Mt. Pinatubo's crater lake is, arguably, one of the most breathtaking sights in the Philippines. What used to be solid rock is now the perfect escape from the monotony of city life. Located at the intersection of the borders of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga, Mt. Pinatubo which erupted in June 1991 now sleeps like a baby.

We left Manila at around 8 in the morning. We were two hours behind schedule but there was no reason to rush so we took our time. But if you can, leave early so you wouldn't have to roast under the sun as you trek.

We arrived Brgy. St. Juliana at 11 to meet our guide and photographer, Pido. There were four people in our group, my two brother and friend from France, and the tour cost us a total of US$ 100. Apparently, guides charge a higher rate to foreigners but if you split the total, the cost isn’t bad at all. The package included a guide and the conservation fee for the mountain.

We rode a 4x4 jeep for a bumpy 1.5 hour-long ride which felt like an eternity. We passed through a vast expanse of ash-covered flatlands surrounded by small green mountains. There were Aeta villages along the way and Aeta kids waved at us as our jeep passed.

The 20-minute trek was light but make sure you wear the correct footwear. We walked across small streams so prepare for soaked socks and squishy shoes. When you trek up, you will tend to focus too much on each stone to avoid falling but don’t get too caught up. Admire the scenery too.

The trek ends at an elevated viewing deck with a few tables and a rest area. We relaxed, ate our lunch, and kicked back to enjoy the breathtaking view.

The Mount Pinatubo crater lake was suspiciously green. The mix of blue water and yellow sulphur gave the lake an emerald hue. The crater was still covered with volcanic ash and, as the wind blew on it, it seemed as if smoke was coming out of the crater. To this day, the volcano is still active and small areas in the lake remain warm.

According to Pido, the lake was never there before the eruption. Just imagine, that whole area in front of us used to be pure rock! When it erupted, the volcano blew off its peak and the lake was born.

A week before the eruption, the Americans who lived nearby in Brgy. O'Donnell already warned the locals of the impending eruption but the locals didn’t listen. The Americans evacuated early but the stubborn locals stayed. Sadly, so many lives and livelihoods were lost to Mt. Pinatubo's unstoppable wrath and until today, the province is still reeling from the calamity.

Believe it or not, the ash and smoke from the eruption reduced the sunlight reaching the earth by 10 percent! As a result, the eruption caused global temperature to drop with layers of ash even reaching as far as South America.

Swimming in the lake was dangerous as experts haven’t determined its actual depth. It wasn't like a beach that would gradually deepen as you move farther from the shore. There, the ground would suddenly drop after a few steps so be careful.

While some people say that the Mt. Pinatubo trip is too commercialized and touristy, I felt the exact opposite. It had a good balance of comfort and that rugged feel to suit the average traveler. It’d be such a shame to see it dirty and polluted so I hope the local government takes good care of this gem.

CONTACT: Wendell (+63919-6084313) is reliable and he replies. Make sure to ask for a discount.
BUDGET: PHP 1,500-2,000 (US$30-40)
DIRECTIONS: Take NLEX and exit at Sta. Inez (after Dau exit). Take the MacArthur Highway to Mabalacat enroute to Bamban. When you reach the market place in Capas, turn left to Brgy.  Sto. Rosario. You will pass Brgy. Aranguren, then turn left at the Iglesia ni Cristo Church. You will pass the following barangays: Cristo Rey, Sta. Lucia, O'Donnell and at last Sta. Juliana (2.5 hours travel time)
WHAT TO BRING: Food (or you can buy for US$5), water, bandages in case you trip, sunblock, shades, swim wear.