Drive a straight four and a half kilometers from the city's center, hike and stroll down a narrow trail surrounded by grass and moss forest at the upper level of barangay Panicuason, you will find your self awed by this striking work of nature. The hot springs of Mt. Isarog.
It is easy to locate as it nestles right below the Bicol Hydro Plant. Void of the conventional out-of-town bustle, a short trip pays off in a glorious state of relaxation, in both hot and cold springs with temperature ranging from 17 to 39 degree celsius. As you enter, you will be greeted by wild flora species and trees literally hanging above your head. Natural spring water from the Inarihan River flows through large swimming pools of varying warmth, this is indeed nature's spa. You can't help but marvel inside this cove blessed with an ample amount of sunlight to soothe and heal one's tangled nerves. It is worth trading a day's compensation to experience this place on earth.
A beauty unknown with a name that confuses many (from Bicol Hydro to Panicuason Hot Springs to Agua something),how to call the place really does not matter anymore. I just hope there's a store in the resort where one can buy some food stuffs and souvenirs. And though I can think of the place as one of the city's safest tourist haven, it surely will not hurt if visitors can be assured of the presence of trained life guards or rescue personnel. Overnight stays can be an added attraction too.
Last Saturday was a revelation, we drived there for a bath and found out a growing number of visitors. Hmmmmnnnn. Councilor John Bongat, who chairs the City Council Committe on Tourism, was one of the familiar faces. Talking about tourism promotion with a personal touch. A friend from Manila cannot help but admire the beauty of the place. A bunch of Koreans and UNC's Raquel Baldoza and her grandchildren from Thailand, were also hanging around the place for the weekend.
Not much has been said about this natural wonder. A lazy paradise at the foot of the mountain, so inviting, and secluded from the rest of the world. In a city of concrete jungle frenzied twenty four seven, not many among us have noticed a place worth the drive just a few minutes away from home. This is Naga on the far side. A proud place that the city can promote, and a proof that we can offer more than statues and brick walls.
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