Amasya Guesthouse, Angeles City to Mt. Pinatubo in 4 easy steps!!! The trek to Mt. Pinatubo is one of the best trails in the Philippines. The scenery changes at every bend. The 4x4 jeepney ride is an adventure in itself as well. We want our guests to be able to maximize their trip here in Angeles City so we created this little guide. We appreciate any input for corrections or improvements.
***UPDATE*** As of Feb 2015, 4x4 jeeps can get a lot closer to the volcano crater. The walk to get to the crater is now around 20-30mins instead of the 2hours.
Wikitravel has some very good information but it does not have a time frame which is crucial. If you are traveling solo, you will save a lot of money by teaming up with other travelers that you meet.
1) 3:45am- Amasya Guesthouse (or Angeles City town proper) to Dau Bus Terminal. Tricycle will cost P150/ tricycle (max 3-4 persons). Jeepney (2 rides) will cost P16/ person. There are lots of fast food restaurants at the bus terminal where you can pick up some breakfast.
2) 4:30am- Dau bus terminal to Capas, Tarlac. Must depart Dau bus terminal by 04:30am. Find any bus north bound (Tarlac, Baguio,Urdaneta, Dagupan, Vigan etc.) that will pass by CAPAS, TARLAC. Get your ticket only until Capas, Tarlac only & ask the driver/ conductor to drop you off in front of McDonald's.
3) 5:00am- Arrive at Capas, Tarlac. Capas to Santa Juliana, Tarlac. Right by McDonalds, there are tricycles that will take you to Santa Juliana (tourist office). Tricycle ride is around 30-40 mins (24km). Last we heard the rate is P500 round trip (max 3 persons). Wikipedia says its P300 depending on your bargaining skills.
*Make sure they drop you off at Tourist Office because they will try to sell you the tour for more.
4) 06:00- Arrive at Santa Juliana, Tarlac. Tour start point. Must be at Santa Juliana by 6am for registration & briefing. Tourist Office opens at 5am & closes at 8am. We have had hostel guests not make the trip because they left the hostel at 7:30am.
Tour Costs (Standard rates as of late 2014):
P3,000/group 4x4 jeepney rental (max 5 persons)
P500/group Trail guide. Not really a tour guide because they don't really tell you anything except which way to go.
P450/person Fees
Bring your breakfast, lunch & plenty of water.
As of January 2015, after scouring all options- the cheapest rate we have found for Mt. Pinatubo is P2,050.00 for shared tours on Saturday. This tour starts from Dau bus terminal OR Manila & finishes at Dau Bus terminal OR Manila. Tour includes breakfast & lunch as well.
Amasya Guesthouse offers this shared tour every Saturday. Our tour starts from the hostel and finishes at Dau bus terminal OR Manila. Our price is P2,600 to cover administrative & transaction charges. Simply contact us for reservations or inquiries.
***UPDATE*** As of Feb 2015, 4x4 jeeps can get a lot closer to the volcano crater. The walk to get to the crater is now around 20-30mins instead of the 2hours.
What is the trail like?
- 7 km (4.35 miles) one way
- 300 m ascent from trail jump-off point
- Easy to moderate difficulty. Trail is fairly even but it is through rivers, rocks, boulders
- Unfortunately, swimming at the crater lake is not allowed
What to bring?
- Extra water. Your trail assistant carries the meals
- Comfortable trekking sandals
- Sunblock + hat + sunglasses
- Camera + batteries + ziplock for water protection
- Personal medicine, band aid
- Ballpen
- Dust mask/ towel
- Garbage bag
- Bug repellant
- Extra snacks
- Rain gear during rainy season
We hope this helps! :)
