Philippines

Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, Mount Pinatubo is a stunning active volcano located on the island of Luzon. Home to one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recent history and now it boasts a serene crater lake surrounded by lush forests and unique landscapes, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Just a few hours away from Manila, a hiking trip to Mount Pinatubo offers a refreshing and adventurous weekend escape. Mount Pinatubo is my second volcano hike in the Philippines. First was Taal Volcano-the smallest active volcano the Philippines. Nevertheless, nature is incredible, and both were such amazingly different experiences for me. Join me on this fantastic trip as I take you through wonders of nature and adventure. ＊Planning Your Trip The ideal time to hike Mount Pinatubo is during the dry season, from November to early June. Avoid the rainy season to prevent hazardous trail conditions and ensure clear views of the crater lake. Necessary Permits and Fees Secure your permits in advance through the local tourism office in Capas, Tarlac. (Your accommodation host will help you with it.) Expect to pay an environmental fee. A guide is mandatory for a safe and regulated hiking experience. So, also prepare to pay the guide fee. Packing Essentials Comfortable hiking shoes Light, breathable clothing Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) Water and snacks Camera or smartphone for photos First aid kit and any personal medications ＊Getting There Travel Options from Manila to Mount Pinatubo Location: Located in the Zambales Mountains, on the boundary of the Philippine provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga in central Luzon. Private Car: The most convenient way is to drive, taking the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to Capas, Tarlac. Public Transport: Take a bus from Manila to Capas, then hire a 4×4 vehicle to take you to the jump-off point. Estimated Travel Time and Costs Private Car: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Public Transport: Around 4 to 5 hours including transfers, costing around PHP 300-500 for the bus fare and additional PHP 3,000-4,000 for the 4×4 rental and guide. ＊The Hike The hike to Mount Pinatubo’s crater is a moderate trek, with some sections requiring careful navigation over rocky terrain. It is suitable for hikers of various experience levels. The trek typically takes about 2 to 3 hours each way. The trail winds through lush jungles, moonlike landscapes of the lahar canyons and riverbeds, showcasing unique geological formations. It will lead to a stunning Crater Lake, formed after the volcano’s cataclysmic 1991 eruption at the summit. To make the most of your trip, I recommend to arrive in Capas the previous day by afternoon. This allows you to relax and get a good night’s sleep, as your hike will begin early the next day. ＊The Journey 5:30 AM: We began our day with a hearty breakfast prepared by our guesthouse staff. 6:00 AM: Our guides arrived in a 4×4 vehicle to pick us up. The road to the trek jump-off point is too rugged for regular vehicles, making the 4×4 a necessity. 6:15 AM: We registered at the local office and paid the necessary fees. 6:30 AM : We were all set for our first adventure. The ride to the trek jump-off point lasts about 30-40 minutes and is an adventure in itself. The dramatic terrain and breathtaking views make for a cinematic experience. 7:30 AM~10:00 AM: Our trek began with panoramic views of interesting rock formations and landscapes. We crossed several rivers and streams, adding to the adventure. Midway through the trek, we took a break at the designated break point. This is a great opportunity to rest and do some souvenir shopping. After we resumed the trek, something scary yet amazing happened. I had drifted a bit from my group and found myself completely alone, walking along the serene path through the lush forest. At first, I felt a pang of fear. But as I continued, my fear began to melt away. I started soaking in the tranquility of the place. These were the best 15 minutes I experienced. It was just me, the forest, and a feeling of being truly present in the moment. This unexpected interlude on the trek became a cherished memory, a reminder of the beauty and serenity that can be found when we allow ourselves to embrace solitude in nature. Soon I reached the summit and out of nowhere I witnessed the most beautiful geological wonder- the beautiful crater lake! What a rewarding feeling that was! After spending sometime there, clicking pictures and resting, we started back and the return journey felt much easier and faster. ＊Key Landmarks and Scenic Spots The Crow Valley: A picturesque canyon filled with remnants of the 1991 eruption. The Crater Rim: Offers the first breathtaking view of the turquoise crater lake. ＊Accommodations and Food Choose from a range of accommodations in Capas, from budget-friendly hostels to more comfortable guesthouses. (Check below for options to stay) Bring packed meals and snacks for the hike. Your accommodation may also provide an early morning breakfast before the hike as they did for us. At the summit you will also find few vendors selling local snacks, ice-cream, coconut water etc.  