Mt. Pinatubo Trekking
Apart from the trekking activity, the sought-after attraction in the now-dormant volcano, Mt. Pinatubo, is its crater. To get there, students ride a 4×4 jeep towards the jump-off point and then hike for 1-2 hours to arrive at the crater. In the past, tourists were allowed to set up camp and take a dip in the emerald waters of the crater. However, due to safety precautions, these activities were disallowed to the public. Despite this, the view of the crater is still a fulfilling reward after an arduous climb.
HERE’S THE ITINERARY FOR THE MT. PINATUBO WEEKEND TRIP:
| 01:30 AM | Depart from MONOL |
| 05:30 AM | Arrive in Capas, Tarlac base camp Meet tour guide, orientation Board 4×4 vehicles |
| 08:30 AM | Arrive in jump-off point for trekking Relax, take photos, lunch |
| 11:30 AM | Start return trek |
| 01:30 PM | Board 4×4 vehicles |
| 02:30 PM | Arrive at base camp |
| 03:00 PM | Travel back to Baguio |
Shuttle bus fee: PHP 600
Other fees:
– Tour cost: PHP 2000 per person
What to prepare
– Drinking water and snacks
– Packed lunch
**These trips have hiking involved. As much as possible, try to do some exercises before the trip to prepare your body for physical activity. Also, Mt. Ulap and Mt. Pinatubo are usually closed to tourists during the rainy season. As a safety precaution, these trips are only offered during the dry season, which is from November to May.
Mt. Ulap Trekking
Aside from the mountain ranges surrounding Baguio, there are other peaks around the city that students can explore. In Benguet, one of the popular mountains for a good day hike is Mt. Ulap. It takes 3-4 hours going up to the famously picturesque Gungal Rock and about the same time going down.
HERE’S THE ITINERARY FOR THE MT. ULAP WEEKEND TRIP:
| 06:30 AM | Depart from Monol |
| 07:30 AM | Arrive in Ampucao Barangay Hall for registration and securing tour guides |
| 08:00 AM | Start trek |
| 10:30 AM | Arrive in Gungol Rock |
| 11:30 AM | Arrive in Mt. Ulap summit |
| 12:00 NN | Rest and eat lunch |
| 01:00 PM | Start descent to Sta. Fe Exit point |
| 03:00 PM | Arrive in Sta. Fe Exit point / Travel back to Baguio |
Shuttle bus fee: PHP 200
Other fees:
– Registration fee: PHP 100 per person
– Tour guide fee: PHP 200 per person (1 guide is good for 4-5 persons)
What to prepare:
– Hiking clothes/gear/shoes
– Drinking water and snacks
– Packed lunch
