Mt. Pinatubo – The Adventure
We planned on taking a tour of Mt. Pinatubo. Unfortunately, you have to pre-register for this tour due to genius policies still lingering from the “pandemic”.
No problem.
We changed gears and went to Capas National Shrine commemorating the Bataan Death March and Camp O’Donnell.
Capas National Shrine
After viewing the magnificent monument and wall, make sure you check out the boxcar and the American section. That’s where the real history lesson begins.
There is a cement cross in the American section of Capas National Shrine that is only a replica. The real one is in the National P.O.W. Museum in Andersonville, Georgia.
How did it get there?
Well, it involves a former Camp O’Donnel POW and a few U.S. Navy SEALs.
Be sure to watch The Sack of Cement Cross: John Olson’s Last Military Campaign and read this article from the U.S. National Park Service. This article entitled Remembering Camp O’Donnell: From Shared Memories to Public History in the Philippines is a good read as well.
Mt. Pinatubo Prices and Info as of June 2022
- 1 Jeep = 4 PAX Max
- 6,300 PHP = $118.96 USD
- Arrive at 0430 (0600 LAST Departure)
- Photocopy of Vaccine Card
- Photocopy of ID Card
- Must Pre-Book 1 Day in Advance!
- Have ID card to leave with Air Force MP’s at the Gate
BRING:
- Backpack
- Water & Snacks
- Raincoat
- Wear hiking shoes but also bring water shoes / Crocs for the water crossings
Change of clothes for the ride home (showers are available near the tourism center for 50 PHP)
TIMES
- 1 Hour 45 MInute Bumpy / Dusty Ride in 4X4
- Rainy Season June to November: Hike 2 to 3 Hours
- Dry Season December to May: 15 to 45 Minute Hike
MEDICAL
- Over 40? They will check your blood pressure at the tourism office.
- Over 60? You MUST bring a medical certificate from a doctor.
