Hidden Valley Springs in Alaminos, Laguna
Nature’s Paradise. These words are the easiest way of describing what you’ll get once you visit Hidden Valley Springs in Alaminos, Laguna.
SODA POOL. One of Hidden Valley Springs’ most endearing springs: the Soda Pool. Rumor has it you need only add a spoonful of sugar to a glass of water taken from this pool to have yourself a glass of Sprite.
One look at their brochure and you’ll instantly get what Hidden Valley is all about. It’s situated in between two of Laguna’s most famous mountains: Mount Banahaw and Mount Makiling. Spanning 110 acres, it’s a tropical forest that has three aptly-named spring pool areas, a majestic waterfall tucked away in the middle of the resort, and so much greenery that you’d find it difficult NOT to relax.
CLASSY ROOMS. Rooms at Hidden Valley still reflect how Filipinos used to live in the old days, but they’ve been touched up to be in tune with the times.
Hidden Valley Springs has been around for almost 70 years, and has been kept pretty much the same way, save for a few revamps to its rooms and facilities. The pools have been kept mostly the same way since it opened, with only a few cosmetic changes to make them a bit more accommodating.
WARM POOLS. These “triple decker pools” are known as the warm pools. They’re the first pools you’ll see once you get past the entrance of Hidden Valley.
The three spring pool areas at Hidden Valley Springs, however, are the true stars of the show. These natural spring pools have been featured in many TV shows and travel documentaries that it’s hard for you not to recognize some of them.
PRIVACY. That’s what Hidden Valley’s Lovers Pool provides its guests. There’s even a pair of lounge chairs reserved for couples.
One of the most striking ones by far is the Soda Pool, so-called because according to some people who have visited the resort, all it needs is sugar for it to taste like Sprite; a bit more food coloring and it becomes Coke.
THE FALLEN. One of Hidden Valley’s oldest trees, this one was struck down during Typhoon Glenda. Its trunk now serves as a pathway to what comes next.
CAPTIVATING BEAUTY. It wouldn’t be Hidden Valley without a trip to its hidden falls. Sadly, no one is allowed to swim underneath the falls, but you can still “test out the waters” by dipping your feet into its runoff.
Another feature unique to Hidden Valley Springs, apart from its pools and hidden falls, are century-old trees that stand to this day. One of the trees serves as a pathway to the hidden falls after it fell during the wrath of Typhoon Glenda (international name Rammasun).
THE DINING HALL. After a few minutes of trekking to the hidden falls or enjoying the many pools, a sit-down buffet lunch (or dinner) awaits you at their dining hall.
Families with kids will enjoy Hidden Valley not for its activities but more for its pools and the sprawling grounds that your kids will love. Weary businessmen will love the place because of how much you can be disconnected from the busy city thanks to its location.
Wi-Fi and mobile phone service aren’t the strong points of Hidden Valley, nor should it be. It’s a paradise tucked in between two mountains, and is a place for you to relax and get away from all that work.
If you’re looking to stay in a place that’s full to the brim with nature and can give you nothing but relaxation, then Hidden Valley Springs is the place for you.
Details:
Address: Resort – Alaminos, Laguna
Reservations office – G/F, Cattleya Gardens, 111 Carlos Palanca Jr. St., Legaspi Village, Makati
Contact numbers: 02-818-4034 / 02-840-4114 to 14 / 0917-566-1485
Overnight stays: Check-in – 2 pm, Check-out – 12:00 nn
Day Tour: 8 am – 5 pm
Entrance Fee: Php 2,500 per head; (Seniors/PWDs/Students get a 20% discount)
For our full feature on Hidden Valley Springs, get a copy of Philippine Primer’s Japanese Magazine or watch out for it on our English Magazine.
Written by Andronico Del Rosario
