Hot Springs in Dumaguete

As soon as we picked up our visiting relatives from the airport, we headed to Valencia to explore the hot springs. Hot springs bring us back to the 80's when my lola would take all of us to Pansol, Laguna for a dip in the restorative hot springs.

AS we drove up, we knew we were near because we could already see (and smell!) the sulphur rising from the rocks.

We didn't really know what to expect from the hot springs in Dumaguete as it's our first time. We were pleasantly surprised to find that we had the hot springs in Pulangbato (Red Rock), Valencia all to ourselves. It was just a small and simple set-up but breathtaking. The whole pool seems to be carved out of just one giant rock. The place was also really clean. The pool itself didn't have boiling hot water. The water from the 2 spouts were perfectly hot to make you want to stay under them forever. And as you sit there and bathe, all green mountains surround you and the gushing sound of water running over the big boulders of the river below provide the music. My kids didn't want to get out of the water anymore! Emilio, my 2 year old would battle with his Titos over the spot underneath the spout.

The environment is incredibly peaceful and totally not commercialized. I really pray it stays that way.

Our van driver is actually from here. He told us that this was actually one of the places most ravaged by Sendong. We had to walk up to the waterfalls as the roads were destroyed and they are still in the process of rebuilding. How I regretted having changed from my bathing suit down at the hot springs area! I wanted to plunge into the natural cold spring water of the falls. My brothers took the plunge and say it was all worth it.

I'll definitely be back to take the plunge!