The majestic lake that changes in color from turquoise to green.
I have been planning to go to Anawangin Cove at the start of the year so I was so ecstatic when I found out about the Anawangin trip being planned by my mountaineering friends. I attended the pre-climb meeting at Shangrila during the weekend to finalize the itinerary and other details for the over- night fun climb. It was my first trip for the year so I decided to splurge a bit on some trekking gear. I also wanted to travel light so I reckon investing on portable and lightweight outdoor gear would make a good investment for my budding outdoors social life.
I headed to Bombproof at Robinson’s Galleria to get an ultra-portable sleeping bag, hydrating pack, trekking pants, and arm sun protection. While I was perusing over the sleeping bags in the shop, I met two Soti and Gay, two intrepid travellers who happened to be looking for another person to join them on their trek to Mt. Pinatubo. Before I knew it, I found myself saying yes to these two strangers.
The Crater Lake is an aftermath of its violent eruption in 1991 leaving hundreds of people dead and a million of people homeless.
I woke up at 1:30 in the morning to make it to our 3:00 a.m. meet-up time at Victory liner in Pasay. Unfortunately, there were no available buses and jeepneys so I took the cab instead from Alabang to Pasay terminal. Victory liner has terminals in Cubao and Caloocan but we chose Pasay because it was the only one with 3:20am departure time slot. I was the earliest to arrive and had to ask the driver to wait for my friends who were still on their way when the bus was about to leave. We left the terminal at 3:35 and had a 10- minute stopover at Dau, Tarlac. It was a short two-hour trip to Junction, Capaz, Tarlac – the pick-up point for our rented 4×4 wheels.
We were expecting a white open- air land cruiser but to my friends’ dismay it was an old greenish truck with close windows – a big problem if you want to take pictures along the way unless you are sitting on the front seat. We had breakfast at Mc Donald’s who let us in a few minutes before their opening time due to our relentless coaxing or should I say begging.
A long stretch of white-sand ashes spewed by the mountain in 1991
I didn’t bring lunch because I was hoping to buy food along the way and I wasn’t keen on getting my calorie fix from Mc Donald’s burgers and fries. I was expecting it to be something like Tagaytay where fruits stands and eatery line the road. Well, aside from interesting landscapes further beyond the road, I only saw burned patches of black soil and smoke coming from currently burning sugar cane leaves which was rather frustrating seeing a nice countryside landscape ruined by this method of farming.
Aetas at Mt. Pinatubo
We arrived at Mt. Pinatubo Spa Town at Sta Juliana at 7:45am and registered at the tourism office for 50 pesos per head. The Spa Town is set up to cater mostly for Korean tourists who want to trek this route. But since we had arranged for our tour guide and 4×4 transport beforehand, we were off to our adventure after the registration. The Pinatubo trek and visit to Tarukan Village were our only agenda for this day trip so everybody agreed to have a “pinoy style” phase of trekking- that is lots of photo shoot and taking time to enjoy each scenery longer than it should be or perhaps it was only our group.
There are two routes up to the crater from Sta Juliana. The traditional route is a three- hour trek from GMA, the jump-off point of the 4×4 transport for the “long way” trek. The other route is via “skyway” a mountain road that connects to the trail which is a 45-minute trek from the jump-off point called Kwadra or the campsite to the Crater Lake.
The entry point to the skyway.
It took us almost 2 hours to reach the jump-off point for Pinatubo Sky Way which was supposed to be less than an hour of travel. We were having so much fun that we often got down from the car to take pictures and explore a bit further from the road while Soti even drove the 4×4 by herself.
The best part of riding a 4x4 vehicle.
A series of changing terrain welcomed us as we navigated the long stretch of white-sand ashes of Mt Pinatubo while occasionally stopping by to take pictures of the breathtaking landscapes around us.
Then, came the bumpy ride over the rocky streams and occasional splashing of water on our car until we reached the entry point to the skyway. This was another place to behold. We descended on a very dusty and rocky part from the base camp and right at the bottom of it was the point where the sky way and main route met.
