Fan of the James Cameron film Avatar?

Then you might just enjoy hiking the Tutulari Avatar Gorge, a natural landscape in Porac, Pampanga being likened by the Indigenous Peoples group Aetas to the highest-grossing Hollywood film of all time. 

The story of the discovery of Avatar Gorge is very telling of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the successful Avatar franchise about to hit cinemas in December.

Named after the Kapampangan word “tutulu,” meaning, “dripping,” Tutulari was discovered only three years ago by the Aetas during the pandemic. Locked down in their area and unable to go anywhere during the pandemic, the Aetas and other locals began exploring the mountains, and this was how they stumbled upon the gorge.

According to the Aetas and to other locals, the unworldly gorge that resembles the fantastical world of Avatar was formed by lava during the Mount Pinatubo eruption of the ‘90s. The lava cut through the mountain before dripping down in the ravine below.

Through the years, after the eruption that has been dubbed as among the most explosive volcanic eruptions in history, the lava’s passageway dried up. The volcanic ash then became a fertilizer for the dried lava passageway to become fertile ground for trees, shrubs, moss, insects and other flora and fauna — turning into a gorgeous gorge with a landscape unparalleled anywhere in the Philippines, and definitely unique anywhere in the world.

After the Aetas discovered the gorge around three years ago, adventurers from all over the world have started to trek the gorge, with local Aetas as guides. Today, many organized tours and travel operators offer a side trip to the gorge. 

Although the gorge spans to around 3.5 kilometers, it is an easy trek for people of all ages — including children and the elderly. There are also several Aetas stationed outside the gorge to serve as guides and to provide refreshments and assistance. No special gear is needed to finish the gorge from end to end, although it entails a lot of climbing through boulders, so a pair of non-slip sandals or rubber shoes is advised.

Along the way, trekkers would be treated to a cool rainforest ambience courtesy of the many plants and moss. There are also occasional sightings of butterflies and monkeys, although monkeys usually stay above the gorge and one can only hear their sounds along with other animals. There are no big animals that roam around in the gorge. The canopy of trees diffuse the light entering the gorge into a spectacle.

Be warned though: You need plenty of phone memory to take photos of the many naturally sculpted backdrops and the main highlight — a natural stone platform where you can roar and seemingly look over the pride lands like Simba and Mufasa in Lion King.

Unfortunately, the gorge is usually closed during the rainy season as it also turns into a canal for rainwater from the mountains, so the best time to visit is during summer.