Only three to four hours away from Manila, Mt. Pinatubo is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Philippines. Mt. Pinatubo is located in the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. It is known as the second largest volcanic eruption that happened in 1991 and caused widespread impacts across societal, economic and environmental areas.
Despite that, Mt. Pinatubo still boasts its own captivating beauty and rich history, that’s filled with breathtaking landscapes and cultural sights. Like most people say, Mt. Pinatubo is indeed a beautiful disaster. It’s no surprise that both local and foreign tourists find Mt. Pinatubo to be one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Philippines.
That said, if you plan on visiting Mt. Pinatubo for only a day, this travel guide is for you. Find out how to get to Mt. Pinatubo and what to expect when visiting it for a day.
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How to get from Manila to Mt. Pinatubo?
As mentioned, Mt. Pinatubo is just three to four hours away from Manila, making it ideal for a weekend getaway or day trip. Thus, here’s how to get from Manila to Mt. Pinatubo.
Public Transportation
Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga are the gateway destinations to Mt. Pinatubo. However, Tarlac is the most popular starting point for Mt. Pinatubo. Thus, if you plan on taking public transport, take a bus bound for Pangasinan, Baguio, or Ilocos, and inform the conductor to drop you off at Sta. Juliana in Capas.
Then, you need to coordinate with the Sta. Juliana Tourism Office. From there, you’ll start your journey to Mt. Pinatubo Crater!
Private Vehicle
Taking a private vehicle is definitely way easier than public transport. If you all have the means to drive from Manila all the way to either Zambales, Tarlac, or Pampanga, go for it.
Mt. Pinatubo Adventures via Travel Agency
Availing Mt. Pinatubo package tours via a travel agency is another way to get to Mt. Pinatubo. It’s less complicated, and you don’t have to worry about the itinerary, as they can arrange everything for you.
In our case, we booked our Mt. Pinatubo Adventures via Abraham Tours Philippines! We’ve personally had a smooth transaction with them. In addition, since my friend and I are coming from Cavite, we just decided to book a room at Abraham Manila. One reason for this is that it’s way easier since the meet up point is at Abraham Manila Hostel itself.
Hiking Trails to Mt. Pinatubo Adventures
There are several trails leading to the summit of Mt. Pinatubo, each offering a unique experience. The most popular and accessible trail is the one from Capas, Tarlac. Here are a few trail options to consider:
- Capas, Tarlac Trail: The most popular trail to Mt. Pinatubo, this trail starts with an exhilarating 4×4 ride across the vast lahar fields, remnants of Mt. Pinatubo’s historic eruption in 1991. Then, you’ll trek for approximately 2 hours to reach the crater lake, passing through stunning landscapes of volcanic ash and towering rock formations.
- Botolan, Zambales Trail: Another option is the trail from Botolan, Zambales, which provides a different perspective of Mt. Pinatubo’s beauty. This trail offers a longer trek but is known for its lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna.
- Porac, Pampanga Trail: For those seeking a more challenging trek, the trail from Porac, Pampanga, offers a rigorous hike through dense forests and rugged terrain. This trail is less crowded, allowing for a more serene and immersive experience.
In our case, the starting point is Botolan, Zambales, with Abraham Tours Philippines. This is where Camp Kainomayan is, where all tourists and visitors gather and have an orientation before finally proceeding to Mt. Pinatubo Adventures!
Mt. Pinatubo Day Tour Itinerary
Here’s the estimated time of the tour.
01:00 – Departure from Abraham Manila
05:45 – Arrive in Camp Kainomayan, Botolan
06:00 – Short Introduction to the local guide and briefing
06:15 – Start the 4X4 drive
09:00 – Get off the 4X4, hike to the crater starts
10:00 – Arrive at Mt. Pinatubo Crater, free time and brunch
11:30 – Start the hike downhill
12:30 – Arrive back to the 4×4 vehicle
16:30 – Arrive back in Camp Kainomayan, bathroom break and rest
17:00 – Start heading back to Manila
22:30 – Arrive back in Abraham Manila, Makati
Our Botolan, Zambales Trail to Mt. Pinatubo Experience
For a hassle-free experience, my friend and I booked our Mt. Pinatubo tours with Abraham Tours Philippines. We departed from Manila to Zambales around one in the morning and arrived at the jump-off site by five. We started off at Camp Kainomayan, which is the jump-off site for Mt. Pinatubo trails. This is also where orientation is usually held. Following the orientation, we rode a 4×4 vehicle to start off our bumpy and exciting ride! Our journey took us across rivers and over rough roads, leading to the Villar Aeta Community and some camping sites.
After a two-hour ride of adventure, we got off the vehicle and started trekking for an hour to the Mt. Pinatubo crater. It was such a long journey but it was so rewarding and fulfilling once you’d finally reached the crater! There was no signal at all and you’d completely reconnect with nature. We stayed for hours, took some photos, and enjoyed the stunning view of Mt. Pinatubo. A beautiful disaster, indeed! I must say that visiting Mt. Pinatubo is absolutely one for the books!
Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.