Mount Pinatubo Tour: A Wild Adventure That Proves Disasters Are Beautiful

Some disasters leave nothing behind. Ruthless and unrelenting, they erase towns, reshape landscapes, and swallow rivers. Yet, beauty can also emerge from catastrophe and chaos. On our Mount Pinatubo tour, I realized that disaster and beauty are not always opposites. Sometimes, they rise from the same eruption.

Even though my Mount Pinatubo day tour wasn’t exactly a breeze, it was a surreal and eye-opening experience. 

It led me to an iconic sight I once saw only in my childhood textbooks. 

And it proved that even the most violent endings can lead to something new and beautiful.

It reminded me that ruin and wonder can coexist, and we must burn before we can bloom.

So, how did my Mount Pinatubo trip turn out?

And does it truly deserve the title of a beautiful disaster?

My Mount Pinatubo tour

10:40 AM: Mount Pinatubo view deck

What do you do when your Mount Pinatubo tour starts to feel like a bad decision?

Well, you just push forward.

That’s what I told myself as rain poured down, drenching us at the crowded Mount Pinatubo view deck.

When you combine crowds and rain, you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Even worse, the crater lake was entirely covered in white. 

But if there’s one thing travel has taught me, it’s to stop worrying about the things I can’t control.

Could I chase away the rain and summon a warm, sunny day?

Could I clear out the sea of tourists, snapping pictures of the crater of Mount Pinatubo?

Absolutely not!

But there was one thing I could change: how I chose to experience this moment.

So, I took a deep breath, shook off the discomfort, and waited.

And then, something incredible happened.

Slowly, the fog surrounding the crater lake began to fade away.

Soon, the rain slowed down, and was almost non-existent. 

This was our opportunity to see Mount Pinatubo in its full glory.

And that’s when I saw it.

The lake. 

The crater. 

The raw, untamed beauty left behind by one of the most violent eruptions in history.

If I had let the bad weather and discomfort get the best of me, I would have missed this moment.

This was the reward for waiting, pushing forward, letting go of expectations and embracing the unexpected.

While not as massive as Lake Holon in Mindanao, it was still stunning.

So, we waited in line to finally get pictures of the Mount Pinatubo sign with the crater lake in the background.

But if there’s one more thing travel loves to do, it’s test your patience and perseverance.

Just as it was our turn to pose for the perfect shot, the skies opened up again, and released a downpour. 

Sh*t! 

We just smiled and danced in the rain, because at that point, what else could we do? 

There was no escaping the rain, no perfect Instagram-worthy shot and no cinematic moment of standing triumphantly with the crater behind us. 

We were just a quartet of soaked travelers, shivering, laughing, and accepting that this was part of the experience too. 

And maybe that was another lesson Mount Pinatubo wanted to teach us. 

It taught us that the most memorable moments aren’t the ones you plan, but the ones that happen when everything goes wrong.

And speaking of things going wrong, I always say that I’m a disaster magnet.

Ever since I was a little child, I always experienced hiccups and challenges.

Furthermore, it seems rain and bad weather follow me wherever I go. 

Speaking of things going wrong, I always say that I’m a disaster magnet.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been a walking, talking magnet for mishaps. 

From power outages to buses breaking down in the middle of nowhere, I’ve experienced a bunch of crazy and uncomfortable things in my life.

And if there’s one thing that follows me everywhere I go, it’s bad weather.

It’s almost as if the rain has my itinerary memorized. 

And I think it has a copy of our Mount Pinatubo tour.

No matter how sunny the forecast looks, the Universe seems to have other plans for me.

09: 25 AM: It started to rain on our Mount Pinatubo tour 

Nature is unpredictable.

One minute, the sun is shining and the skies are a crisp, cloudless blue.

The next minute, the heavens open up, and suddenly, it’s raining cats and dogs.

And not just a light drizzle.

It’s the kind of rain that drenches you in seconds and makes you question every life decision that led you here.

As a bona fide disaster magnet, I have seen it coming thousands of miles away.

I mean.

It always happens.

Remember what happened to us in Sagada and Albay when we were chasing Mount Mayon?

That’s why I never leave home without a rain jacket. 

