In Botolan, Zambales, the weather is warm and sunny, making it the perfect time for the exciting Mt. Pinatubo adventure! This month, Zambales officially started its Mt. Pinatubo adventure season, inviting visitors to come and see the famous “beautiful disaster.”
Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane said that the Botolan Tourism Office began accepting bookings for the Mt. Pinatubo tours starting January 13. This follows a test run of the tours on January 11 and a safety meeting with tour guides and drivers on January 6.
Mayor Ebdane explained that Mt. Pinatubo is a must-see because it is a place full of history. The volcano erupted in 1991, which changed not only the surrounding areas but also affected the global weather. “What was once dangerous is now peaceful, and what was once a disaster is now a beautiful place. We invite everyone to visit and experience it,” said the mayor.
The Mt. Pinatubo adventure tours run every year from January to May and are organized by the Botolan local government. Gennessy Villar, who leads the Botolan Tourism Office, said that the tours are a fun way to explore the area and learn about the history of the eruption.
The tour costs P1,950 and includes transportation in a 4×4 vehicle, a tour guide, an environmental fee, and access to fun spots like the creek swimming area, swimming pool, and shower rooms at Camp Kainomayan, the starting point of the tour.
What to Expect on the Tour
The adventure begins early at 6 a.m. from Camp Kainomayan, near the Bucao River. Visitors ride in 4×4 vehicles across rivers, sand dunes, and hills that were created by volcanic debris from the eruption. The drivers stop at special spots along the way so everyone can take pictures of the amazing landscape made of hardened volcanic ash.
The 4×4 ride lasts about two hours, and then visitors begin the trek to the volcano’s crater. The hike is about three kilometers long and takes about 45 minutes to complete. The trek is not too hard, and people ages 7 to 65 can join the hike.
At the top, trekkers can enjoy the beautiful view of the crater lake, take photos, rest, and even have lunch. Visitors can bring their own packed food. After spending some time at the summit, the group will return to the base at around 4 p.m.
There are no food stalls at the summit, but enterprising Ayta people set up food stands along the trail, selling snacks like hotdog sandwiches, buko (coconut) juice, coffee, and more.
A History of Pinatubo
Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption on June 15, 1991, was one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in the 20th century. It covered the nearby provinces with ash and other volcanic debris, causing major changes to the environment. Today, Pinatubo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, attracting over 500 visitors every week during the five-month adventure season.
