Whether you're coming from Manila, Angeles City or whatever part of the Philippines, the first step to your Mount Pinatubo Adventure begins at Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.
It is where you register at the Tourism Office to secure a gate pass. It is where they assign 4x4 vehicles and local guides for the group. It may take a long while especially during peak periods such as Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays to complete this process.
Since we do this tedious task for you, you can use your time for last-minute preparation for the trek, exploring and picture-taking.
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| while waiting for the gate pass - Photo by: Alexei Betos
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| all aboard - Photo by: Alexei Betos
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Next Stop is the final check point conducted by the Philippine Air Force where they check the gate pass indicating the names of guests, the driver and the assigned local guide.
They also check for the required equipment for the 4x4's like radio, first aid kit, emergency tow cables, shovel, jack, flashlight, etc.
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| Philippine Air Force check point - Photo by: Alexei Betos |
After clearing the check point , the trail will start with a long ride on lahar flat lands....
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| - Photo by: Alexei Betos
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| - Photo by: Alexei Betos
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...with some river crossing....
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| - Photo by: Alexei Betos |
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| - Photo by: Alexei Betos
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...and a short stop for quick picture-taking...
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| - Photo by: Alexei Betos
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..after an hour-give or take a few minutes- of exciting, though bumpy 4x4 ride, you will get off at this "terminal"....
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| -by benedict go |
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| - by niko arevalo |
...and now the trek begins...
on rocky,...
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| - Photo by: Alexei Betos |
...uneven....
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| -by benedict go |
...and wet trail....
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| -by hannie uy |
After another hour-and-a-half, or so, you will arrive at this rest sheds. This used to be the end point of the 4x4's back when the "skyway"- a shorcut- is still passable.
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| -by leslie berzuela |
...from this point on, you are only 15- 20 minutes away, based on this sign...
This trail is a stark contrast from the previous one...vegetation is lush thus you will enjoy more shade against the sun...narrower and gives you the feeling that you are really in the mountains...
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- by nikoarevalo |
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| -by abet lagula |
At the view deck you will get a full view of the whole (ok, 90%, if you want to be technical) crater...
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| -by alexei betos |
...and from here, a path will lead you down the lake beach. There is an open shed where you can....
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| -by leslie berzuela |
...have you lunch.
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| - Photo by: Alexei Betos |
You may want to ride a boat going to the other side of the lake where a hot spring can boil an egg....
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| -by abet lagula |
..take a dip...
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- Photo by: Alexei Betos
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...take a rest.... ...or take pictures and bum around.
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| -by abet lagula |