Kwadra Camp Site
After a few minutes of walk, we were greeted with boulders and streams along the trail. The trail began to narrow as it became steeper. But at this point lush greenery was becoming more evident. Grasses, ferns and trees had already grown along the trail. I can already smell the familiar scent of the forest musk and its sweetness and it brought back memories of my days working at Makiling Botanical Garden. I hurriedly walked this time anticipating eagerly the culmination of our trek.
Unfortunately, my friend’s shoe gave in just when we were a few minutes away from the concrete steps leading to the climax of our journey. After a quick DIY fix, we did the last push to the crater. At last, a spectacular view unfolded in front of us. It’s like a scene in one of my dreams – surreal. The gray ashen walls made a stark contrast with the gleaming water of the crater. It is indeed as magnificent as the pictures I had seen but this time it was way better. There were too many visitors at that time but you could still feel the serenity of the place.
My travel mates didn’t waste any more time after our endless photo shoot and descended to the edge of the very calm water that changed in different shades of green or was it turquoise.
I tried to feel the water hoping it would be warm. It was really inviting but I decided to just marvel at its beauty and take as many pictures to my heart’s content. It is indeed a very good subject to practice my photography skills. I just bought my camera three days before this trip so I had no idea yet how to use it.
I found my own comfortable nook, quite pleased that my unexpected trip here turned out to be a blast. After one last round of picture-taking, I had my last glance of this spectacular landscape wondering when I would return.
On our way back to Sta Juliana, our driver was kind enough to bring us to Tarukan village to see the Aetas. This side trip was the second best thing for me aside from seeing the crater. The kids were so friendly and I couldn’t help but admire their very cute and innocent smiles.
Then finally after refreshing up at Sta Juliana, we went back to Junction and had dinner before we headed back home. What a great place to start my adventure!
Total Expenses: 1300 each
Breakdown of our Expenses for the group of 5
bus fare- 170 one way
guide -500
4×4 rental- 2500
Registration fee- 50 per head
Skyway fee-500
extra fee for fetching us from Junction -1000
How to get there:
a. Our package - Take the bus from Caloocan, Pasay or Cubao en route to Capaz, Tarlac and go down at Junction in Capaz. The prearrange transport will fetch u here all the way to Sta Juliana and after registration, the same car will take you to Kwadra and fetch you from there all the way back to Junction . (call Wendel for package)
b. Bring your own car – Take the North Luzon Express Way and exit at Sta Inez towards Baguio if you are coming from Manila and either go straight along the Malabacat route and enter Capaz from the south or detour to Conception and double back from the north. But unless your car is a 4×4 land cruiser type, you will still rent transport once you reach the Tourism Office at Sta Juliana.
Cheaper Option A – still waive that extra 1000 pesos by taking the jeepney going to Patling for 30 pesos and taking the tricycle from there all the way to Sta Juliana for 50 pesos per head or by renting a tricycle in Junction all the way to Sta Juliana for only 500 pesos (I asked around and some are willing to take us for 300 pesos) But make sure to negotiate with your rented 4×4 to take u back to Junction because there are no tricycles or jeepneys in Sta Juliana tourism office.
Cheaper Option B – You can also waive the 500 skyway fee by taking the main route which is manageable even for beginners in trekking. (trekking option)sy fee by taking the main route which is manageable even for beginners in trekking.
What to bring:
- packed- lunch and trail food
- bottle of water
- hat and sunblock
- sturdy shoes or sandals
- camera
Thanks guys for this opportunity. Till we meet again 
It is my pleasure to be the first one to post a comment on this beautiful and very detailed account made by claire – it was my first time to trek and I was so glad that I did it first to MOUNT PINATUBO. For who would ever thought that after that tragic lahar donwpour, Nature unleashed a paradise – so heavenly, peaceful and spellbinding!
