Pinatubo volcano part 2

After negotiating the last 1 kilometer of shallow streams and rocky terrain, we arrived at the actual crater lake which was more developed, as evidenced by the stone steps above.

The crater lake offers a lot of sweeping scenic vistas, so it is extremely important to bring your camera (DSLR recommended)

And keep in mind that your activities here are limited as they no longer allow any form of water activities (e.g. swimming, boating). So just be content with taking beautiful photos of the scenery and your friends (they're beautiful as well)

A lot of groups (local and foreign) were seen having their photos taken with signs and banners they held.  I am assuming their signs stated that their group or barkada conquered Pinatubo or something like that.

Camping is apparently allowed here as I did not see signs prohibiting it. Shouting is not allowed as there was a sign prohibiting it.  The sign's explanation is that it loud noises cause soil erosion. Hmmm....Perhaps the effect is similar to those that cause an avalanche in snow areas?

there's a big hut at the edge of the lake where most visitors have lunch

the water looks refreshing, but remember...NO SWIMMING

No BOATING as well. Decommissioned boats

Pinoy packed lunch: fish or pork, rice, salted eggs, tomatoes, bananas

Our jeepney/4x4 tour guides included packed lunch in our package.  It is a typical Pinoy fish or pork-based lunch, so it may not be for everyone, especially non-Pinoys.  Perhaps when negotiating with the guides, you may ask to exclude the meal should you wish to bring your own.

After lunch, we just rested a bit before we hiked back 2PMish to our waiting rides. It was a little more difficult now as the return  trip was more uphill and the noontime sun was upon us.

The 4x4s will drop you off at the jump off point at Santa Juliana.  Here, there are some establishments that will take allow you to take a shower and change for a fee ($1.50 to $2.50) Do not expect much as these are just makeshift establishments.  After that, a jeepney took us back to the McDonald's at Capas where Manila-bound buses pass.  We were back in Manila by 7PM.

Overall, Pinatubo was an awesome experience that cost me only a total  of around $55 for the day trip. It is a trip you need to experience if ever you visit the Philippines.  However, you can cannot do this tour during the rainy season (June-November) as the rains wash out the trails. Heavy rains, which are quite common here, can cause flooding and mudslides making any trip quite risky and dangerous.