Ardent Hot Spring, Philippines

Camiguin’s easy, built-for-soaking hot spring stop

Ardent Hot Spring (often called Ardent Hibok-Hibok) is a managed set of geothermal pools in Tagdo, Mambajao, on Camiguin Island. It sits in a green, forested setting at the foot of Hibok-Hibok, so the air often feels cooler than the coastal towns. It’s the kind of place you can do without overthinking, arrive by road, change, soak for an hour or two, then head back for dinner.

What you’ll find

The draw is choice. There are multiple pools, and they usually differ in how hot they feel, so you can move around until you find your comfort zone. The atmosphere is more local hangout than spa. Families and friend groups tend to bring snacks, claim a bench, and rotate in and out of the water.

How to enjoy it without feeling cooked

Start in the mildest pool, then work warmer in short rounds. If you’re fresh off a motorbike ride or a hike day, drink water first and keep your first soak brief. Warm water is forgiving when you pace it, and it gets uncomfortable fast when you push for one long session.

Where it is
Ardent Hot Spring is in Barangay Tagdo, Mambajao, Camiguin, on the slopes below Mount Hibok-Hibok. It is inland from the coastal road, in a shaded, forested area.

Getting there
Most visitors arrive by motorbike, tricycle, or van from Mambajao or other towns along Camiguin’s main road. Look for local signage pointing toward the hot spring, then follow the access road to the entrance and parking. Road access is generally straightforward, but take it slow on turns, especially if you are riding a scooter after dark or in rain.

Seasonality and conditions
Camiguin’s wet season can bring sudden downpours. Pack a light rain layer for the walk between pools and seating areas, and assume the ground can be slick. Even in dry months, the site stays humid and shaded, which is comfortable for soaking but can make towels slow to dry.

What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, and traction sandals are the basics. Add drinking water and a small dry bag for your phone. If you plan to linger, bring a simple cover-up for sitting between dips. Keep your bag tidy and off wet ground, it makes leaving easier when you are warm and relaxed.

Ardent is best for visitors who want a predictable hot spring soak on Camiguin, with multiple pools and no backcountry logistics. It pairs well with a day of sightseeing around the island, especially if your legs are tired from waterfalls or a hike.

Families
Good for families who like a casual, picnic-style setting. Kids usually do best with a clear routine: short soak, cool-down, water break, repeat. If you have very young children, keep them in the mildest pool and stay close, hot water plus slippery steps is a quick combo.

Couples and solo travelers
Couples often enjoy it as an easy evening plan. Solo travelers tend to like it because it’s simple: show up, soak, reset. For a calmer visit, go earlier and pick a corner pool away from the busiest entry points.

Mobility realities
There is no hike, but expect stairs, wet deck edges, and uneven traction between pools. Bring sandals with grip and move slowly, especially when stepping in and out. If knee pain or balance issues are a concern, plan fewer pool changes and pick one comfortable spot rather than bouncing around.

Wheelchair expectations
I am not claiming wheelchair accessibility without verified step-free routes and pool entry options. If step-free access is essential, contact the local operator or the Mambajao tourism office to confirm current paths, ramps, and water entry before you go.

Start cooler, then go warmer
Because pools can feel different from each other, begin with the mildest one and let your body adjust. Short rounds with breaks are kinder than one long soak. If you feel dizzy, unusually tired, or nauseated, get out and cool down.

Hydration matters more than you think
Many people arrive slightly dehydrated from riding in the sun or hiking. Drink water before your first soak and between rounds. Warm pools can make you feel relaxed while you are quietly overheating.

Watch your footing
Steps and pool edges stay wet, and shaded areas can grow slick. Wear traction sandals, move slowly, and keep one hand free for balance. If you are carrying food or drinks, make two trips rather than trying to juggle everything at once.

Shared-space etiquette
It goes best when everyone shares space and keeps things moving, especially around steps and narrow entries. Claiming a bench is fine, just keep bags compact and out of walkways. Keep voices lower if others are clearly there for quiet, and avoid splashing in the hottest pools where people are trying to relax.

Keep the water clean
Rinse off first if there is a rinse area, and keep soap, shampoo, and lotions out of the pools. Pack out your trash, even small wrappers. In shaded sites, litter tends to stick around longer than you’d expect.

Where is Ardent Hot Spring on Camiguin?

It is in Barangay Tagdo, Mambajao, on the inland side of the island below Mount Hibok-Hibok. You reach it by road, not by hiking trail.

Do the pools feel the same temperature?

They are often different from each other. The practical move is to start in the mildest pool, then shift warmer if you feel comfortable, instead of jumping straight into the hottest water.

What should I pack?

Swimsuit, towel, traction sandals, and drinking water. A dry bag helps protect your phone, and a light cover-up is nice for sitting between soaks.

Is it suitable for kids?

Usually yes with supervision and shorter soak rounds. Keep children in the mildest pool, take frequent breaks, and watch for signs of overheating.

Can I treat it like a spa?

Expect more of a local, public hot spring vibe than a quiet resort. If you want a calmer visit, go earlier and keep your plan simple: soak, cool down, then leave.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Do not assume it. Steps and wet transitions are common at hot spring sites. If step-free access is essential, confirm current paths and pool entry options with the operator before you go.