Journey report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles
A month earlier, I’d requested LFC Journey and Excursions (Fb and Instagram solely) so as to add me to a “Joiners Tour” of their day journey to Mt. Pinatubo.
Becoming a member of a gaggle on the journey makes it a lot cheaper than reserving privately. And extra enjoyable.
I’d despatched in passport and a health care provider’s letter confirming my well being — however LFC nonetheless couldn’t put me on Pinatubo.
Who is aware of why? In my thoughts, simply one other instance of how so many issues don’t work within the Philippines.
LFC provided me an alternate for the subsequent day ➙ Aw-Asen Falls at 142 ft (43 meters).
I signed on, nonetheless irked that it wasn’t Pinatubo.
Hikers are picked up in the midst of the evening in a Hiace van.
Delivered to the car parking zone very first thing within the morning. About 5 hours of not sleeping / dozing for me coming from Clark. It’s about 8 hours from Manila!
Switched to the worst doable automobile for the ultimate 17km to the trailhead ➙ an underpowered Jeepney with not a lot suspension.
I used to be shocked to see a few hundred hikers out right here on a Sunday morning.
I’d say 80% had been ladies. Largely younger ladies.
It’s not a protracted hike. BUT there are 919 stone steps up and 919 down. 😀
First you cross 2 suspension bridges.
YES, Filipinos love a photograph op.
We marched by some paddies.
Reaching the Falls, individuals relaxed for a few hours. We’d all arrived early within the day.
Drones are allowed. So there may be loads of footage on YouTube. And much more on TikTok.
Click on PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
The spotlight for me was floating on a bamboo raft within the mist.
I’m fairly certain this man may rope tow me from Peru to the Polynesian Islands. IF he had a protracted sufficient, gentle sufficient, rope.
Click on PLAY to look at me on a raft, rescuing a hat, or watch it on YouTube.
Right here’s our group. I solely noticed one different foreigner on the Falls. This hike appears to be fairly unknown exterior the nation. It’s not even on AllTrails.
On the return drive, we stopped for sundown at San Juan, La Union, a famed surfer seaside. Constant intermediate high quality waves make it preferrred for newbies.
Mebuyan’s Vessel, an homage to the Bagobo goddess of the underworld, is an set up of 21 interconnected, inhabitable pods.
Signage mentioned it may very well be climbed — however it was inexplicably closed. I have to be within the Philippines.
A great journey, all in all.
Loads of evening driving, nevertheless. These coming from Manila bought little or no sleep 2 nights in a row.