Experience has taught me that wherever I go, the rain follows.

But this time, I wasn’t just worried about getting wet.

I was worried that we wouldn’t see the sapphire lake we had come all this way for.

I tried to stay optimistic on this part of our Mount Pinatubo tour.

I reassured my niece and our two newly met friends that this rain would pass.

Our guide even said it wouldn’t last long.

But deep down, I knew better.

With years of hiking and exploring the outdoors, I’ve learned to read the signs.

And everything told me this wasn’t just a passing shower.

This rain had hours written all over it.

Still, we pushed forward with our Mount Pinatubo tour, hoping that somehow, we’d get lucky.

We hoped that at the top, we’d be greeted not by mist and rain, but by a miracle.

12:58 PM: The ride back to Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac 

I thought everything would be fine after our Mount Pinatubo hike.

Ironically, the moment we reached the parking area, the rain stopped. 

It was as if the Universe had been playing a cruel joke on us all along on our Mount Pinatubo tour.

Hungry, sleepy, and still a little damp, we hopped onto a jeep that would take us back to the base of our Mount Pinatubo tour.

At that point, all we wanted was food, a shower, and a cozy chair.

But, of course, the Universe wasn’t done with us yet on our Mount Pinatubo tour.

Halfway through the ride, our jeep suddenly came to a halt.

At first, we thought it was just a quick stop. 

But after a few minutes, our driver checked the engine and delivered the bad news: the jeep needs some fixing.

Holy sh*t.

Was this really happening on our already disastrous Mount Pinatubo tour?

I exchanged looks with my niece and our two newly met friends, smiling. 

I wanted someone to wake me up from this ridiculous series of misfortunes on our Mount Pinatubo tour.

Luckily, a large truck passed us and offered us a ride.

It wasn’t exactly a comfortable ride.

Dust flew into our faces, and we were squeezed into whatever tiny space we could find.

Not to mention, it was bumpy, and extremely challenging.

Honestly, it was more challenging than the hike to the crater of Mount Pinatubo.

But at this point, comfort wasn’t even on our list of priorities.

This was one of those moments when most people would complain.

This was the moment when most people would curse their luck, voice out their frustrations, and swear never to return.

But we didn’t.

Instead, we laughed.

We laughed at how ridiculous this whole Mount Pinatubo tour had been.

We laughed at how every single thing that could go wrong did go wrong.

And we laughed because, somehow, this disaster of a trip had become an unforgettable Mount Pinatubo adventure.

Then, one of our new friends jokingly said one of us must be cursed and is bringing all the bad luck.

And I silently laughed, because I already knew the answer.

I was the disaster magnet.

And honestly?

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Being a disaster magnet isn’t as bad as you think too.

I mean.

I get plenty of opportunities to learn something new about our vast and unique planet.

Just like this ride in Mount Pinatubo.

As we bounced along the rugged path in our dusty, packed truck, our guide pointed toward a lush, rolling hill.

He said his community of 200 families was hiding behind that hill.

Then, another local Aeta pointed to another hill where another community lived.

I was fascinated.

According to them, there are about 18 Aeta communities in this part of Mount Pinatubo.

Eighteen separate communities, but all listed under one barangay.

And here’s where things got even more interesting.

I asked about their local governance, expecting to hear about a typical election process, including ballots and vote counting.

But no.

Instead, they follow a paperless, no-gadgets, no-fuss voting system that’s as simple as it is effective.

The candidates stand in front of the community.

Then, instead of marking ballots or pressing buttons, people simply walk up and stand in front of the candidate they support.

The longest line wins.

That’s it.

No vote manipulation, no recounts and no drama. 

It’s just a simple, transparent, and honest way of choosing their leader.

I couldn’t help but smile at the purity of this system.

It made me wonder.

What if elections everywhere were this simple?

No expensive campaigns and senseless dancing.

No political mudslinging.

Just people standing behind the leader they believe in, plain and simple.

Maybe we overcomplicate things.

And perhaps this was yet another lesson on our Mount Pinatubo tour.

Sometimes, the best way forward is the simplest one.

09:34 AM – The hike to the Mount Pinatubo view deck 

We were on our last ascent to the scenic view deck of Mount Pinatubo.

