THE MT. PINATUBO CRATER LAKE DISCOVERY
"Everything happens for a reason."
It was in the year 1991, when the Philippines was again placed in the headlines all over the world. At that time, it was an unfortunate event which devastated millions worth of properties, left thousands of familes homeless and unexpectedly decreased the number of our populace, specifically the Aetas, one of the indigenous communities in the country. This was the Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruption, whose previous eruption was estimated to be 400 years ago.
From the said eruption, a crater lake was formed, which now turned out to be one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. Exemplifying a Filipino trait, the said unfortunate event was used by the Filipinos to venture into a promising opportunity, that is, the development of eco-tourism in the country.
Pinatubo Spa, Capas, Tarlac |
McDonalds, Capas, Tarlac |
January 31, 2011 at 3 in the morning - we were bound to Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac, the jump-off point of our discovery. It was a 2 hour ride to Tarlac. We stopped by at McDonalds-Capas, Tarlac for breakfast while we waited for the tour manager from Pinatubo Spa to take us to the Spa itself for registration. My other friends rode the rented van to Pinatubo Spa while we opted for a private car. Parking spaces are available infront of the Pinatubo Spa, so no need to worry for those who wanted to bring their private vehicles for comfort and convenience. It was a 30-minute ride from McDonalds, Capas Tarlac to Pinatubo Spa. After registration at the Spa, the adventure then begun.
the trail of the 4x4 adventure |
The discovery begun on a four-wheel adventure drive. It was a bumpy yet thrilling ride. The usual trip takes an hour to the foot of the mountain where the trekking starts, however, with our very skilled driver, it took less than that. On board the 4x4 vehicle, expect a lot of breath taking views and a feeling of excitement as to what lies behind the mountains. There are two options of disembarkation to trek towards the Mt. Pinatubo crater lake, which is either the short or the long way. The short way is what they call the skyway, extended 4x4 trip and less trekking. We opted for the long way - the two hour trek. It is advisable to go in groups of five as the capacity of the 4x4 vehicle is 5 persons, excluding the guide and driver.
the Mt. Pinatubo team |
friends from Tacloban City with tour manager of Pinatubo Spa, Ms. Mallari |
![]() |
photo courtesy of Ms. Lader Derla |
left: dark color is hot water right: cold water |
border of Tarlac and Zambales |
sulfur carved on the rocks |
Trekking will start here? So what were we doing for the past hour? And so the trek continues.
The following signs will be visible during the trail.
Then the majestic view will appear in less than 20 minutes, which makes us not senior citizens...right?
Packed lunch is included in our tour, and so it's now time to relax. We had our lunch at the crater lake.
Finally, the discovery of the Mount Pinatubo crater lake.
Then, the close encounter with the crater lake.
The depth of the crater lake is uncertain. Boats are available for rent at 350.00 pesos per head with life vest if you want to traverse the lake and the other side of the lake offers a hot spring as a treat. As for our group, we opted to take a nap at one of the cottages near the crater lake. It was lunch time so sun bathing or at least burning ourselves under the scorching heat of the sun is never an option. There were foreigners swimming and others getting themselves a new skin color near the crater lake.
Thanks to Ms. Mallari from the Pinatubo Spa for the adventure and to Ms. Regina "Lader" Derla for organizing the event.
Proposed Itinerary: (courtesy of Lader Derla)
0300 Assembly at Cubao Victory Liner Terminal. Depart from Manila.
0500 ETA Capas, Tarlac. McDonalds for Breakfast
0600 ETA Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Pinatubo Spa Register
0700 Board 4x4 vehicles
0800 end of the 4x4 ride; start trek
1000 ETA crater of Mt. Pinatubo
1130 Lunch
1300 Start return trek
1500 Back to the parked 4x4
1545 Back to Pinatubo Spa
1600 Back to Manila
1800 ETA Manila
Budget: 1500 pesos
inclusive of:
4x4 vehicle rent
local guide
entrance fee/conservation fee/brgy. fees
skyway fees (shortcut to the crater) - we did not avail
lunch
certificate
shower
Activities:
- boating on top of the crater 350.00 pesos per head/with life vest. No boat during rainy season
- massage: 500.00 pesos per head...1 hour and 20 minutes Thai massage with combination of Shiatsu dry massage only
- volcanic ash spa: 500.00 pesos per head 30 minutes treatment to lessen your cholesterol
- volcanic mud pool: 500.00 pesos per head 30 minutes treatment to stretch your skin and make you look more younger.
Contact: Mr. Angelito Mallari - Capas Tarlac Branch
Mobile# 09331352126/09287813556
The following signs will be visible during the trail.
Then the majestic view will appear in less than 20 minutes, which makes us not senior citizens...right?
Packed lunch is included in our tour, and so it's now time to relax. We had our lunch at the crater lake.
comfort rooms in the mountain |
Finally, the discovery of the Mount Pinatubo crater lake.
![]() |
the "Waray" gang at Mt. Pinatubo crater lake Photo courtesy of Steven Banares |
boating at Mt. Pinatubo crater lake |
lunch time |
The depth of the crater lake is uncertain. Boats are available for rent at 350.00 pesos per head with life vest if you want to traverse the lake and the other side of the lake offers a hot spring as a treat. As for our group, we opted to take a nap at one of the cottages near the crater lake. It was lunch time so sun bathing or at least burning ourselves under the scorching heat of the sun is never an option. There were foreigners swimming and others getting themselves a new skin color near the crater lake.
Thanks to Ms. Mallari from the Pinatubo Spa for the adventure and to Ms. Regina "Lader" Derla for organizing the event.
Proposed Itinerary: (courtesy of Lader Derla)
0300 Assembly at Cubao Victory Liner Terminal. Depart from Manila.
0500 ETA Capas, Tarlac. McDonalds for Breakfast
0600 ETA Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Pinatubo Spa Register
0700 Board 4x4 vehicles
0800 end of the 4x4 ride; start trek
1000 ETA crater of Mt. Pinatubo
1130 Lunch
1300 Start return trek
1500 Back to the parked 4x4
1545 Back to Pinatubo Spa
1600 Back to Manila
1800 ETA Manila
Budget: 1500 pesos
inclusive of:
4x4 vehicle rent
local guide
entrance fee/conservation fee/brgy. fees
skyway fees (shortcut to the crater) - we did not avail
lunch
certificate
shower
Activities:
- boating on top of the crater 350.00 pesos per head/with life vest. No boat during rainy season
- massage: 500.00 pesos per head...1 hour and 20 minutes Thai massage with combination of Shiatsu dry massage only
- volcanic ash spa: 500.00 pesos per head 30 minutes treatment to lessen your cholesterol
- volcanic mud pool: 500.00 pesos per head 30 minutes treatment to stretch your skin and make you look more younger.
Contact: Mr. Angelito Mallari - Capas Tarlac Branch
Mobile# 09331352126/09287813556
![]() |
certificate of completion with Tour Manager Ms. Mallari |
0 comments