Hiking Mt Pinatubo

Mt Pinatubo in Philippines near Manila erupted in 1991, causing thousands of deaths and havoc in the surrounding areas that the remains of the washed away cars could still be seen on the way to the foot of the mountain.

It was a relatively easy 1 hour hike to Mt Pinatubo lake, but the journey, however, the journey and whole trip from Manila took more than 1/2 day. We left Manila City in the middle of the night at 3am. The van took around 2 hours to reach the starting point of the 1st adventure. Every hiker had to be screened for fitness at the registration counter. Then, we took a 4 wheel drive around 1 hour in the dawn of the day filled with chilling surrounding misty view of the vast plains of the foot of the mountain.

Registration cum health checking centre

4 wheel drive journey to the foot of the mountain

Start of trek

Some grassy trail

Nearing the crater

After about 1 hour drive, we reached the starting point to begin our hike. It was a hike through the valley with rocky river streams along the way. Upon reaching the peak, I was in awe of the beauty of Pinatubo Lake the mountain. The bright sunlight piercing through the sky enhanced the beautiful nature like a wallpaper. We walked down the stairs to the lake. The water was crystal clear.

Crater Lake of Mt Pinatubo

Stairway to crater lake

Nearing the end of the trek upon descending

Few river crossings

It was fun riding the 4 wheel drive

The whole journey took around 3 hours from and fro the mountain before we took the 4 wheel drive back to the parking lot. On the way, we dropped by at a local aboriginal village. The life is so basic with just huts but surprising there is a school in the tiny village.

An isolated aboriginal village near the foot of the mountain

A church

Washing outdoor

A local school

Curious kids

View of the 4 wheel trail from the aboriginal village

Can you spot the 2 tiny 4 wheel on the go?

A dusty journey to the end

We ended our trip with another 2 hour road trip back to the capital city. It was a memorable journey as I met fellow travelers from Taiwan, Columbia and other parts of the world in the short excursion. traveling is indeed an adventure.