Summer is here! Thanks to the hundreds of beaches in our country, we can escape the heat and swim in the open seas after only a few hours’ drive from the city. In addition to sunbathing in stunning shorelines, one unique activity you can also try this summer is visiting the Philippines’ natural hot springs!
Going to a hot spring may not be at the top of one’s mind given that the weather is already hot, but dipping in a pool of hot water is calming and rejuvenating and it leaves you feeling refreshed! Imagine lounging in a Jacuzzi, but instead of some tub, you’re within the heart of Mother Nature. Interested?
Here are some natural hot spring resorts near Metro Manila you can check out!
1. Hidden Valley Springs
Address: Brgy. Perez, Calauan, Laguna
Price range: PhP2,200 to PhP30,000
See Mother Nature at its finest when you bathe at Hidden Valley Springs.
Images: Left, @irisfigs; Right, @lifesourtrip
Situated between Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw, Hidden Valley Springs is home to six natural hot springs that were the result of a volcanic upheaval some 300 years ago. Its interesting history aside, bathing into one of these hot springs while surrounded with lush greeneries and rich foliage will truly make you forget Manila and all its urban chaos. Aside from its natural hot springs, Hidden Valley Springs also offers accommodation options and other activities such as mountain biking and golf to make your stay worthwhile.
2. Puning Hot Spring & Restaurant
Address: Sitio Target, Barangay Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga
Rate: Day tour starts at PhP3,500
Try Puning Hot Spring’s sand spa and bathe in their hot spring with a view.
Images: Left, Gary Rafol; Right, Bessie Maniago
If you’re looking for more than just hot springs, you might find Puning Hot Spring & Restaurant in Pampanga worth the drive. Aside from their 15 hot springs with varying temperatures, they are also known for their spa services where one can be buried in warm volcanic sand and enjoy a mud mask made of sulfur. Before or after you enjoy their relaxing spa activities, you can also try other activities that they offer, such as a rough ride in a 4x4 jeepney or a visit to a local Aeta village to interact with the tribe.
3. Manleluag Hot Spring
Address: Brgy. Malabobo, Mangatarem Pangasinan
Entrance fee: PhP50
Roam around Manleluag Spring National Park before dipping into their hot spring.
Images: Left, Trisha Mae Burgo; Right, @lewishrosete1
Manleluag Hot Spring may seem like a usual hot spring, but what makes it different is it’s actually a protected landscape. Officially called The Manleluag Spring National Park, it has a total land area of 1,935.17 hectares and is home to over 90 bird species, including the Philippine Frogmouth and the Philippine hanging parrot. The hot springs are of course the main attraction. The water, which courses through a small cemented pool, is produced by the extinct volcano of Mt. Malabobo. Manleluag Hot Spring has three pools; you can choose which one to relax in depending on the temperature you’re comfortable with.
4. Asin Hot Spring
Address: Barangay Nangalisan, Tuba in Benguet
Fees: Entrance fee, PhP90 for adults and PhP40 for kids; Picnic tables cost PhP150
Balance Baguio’s cold weather with the warm waters of Asin Hot Spring.
Image: @in78o
If you’re heading to Baguio this summer, you can also add Asin Hot Spring to your itinerary. The hot spring resort is located outside the town proper of Baguio and may require a long drive. But once you make it to the resort, you’ll be welcomed by a humble facility perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Asin Hot Spring has a huge lap pool for a casual swim but it also has mini pools with hot spring water for those who crave relaxation. There are also small stone tubs good for one or two if you just want to be alone with your thoughts while enjoying the warm water.
5. Laguna Hot Spring
Address: 315 Purok 3 Barangay Pansol, 4027 Calamba, Laguna
Fees:
Entrance fee: PhP80 to PhP100
Cottages: PhP200 to PhP600
Accommodation: PhP900 to PhP2,600
Laguna Hot Springs’ water is brown due to the sand at the bottom.
Image: Melanie Basqueña
Laguna Hot Spring, one of the oldest hot spring facilities in the country, has been welcoming visitors for 69 years now. It is famous for its mineral-rich water that is said to heal ailments. It is also said to soothe muscles, improve blood circulation, and even help in rheumatism and arthritis. Aside from the hot springs, Laguna Hot Spring also has other facilities and accommodation for those who want to stay overnight.
6. Dona Jovita Garden Resort
Address: Km. 57 National Highway, Brgy. Bagong Kalsada, Calamba City, Laguna
Rates: PhP2,500 to PhP15,000
Bathe in a hot spring and enjoy the facilities of Dona Jovita Garden Resort.
Image: Dona Jovita Garden Resort Facebook
If you prefer developed facilities and being surrounded by Mother Nature is not your thing, you might find Dona Jovita Garden Resort a nice change from the usual hot spring spots. Dona Jovita Garden Resort has nine swimming pools, one of which is a hot spring. They also have two “settings” or type of accommodation for their guests: the Garden Getaway and the Mediterranean Escape. The former offers a more relaxed accommodation with its fan rooms and picnic huts, while the latter has hotel-like accommodations and dorm rooms for big groups.
Bonus Item: I’m Onsen Spa
Rates: PhP1,700 to PhP4,350
No need to travel far if you need a quick calming hot spring break.
Image: I’M Onsen Spa Facebook Page
Although it’s technically not a hot spring, I’M Onsen Spa is a great quick escape for those who want the rejuvenating effects of hot springs but cannot travel outside Manila. I’M Onsen Spa, located inside I’M Hotel, offers spacious facilities and a wide array of spa services that ranges from massages to scrubs and even facials.
I’M Onsen Spa is also well known for its onsen bath. You can choose to bathe in either the carbon dioxide bath which lets you detoxify or the mineralized bath which helps dissolve excess oils in the body. Through special technology, the spa can mimic the mineral composition of hot springs in Japan thus giving guests an authentic geothermal hot spring experience.
This summer, get away from the chaos and noise in beaches and relax your aching muscles at these hot springs. Let us know on the comments section which one you will visit first.
Check out our list of Hot Spring Resorts in Metro Manila or browse the Popular Getaways category of the Yoorekka Magazine.
