A Walk To Remember
The world’s second largest eruption – right here on this volcano. Ever since Mt Pinatubo erupted in 1991, the used-to-be obscured mountain is now a popular tourist destination here in the Philippines. Last weekend, I visited this beautiful location filled with remnants of ash deposits and lahar – what an experience!
Off road drive
First, expect a really fun, crazy off road ride from the jump off spot to the start of the trek. Around 5 people per vehicle, you get to drive through great lengths of lahar and mountain sceneries which my friend dubs as a “Jurassic Park” moment.
Yuki Tansengco and Rhea Bue
TOURIST TIP: If you want nice pictures, make sure someone from the OTHER 4×4 has a camera to capture some shots of you in it. Rhea is brilliant and suggested that on our way back. Haha!
On The Rocks
Two, be prepared for a rocky road and I mean a VERY rocky road. I wish I knew earlier but I think it’s best not to go for the rubber shoes + socks combo when you go up. One, the road is so rocky it might damage your rubber shoes and two, there is a river so the probability of your feet getting wet is mid-high. Best to wear trekking sandals or shoes with Croc-like materials such as Praiaz or Natives. (Google it!)
Finally – at the Mt. Pinatubo Crater
Third, expect some sunburn (see photo above!). Don’t get me wrong, I stocked up on loads of sunblock before the hike but the heat is intense. Imagine walking for 2-3 hours with NO SHADE at all? Unless you’ll bring an umbrella, be prepared to go under the heat.
with Nicole Ty
Fourth, jump for joy when you reach the crater. Hurrah! You made it! But something to expect when you go up is… no swimming! The tourism of Mt Pinatubo now prohibits swimming in the crater. So no need to pack any swimwear. Haha!
with McCoy Reyes
Given that, take many, many photos. Cherish the moment and appreciate the scenery. The lovely contrast of a mountain that used to be eruptive, looking so peaceful – for now!
Mount Pinatubo
My fifth and funniest advice, bring FOOD and lots of water when you go up! I know some people think of packing a light lunch but seriously, the hike ended up making all of us so tired that the food we brought ended up falling short. The last thing you want to happen is to buy cup noodles and water at the top of the crater for Php100 – EACH! Yikes – talk about inflation.
Wear something comfy
Wuhoo – I made it!
Wuhoo – time to go home!
A Dusty Contrast
So that’s basically what to expect on your first ever trip to Pinatubo. I assure you, it’ll be FUN and so worthwhile. “Travel not to escape life but for life not to escape you.” Here’s to more adventures!
Bod PH Meshed Up Orange Top
I don’t have a lot of hiking gear so I’m so glad I ended up wearing this mesh top from Bod PH. The mesh material at the back created an easy breezy air ventilation during the hike so I didn’t sweat as much or worse – end up with a shirt soaked in sweat. Check them out at @bodph on Instagram. Hi Kimi and Chynna! 🙂
Hair: Blo Blow Dry Bar
Top: Bod PH (@bodph on IG)
Leggings: SM Surplus
Shoes: Adidas
Watch: Veloci Time
Sunnies: Georgina Sasha
Create Your Own Adventure!
Speaking of adventures, post your travel moments on Instagram and win fun prizes like Instax cameras, a QUADCOPTER DRONE (omg!) and staycation GCs at Go Hotels. I’ve stayed in Go Hotels Tacloban and it’s really perfect for travellers – they have WiFi too! To join the giveaway, here is how to win:
- Follow Go Hotels on Facebook and Instagram
- Watch their video (above!) on Youtube and share it via FB!
- Create a 15-second video on Instagram by compiling photos or videos of your travels and adventures in the Philippines! (PS Make sure you own the material kay!)
Background music for your post should be “A Place for Every Juan” by Kian Ransom which can be downloaded here. - Describe your post in one sentence and include “#GoCreateYourOwnAdventure with @gohotels_ph! Join their giveaway today!” in your caption. (Example: Mt Pinatubo, I’ll be back! “#GoCreateYourOwnAdventure with @gohotels_ph! Join their giveaway today!)
- Maximum of TWO (2) entries per person only. Flooding of videos is discouraged and will automatically be disqualified.
4 adventurers with the most inspiring videos will be the winners! The grand winner will receive the UDI U818A-1 Discovery Quadcopter, one runner up will receive a Herschel bag and two runners up will receive a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 each. Plus, all winners will receive an overnight stay valid for any Go Hotels branch! Contest period is from August 3 to 31, 2015. Winners will be announced on September 2, 2015 and will have until November 3, 2015 to claim their prize.
Til the next adventure!
Mt Pinatubo is definitely something you should try it – if you’re up for a hike! Let me know if you go! 😉
XO,
Style Cat
(Photos from Rhea Bue)
1 comment
I’ve only hiked once and it’s just in Rizal. I do have friends tho that have tried hiking Mt. Pinatubo and they all said that it was worth it. Maybe I’ll add this up on my bucket list!
Nice photos and nice outfit you have here too! Still stylish as ever, Miss Yuki =)
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