*Cross-posted from my Wordpress blog. It is almost the weekend and I am already dreaming of a weekend get-away. Where to go this time? Shoot the rapids again in Pagsanjan? Brave a trek on Taal Volcano under the summer heat? Or laze around Puerto Galera’s white beach? Unfortunately, I will have to content myself with dreaming and reliving past adventures and travels as I will be stuck in Metro Manila over the weekend. But for those itching to escape the city’s stifling heat, you can try experiencing a different heat at Hidden Valley Hot Springs in Alaminos, Laguna. I’ve always wanted to go there ever since I read an article in the now-defunct Colors Magazine. Last year, I finally got to visit with my meditation friends.
After painstaking research in Google to find the resort’s contact number and directions on how to get there, we set off to experience Hidden Valley’s delights. It was a 1 1/2 hour drive through South Superhighway and Laguna - I just can’t remember the exact route as I dozed off or blabbered for most of the drive. The resort itself is situated a few kilometers off the main road and is hidden behind a lush forest to give it a jungle feel. We had to pay 1,500 pesos at the entrance which already includes buffet lunch. The resort does not allow guests to bring food so we had to leave our home-cooked Indian vegetarian food in our vehicles. However, we managed to sneak them in as the resort didn’t have anything for our vegetarian friends (shhh don’t tell the resort ;))
We followed the gurgling sounds which brought us to the 3 main pools. From warmest, warmer, warm - we tried them and loved them all. I especially love just staying under the warm waterfall for a very relaxing back rub. We could’ve stayed in the warm pools for hours but other attractions beckoned.
After dropping off our bags on one of the cabanas, we headed to the “Hidden Falls.” On the way we saw this giant 100-year old tree. I felt in awe of its majesty, like I was just a tiny speck in comparison.
The hidden falls (picture at the top) awaited us after a few minutes of trekking and skipping over huge tree roots. The hidden falls was magical. It actually beckoned us to enjoy its cool waters but the resort guide said guests aren’t allowed to swim in this area. Too bad. We just watched and took photos of the kids from the neighboring barangay as they jumped from the top. Watching the kids brought Fr. Ferriols’ “Lundagin mo, beybeh” to mind.
Aside from the warm pools, Hidden Valley also boasts of a soda pool - according to the guide, the water in this pool tastes like soda; and a lovers’ pool located off the road and away from prying eyes. When we were there, the lovers’ pool was empty. Perhaps because it was more tempting to laze in the warm waters.
We left Hidden Valley’s relaxing warm waters at dusk with a promise to return. It was worth sharing bathroom space with naked Koreans and the blah buffet lunch. I shall indeed return. And maybe next time, I’ll visit with The Boy so we can verify the lovers’ pool’s claimed seclusion ;-).
The hidden falls (picture at the top) awaited us after a few minutes of trekking and skipping over huge tree roots. The hidden falls was magical. It actually beckoned us to enjoy its cool waters but the resort guide said guests aren’t allowed to swim in this area. Too bad. We just watched and took photos of the kids from the neighboring barangay as they jumped from the top. Watching the kids brought Fr. Ferriols’ “Lundagin mo, beybeh” to mind.
Aside from the warm pools, Hidden Valley also boasts of a soda pool - according to the guide, the water in this pool tastes like soda; and a lovers’ pool located off the road and away from prying eyes. When we were there, the lovers’ pool was empty. Perhaps because it was more tempting to laze in the warm waters.
We left Hidden Valley’s relaxing warm waters at dusk with a promise to return. It was worth sharing bathroom space with naked Koreans and the blah buffet lunch. I shall indeed return. And maybe next time, I’ll visit with The Boy so we can verify the lovers’ pool’s claimed seclusion ;-).
Contact information:
* Hidden Valley Hot Springs Alaminos, Laguna Tel: (+63 2) 840-4112
* Hidden Valley Hot Springs Alaminos, Laguna Tel: (+63 2) 840-4112
No comments:
Post a Comment