Even with the persistent rain, I was optimistic and excited to see the jaw-dropping lake on our Mount Pinatubo tour.

Some hikers, however, weren’t as relaxed or excited as I was.

To them, this wasn’t an adventure or an exciting Mount Pinatubo tour.

This was a disaster and a grueling, wet, and miserable test of endurance.

I understood.

Not everyone is used to hiking.

For some, this was their first time climbing a mountain in such conditions.

Still, I couldn’t help but think that complaining wouldn’t make the climb any easier.

At times like this, I remind people of one simple truth: some things are beyond our control.

And that’s what I love about traveling.

It humbles you.

It reminds you that humans are nothing but specks of dust in an infinite, ever-changing universe.

It shows you, with every unpredictable twist, that we are not the kings of this world.

If you talk to the guides and listen to their stories, a Mount Pinatubo tour will tell you that we aren’t the kings of this world.

Just ask the guides how they felt during the Mount Pinatubo eruption on June 15, 1991.

The catastrophic eruption lasted about nine hours.

That’s how long it took for Pinatubo to remind humanity who was in charge.

It was a catastrophe.

But here we were, climbing the mountain that once swallowed communities in ash and fire.

And that’s what I wanted the hikers to think about.

I wanted to tell them that beauty is born from catastrophe.

I wanted to tell them that wonder can rise from destruction.

And if they ever doubted that, all they had to do was reach the top, and see it for themselves.

07:15 AM: The bumpy ride to Toblerone Hills

Our Mount Pinatubo tour started with a bumpy closed 4×4 ride across a vast, almost alien-like terrain.

We passed by the dry riverbeds, jagged cliffs, and endless stretches of lahar that looked like the remnants of a forgotten world.

If I had to pick a filming location for a post-apocalyptic movie, this would be it.

And yet, I loved it.

There was something strangely beautiful about this desolate, ash-covered world.

The ride itself? 

Absolutely wild.

The jeep lurched, bounced, and tilted as we navigated rocky paths, sending us gripping whatever we could for dear life.

It’s one of my favorite Mount Pinatubo activities.

Then, we arrived at Toblerone Hills, a jaw-dropping, surreal landscape of sharp, triangular hills and ridges.

They looked like massive chocolate bars, which was the reason it was called Toblerone Hills.

It was, without a doubt, one of the most stunning sights of our Mount Pinatubo tour.

And the best part?

The weather was perfect, bright, clear, and promising.

It was like it was saying our Mount Pinatubo tour would be picture-perfect.

It almost felt too good to be true.

But I never trust perfect weather.

In a place like Mount Pinatubo, anything can change in an instant.

Still, we soaked in the beauty, snapped some photos, and lived in the moment.

Then, we hopped onto a different 4×4 jeep. 

This time, it was an open-air one.

And guess what?

It was even better than the first ride.

It was like being on a rollercoaster, except there were no safety bars.

And instead of screaming for fun, we were laughing and holding tightly to stay in the jeep.

The jeep lurched, bounced, and tilted as we navigated rocky paths, sending us gripping whatever we could for dear life.

Even better, the view of the otherworldly landscapes in Mt Pinatubo was completely unobstructed.

To me, this was the best part of the journey.

It was thrilling, exhilarating, and a reminder that sometimes, the journey is just as exciting as the destination.

Moments later, we arrived at the parking area, which was the final stop before we began our hike to the crater.

Then, we began our hike to Mount Pinatubo.

The trail was short, easy and flat.

Along we found multiple shacks, selling an array of refreshments, snacks, and souvenirs.

We also bumped into other tourists who seemed exhausted and hungry.

Everything was perfect, until I noticed a drop of water falling from the sky.

I just hoped the crater would still look stunning, despite the fog and rain.

11:00 AM: Going to the highlight of our Mount Pinatubo tour 

The anticipation was building up.

We had hiked through the rugged, rain-soaked paths, survived the bumpy rides, and embraced the unpredictable weather.

And now, we were here, standing at the rim of Mount Pinatubo’s crater.

This was the moment.

Even with the not-so-good weather, it was perfect in its own way.

For years, I had seen several Mount Pinatubo travel photos, highlighting the sapphire-blue lake and the dramatic cliffs. 

