Mt. Pinatubo Sapang Uwak – Delta V | Travel Guide

April 14, 2020July 26, 2021 Rex Lim Lim BLOG, ITINERARY, TRANSIT PINAS, TRAVEL GUIDE

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Mt. Pinatubo is an active volcano is at the tri-point of three provinces, parts of it lies in Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. But the access point to Brgy. Sapang-Uwak is in Porac, Pampanga

Mt. Pinatubo (1760+MASL)
Sapang Uwak – Delta V Extended Dayhike
Major Jump-off Point: Brgy. Pidpid, Porac, Pampanga
Coordinates: 15°8’35″N, 120°20’54″E, 1468MASL
Days Required/Hours to Crater: 1-2days, 9-10hrs
Specs: Major Climb, 8/9, Trail Class 1-3

Table of Contents

Where is Mt. Pinatubo (Brgy. Sapang Uwak)

Porac, a hilly to mountainous town that lies at the foot of Mt. Pinatubo with rivers that are heavily silted from lahar flow, is the largest town in the province.

How To Get There

Via Commute:

Take any bus plying the Tarlac or any northbound route that passes by the Dau Terminal (php150.00+/-). From Dau Terminal, there are jeepneys going to Angeles that passes by SM Clark (php8.00+/-), alight at the SM Transportation Terminal where there are Jeepneys bound for Porac (php25.00+/-) and alight at Alviera then take another tricycle to Brgy. Sapang Uwak (php200.00+/- per trip). Alternately, there are also tricycles that can take you directly to Brgy. Sapang Uwak inside Alviera at a steeper price.
- Five Star Bus – Cubao/Pasay | (02) 853 4772
- Victory Liner – Caloocan/Cubao/Pasay |(02) 727 4688
- Genesis Bus – Cubao (02) 4211413 | Pasay (02) 8533115
- Dagupan Bus – (Pangasinan Bound) (02) 727-2330
- Partas Bus (Ilocos Bound) (02) 727 8278

Via Private Transportation:

Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) route and exit at Porac, Pampanga, turn right at the Alviera Land, then right again at the Tunnel then turn left until you reach the first check-point of Sapang Uwak.

Getting Around Porac, Pampanga

Main modes of transportation around Porac is by Jeepneys and Tricycles.

Hike Tips

Permits from the local municipality of Porac is needed before doing any hike in the mountains of Cabusilan Range. The municipal hall is located in Brgy. Poblacion wherein you also need to sign a waiver. Security is strictly observed as you will be passing by 2 military checkpoints that asks for your identification cards and permit to climb. (porac@municipalityofporac.com)
There are hardly any water sources in the Sapang Uwak Trail going to Mt. Mcdonald, No tree cover as well and prepare for the almost 17km long trek to the campsite. Start early before the sun catches up on you.

The Delta-V trail is the one with the most number of watersources and waterfalls (and hardest as well). But never attempt to take this route during the night, since river crossings and bouldering as such will be your only way out through this trail. Wear appropriate Hydro Hiking/Mesh shoes for a more comfortable trek.
If doing a day hike, make sure you have the necessary provisions for inclement weather conditions, emergency camps, and other unexpected circumstances such as accidents/injuries. A day hike will take you an average of 20hrs depending on the pacing of the team so be prepared accordingly.

There are four (4) known trails of Mt. Pinatubo, first is the most visited and easiest, the Sta. Juliana Jump-off point in Capas, Tarlac, Second is the Delta-V trail, third is the Sapang Uwak or CM50 Trail that is both located in Porac, Pampanga, and fourth, the Delta VIII is the recently explored trail coming from San Marcelino, Zambales.
Always practice the LNT (Leave No Trace) Principles, minimize impacts on the environment.
Please, always do your research, it’s better to be properly prepared than be surprised by some turn of the events. If you are reading this, high five!

Things to See in Porac, Pampanga

Miyamit Falls – The highest and grandest waterfall in Pampanga that lies at the foot of the infamous and active Pinatubo Volcano. Located in Brgy. Sapang Uwak, Porac, Pampanga
Mt. Negron – with its towering height and knife-edged ridges, this relatively undiscovered mountain is said to be home to wild boars and deers. Located in Brgy, Sapang-Uwak, Porac, Pampanga.
Mt. Siyang-Kabayo – Another newly opened peak in the Cabusilan Range, reaching this will take you on a half day trek to the savanna-like environs of Pampanga. Located in Brgy, Sapang-Uwak, Porac, Pampanga.
Alviera Sandbox Adventure Park – A newly opened outdoor park for the thrill seekers, activities include giant swings, ziplines, free fall activities, and ATV rides. Located in Alviera, Porac, Pampanga. (Email: info@alviera.ph/ Tel. Nos.: 0917-8033099 / (045) 4320014)
Darabulbul Falls – A small waterfall located in Jalung, Porac, Pampanga.
Sta. Catalina De Alejandria Parish Church – a Spanish-era Roman Catholic Church that was built in 1872. Located in Brgy. Poblacion, Porac, Pampanga.

Extend Your Trip

Puning Hot Spring – Located in Sitio Target, Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga. (E-mail: puning_hotspring@yahoo.com / (0919) 339-2795)

Itinerary and Expenses

Mt. Pinatubo (1760+MASL)
Sapang Uwak – Delta V Extended Dayhike

Day 00
0000 Depart from Manila

Day 01
0145 Arrival at Sapang Uwak Trail Head
0215 Start Trek
0600 Last Water Source
0730 Arrival at Mt. Mcdo Campsite, breakfast
0830 Resume trek
1100 Mt. Pinatubo Crater Summit (1468+MASL)
1140 Start Descent
1300 Patal Mai
1600 Pinatubo Twin Falls
1700 Apo Malyari Falls
1930 Bahay na Bato
2215 Delta V E-campsite

Day 02
0600 Resume Trek
0800 Aeta Tribal Settlement
0900 Mt. Dorst Junction to Sapang Uwak Trail
1000 Jump-off Point
1200 Porac, Pampanga, Tidy-up
1400 Bale Kapampangan, Late Lunch
1600 Back at Manila

Total Damage: 1,100.00php registration fee for the event organized by Sir Jherry Guiao (Reg. Fee comes with a free post climb buffet at Bale Capampangan!)

Fares and other expenses are not included in the itinerary since this is an organized tour, but are all included in this travel guide for your reference in case you’ll plan to do it the Do-It-Yourself way.