Date: 19 May 2012
With: Officemates
Provider: ePhilippines Adventure
Rate: 2000 per person inclusive of transfer from Manila-Tarlac-Manila, 4x4 ride, guide
I was envious of a group that went to Pinatubo nearly two months ago. It's one adventure I'd been wanting to do but thought of going with a group was best. So I invited four of my office mates to do the trek using the same provider that the first contacted. Until the word spread about the trip so I had the invite fanned out. Four became 10, in a few days 25 confirmed, until we reached 45.
We left ADB, around 3am of 19 May en route to Capaz in Tarlac. First stop was breakfast at McDonald's. By 6am, the bus was on its way to the jump off point in Sta. Juliana in Tarlac. A few minutes of getting our 4x4 assignments we were off to a dusty, and bumpy ride to Pinatubo.
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| Our 4x4 group...Nica, Rio, Sibesh...Lyndon and myself not in the pix :-( |
Our 4x4 was a pick up. At first I wanted a change in transport. I wanted a real 4x4 truck. Luckily I did not complain, the pick up was the best - since we had an obstructed view of the surroundings. The open ride provided the best view of the mountains, the lahar, the rocky and muddy river, just all the amazing sites.
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| The 4x4 ride |
The 4x4 traversed through a river bed negotiating rocks, humps, and bumps. 30 minutes after we reached the mid-point of the 4x4 ride. Took some photos, rested for a while and 10 minutes after we were off to complete the ride. Another 30 minutes and we reached the drop off point since no vehicles could negotiate the terrain anymore. The riverbed was slowly climbing.
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| Group picture mid-way to the 4x4 station |
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| Our group photo op with another group |
And the trek starts passing by mountain gorges of lahar, which with a downpour can change the terrain in an instant.
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| And the trek begins...the Energizer group |
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| What's with the ray of light? :-) |
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| First sight of the crater - MAJESTIC! |
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| Me and the volcano :-) |
At 10:15am we finally reached the summit. The majestic sight of the crater washed away all the soreness and pain I was feeling from the long walk. It was such a glorious sight - unarguably one of God's best creation.
After some picture taking, our group went downhill to take a closer look of the crater. After searching the place, we concluded that we were first. And indeed we were as the rest of the groups arrived a little later.
We settled on the rightmost section of the crater, took a plunge in the cold, sulfur-smelling water of the crater. I couldn't care less of my body fats and the scorching heat of the sun.
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| Just before plunging into the cold Pinatubo water |
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| And swim I went... |
I stayed in the water for nearly an hour while we waited for an available boat that will take us to the hidden side of the island. It was almost noon when we finally got a ride. It was a relaxing boat ride for about 15 minutes traversing through the serene waters of the Pinatubo.
The hidden side of the crater was more majestic and picturesque. There weren't many people who brave the boat ride. Again, I took a plunge in the sulfuric water. Lo and behold, it was like bathing in a sauna. We stayed for nearly an hour - me enjoying the lukewarm water while the rest went into scenic photography.
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| The Energizer group...the real explores...adventurers |
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| Boat ride to the hidden side of the island |
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| The more serene side of the crater |
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| Enjoying the warm water |
We left the summit around 2pm. The trek back was faster. A little past 3 we already reached the 4x4 station. There was a downpour that made the river crossing more difficult.
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| The group posing before the trek back to Sta. Juliana |
By 430pm we were back in Sta. Juliana. There are two places where one can shower. One, a public toilet that charges 50pesos per person. But I preferred the shower area at a nearby spa for 100pesos - including a towel, soap, shampoo, and best of all the place was clean and there's an ample space to move and your very own secured locker.
The spa has a restaurant that offers set Filipino and Korean meal from 150-250pesos.
By 630pm we left Sta. Juliana and by 9pm we were back in Manila. This adventure will go down in my blog as one of the best thus far. I'll return next year :-)
NEXT ADVENTURE: June 1-2, Pearl Farm, Davao
MT. PINATUBO ADVENTURE ITINERARY
3AM - leave Manila
5AM - reach Capaz, Tarlac. Breakfast at Jollibee or McDo (whichever is open)
6AM - leave for Sta. Juliana
7AM - start 4x4 ride
730AM - reach midpoint of 4x4 ride, picture taking
8:30AM - arrive at 4x4 station and start trek
9:15AM - reach midpoint
10:00AM - reach the rest area. start trek to the crater
10:30AM - reach the summit. first sight of the majestic crater
10:30-AM to 2:00PM - free time
2:00PM - start descent
3:30PM - reach 4x4 station
4:45PM - arrive at Sta. Juliana
5:00PM - 6:00PM - shower, dinner
9:30PM - reach Manila
oh, so that's why i was wondering why a lot of people were posting Mt. Pinatubo trekking adventure photos in FB all at the same time!
ReplyDeleteJoin us next time :-)
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