Skip to main content

Pinatubo, the mountain that grew the second largest eruption of the 20th century

Location: Mt Pinatubo, Botolan, Zambales, Philippines
"Pinatubo" means made to grow ⛰

Are we going to Tarlac or Zambales? The answer was both. The jump-off point is in Tarlac but Mt. Pinatubo crater is located in Zambales. Now this trip ticks two provinces in my A-Z PH province bucket list (counting badly, huh).

Going to Mt. Pinatubo seemed daunting to me in the beginning as I couldn’t understand why reading multiple blog guides doesn’t really help when creating a DIY itinerary. Eventually, I read that taking a tour package was recommended instead of DIY since the latter was more costly. The payment of fees, the waiver signing and the 4x4 share ride was efficient with group tours. I found a Reddit recommendation and availed the package from Mt. Pinatubo Tour-Danny's Adventure (transaction via Facebook). The tour fee was ​​2,850 at time of travel (March 2023).

Upon our arrival at the jump-off, it was cold. My choice of footwear adds to the chill. I wore my Merrell hiking sandals since the trek entails some river crossing. I was wearing a jacket but it was still a bit chilly. Thankfully I brought my hiking socks from Decathlon and the cold became bearable. Coffee was also available. 

The operator service was okay but not excellent. CR use comes with a 10 pesos fee. Bathing was charged 50 pesos (we did not bathe but were awkwardly asked to pay). The food was okay (but if we had a choice we would find a carinderia like somewhere in Naga City). We availed their food offer, it was not that really cheap but convenience was important(err).

The 4x4 ride was like a scene in the movie. My brother says the dawn breaking reminds him of Descendants of the Sun but I didn’t watch that Korean series [yet/will never]. Still, it’s You are my everything… vibe.

The Aeta villagers, makikiraan po!

The trail covered some gulley.
Per our guide, their operation gets cancelled on heavy rains
as the river overflows and hiking becomes unsafe.

There’s probably more foreigners than domestic tourists that day.

MT. PINATUBO ERUPTION

A Beautiful Disaster

On 15 June 1991, the historical eruption of Mt. Pinatubo happened.

It has been a dormant volcano for the past 400 years before the 1991 eruption,

which is considered as the 2nd largest eruption of the 20th century.

Mount Pinatubo expelled massive volcanic materials of more than one cubic mile and created an enormous cloud of volcanic ash that turned the day into night over Central Luzon.

Now, it stands as the most famous tourist spot in the Municipality of Botolan in the Province of Zambales.


I have a penchant for calderas (like kalderos for cooking). This geologic formation amazes me. But unlike, Mt. Taal which I have seen only from afar. Mt. Pinatubo was actually very accessible in comparison. Although we weren’t allowed to go close to the river, I was satisfied with my photographs (and so I keep this love).

Good thing we brought face masks because the return trip was really dusty. My hair was sticky with the Pyroclastic dust. It’s hairspray. 

After this tour, I’ve concluded that Mt. Pinatubo is a destination that should be on the tall order for your regular Filipino traveler bucket list. Thank God, I prioritized.😁



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

An Easter in Dingalan Mountains

Jump to Itinerary and Expenses   The Bus Ride from Manila to Cabanatuan      At almost noon, we arrived at Cabanatuan after 3 hours of travel from Manila. At first, I was hesitant to take the non-AC bus bound for Dingalan, opting and hoping we could take the van to avoid the scorching heat. Quickly, we were time pressured to jump at the next available public vehicle (t his ride appealed like it would tarry no man ). And so, we were en route to Dingalan on an open-windows, non-aircon bus at the peak of the afternoon heat. But as the wheels ran, I could only think of my anticipation as we got closer to our next destination.        Next to us, an old lady accompanying a big group of fellow passengers asked the bus conductor for a fare discount. She claimed that her son, whose name she mentioned twice though I didn't bother to catch, works for the bus company. The conductor with his subtle anxious look explained in detail how or where the fare will b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Misnomer no more, pronouncing "Laguna de Bay" the right way!

Few years ago, we went to Paete/Pagsanjan by commuting from Cainta via mostly R-5/Manila East Rd. On our return home, we commuted via mostly Manila South Rd/AH26. In short, we made a 360 Laguna de Bay trip. At Tatlung Kruz, overlooking Paete Town and Laguna de Bay  After visiting Bulusan lake, I started to categorize my lake travels and wondered what was the largest lake in the Philippines. I found Laguna de Bay– unconsciously included a few times in my past itineraries. I wondered why a lake was called "Laguna de Bay", pronouncing "Bay" as in the inlet of the sea that's smaller than a gulf. Laguna de Bay means "Lagoon of the town of Bay". The town Bay is pronounced Bä'ï or “Bae”, the latter is also the alternative name of the town. As I write this blog, I still say "bay" out of habit. Now, I must misnomer no more if I pass by Laguna de Bay, by the by!
Post a Comment
Read more