Psychedelic Adventures: Mt. Pinatubo Travel Diary

I was anticipating a very rigorous hike. It was my chance to jumpstart a much needed exercise regimen after the food trips that me and my friends have been getting into for the past several weeks. My college friends and I were discussing the idea of going on a day hike to Mt. Pinatubo one evening and I remember its epic eruption way back in 1991. I woke up to a white garage and I thought it was snowing! It was the second biggest volcano eruption in the 20th century, according to The National Geophysical Data Center and had caused multiple deaths in the area due to collapsing roofs and health issues. More than a decade later, Mt. Pinatubo doesn't seem very intimidating anymore. I have visited its crater in 2009, trekking through 7km of ash and stone and just last week, I had the chance to marvel at its crater for the second time.

Jim and I attended a wedding at Fernbrook Gardens the night before and I arrived home at 10 pm. Shortly after, I started preparing my things--dri fit clothes, arm sleeves and sunblock for UV protection, cap, linen pants, band aid, Jelly Ace for my trail food, a couple of bottles of water, shades, slippers, running shoes. I was to meet up with my college friends at 2:30 AM and head to Capas, Tarlac to touchbase with the Pinaykeypoint Tour Guides by 5:30 AM.

After signing the waiver forms, we were given a short introduction and what to expect on this trek. The skies weren't cooperating, and dark clouds loomed above us. I prayed that the weather won't force us to circle back to the Pinaykeypoint Headquarters before getting a glimpse of the crater. Our group was divided into two--Jim, Miwa, Chiqui and I in one 4x4 jeep while our other friends Cha, Prech, Louison and Fetz in another.

Each jeep had a Pinaykeypoint representative, a driver and a local tour guide. They involved locals in the tour as a way of providing a living to Aetas in the area. The 4x4 jeep was subjected to much tossing, and it was kind of difficult to stay still. The view was boulders and boulders of ash and stone with a bit of plant life sprouting everywhere. I remember the contrast of the scenery when I went to Mt. Pinatubo in January 2009. It was very hot and the place was so dry, I hardly saw any grass in the area. We were lucky that it's the not-so-dry season, so the ash didn't go to our eyes too much. The ride was an adventure in itself, but I was looking forward to the trek as well.










At one point there was an argument between the driver and the Pinaykeypoint representative. She was urging the driver to continue with the 4x4 ride, but the driver said we were supposed to be dropped off and start the trek. Apparently, we were still in danger of not being able to reach the crater on time because the impending rainfall. We were forced to ride the jeep all the way through the main drop off point, which was just 30-45 minutes away from the crater.

Well, so much for putting on so much SPF! Haha.

Similar to what I've done in Bohol, I started picking up trash along the way. Jim also followed suit and we collected enough to fill a small plastic bag. There were candy wrappers, cigarette butts and it infuriated me to see a Piattos wrapper squeezed between the stones beside our trail. How hard is it to carry your own trash and find a proper place to dispose of it? Hay, people.

As Jim and I were exchanging frustrated thoughts about travel ethics, my bad vibes left me for a bit when I saw the water.




I've seen this before, but it's still breathtaking.

Unlike my first visit to the crater, travelers are no longer allowed to swim in the water. The local government already implemented a law against swimming in the 300ft crater because there were a couple of death incidents just earlier this year. Hearing about the newly implemented law, I was glad that I got to swim in the crater at least once in my lifetime!


The crater also has more space to set up tents for travelers. In 2009, that beach-like area in the photo above was filled with trees and grass. We slept under the natural shade which was also a very organic way of enjoying the place. We felt like legit hikers then. Our backpacks served as our pillows and we brought our own sarongs to cover our faces while we slept. The tents were c/o Pinaykeypoint and it was still a very welcome change from the 10:30 AM heat. We had lunch after taking photos then took an afternoon nap.

After an hour and a half, we were woken up by the tour guides and signaled that it's time to go. Before heading out to our jeepneys, I stopped and took some last minute photos. I chanced upon these two Aeta kids who gamely posed for the camera. They were scrawny as hell and didn't have any slippers on but their smiles were all good vibes and sunshine.

As part of our itinerary and Pinaykeypoint's advocacy, a seedling was planted in our name at the drop off point. It gave me comfort that we were giving back something to Mother Nature after this trip. I hope that all agencies also take after Pinaykeypoint's cause and encourage travelers to take care of Mt. Pinatubo. :)

Read more about Mt. Pinatubo here and learn more about Pinaykeypoint Mt. Pinatubo Tour Packages here.