Our 4 x 4 vehicle thudded along the scorched gravel road, forcefully freewheeling its way over the uneven terrain. The landscape was a sea of sunburned land and hills of towering ash set against a backdrop of a perfect blue sky.
I held on to the railings of the open-sided vehicle, torn between the desire to take photographs of the stunning scenery and the pressing need to hold on to something steady lest I be tossed from the jeep with one jolting movement.
We were on our way to Puning Hot Springs, a spa resort at the edge of Sapang Bato in Angeles, Pampanga. Save for a few stretches of paved road near one of the spa areas, most of the route is vast desert-like land, rugged canyons carved from lahar and shallow streams foggy with steam. The 4 x 4 jeep deftly navigated between canyons, cut a blazing path through the streams and was tossed heedlessly behind swirls of water.
The coolness within the ravine soon gave way to a blindingly bright sky and strange rock formations spewed by Mt. Pinatubo during its eruption two decades past.
Carved from the wrath of one of the world’s most infamous volcanic eruptions, Puning Hot Spring offers an exciting and different spa experience. Visitors defy the rough terrain just to soak in the hot spring on the foothills of the mountain.
Read the rest of this article in Sunday Inquirer Magazine.
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP:
Additional photos taken by Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero.com and Ivan B. for Ivan about Town.
Package tours to Puning costs P3,000 per person (minimum of 2) which includes a local guide, 4×4 Rental, Hot Spring Entrance, Sand Spa, Mudpack, Buffet Lunch & foot massage. Puning Hot Spring. Sitio Target, Sapang Bato, Angeles City. Tel: (045) 4990629, (0920) 8664246 & (0919) 3392795; (0917) 5360618 – Korean.
i would love to hike this minsan! 🙂
This looks like a good time!! My family always goes out of our way to get to hot springs but not like this! 🙂
Ok din siguro i-motor or i-bike 🙂 Though I don’t think kakayanin to ng scooter ko :p
Yes, it was the most unique hot springs/spa experience I’ve ever tried. You blog about beer! That’s also a special interest of mine whenever I travel 🙂 Will be checking out your posts. Thanks for visiting my site!
Kailangan po ba talaga pag pupunta jan i-avail yung package na 3k minimum of 2? pano kung gusto lang namin ung 4×4 ride at hotspring.. bale 1st and 3rd station lang po. pwede po ba un? how much!?
Hello Mae, the last time I was there was 2012 and the rates could have changed. Please get in touch directly with the resort for inquiries. The numbers are there at the bottom of the post.
The place looks remarkable! When you were there, how was their hot spring? I am actually into hot springs. But I have only tried two which were in Hidden Valley Laguna and Camiguin. Wish to go to Puning someday too. This definitely looks worthy to go to! Thanks for the information on the Package tours. Hope their prices didn’t increase though. By the way can you stay there overnight or is there any nearby hotel there?
Hi RR. It’s been a while since I visited so rates may have changed. The hot springs were extremely hot when I visited, but it was a fun experience. You can inquire directly at 0919-3392795 or Puning’s Hot Springs Facebook page regarding overnight stays.
My friends and I are starting to plan out when to go. Thank you very much for these info Kara. These really helped!