I am not expert adviser when it comes to climbing or hiking mountain since I am a seasonal hiker. But the following tips that I listed below are the things that I wanted to share if anyone wanted to climb Mount Pinatubo. The list are not comprehensive but I hope it helps even in a small way. My adventure in the mountain fully described here.
- I recommend to hike the mountain during cold months, we had it first week of January. Don’t go during rainy season and if there is heavy rains. Tourism will not allowed you to do so, but if warnings is ignored, you know what’s possible thing can happen.
- If you are really on a budget and do not want to sleep in accommodation before the trek the next morning, travel to jump-off area which located in Barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas around 6:00 AM in the morning.
- Start the climb early to be able to finished the day trek as early as possible.
- During registration they will ask your age so tell them the true information as the tourism center required to checked your BP (blood pressure) once you registered for the hike and please follow their advise if you are allowed or not allowed to climb the mountain.
- Bring sun glass and mask to be used during the river bed drive as it is dusty along the road because of combination of dried lahar and sands.
- Bring enough water and food (at that time, our tour guide just brought our packed-lunch and bottled water).
- Wear comfortable shoes that can go wet or under the water as there are astray river pathways along the walking trail and it helps for faster walking and trekking.
- It is not allowed now to swim in the Crater Lake, it was prohibited so follow the announcement.
- The general rule of the mountains applies even in Mount Pinatubo – “Take Nothing but Pictures, Leave Nothing but Footprints, Kill Nothing but Time”.
Notes:
Plan to climb Mount Pinatubo?
I cannot recommend specific website for the official information of climbing Mount Pinatubo. But this link (I am not affiliated on this site) I found the information as useful for additional details.
Accommodation:
We stayed at Bognot Lodge (Look for Alvin) and they helped as well to arrange our climb at Mount Pinatubo. You can search this and you can find them in AirBnb and Tripadvisor websites.
Public Transportation :
From anywhere in Metro Manila, go to Five Star Bus Terminal in Cubao (or other bus terminal) and take bus going to any of the following : Vigan, Baguio, Alaminos or Bolinao. Next, get off at Capas Junction in Tarlac. Then, take tricycle to Sta. Juliana (P300/tricycle) and get off at Mount Pinatubo jump-off (we get off at Bognot Lodge).
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