The moment we reached the top overlooking the crater, I felt all my fatigue vanished at once and wanted to experience more if what lies beneath such an unbelievable sight is for real. The water was so gentle and comforting like no other such kind of has made me feel before. We almost made it at the other side but had to stop and return back for some unexplainable mysterious reasons.
I thank the group I joined in this unforgetable first trekking experience…. of course, especially Soti who invited me on this different kind of get-together and relaxation.
Many thanks, guys!
Hi, Claire! Good to know that at least one of us gets to live her dream. Hope to do my own travelling some day. Take care.
hi trekkers, im a bit hesitant to post a comment but soti my friend during my japan years told me its okey to post… well the first time i saw the pics esp. the Crater i said WOW!!! wonders of nature…Fantastic and really nice shots with a nice camera indeed… i was supposed to go to Manila that time ,soti invited me to join but sad thing i postponed my flight… huhuhu but its okey soti shared some of her pics and ask me to check this website and im amazed with Pinatubo… a nice venue for a wedding maybe??? lol..
well soti dear i know u love to travel just take care and keep me posted.maybe u can change ur work as World Exlporer… lol
Grabe ka bb! Idi ka natakot. Labi mo ka adventurous. Tell your Mom to go with you next time. Godspeed.
I’m so amazed! good job! nice photos.
next adventure sama na ko..
im so excited to be with you guys! 
travel lang ng travel..
Hi Claire, I commend you for providing travel tips to everyone. This site is indeed very useful to people who have a low cost budget but really love to travel… Undeniably that travel indeed doesnt need to be expensive …. travel is more fun if it doesnt cost a pretty penny.. one just has to do research and must have a good bargaining skill..think this site is perfect for people like us whose passion is travel but budget is always our paramount consideration… looking forward for your tips on anawangin… thanks Claire for the nice company, i really had enjoyed our trek in pinatubo…
hi ate claire. very nice sceneries indeed, very relaxing just to look at. i look forward sa travel mo na kasama ako! ingat ka sa lahat ng byahe mo!
you can call Francis, direct na to, just negotiate with him for the 4×4 rental, 09279887277
Hi Claire,
Very nice shots….ang ganda ng mt. PInatubo sana next time mapuntahan ko rin 2. hintayin ko yung ibang trips mo ha..
do u have contact numbers ng tour guide and sa 4×4? kase plan namen pumunta sa march 1. thanks claire.
Hi Claire, this is Princess sister ni Richard:) Just want to know if u still have the contact number of your tour guide and where can i reserve a 4×4?
super stunning ang turquoise water! parang sa phuket thailand yung sa movie ni leo d. dati, o di ba? i’m so happy that you’re finally living your dream! go on, girl! how i wish makajoin ako hehe! next year nalang!
ang ganda ng lake!! woooow.. super nice.
napaka serene and ganda ng place.
wonderful places! great shots!^^
ur doing a gud job promoting pinas. keep it up! **^^**
i wish to visit these places too. thanks for the trip details & tips. i am looking forward to hearing ur next adventure. keep me posted, okay.
waaaaa I really really want to visit mt pinatubo! kelan balik mo dito claire?
This is the second time that I’ve seen your photos… but the moment I’ve pulled up this page , I got goosebumps talaga (seriously!!!). Claire, you are so inspiring!!!
nice post…very informative..thanks!
It is beautiful~ ~I wish i can go there some other time~~
cool teacher~~
how did you contact the 4×4 rental and guide? planning to go there by april.tnx
Hi claire!
nice blog!i really wanted to go to pinatubo soon.kumusta yung sinasabi mong project ni jherwin for the aetas?kailan yun?can i join?
thanks!
more travel blogs to come!
hi claire!
i already heard about Anawangin in Zambales.some of my friends went there already.it just happened na walang gustong sumama nung ako na nangyayaya to go there.i wanted to go there too!!!sige i’ll check your mt. pundaguit blog re jherwin.
again, thanks!
sana you can email me if ever if you have other trips to come.baka pwede sumama!heheh! =)
my email add is majadera76@yahoo.com. more thanks!
