Botolan Things to Do

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Mount Pinatubo is an active volcano at the intersection of the borders of the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga in Luzon, the biggest island of the Philippines. Before the volcano's eruption in June 1991, ancestral Pinatubo looked just like an ordinary mountain covered with dense forest. It served as home to several thousand indigenous people known as the Aetas. They sought refuge in the mountains from the lowlands when the Spanish conquestadores came in 1565.

After causing what volcanologists and scientists consider the largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century, an extraordinarily beautiful crater lake was formed in the caldera. A pioneering group of mountaineers discovered it and soon, word spread around, until the local government and Department of tourism thought of promoting it as another site for eco-tourism. Soon, a Korean company initiated the development of a route other than that approved and endorsed by Phivolcs. Despite the controversy, many local and foreign tourists have come to "conquer" Mt. Pinatubo and bask in its beautiful surroundings.

Let the pictures speak for the place.

Swimming at the Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake is not recommended, BUT NOT PROHIBITED. Although there are warning signs that the crater lake has undetermined depth, and so swimming is not recommended, I saw many tourists taking a dip as soon as they arrived at the shore. Perhaps, after a long, dusty ride and tiring walk, it was most tempting to take a dip at the cool, blue waters. I was so envious, I wanted to just wade on the shallow water, but I remembered my sensitivity to sulphur so I just watched the tourists as they enjoyed swimming. I noticed some people even brought tents to serve as their "dressing room".

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There used to be open cottages made of indigenous materials for picnics at the Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake Park. Now, there are more stable and beautiful picnic cottages at the Park Grounds and at the Crater lake shore. We had our lunch at the cottage near the shore where the sight was breathtaking and the wind was so refreshing.

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Crater Boating is an exciting experience. You have to make arrangements and payments at the Pinatubo Spa Town beforehand if you'd like to go crater boating. (If you're joining a tour group, you have to inform your tour operator ahead, as crater boating is usually not part of the tour package.)

The boat can accommodate up to 7persons. It is manually operated by a skilled boatman who will bring tourists around the aquamarine-colored crater lake to see the four majestic mountain walls (the Zambales, Pampanga, Bamban and Capas walls) surrounding Mt. Pinatubo. (Note: Our guide said only the Capas wall is considered a safe entry point to Mount Pinatubo crater, while Zambales, Pampanga, and Bamban were considered risky because of their dangerous, steep terrain.)

The leisurely boat ride on the still waters takes a little more than 30 minutes. I didn't join the group that went crater boating, but those who did confirmed that the current was still (at least the path they took), the sights were awesome, and the wind was refreshingly cool.

When we went to Mt. Pinatubo, the boats were all new. The old ones were reportedly destroyed by the recent typhoon Ondoy. Our guide told us that the ones who made the new boats are the same ones who make the boats for Burnham Park of Baguio City.

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Upon arrival at the Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake Park, head for the Photo Den if you'd like to take good shots... Well, it's not really a den as you would normally associate with the word; it's more like a view deck where it's best to set up your tripod, or even have your own souvenir pictures with the crater lake as background.

There are two Photo Dens, and one elevated platform put up precisely to guide tourists on where the good angles of the crater lake can be shot. The elevated platform is the best position for the photographer taking group shots. See the difference in the photos.

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With the extension of the Skyway, trekking time was cut short. A wooden sign at the start of the trek trail has this inscription:

"Welcome to Mount Pinatubo
Your trek starts here
For: Young Age 15 Minutes
Middle Age 18 Minutes
Senior Citizen 20 Minutes
Where do you belong?"

The sign seemed to put undue pressure on us...but I tell you, if you intend to go up, don't feel pressured. To be realistic about it, not even a young trekker can truly finish the trail in 15 minutes, considering the terrain. Though it is not a steep climb, you have to cross streams with slippery stones, and there are also one-way paths... Besides,you can't help but stop to take pictures.

I reached the top in about 25 minutes, and I don't mind. I was ahead of the young ones despite my stopping many times to take pictures.

Your trail guide usually goes ahead of you, but even if you lose sight of him and your companions, you'll easily find and follow the course.

A lake was formed in the volcano's crater. Although some people dare to swim along the shore, swimming is generally discouraged for safety and health reasons. While it may look calm and inviting, the blue-green water has high sulfur content and strong current.

As an alternative activity, there is a paddle boat available at P250/pax (max of 3 pax) for a short boat trip on the lake. Again for safety, the boat ride covers only 25% of the lake as, according to the boatmen, the current towards the center of the lake is very strong.