But seeing it in person?

It was breathtaking.

The crater of Mount Pinatubo was a masterpiece of nature, and a stunning contrast of serenity and destruction.

My niece was also amazed by the beauty of this volcano.

It was her dream to hike Mount Pinatubo, and her suggestion to explore this part of Luzon.

From the top, we made our way to the lake via the concrete stairway.

Along the way, we paused to snap photos of the crater lake.

With the unpredictable and foggy weather, I knew we wouldn’t get that iconic Mount Pinatubo picture.

But that was okay. 

Some experiences aren’t meant to be captured perfectly.

Some moments are just meant to be felt.

And besides, the journey, lessons, and feeling to be in one of the most iconic volcanoes in the Philippines were enough for me.

After a short hike, we arrived at the shoreline of the crater lake in Mt Pinatubo.

And the water was so clean, clear, and deep.

It was a vast, turquoise pool that was so still it looked like glass.

How could a catastrophe leave behind something so mesmerizing?

You’d never guess that this quiet, turquoise crater lake was born from chaos. 

You’d never think that this serene masterpiece was once a smoldering wound in the earth’s crust.

And then it hit me.

I am, like Mount Pinatubo, a beautiful disaster.

I mean.

We are all just like this Mount Pinatubo tour and mighty volcano.

Here’s the thing.

We go through hardships, pains, struggles, and life-changing disasters.

Sometimes, these disasters may seem hopeless and never-ending.

They give us hard times and days when we think the sun won’t rise again.

But in the end, these moments shape us.

They make us stronger, wiser, and better.

These disasters turn into something beautiful.

As I admired the massive lake and surrounding cliffs, I was reminded of my hardships.

I had endured loss, financial struggles, heartbreak, and uncertainty.

I had gone through storms I thought I’d never survive.

But like the resilient Aeta people in the aftermath of Mount Pinatubo eruption, I kept pushing forward.

And one day, after all the hardships, the sun finally came out.

Years ago, I couldn’t even afford a vacation or weekend getaway outside my hometown, Cebu.

Taking a Mount Pinatubo tour was actually a pipe-dream.

But somehow, through resilience and perseverance, I was here, standing at the edge of a crater that was born from destruction.

And soon, I realized something.

The journey to Mount Pinatubo felt endless. 

It was dusty, dry, unrelenting, and unpredictable.

But that’s the thing about disasters.

The path they carve is never easy.

Yet somehow, along the way, we find beauty, friendships, and unexpected joy.

And in the end, after all the chaos, we discover something far greater than what we imagined.

I thought I came here to hike a volcano.

Instead, I found myself walking through a lesson in destruction, resilience, and the strange way beauty emerges from chaos.

Where is Mount Pinatubo, Philippines located?

Mount Pinatubo is located on the island of Luzon, Philippines, in the Zambales mountain range, near the tripoint boundary of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga provinces. It is about 87 kilometers (54 miles) northwest of Manila.

Why is Mount Pinatubo famous?

Mt Pinatubo produced one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions of the 20th century. The explosion sent ash 40 kilometers into the sky, causing global cooling by about 0.5°C (0.9°F) for a year due to the massive amount of sulfur dioxide released.

How long is the Mount Pinatubo tour?

The Mount Pinatubo tour typically takes around 5 to 6 hours. This already includes the 4×4 jeep ride and hike to the crater. The starting point for this is Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.

Is the Mount Pinatubo tour worth it?

The Mount Pinatubo tour is 100% worth it, especially if you love adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and unique travel experiences.

How to avail the Mount Pinatubo tour?

There are many operators from Manila and Pampanga that offer Mount Pinatubo day tours. I recommend Tara Kahit Saan Travel Group, which was the operator of our Mount Pinatubo tour.

How much is the Mount Pinatubo tour?

The Mount Pinatubo tour will cost you around 2,800 to 3,000 PHP per person if you’re traveling from Manila. It’s an organized Mount Pinatubo tour that includes other joiners. There are also private tours for those who want to customize their Mount Pinatubo tour and travel at their own pace. However, it’s a more expensive option than joining an organized Mount Pinatubo day tour.