Sandy beaches and breezy resorts aren’t the only draw in Botolan. Venture into the jungle to discover cascading waterfalls and picturesque natural swimming pools. Hiking Mount Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano topped with an enormous crater lake, is a bucket list experience for adventure seekers.
Things to do in Botolan
Escape to a laid-back resort in the beachside neighbourhood of Binuclutan. The best hotels are just steps from the beach, where you can sunbathe, swim and relax under the shade of palm trees. Visit between September and January to see Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Green turtles nesting on the shorelines. Find out more about the loveable marine animals at the turtle hatchery.
Hike up Mount Pinatubo and peer into a turquoise crater lake framed by steep rock walls and verdant jungle. Your adventure starts with a bumpy 4x4 ride to the base of Mount Pinatubo. From here, it’s a two-hour hike to the crater lake. Enjoy lunch on the rim before heading back down the mountain. As you walk, look for the Pinatubo volcano mice. The species is endemic to the area and amazingly survived the explosive eruption in the 1990s.
Hire a local guide and uncover hidden waterfalls and swimming holes hidden in the jungle. Bibig Impiyerno Falls plunges into a deep pool where you can swim and sunbathe on the rocks. Continue along the trail to Tukal Tukal Falls, a series of tiered waterfalls separated by crystalline pools.
Getting around Botolan
Taxis are a fast and affordable way to get around Botolan. Hire a private guide for the day or rent a scooter to explore the area at your own pace. The municipality is a four-hour drive from Manila and Quezon City. Brightly painted public minibuses called “jeepneys” are a good way to get around Botolan. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is a 4.5-hour drive away.