The Pinay Solo Backpacker

The devastating eruption of Mt.Pinatubo in 1991 has killed many lives and destroyed thousands of livelihoods.  But it has also brought a handful of impressive outcomes for tourism purposes like redesigning the majestic Anawangin Cove, creating the stunning Pinatubo Lake, Lake Mapanuepe and the lesser known Puning Hot Spring.

Our group – Lakbay Norte 3, rushed to Sitio Puning in Porac, Pampanga from the base camp in Sitio Target in Sapang Bato.  The 4×4 jeep drove us through a wide stretch of deserted sandy lands fringed with gorges, motley of rocks, soaring lava formations, and dappled with unassuming Aeta villages. We followed a trail that swayed past streams, rock boulders and canyons before arriving at our destination – the Hot Spring of Puning.  It is by far, one of the most adventurous and scenic drives I’ve experienced in the country, the dreamy valley left us all in awe.

Puning Hot Spring has been developed for the convenience of tourists; pools in varied sizes have mushroomed over the years, paved alleys lead visitors into the hot spring pools and native open cottages now dapple the territory.  This improvement has provided jobs for the indigenous Aeta people, the original inhabitants of Pinatubo region.

After basking in Puning Hot Spring, where thermal waters originate from Mt.Pinatubo, we were then guided to the next base camp for an out-of-this-world spa experience.  We were covered by volcanic sands while lying down and the warm volcanic ashes penetrated our buried body.  After the relaxing volcanic spa, our whole body where then treated to a mudpack. Sulfur muds were applied all over our body and were left to harden for a couple of minutes before being washed off completely. It was refreshingly cool and my skin felt rejuvenated after washing up.

Indeed, the whole Puning Hot Spring experience; from the 4×4 adventure ride, to bathing in the hot spring and finally being pampered by the spa’s attentive professionals is a remarkable treat for us.

There are three ways to get to Puning Hot Spring Resort:

1. Avail the Puning Hot Spring package tour for Php 3,000 per pax which is inclusive of 4×4 jeep ride, buffet meal, entrance fee to the hot spring, sand steam, massage and mudpack.

Puning Hot Spring and Spa

Sitio Target, SapangBato AngelesCity, and Pampanga
Contact Person: Shalimar Sunggod
Phone Number: +639193392795
E-mail: puning_hotspring_spa@yahoo.com / puning_hotspring@yahoo.com

2. Hire a 4×4 jeep for about Php 1,500 to Puning Hot Spring

3. Trek from Sitio Target which may take roughly 1 hour.

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* Lakbay Norte 3 is an 8 day media familiarization tour of Northern Luzon Philippines organized by North Philippine Visitors Bureau in cooperation with Manila North Toll ways Corporation, Victory Liner, Mc Donalds, Petron and Universal Robina Corporation.

For Victory Liner Schedules, please visit Victory Liner’s website : http://www.victoryliner.com/schedules/

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*********************************************************************************************** About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina solo adventurer, a dream chaser and a student of life.  Her (mis) adventures are documented in this blog. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For advertisement, partnerships and sponsorship, click here. or email me at thepinaysolobackpacker(at)yahoo(dot)com. **********************************************************************************************

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