Aerial view of volcanic Lake Pinatubo and mountains, Porac, Philippines

© Amazing Aerial Agency/Offset by Shutterstoc

Are you older than this lake?

If you were born before summer 1991, the answer is yes. Before 30 years ago, Lake Pinatubo was just a rumble in Mount Pinatubo's magma-filled belly. But here, on the Philippines’ main island of Luzon, there was a calamitous eruption on 15 June 1991 - one of the 20th century's most powerful. It destroyed Pinatubo's original summit and formed a vast crater, which gradually filled with water as greenery reclaimed the summit.

Located about 50 miles from the Philippines' capital of Manila, the crater was a niche destination for hardy hikers, requiring days of travel to reach. More recently, a 4x4 road and tended hiking trail were added, reducing the rugged journey to a day trip.