Escape to Hidden Valley Springs

It was a hot Saturday afternoon and I didn't feel like going to the mall. Impulsively, I quickly called Hidden Valley Springs to make a reservation (as of 2 Nov 2011, its website doesn't seem to be working).

Though our house in Alaminos is just a few minutes away from Hidden Valley Springs, I was hoping there's an available room so I could fully enjoy the rest of the night and the following day in the stillness of the rain forest.



Rating: 4/5

About 80 kms. from Manila, Hidden Valley Springs indeed is a hidden paradise. With its deceiving location, its entry point is from the town proper of Alaminos, Laguna passing by small villages and woodlands until it reaches the town of Calauan, Laguna.

One has to make a reservation before coming to Hidden Valley Springs as the resort does not usually accept walk-ins and ocular inspections are scheduled accordingly.

It has been more than five years since the last time I have been to this serene place. Since then, nothing has changed (well except for the food). Its casitas and facilities are very well-maintained. One would be surprised as to how the entire place is being kept clean and well-preserved considering it covers hectares of land full of centuries-old tropical trees, giant ferns and wild shrubs.

 An overnight stay for two costs Php8,500 which includes three buffet meals (dinner, breakfast, and lunch). The Z Coconut Casita is simply inviting and offers utmost privacy. I particularly love the bathroom with its daylight roof and its walls decorated with mounted leaves. The food has significantly changed since then. I remember, the salad bar choices were good and they even offered lechon, ice cream and halo-halo before.

Php8,500 can be very pricey if one would only think of the casita and food as its main value. I for one, think otherwise. I'd say most of my money's value went to the maintenance of this sanctuary where I can swim in a clean natural spring pool, breath fresh air, be attended by hospitable staff yet enjoy utmost privacy, and most of all the sense of serenity and bliss I felt each time I walk the trail of trees.


TIPS:

• For commuters, take a 2 1/2-hour bus ride (Tritran or JAC Liner) going to San Pablo City or Lucena;drop off at km 75 or Alaminos; take a tricycle to Hidden Valley Springs.
• For those with own transportation, the road from Alaminos town proper to Hidden Valley Springs can be quite challenging. Light vehicles with heavy loads may experience difficulty passing thru short stretches of dirt road and slopes. It's best to travel during the day as there are some areas with no lights at night.
• Food and drinks are not allowed inside the resort; perhaps water is fine.
• Wear proper swimming attire
• The resort offers day tour entrance with meals
• On your way to the hidden falls, bring water and wear comfortable slippers and clothes; not advisable for children, elderly or with disability as the trek is quite long and steep.
• It would be worthy to bring a sunblock and an insect repellent. Although, I haven't been bitten by a single mosquito and the pool areas are mostly shaded by a canopy of trees.

For someone who loves nature, one would truly enjoy his/her stay in Hidden Valley Springs--a dwelling of calmness coupled with the sounds of flowing water and communing fauna.

 
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