Showing posts with label waterfall near manila. Show all posts
Showing posts with label waterfall near manila. Show all posts

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Hidden Valley Springs Resort- Expensive Nature Tripping

After more than 2 decades of hearing about Hidden Valley Springs Resort, I finally decided to go on a day tour on Black Saturday and I brought my mother with me.

It was less than two hour drive from Paranaque. The location of the resort can be daunting without a GPS navigator. It was located in the middle of a forest like area and was far from the main road. The good thing was the roads were all paved making driving smooth. Only in the last stretch  that it got rough and partially cemented. We entered the gated resort and paid at the guard. Our change and receipt were to be given at the reception area. At Php2200 per head, this was an expensive day tour.

 
Though the staff at the reception area were nice, none of them briefed us on the facilities, house rules and other small welcoming chat. A few steps from the reception, there was a kiosk where a staff is giving out free gulaman. Coconut trees abound and surely they can offer fresh buko juice which is more refreshing than sugar laced gulaman.

 Though you are only allowed to bring in water, they dont search your bag and the brave one can sneak in chips and some energy bars just be responsible to dispose wrappers properly.  It was a long walk from the reception to the dining area to the locker room.

When you reach the locker room, you can opt to rent a locker for P500 which is fully refundable (just dont lose the key and damage the locker). (There are gazebos, tables and chairs which you can use but if nobody will look out for your things, better to get a locker)  The shower and locker room is clean and quite spacious. The locker can accommodate 2 medium sports bags.

The main warm pool can be reached by series of stairs downward. This main pool consists of 3 basins. Water temperature in all 3 basins are just right, not too cold and not too warm. The depth in the middle pool is about 5 to 6 feet while 3-4 feet in the lowest pool. Water is naturally flowing and is clear. There is no smell of chlorine which is good.

main warm pool

Away from the main pool is the Soda pool which is surrounded by tall trees. Water is warm but quite deep. About 20 meters away is the Lover's pool. The path to this pool is also cemented but downward. This is much secluded for those who want to be away from the crowd.
Soda pool

About 20 minute walk through the forest and bamboo pathway is a hidden waterfalls.




The falls is gorgeous and basin is shallow. Unlike other waterfalls we have been to which have cold waters, water here is warm. You can walk barefooted and feel the sand at your feet.


 There are boulders and lush vegetation in the area.


There is also a male staff  stationed at the waterfalls to oversee the guests.


Pros
-close to nature, quiet , very relaxing, well maintained resort
-pools have clean surroundings, warm water , depth is appropriate
-ample parking area
-senior citizen card is accepted
-polite staff 
-shower area is clean and air conditioned
-dining area is spacious and airy; dinner wares and tablecloth are clean
-male staff overseeing each pool area and at the waterfalls
-trek to the falls and the waterfalls itself is gorgeous

Cons
-Resort fee is expensive

-There is no added value at the reception area except staff giving your change and receipt.
-No map of the resort or map in the resort. Management could either give out flyer or install maps in strategic  areas to let guests know they are
-Long queue at the buffet table. This resort has been in the business for so long and yet management & staff dont see the predicament of the guests during lunch time. They could have made two lines at both sides of the buffet table to shorten the waiting time.
-Food is bland and nothing special. Dishes are ordinary. Management should try to taste the food they serve
-There was no improvement in the dishes as we overheard from a second timer.
-Tissue rolls at the toilet are not replenished on time
-Staff manning the pools are quite stiff; they could be a little "warmer" when talking to guests or when giving directions

Generally, for nature lovers , the cons can be overlooked and just enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Experiencing the waterfalls is unforgettable.




Thursday, November 19, 2015

Batlag Falls- A hidden gem in Tanay, Rizal

Located in Barangay Sampaloc Tanay, Rizal are two waterfalls - Daranak and Batlag.
Daranak is quite crowded and one can opt to hike to Batlag Falls which is within distance from Daranak Falls.

Batlag falls is inside the Daranak falls compound so that you pay two entrance fees, P50 for Daranak and P100 for Batlag. After paying the fee, a very steep heart pumping uphill walk will take you to a clearing and tiny wooden plank to reach the falls. You can hire a picnic table for P200 and rubber tubing for P20.

Batlag has changed over the  years . It is now brighter and no longer gloomy with old bamboo tables. The trees are pruned  to let  sunlight in. Whereas before, it looked like a jungle with lots of mosquitoes.  Batlag has two catch basin- one is 4 ft deep and the other 15ft. You will really enjoy the shallower basin.  You can go underneath the cascading waters and will enjoy hydro massage on head and back.
 
Below has the 15 ft deep catch basin.


With the gaining popularity of waterproof cameras, you can now take picture while water is pouring on your self. Rubber tubes can be rented at P20 each. There are several smaller flowing waters and this can be interesting to photography buffs.
You can opt not to rent a table as you can place your things in a clear spot. Just make sure someone will watch over them.

There is no shower room at Batlag but you can wash at the Daranak Falls compound. You have a choice of shower that is free or with minimal payment.

How to get there

From EDSA Starmall: There are vans (GT-express) that are lined up in front of the mall. Look for Tanay bound vans. The fare is  70 pesos. Tanay Market would be the last stop but you can alight at Jollibee. Depending on the traffic, travelling time should be less than 2 hours.

After alighting at Jollibee or the market, you need to ride (open) tricycle to get you to Daranak.  Fare is P200 but if you're a group of 4 you can split it at P50 each. You will reach Daranak Falls entrance in less than 20 minutes

Essentials to bring
- sunblock / sunglasses
- plastic bag / mat
-water / Food
-aqua shoes

Please don't litter; take your trash with you when you leave. Help conserve the environment. Nature is kind to those who are kind to nature.