The Captivating Mt. Pinatubo Crater-Lake

Mt. Pinatubo Crater

It was April 12, 2009 when I first climbed Mt. Pinatubo. I blogged about the 4×4 ride first and on the same month. And finally, more than four months later, the Mount Pinatubo crater and lake itself.

Funny thing is, I led the group of 40 as their tour guide. I depended on my knowledge from research, online photos and briefing-orientation from the tour organizer back in Manila. Facilitating the group was a no-brainer actually since our private van driver already know the drop-off location. And from the Pinatubo Spa Town center, the 4×4 jeepney drivers took over.

Mt Pinatubo Activites

The 1-hour trip along the mountain ranges of the Pinatubo area on the 4×4 jeepneys were narrated here.

Upon reaching the stretch where the jeepneys can’t go, we started hiking.

We followed a stream up the mountains and overcame some boulders. We climbed a little more and viola! Just after 30 minutes of hiking, we’re atop the active Mt. Pinatubo volcano. We stood in amazement overseeing its majestic crater. The blue-green lake complemented the gray ash mountain-structures surrounding it under the cloudless blue sky.

Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

The scene was captivating. It was how the pictures told the story. No Photoshop, no need for editing.

We had to descend from atop the hill where we were overseeing the lake to go to the base camp. The crater-lake was not really that wide. Maybe just as big as two football fields.

Everyone was hesitant to swim at first, perhaps due to the piercing heat of the noontime sun.

We had our lunch first under the trees.

Mt Pinatubo Volcano

Later on, some tried swimming. I read online that the sulfur content of the lake water may cause some skin problems for the delicate-skinned. I’m not sure, the idea and articles had their own critics and counter arguments.

Anyhow, generally everyone enjoyed. Mostly through taking their awesome photos; some just because of the company they are with.

By about 2pm, we headed back to where the 4×4 jeeps were parked.

Mount Pinatubo Swimming

But of course, not without group pictures first.

The jeepney ride on the way back was just as dusty but we stopped over one primitive community to socialize for a while (*naks).

Sago bades goodbye to Mt. Pinatubo

And back at the Pinatubo Spa Town, the shower was greatly appreciated and capped with a glass of the town’s local halo-halo for merienda.

Indeed, Mt. Pinatubo’s crater-lake was a sight that will leave a visitor captivated.

Tags: crater, lake, Mount Pinatubo, Mt Pinatubo swimming, Mt. Pinatubo, Pinatubo Spa Town