Prized primarily because of the breathtaking, 2.5 km jewel-blue crater lake of the mountain in Botolan, Zambales via Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac; no tourist would ever pass the chance to take a dive in this swimming paradise. Especially now that this haven of peace is highlighted by an hour long drive on an all-weather expedition vehicle through a vast landscape of sand dunes followed later by a lush mountainous terrain and sprawling forests.
After the drive, the tour does not yet take you to the summit but to a trek that is worth every step you take. Breath-taking views and vivid sceneries of nature will surely mask your quickening breath as the blood now rushes through your body. This interplay of ambiance, nature’s pulchritude, and of course some good company will guarantee absolute enjoyment on the way to the top. And when one finally takes the last step to ultimately take ganders at the majestic crater; most can only do one thing at this first sight: pause and admire in awe at the beauty of nature.
No one really has to point out that it is certainly news that something that had wrought fear and destruction could turn into a tourist attraction. But what one has to note from the lesson this mountain now shares is that there should always be a second chance for beauty, peace or merely appreciation even just on the second look.