Good times and tan lines – yes, its summer! It’s the season to enjoy a vacation from school, an approved leave from the office, and a time to bond with family and friends.
I have another place to share with you guys – for you “DIY travels”. If you’re looking for a low-budget yet relaxing weekend getaway that is not so far from the metro, then this blog is right for you.
I have recently visited a resort that is not as ordinary as the other resorts that we got to during summer. My feet took me to San Pablo, Laguna where Bato Cold Springs Resort is located.
The resort is composed of five (5) cold springs converted in a swimming pool with overflowing ice-cold waterfalls. It is perfect for relaxation and team-building activities.
Me and my friends decided to stay there for a night on a weekend so we booked a room prior to our visit. We took a Jac Liner bus from Cubao bound to Lucena around 2:30 on the afternoon since check-in time for an overnight stay is at 6:00 PM and check-out time is 4:00 pm the next day. If you plan to avail their day tour, you can leave early in the morning since Jac Liner buses leave Cubao every hour. Just tell the driver or the conductor to drop you off at Meralco-San Pablo branch. It will cost you Php140 per way. Travel time is 2-3 hours depending on the traffic.
From your drop-off point, you have to cross the street towards the terminal where you can find line-ups of tricycle that will take you directly to the resort. It will cost you Php150 per way. Travel time is 15-20 minutes. I suggest that you take the tricycle instead of jeepney since the resort’s main entrance is still a little bit far from the main road. Tricycles can take you inside the resort. It will cost you less if you are a group of four (4) as the tricycle fare will be divided.
There is no corkage fee if you opted to bring your own food. But they also serve meals inside the resort at a very affordable price. There is a store available inside and prices are more affordable compared to other resorts that I have visited.
Entrance fee for an overnight stay is Php150 plus a security deposit of Php300 for the keys and blanket which can be refunded upon check-out. We had the “Opal Hut”; it is a 2-storey hut fan-room for four with one queen size bunk bed. A grilling station is also available for every room/hut which is very convenient. Our spot is just perfect since we are just beside the store and right in-front of the public restroom/bathroom.
They also offer air-conditioned private rooms with bathrooms. See the rates below.
Since we got there late in the afternoon, we have no choice but to take our first dip at night. I was brave to swim not until my feet touched the water overflowing the pool. It was iced-cold water! It had exceeded my definition of “cold”. It’s a plus that they were able to keep the pool and the place clean at all times; another reason why I feel instantly fell in love with the resort.
We had the pool by ourselves that night; maybe because other guests can’t handle the coldness of the water especially at night. One downside is that it’s a little bit dark in the area but few lights are enough to make the pool area lit.
The next morning, we woke up early to enjoy the place before it gets crowded. Since its weekend, we cannot really avoid that the place might get a little bit crowded but there is nothing to worry about since all pools are overflowing, it was kept clean and water is always crystal clear.
Nearest to the entrance is the 2-4 ft pool perfect for the kids to enjoy.
The second pool is located just a few steps from the pool. It is the longest pool in the resort and the nearest to all the open cottages intended for day tours. It is 3-5 ft deep and with a mini man-made cave connected to it. It’s a little bit crowded but we never mind it since we really did enjoy the cold and clear waters.
The third pool is intended for small children to play since it is a 2-3 feet pool located just a few steps away from the second pool.
Another pool where the main attraction is located is just a few steps away from our room. It is where the main falls is located and it is also where most of the guests stay to enjoy water massage. It is also the coldest part of the spring.
The last pool to visit is the located to the main pool. It is 5-7 ft deep and is nearest to the wishing-well. We were not able to try this pool since we had too much time spent on the other four (4) pools and we needed to fix our things and head home.
I was so impress by how they maintain the cleanliness of the area despite being surrounded by trees. I really admire the cleanliness and spaciousness of their public comfort rooms; it is one of the few public comfort rooms that are well-maintained.
No worries on your way home; you just have to take a tricycle right outside the resort that will take you back to Meralco-San Pablo branch. Buses that will take you back to Cubao and/or Taft will pass through the main road.
The next time you visit Laguna, try Bato Cold Springs Resort and tag me with your awesome photos at my instagram account (@abriolymar).
Enjoy your summer!
Ciao!
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Breakdown of expenses (group of 4):
Bus Fare RT– 280
Tricycle Fare RT– 300/4= 75
Accommodation – 1,700/4= 425
Entrance Fee – 150
Food and Miscellaneous – 300
Total Expenses: Php1,230
Bato Cold Spring Resort Contact Details:
Ms Babes – 09163723926
Ms Janet – 09265822822
www.facebook.com/batospringsresort
Instagram: @batosprings
Email: batospringsresort@gmail.com
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