Unleash Your Wanderlust: A Motorcycle Tour of Mt. Arayat!
Read Time:7 Minute, 21 Second
K Tyler
In 2012, while in Korea, I visited the Philippines and decided to explore the extinct stratovolcano Mt. Arayat in Angeles City, Pampanga. The mountain offers a thrilling adventure and things to do while in Angeles City, taking two to three hours of travel from Angeles City. Visitors can rent a motorcycle in Angeles City for $7 a day, including insurance. The mountain offers stunning views of the Pampanga River and Manila Bay, and the locals share stories and legends about the area. The bonds formed during the experience will stay with us forever.
Mt. Arayat, an extinct stratovolcano in Angeles City, Pampanga, is a thrilling motorcycle tour that offers a unique experience for travelers. The mountain is situated within the municipalities of Magalang and Arayat, Pampanga, and takes two to three hours to drive from Manila by public vehicle. To embark on this adventure, visitors can rent a motorcycle in Angeles City for $7 a day, including insurance. At the top, you can enjoy views of the entire municipality of Arayat and the Pampanga River. At one point, you can actually see Manila Bay bright and clear. The locals pointed out various intriguing rock formations and plant species along the way, sharing stories and legends about the volcano and the surrounding area. The bonds formed during the time on the volcano will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we left with a newfound appreciation for the warmth and kindness of the Filipino people. The lessons learned and connections made during our time on the volcano will stay with us forever, reminding us of the power of human connection and the beauty of stepping outside of our comfort zones.
An extinct stratovolcano rising to a height of 1,026 meters. The stratovolcano is situated within the municipalities of Magalang and Arayat, Pampanga. It takes two to three hours to drive from Manila by public vehicle. But why settle for public transportation when you can embark on a thrilling motorcycle tour of Mt. Arayat? Feel the wind in your hair as you navigate the winding roads leading up to the summit, taking in breathtaking views along the way. This adventure is difficult, but the sense of accomplishment and memories you’ll make are worth it. So, rev up your engine and unleash your wanderlust on this exciting journey! I have friends living in Magalang, Philippines. Every time I would visit, I would think about how lovely it would be to climb the mountain. On days that I would go running in the Pampanga province, the volcano would always be there as a backdrop.
One day, I decided to visit. I didn’t want to take a taxi because I was exploring and needed full control of my travel. I didn’t want to rent a car, not because of the cost, but because I simply disliked driving in that area. So, I searched for a motorcycle rental place off Walking Street in Angeles City. For a mere $7 a day, the price was reasonable, including insurance. I received my travel gear, then went shopping for travel food and travel accessories. I had to get a selphie stick, no doubt about it. We left Angeles City at about 6 a.m. We departed from our hotel and headed south, taking Sandra Ave. to Angeles, Porac. From there, we headed northeast on P. Santos St. toward Sandra Ave. We took a break in San Pablo, enjoying the fried chicken from a local fast-food restaurant. It was close to noon when we resumed our travels. The countryside was breath-taking, and the air was crisp and clean. The landscape was unlike Angeles City and unquestionably distinct from Manila. Every so often, we would stop, and I would have to take a photo of the marvelous sights that I was beholding with each passing mile. We reached the base of the volcano around 1:30 pm and decided to take a break and look for a guide to escort us to the top of the mountain. However, our luck was not as good as it was, and we found that the park was closed.
Unfazed, we continued our journey independently. Once we found the facilities and parked, we ran into a few locals who were willing to give us a “guided tour.” Despite the park’s closure, the friendly locals provided us with the opportunity to explore the volcano. They led us through secret paths and hidden trails that only natives knew about, enhancing our experience even more. As we ascended higher, the views became even more breathtaking, making us thankful that we didn’t let the setback stop us from continuing our adventure. At first, you’ll find the trail easy, but as you ascend, rocks, tree roots, and large trunks welcome you as you explore Mariang Sinukuan’s home. But in spite of the challenging road, the shade of trees and cool breeze make you feel refreshed. After 2 hours of trekking, there’s a small view deck where you can stop and start to admire the fascinating beauty of the town. You have two more hours to reach the top, where you can enjoy views of the entire municipality of Arayat and the Pampanga River. At one point, we could actually see Manila Bay bright and clear.
The locals pointed out various intriguing rock formations and plant species along the way, sharing stories and legends about the volcano and the surrounding area. Upon reaching the summit, a stunning panoramic view of the entire island and beyond greeted us. The sight of Manila Bay sparkling in the sunlight was truly magnificent, and we knew it was a moment we would never forget. The generosity and hospitality of the locals made our impromptu adventure all the more special, and we left feeling grateful for the unforgettable experience. We spent hours taking in the breathtaking scenery and snapping photos to preserve the memory. As we began our descent, the locals treated us to a traditional meal and shared more of their customs and traditions. The bonds we formed during our time on the volcano will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we left with a newfound appreciation for the warmth and kindness of the Filipino people. The experience was a reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of connecting with others, even across cultural boundaries.
The lessons we learned and the connections we made during our time on the volcano will stay with us forever. As we said our goodbyes and made our way back to the city, we couldn’t help but reflect on the impact this experience had on us. It was a reminder of the power of human connection and the beauty of stepping outside of our comfort zones. We knew that this trip had changed us in ways we couldn’t fully comprehend yet, but we were grateful for the opportunity to have had such a transformative experience.
The best way to travel is to rent a motorcycle in Angeles City for about $7 a day. Make sure you have your passport and driver’s license when you visit there. It’s also beneficial to document your bike before you leave, noting any physical defects, to ensure there are no issues upon return. Although I have never encountered this issue, it’s always advisable to be cautious. Overall, our trip to Mt. Ariat opened our eyes to new possibilities and perspectives. Renting a motorcycle allowed us to explore the city in a way we never could have imagined, giving us a sense of freedom and adventure. As we returned our bikes and prepared to head home, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memories we had created and the lessons we had learned along the way. The experience had truly changed us, and we knew that we would forever carry the spirit of Pampanga province with us wherever we went.
Do you need a license to rent a motorbike in Philippines?
It sounds quite obvious right? Well the thing is, that in order to ride any kind of motorbike in the Philippines, only a general driving license is required. So your regular driving license might be sufficient, even if it won’t permit you to ride a bike in your home country. Great news right?
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