Last Holy week weekend, I also had the opportunity to finally climb Mt. Pinatubo. Mt. Pinatubo is located at the intersection of the borders of Tarlac, Zambales and Pampanga. You may know it because of the disastrous effects of it’s last eruption June of 1991, which caused several towns to be buried under lahar. The areas around the mountain have recently been re-utilized and re-developed for tourism purposes with hopes of bringing more jobs and awareness to the area.

Picture taken from NASA website.

Leaving manila at 4AM and arriving at Sta. Ines was more pleasant than I initially thought.

Daybreak crossing a bridge with lahar across Sta. Ines

The 4×4 ride was FUUUNNN!! Kuya Alex (our kind and skillful 4×4 driver) maneuvered through the rough roads and dips and climbs of the small rivers with our guide seated on the front hood.

The hike to the crater proved longer than i initially thought (3-4 hrs each way!), but it was well worth it! There were some trees and greens along the way and the streams provided cooling for our warm feet. I love the clouds over the crest (?) of the crater though I was not able to fully capture it with my pictures. The dip on the lake in the crater made my skin and white shirt little yellow but it was interesting to dip in that sulfuric lake. (I hope it helps eliminate pimples too! hehe!) Hope you enjoy the pics!

Lahar mountain - reminds me of Lord of the Ring’s Mordor

At the start of the hike

The peaceful lake in the crater or Mt. Pinatubo. Do you see those people on the beach below? I liked that the clouds were covering some portions of the peak.

The sky was clearing up a bit and I was able to get this cheerier picture above. You can also take a paddle boat tour of the lake (P500 to rent I think.)