Mount Pinatubo DIY by Car

Why in the world I came to this place just now? I mean, Pinatubo is only around 2 hours away from our home and yet it took me 2 years to get here from the time I decided to want to be here. Funny that I went to farther places for the last two years not realizing one of the nicest is just around the corner.

I decided to DIY this trip, meaning no contact person nor availed any package. By car, we left Bulacan at 3AM and set Waze to bring us to McDonalds Capas, Tarlac. We took NLEX, exited at Dau and drive onto McArthur Highway heading north. 

Waze got confused, we got a little lost. Well, Waze is Waze. It can never be 100% reliable. As it turned out, Waze brought us somewhere along the highway in Capas. We spotted a 7/11 convenience store and from there we asked help from a local. Luckily, this local is a tourguide so he gave us detailed instructions on how to reach the Tourism Office. We drove a few more meters up north and alas we finally reached McDonalds at 4:30AM. 

Buses stop at this point to pick up and drop off passengers. I don't think those who will commute will have a hard time getting here. 

We ate breakfast and took out some food to eat in Pinatubo for lunch. There are Ministop and 7/11 to buy other stuff from that's needed for this trip. There are tricycles waiting across McDonalds ready to take passengers to Tourism Office. 

5:30AM. We left McDonald's and headed towards our destination. 

From McDonalds, we crossed to the other side and followed Manila N Road. We had to take a left turn, landmark is the KKK gasoline station. Then we drove straight passing by the next landmark, a cemetery, at our left. We then turned right upon reaching a perpendicular road. We knew we were at the tourism office when we saw tons of 4x4 jeeps parked along the road. A guide lead us to a parking area, who by the way charged us 100 pesos for the fee. 

At 6AM we went to the tourism office. Now, the biggest lesson for this trip is NEVER EVER come without prior reservation especially at times like peak season. That day were told all 100++ 4x4 were reserved. They asked us to wait and come back before 8AM to see if there would be any 4x4 that can accommodate us. It was a huge risk. Luckily, when we came back around 6:30AM, one of the agent said one of her guests cancelled therefore giving us the slot. Later on we found out from our 4x4 driver that there were some groups the previous day who arrived without reservation were not able to climb because there weren't any 4x4 to bring them to the jump off. Thank gawd it was our lucky day!

We paid 4,850 pesos in total for our 4x4 truck, guide and other fees. After filling out forms, we were given a short orientation about the duration of the trip, what to do and not to do during the trip. 

Exciting!!!!

The 4x4 jeep experience in itself is super! Not only crossing bumpy trails and small rivers are awesome but the view that surrounds us are wonderful.

We were lead to the jump off and from there we hiked for an hour. 

I was in awe when I saw the lake and noticed others were too. 

To be near the lake, we walked down steep steps. 

We sat near the water where we also ate our take out lunch from McDonalds while enjoying the view. Just Perfect!

Believe when people say how beautiful the Pinatubo is because it really truly is. But to understand the beauty of this nature, one must experience it. 

Here's the summary of this trip and what to do/bring:

1. Call for a reservation. Don't come without this or face a big risk. 

2. To get here by car, either take McArthur Highway or NLEX. For us we took the fastest route, NLEX, and exited at Dau. From there head onto McArthur highway and continue to drive north. Once in Capas, McDonalds is just along the highway. You'd be faced with two roads, choose the one going left. Look for KKK gas station at the left side of the highway. There is a pavement beside the gas station, take it. Follow the road turning right at the end. Then continue to drive straight until you reach the Tourism Office. 

To get here by bus from Manila, one important thing to make sure is to drop off in Capas Junction (where McDonalds is) and this is the exact place to get a ride going back to Manila. This is a common drop off/pick up so don't miss this. Take a tricycle and ask to be dropped off at the Tourism office. 

3. Aside from the sunscreen, mask and other protection from the sun, bring your own water as all juice/water costs 100 pesos each in a store in Pinatubo park.  

4. Bring food for the aetas you'll pass by along the trek. 

I guess that's it!!

How much we spent? Here is the summary of our expenses:

Tour -  4,850/group of three (1,617/person)

       Breakdown:

       Van - 3,000/group

       Guide - 500/group

       Fees - 450/person

Gas - 750 (half tank)

McDo and supplies expenses - 400 per person

Total Toll fee: 350