Annyeong~!! If you’ve seen my IG feed, you’d know what I’ve been up to these past few days. It’s still the tail-end of summer here in South Korea, which means except for the occasional showers, it’s hella hot. I sweat a lot, so I am feeling the heat even more. At times like these, there’s nothing I’d want more than to plunge into a cold springs, which is exactly what I am reminiscing in this post, during our visit to the Sto. Nino Cold Springs in Camiguin.
Aside from volcanoes, one other natural attraction that Camiguin is famous for is its abundance of natural springs – both hot and cold. I think springs and volcanoes often go hand in hand; try recalling all those geography classes you’ve had back in school.
Practically 90% of all travel guides to Camiguin suggest going to one of its hot springs, Ardent Hot Springs being one of the most highly recommended ones.
But everyone we came across on the island said that Ardent Hot Springs is pretty much dried up, so they suggested an alternative: the Sto. Nino Cold Springs.
They knew best, so we went with it.
We arrived at an area that has a line of stores and souvenir shops, and there were several that offered cooking services. They will show you a menu of local dishes, you pick your order, they will cook for you and bring your food inside the Cold Springs, where you can have your lunch,
So that’s what we did.
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I don’t know what I was expecting, but this was not exactly it. I thought it’d be like one with a spring or, like a small river. But it turned out to be a more developed area, with pool amenities. But it turns out that they built the pool around the actual cold spring.
I like how they managed to improve the area, provide these conveniences, without messing with nature completely, if you know what I mean.
While waiting for our lunch, we dipped our feet into the water.
COOOOOOOOOLD.
(Well, duh, it IS a cold spring. But it still caught us off-guard.)
We had life vests we rented (there were also life vests and inflatables for rent right outside the Springs), so we used those in entering the water. At first, it was freeeeezing. As the minutes ticked, it gradually became a relaxing dip.
The Sto. Nino Cold Springs is only one of the several natural cold springs in the island. This one flows down from Mt. Mambajao. The water is so clean and clear, and doesn’t taste like anything (or maybe that’s just the cold numbing our tongues, but whatever), and supposedly this is because the water has been filtered by layers and layers of minerals from the mountain.
The larger pool has lifeguards assigned, keeping watch. There is a smaller pool for kids, and there are dozens of cottages and huts, making it perfect for families and groups spending time together.
Our lunch finally came, and it’s their version of tinola, if I remember correctly, with their local breed of chicken as the main ingredient. The heat of the stew just hit aaaaall the right spots.
I suppose this is a great place for the locals to rejuvenate after, say, a long week of back-breaking labor at the farm or out in the sea fishing, or even inside an office. The cold water just seeps into your bones and perks you right up, and if what is said about this spring is true, the minerals in the water also have a very good effect for your overall health and well-being.
Entrance fee to the Sto Nino Cold Springs of Camiguin is Php30.00 per person, and rental for one shed for 3 hours is Php75.00.
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