=)
hello miss claire.
do you have a contact that offers crater boating.
and if mag-shower kami after the trek, saan pwede at may bayad po ba?
salamat ng madami!
Hi!
My friends and I are planning to go to Pinatubo one of these days. I was wondering if you still have the contact info of your guide. If you do, can you kindly email me or text me at (0920)8292169. Thanks!
Joanne
you can call Francis, direct na to, just negotiate with him for the 4×4 rental, 09279887277, (not sure if his number is still working just contact na lang po)
ang lucky mo kc ok pa budget nung nakapunta kc dyan. sabi nung iba sobra na daw mahal ngayon since pumasok mga korean investor dyan…
Pwede pa rin naman mura, trek na lang all the way up the crater and forego the 4×4 ride. Just pay the registration fee.
Wow! Your photos are stunning. I used to live in Pili, Zambales, on the other side of Mt Pinatubo. The town is now a lake. Just staring at your photos feels like I’ve been transported there…hehe. Simply awesome…keep up the good work Claire!!
Thanks Loubert, you have a lot of beautiful places there in Zambales. I love the beaches and the trek to Mt. Pinatubo.
Ask ko po kung pwede ba magstay ng overnight don? 3days/2 night example?????thanks..
The last time I went there, overnight stay was still allowed. I’m not sure about now though.
Being on nature and traversing a demanding terrain in Pinatubo has taught me that life is simple, and you can cross any pass if you have the spirit. The mysterious appearance of a place, a tiny leaf or a colored rock on a trail can reveal to you something about the complexities of life hidden within.
Really awesome place!!!
Ms. Claire,
Can I use ur picture image 5 as a background for a hermana invitation. thanks and Happy Easter!
Sure Jennej
hi Kai, thanks, i’m sure you will be doing your own travel soon, I’m just doing this to show that traveling doesn’t have to be expensive, you just need a little bit of research to know how to do it in a cost and time effective way and of course a lot of guts, hehehe
hello Donna, thanks for visiting my site, you should also try it, it’s still different when you are there and I’m glad that you were able to appreciate my pics, I guess even as a newbie in photography, you can never go wrong with this subject, feel free to come back for my upcoming posts
ay madam, pang mga tourists pa nga ang Mt. Pinatubo, kung adventure lang po, mas dakul pa ang delikado heheh, pero try nyo po kadi, grabe kaya nyo to, 45 minutes trekking lang and di ka mapagal kasi magayon and scenery, yep kayba ko na po si mama soon,
hi everyone, Francis’ number is 09279887277, u can talk to him directly to arrange a 4×4 transports, or u may call wendell for group package 09196084312
there is another trip to pinatubo this time, around 600 pesos lang ang overall expenses hehe, lakaran to the max ito, coz this is a project of Jherwin to help the community of Aetas, you will be walking from the jump-off point in Sta Juliana up to the crater guided by the katutubo. hope matuloy para naman kumita ang mga Aetas at sa kanila mapunta ang profit ng turismo doon
hi Maja thanks for visiting my site, i’ll check about it but u are most welcome to join, they are actually inviting others to join, You might also want to join the group in Anawangin trip also organize by jherwin, i posted his number in my Mt. pundaquit blog.
well u can join us in coron thats may 27 to june 1 others will follow on may 29-june1, u may join us on july in davao or cebu on august, or sagada next week that’s april 25, u can ask ur friends to join too, plus u can join my friends open climb din, remember the more the merrier and the cheaper heheh
JB: sorry, i don’t have a contact number about that, but you can just negotiate when you are already in the crater lake, marami naman dun, but regarding the shower, the last time we went there wala pa, you can just change clothes sa rest rooom then refreshed na lang in Sta Juliana
Shodensan: Thanks, hope you enjoy your trip there