Local eateries in Capas offer a variety of Filipino restaurants for post-hike dining. ＊Tips for a Memorable Trip Ensure you’re physically prepared for the hike. Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed. Pack out all trash and respect the natural environment. Avoid disturbing wildlife and plants. Show respect to local guides and communities and stay on designated paths and follow your guide’s instructions to avoid accidents. Follow all rules and regulations set by the tourism authorities. Swimming is not allowed in the lake, but you can enjoy the stunning views, take photos, and have a picnic by the lake. A trip to Mount Pinatubo offered an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty, and a sense of accomplishment and oh yes! a little sore legs

Dear Philippines, you are a tropical wonderland of stunning islands and powdery white sand beaches, a hidden gem of southeast Asia that is waiting to be explored! I am glad to call you home for the past seven years and it has been nothing short of an incredible experience. Despite having a full-time job, living here is like a long vacation, thanks to the numerous places to be explored. I am fortunate to discover every part of this beautiful country, one day at a time! A trip to the Philippines is perfect for anyone looking to escape the daily grind and treat themselves to a rejuvenating island getaway. Here, you will find options for adventure, relaxation, and total immersion into island life. With over 7,000 islands to choose from, the Philippines is a beach lover’s dream come true. From its chaotic capital, Manila, and crumbling colonial towns to island-hopping and volcanic vistas, the Philippines offers history, culture, nature, and adventures in spades. Each island has its own unique charm and endless options for unique vacation activities. And that is why the tag line of Philippines is- It’s more fun in the Philippines! Island hopping is the most popular day activity here! You start from a main island and visit various islands, coves, lagoons, coral gardens. You can do water activities like-Snorkeling and diving through coral reefs that are teeming with diverse marine life or even shipwrecks. Swim with whale-sharks and sea turtles or try your hand at surfing or cliff jumping! You can also choose kayaking through secluded coves or a good swim at hidden lagoons. I discovered two of the most unique activities after coming to the Philippines. Canyoneering through gorgeous waterfalls and hiking the volcanoes to find the most pristine crater lakes. Don’t worry if you prefer relaxation over adventure, you can spend your days lounging on secluded beaches under the sun and go island hopping with the local boats and friendly boatmen! Sip buko juice aka coconut water or San Mig Light beer or relish the delicious mangoes and yellow watermelons on the picture-perfect beaches. From luxurious island resorts, comfortable Airbnbs to houseboats, glamping, camping, treehouses, cottages, Kubos (beach huts) you can choose your perfect abode. Did you know that several Philippine islands and beaches, like Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao have been consistently named as the best in the world? So why not come and see for yourself! Beyond the beauty and adventures this country offers, the Filipinos’ warmth and hospitality is a reason itself to visit. They are the friendliest and fun-loving people with a culture of respect for everyone. In the Philippines, every visitor is greeted as ma’am or sir. And you can address them as “kuyas” and “ates” with love, translating to elder brother and sister respectively. In fact, the Philippines is often ranked as the friendliest and happiest country in Asia. This reason alone will make you feel like Philippines is your home away from home. My explorations in the Philippines began the very next day I landed in November 2017, and since then there has been no stopping! My first trip was to the stunning island of Boracay and have traveled to Cebu, El Nido, Coron, Mindoro islands and from North to South of the Luzon Island- the largest Island of the Philippines. Having traveled extensively here, I have plenty of amazing experiences to share. From secluded islands to weekend gateways and unique stay options. So, stay tuned as loads of Philippines content is going to come your way. For some reason the Philippines is not on the bucket list for many, but I can say you are missing out a lot by not planning a trip to the Philippines. However, the positive side is that this incredible country is not exploited by over-tourism. You can literally have an entire island to yourself to spend a whole day amidst nowhere. A vacation in the Philippines is your ultimate island escape to make lifelong memories. The only hard part is going to be leaving! So, Mabuhay to the Philippines! Cliff Jump at Kawasan falls, Cebu