I don’t have to worry about which bus to take, what things to bring, etc. So at 2am, without sleep, we were waiting for our pick up from McDo Ortigas. We left Ortigas at 3am and arrived at 7am where the 4×4’s are waiting. We rode the 4×4 for an hour then our trek started. Good thing the weather was perfect during that day we didn’t worry about getting a sunburn or sweating. The previous days were rainy we actually thought the trip might get cancelled. The trek was not tiresome as I expected. We didn’t even feel the need to drink water during the trek except when we were like 20 minutes away from the crater.

The 4×4

The 1st step of the Trek

When you see these steps, it means you’re near the crater!

The scenery was just beautiful! The 2-hour trek was a bit tiring (not exhausting) but upon seeing the view, I felt I had a lot more energy. We ate our lunch there then tried to swim. The water was very cold! We just waded in the water while waiting for our turn in the boat we rented (for Php350) that will bring us to the hotspring. The water’s warmer there but it was also kind of hard to swim because the sand, i mean the lahar, was too hot when you soak your feet into it. We decided to stay at the shore and take some more pictures while waiting for the boat that will bring us back to the other side. Going back, we had to walk for 2 hours again but this time, I think it’s easier. But for some, it’s more difficult since they could already feel the pains of the trek earlier. The water current was stronger then because it was raining. They said it always rains there in the afternoons. The 4×4 ride was longer. I guess they took a different route. We took a shower at Mt. Pinatubo Spa (I think) for Php100. It includes the soap, towel, and locker. It was another great adventure. It’s like swimming and climbing combined. I think an overnight stay there would be a good idea next time. And I’ll try some of the Spa services. All in all, we spent Php 2450. Not bad for seeing something as great as the Pinatubo crater. ^_^

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