Pinatubo: Adventure Of A Lifetime
When someone asked me about my recent Facebook stories, the Mt. Pinatubo adventure, I immediately thought of raw, ethereal, and exquisite.
Raw…the beauty of Pinatubo showcases captivating flora and fauna, offering a refreshing escape from our daily lives. The gentle flow of springs blends well with the soothing atmosphere, while the birds, cicadas, and crickets work together to form a symphony. A contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of the city.
Ethereal…the breathtaking scenery is nothing short of extraordinary, leaving you to wonder at how it was formed. However, the fragile ecosystem makes you mindful of every step you take. During my hike, I reflected on my intention to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photos.
Exquisite…the highest form of beauty. Every segment is a feast for the eyes, perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy moments. Make sure to bring a power bank because you’ll find yourself frequently reaching for your phone to snap photos of the stunning scenery. The pictures and videos you’ll capture are definitely the ones you’ll want to upload to your social media accounts.
The Journey
Our journey was made possible by Unibersal Adventures. We booked one of their joiner events for a Mount Pinatubo hike, which started with a pickup in different locations. Then, straight to the camp where we were briefed about what was coming.
The tour started with a bumpy but scenic 4×4 ride along the lahar fields with stops in different locations, including the Aeta communities. Some stops feature locally-produced items like coconuts, mangoes, and more that kept us refreshed and hydrated.
The Mt. Pinatubo trail, if compared to other hikes I joined, is considered beginner-friendly. It’s straightforward and not that vertical, so you won’t be fighting against gravity. The trail is also filled with trees and tall rock formations that serve as shade. There are also designated areas for stopovers with cottages offering snacks, drinks, and even rice meals.
One thing I love about the hike is the wide trail and mini streams mushroomed along the area. One of our tour guides said it’s allowed to take a dip in one of them. However, we were not able to do so because of time restrictions.
The Tour Guides
The tour guides are members of the Aeta community, who have a deep understanding of the area and would love to have a chit chat with the guests. One guide shared insights about the Mt. Pinatubo trail, mentioning that the region was once plagued by terrorist activities. However, after the government took control, the area began to develop into a tourist attraction.
While walking by myself, I was admiring a small stream. One of our tour guides noticed I was alone and decided to wait for me. I told him he could continue on, but he declined. He explained that, according to their protocols, no tourist should be left alone to prevent anyone from getting lost.
The Crater
After the long and exhausting walk, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Mt. Pinatubo crater. This area, sculpted by Mother Nature to become her personal garden, features a beautiful lake at the viewing point. If you want to get a closer look, you can descend using the man-made steps.
The lake is still a stunning piece of art. When I was there, I couldn’t help but sit on the sandy bay area, feel the warm breeze, and appreciate the beauty in front of me. However, I was thinking, how can a beautiful lake pack a lifeless contrast?
Adventure of a Lifetime
This Pinatubo adventure is one of my most memorable hikes because of the beautiful terrain, refreshing ambiance, and the amazing smiles of the local community members. I can’t imagine that the place is a result of both natural devastation and human catastrophe. Now, however, it’s filled with vibrant colors that can reset someone’s soul.
@titopgmo Here’s our Mt. Pinatubo adventure. Visit foodcitations.com for the review. #Pinatubo #pinatubotrek #pinatubomountainero #PinatuboAdventure #MtPinatubo ♬ I Can Feel It (Christmas Instrumental) – Nick Sena and Danny Echevarria
