The Hidden Valley Spring

A couple of minutes away from Villa Saturnina lies a secret location that not a lot of tourists (and even locals) know about. True to its name, the Hidden Valley Spring has remained a secret to me until very recently. My brother and I were just driving around, looking for a place to relax, when we stumbled upon this gem. It doesn't look like much from the highway, and we wouldn't have bothered to go down if the sun was a bit hotter or we were on the way to doing something important.

It's not much to look at, but a wonderful surprise awaits you.

Upon entry, the friendly "manong" will ask for a minimal entrance fee and ask if you would want to rent a cottage. He will then direct you a downhill trail that will lead to the spring. The short walk will only take a few minutes, and you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery while anticipating the cool waters that await you.

The stream itself is nothing fancy, and it looks a bit small from above. I remember looking at it and debating with myself if it's worth the bother. I can imagine dozens of "manangs" doing their laundry while chatting endlessly at the river bank. I was glad that I took the dip because it truly was an amazing experience.

The water is really cool and clean. You can actually see the bottom of the riverbed from above. The place is never crowded (we were the only ones there), and the dip can truly relax and rejuvinate you. There is a small "waterfalls" that adds novelty to the experience. The place is perfect for kids and grown ups alike. The kids can stay at the shallow portion at the top area, while the adults can take a swim at the deeper end.

Enjoy the cold water, or take a swim at the deeper end of the river.

If you have the luxury of spending the entire day at this place, you can bring food with you and use the grilling area near the cottages. This is a great picnic site, especially for those who enjoy the simplicity of nature. Night swimming is also allowed, but not recommended.

The Hidden Valley Spring is a few minutes away from Villa Saturnina.