After checking out from the Widus Hotel Resort, we prepared for another adventure, this time an off-road 4×4 ride to Puning Hot Springs in Angeles, Pampanga.
The breakfast buffet at the resort was wonderful, if only we had more time. But it was a busy day as we had another set of activities lined up for us.
Puning Hot Springs & Sand Spa
Sitio Target, Sapang Bato
Angeles City, Pampanga
Off Road Adventure to the Puning Hot Springs
4×4 vehicles welcomed us and it was cool to see a row of them displayed as if we got to choose which one we could drive. Of course, it didn’t matter which color we rode as we were but passengers of these open-air wheels.
We began the ride with the sun high up. It was a beautiful day to be outdoors and it was good that we applied sunscreen beforehand. Standing at the back where we were exposed, we needed the sun protection badly.
start of the off-road ride
raise your hands! | narrow paths
Passing through rocks and mountains and running over puddles of water, the view was just gorgeous! How surprising that a place like this was formed after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. This reminds me of Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove in Zambales which have also become products of the tragedy.
I couldn’t help but take a lot of pictures even if my other hand was holding on to the rails to maintain balance.
landscape
As you drive your way to the hot spring, you’ll see Aetas. You’ll also meet them in the resort as most of them work as employees. This is good because this helps give another source of livelihood to their community.
The off-road adventure lasted about 30 minutes, and I arrived at the Puning Hot Springs still amazed. I could see the steam from the nearby stream that I wondered if it was alright to dip my feet in the hot water. Suddenly a clip of Dante’s Peak flashed into mind that prevented me from doing so.
ThePinaySoloBackpacker solo shot
the Puning Hot Springs
I noticed there were many foreign tourists in the resort; mostly Koreans. Maybe it was just the timing, but I hope that more Filipinos get to see and experience the gem that is this natural spa.
The Puning Hot Springs has a total of eight pools of hot water ranging from 40 degrees and up. If you feel that the first pool is too hot, you can transfer to another pool; so there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Beautiful day
We took a dip in one of the pools located in the higher area and it took some time to get used to the temperature. When we did, it felt relaxing. Much more when I looked up and the weather was just perfect. If only we had more time to spare.
so relaxing
The Puning package costs 3,000 Php which includes buffet meals, the 4×4 ride from Garden Restaurant to the hot spring and back, entrance fees to the hot spring and use of the facilities, sand spa & mudpack, and a foot massage.
Lakbay Norte group shot (again) :p
We made the most of the remaining minutes in the hot spring before preparing for the next activity which was a sand spa and mudpack experience at the 2nd station.
Puning Hot Spring and Spa
Sitio Target, Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga
Contact Person: Shalimar Sunggod
Contact Number: +639193392795 (Please be patient in contacting them, the area has no mobile signal and they can usually can be reached only at night)
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***Lakbay Norte 3 is an eight-day Media familiarization bus tour organized by the North Philippine Visitors Bureau to Rediscover the North of Luzon, Philippines.
Check out my other Lakbay Norte 3 adventures here:
- Lakbay Norte 3: Rediscover the North
- Surfing at Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
- Quick Stop at Suba Sand Dunes in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
- Dawel River Cruise & Bangus Harvest in Dagupan, Pangasinan
- White Water Rafting at Chico River in Kalinga
- Paddleboarding in Paoay Lake, Ilocos Norte
- Off-Road 4×4 Adventure to Puning Hot Springs in Angeles, Pampanga
- Sand Spa & Mudpack at Puning Hot Springs in Angeles, Pampanga
- Sport Fishing at Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija
Food & Accommodation:
- The Manor Hotel in Baguio City
- Lunch at Kapuluan Vista Resort, Pagudpud
- Widus Resort and Casino Hotel in Clark, Pampanga
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soloflightEd.com is a travel blog by Edcel Suyo. He enjoys performing headstands and crazy stunts during his trips in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Now based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and working to earn a living, he takes time to enjoy the city and travel during weekends.
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Super like the "Pinaysolobackpacker" solo shot 🙂
I just find it amazing that something like this was developed after the devastating eruption in the 90s.
Woot another Lakbay Norte backlog 😛
@Oman: hahaha, will tell gael about your comment when i meet her. haha. onga, galing noh? 🙂
@Micamyx: dami pang backlog kelangan tapusin!
Off-road driving in an open-air car is fun – except for those following your car and eating your dust lol! Lalo na siguro kapag summer ano?
@Nomadic Pinoy: hahaha, yun din pala. dusty. ahahaha. dumidikit agad sa balat after putting sunscreen. haha
hahah! hindi nakatulong ang Dante's peak na yan. lol! akala ko papuntang Mt. Pinatubo lang. Ganyan din pala ang daan papuntang Puning. Kaso parang medyo may kamahalan ata. Worth it ba?
Korean talaga ang suki sa mga ganyan no? 40 degrees.. sisiw lang sa kanila. Para na kong manok nun. pwedeng balatan anytime..
@kura: yep, same same lang. lol (same same?) haha. yep daming mga turista na koreans dun, whole package na yun so ok na rin. medyo masaya lang kasi libre samin. hehe