Nature’s resilience shines at Lake Mapanuepe, a serene haven nestled amidst the remnants of Mt Pinatubo’s tumultuous eruption in 1991. Regardless of its tragic previous, this rising tenting vacation spot in San Marcelino, Zambales, provides a tranquil retreat for nature lovers looking for solace amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Unveiling Lake Mapanuepe
Positioned simply south of Mt Pinatubo, Lake Mapanuepe boasts a picturesque setting with huge grazing lands, verdant hills adorned with towering agoho bushes, and the tranquil expanse of its namesake lake. Spanning 648 hectares with a most depth of 25 meters, this hidden gem stands as a testomony to nature’s artistry.
Earlier than the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, the world that’s now Lake Mapanuepe was house to a few thriving barangays – Decrease Aglao, Buhawen, and Pili – positioned inside the Mapanuepe Valley. The Mapanuepe and Marella rivers flowed freely by way of the valley, converging on the Sto Tomas River.
Nonetheless, the eruption and subsequent rains precipitated lahar and sediment to dam the Mapanuepe River, resulting in an increase in water ranges that submerged the whole valley. Solely the steeple of the Sta. Barbara Church, with its cross, stays seen above the floor, a solemn reminder of the settlement that lies beneath the serene waters of Lake Mapanuepe.
Journeying to Lake Mapanuepe
Whereas reaching Lake Mapanuepe requires a little bit of effort, the journey is nicely price it for adventurers craving an escape from the atypical.
DIY Commute
- Journey a Zambales-bound bus at Victory Liner (P500) and ask to be dropped off at San Marcelino, Zambales.
- Journey a bus to Olongapo. From the Olongapo Terminal, journey a jeep going to San Marcelino.
- From the San Marcelino Market, journey a jeep to Aglao. Just one journey per day (normally within the morning) and the identical jeep comes again within the afternoon. The schedule could change with out prior discover.
- From the Lake Mapanuepe View Deck port, journey an outrigger boat to the campsite (P350/boat as much as 5 pax).
Self Drive
- Off-road autos may also attain the Lake Mapanuepe campsite however must be guided by an area to securely cross the a number of streams to succeed in the tenting grounds. Some streams might be deep and impassable even with excessive clearance, and the locals know the perfect routes.
- Nonetheless which approach, guests ought to first go to Barangay Aglao in San Marcelino, Zambales the place guides might be acquired, and pay the environmental and entrance charges.
Be part of Group Excursions or arrange a Personal Tour
- The best approach is thru organized excursions, becoming a member of a bunch, or having a personal tour. For our go to, our van headed straight to the Lake Mapanuepe View Deck in Aglao and parked the van on the Barangay Corridor. From right here, we took a small outrigger boat to our campsite, which is simply a brief 15-minute journey. The daybreak boat journey was surreal as the nice and cozy glow crammed the sky, and the cool breeze embraced us as our boat minimize by way of the mist hovering over the nonetheless waters of the lake.
Embrace Lakeside Tenting
There have been already campers within the space who have been most likely having fun with the lengthy weekend sooner than us. Regardless of the numbers, the tenting space is huge sufficient to accommodate a whole lot of individuals. The campsite has 4 phases. We have been camped at Part 2, which was stated to be essentially the most scenic however may be crowded. It has loads of tree cowl near the lake.
Part 1 is rather a lot quieter and is positioned close to the stream and some communities of Aetas. Phases 3 and 4 have wider grasslands and open areas. The entire phases have bathrooms and bathe areas maintained by the Aetas. There are additionally some small shops in every part.
What to Do in Lake Mapanuepe
Lakeside Tenting
There is no such thing as a mobile community within the space, however currently, Part 2 has elective web entry accessible for P150 good for twenty-four hours, powered by Starlink. However I made a decision to not and simply loved the serenity of the place. Studying a ebook, strolling round, birding, chatting with my camp buddies for this journey, and having fun with the meals.
Automobile Tenting
I seen some automotive campers introduced additional creature comforts like larger tents, grills, and even showers/altering tents. I additionally noticed a number of campers bringing of their pets, each canine and feline. An exquisite place to allow them to run round and discover nature.
ATV and Biking
ATVs are additionally accessible for lease at Part 3 for a bit adrenaline rush. Some automotive campers additionally introduced bikes as the world is sweet for some gravel biking.
Boat Tour
For a further price, guests may also take a ship journey across the lake and go to the situation of the Sta Barbara church, the place a portion of its steeple might be seen protruding above the water close to the shores of Barangay Pili.
Nature Pictures
Nature photographers would benefit from the place. Dawn right here is classy, with the mountain peaks rendering lovely gradients within the morning and the lake reflecting the hues of the sky.
Within the night, with minimal mild air pollution, astrophotography is good if the situations are proper. It is usually doable to do hen pictures. Quite a lot of Brahminy kites within the space, and I photographed some striated grassbirds, medium egrets, and a Frequent kingfisher.
It’s additionally enjoyable to fly drones right here for some great panorama pictures. Simply watch out of the eagles and falcons within the space.
Important Info for Your Journey
Put together to your journey with these sensible suggestions and recommendations:
- The best method to Lake Mapanuepe is by way of the Lake Mapanuepe View Deck port, the place boats can take you to the campsite. It’s simple to seek out this location by way of Google Maps or Waze, and you may securely park your automobile close to the barangay corridor. The one draw back is you possibly can’t convey a few of your stuff or gear.
- If you’re taking a automobile, it is suggested to rent a information to guide you to a secure route alongside the river and stream crossing. Information charges can vary from P500–800 backwards and forwards. The in a single day automotive tenting price is P600/automotive.
- Deliver your tenting gear like tents, prepare dinner units, energy banks/turbines, and lights. There is no such thing as a electrical energy within the space.
- Deliver water and meals. There could also be some small shops there, however costs are nearly double since they must convey the provides in.
- No mobile community within the space, however WiFi is offered for P150/24-hour entry by way of Starlink.
- If you’re staying in a single day, safe your meals, trash baggage, and objects. Cattle freely graze the world, and at night time, could rummage by way of your trash or meals baggage.
- There are many bathrooms and bathe areas, very fundamental however they are going to do. There’s a P5 price for utilizing the bathroom and a P10 for the bathe. Pay Aeta to keep up the bathrooms and bathe areas.
- Swimming is just not advisable, as there could also be unsafe constructions or tree branches as a result of sunken settlement. There are spots designated for dips, just like the stream.
- Aeta distributors are roaming the world promoting memento objects. Some may promote Colassisi parrots and iguanas. Please don’t condone them by shopping for these animals.
- Please respect co-campers. By late evenings, tone down your noise and hold it inside your camp.
- Depart no hint. Do convey again what you introduced and hold the place clear.
Expertise the Magic of Lake Mapanuepe
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Lake Mapanuepe, the place nature’s resilience and wonder converge to create an unparalleled escape from the atypical. Embrace the tranquility, take pleasure in journey, and create lasting recollections amidst the wonders of San Marcelino, Zambales.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications corresponding to Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to varied organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Youngsters and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality pictures for his or her advertising supplies.
