Hidden Valley Springs, Philippines

Quick Facts

Experience

Resorts & Spas

Access Level

Easy to reach (no hike)

Safety Level

Be mindful

What to Wear

Swimsuit required

Family Friendly

Yes

Entry Fee

Paid

Wheelchair Access

Address

Calauan, Laguna (entrance via Alaminos, Laguna), Philippines

Overview

About Hidden Valley Springs

Hidden Valley Springs, Philippines is a paid private resort in Calauan, Laguna, nestled in 110 acres of tropical rainforest between Mount Makiling and Mount Banahaw, approximately 75 km south of Manila. The Roxas family has operated it since Eufrocino Roxas acquired the land in 1918. Six natural spring pools are fed by both hot and cold springs from the surrounding mountains, including the Soda Pool with natural CO2 carbonation and the more secluded Lovers Pool. The day tour fee is PHP 2,800 per person and includes a buffet lunch and afternoon snack. Note: overnight accommodation is currently suspended; the resort operates as a day tour destination only.

Additional features include three dining areas, a hidden waterfall (Hidden Falls) accessible via a nine-minute forest walk, centuries-old Amlang trees, forest trails, air-conditioned changing facilities with lockers, and a souvenir shop. Francis Ford Coppola stayed at the resort while directing Apocalypse Now.

Among the hot springs near Manila, Hidden Valley Springs is one of the most historic and immersive, combining natural spring pools with old-growth rainforest in a private reserve largely unchanged for over a century.

Location & Access

Getting to Hidden Valley Springs

Hidden Valley Springs sits in Calauan, Laguna, with its entrance in the municipality of Alaminos, approximately 5 km north of Alaminos town centre. From Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exit at the Calamba interchange. Follow signs toward Calauan via the Calamba-Tagaytay Road, then look for the green Hidden Valley Springs directional signs to the resort. Travel time from central Manila is approximately 1.5 hours under normal traffic. Free parking is available at the entrance.

By public transport, take a bus from Buendia or Cubao toward Calamba (PHP 80 to 120), then a jeepney toward Calauan and a short tricycle ride to the entrance. Organised day tours from Manila including return transport and the full day tour package are available from approximately PHP 4,000 per person. The resort accepts cash only; no card facilities are available. Bring sufficient cash before arriving, as the nearest ATMs are in Alaminos and Calamba.

The entrance road follows green resort signs from the highway; using a navigation app alongside the signage is recommended as the turns are not always obvious for first-time visitors. For those looking for hot springs near Manila as a nature day trip, Hidden Valley Springs is one of the most distinctive options within the Metro Manila commuter belt.

Suitability & Accessibility

Who Should Visit Hidden Valley Springs

Hidden Valley Springs suits couples, families, nature enthusiasts, and Manila-based day-trippers seeking an immersive rainforest experience with natural spring pools. The all-inclusive day tour format, covering pool access, buffet lunch, and afternoon snack, makes it a self-contained full-day outing. The 110-acre forest setting, centuries-old trees, named pools, and hidden waterfall distinguish it from a standard resort visit.

Families are accommodated with kiddie pools, a natural jacuzzi, and forest walking paths, though the uneven terrain is better suited to older children than very young ones. The Soda Pool, with its naturally carbonated spring water, is a unique draw. The Lovers Pool is more secluded. Meals are included in the day tour fee and served at the open bamboo pavilion or enclosed restaurant in Filipino home-cooked style.

Wheelchair accessibility is not documented. Forest trails and pool access involve uneven ground; no step-free access information has been published in official sources for this listing. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the resort directly. Overnight accommodation is currently suspended; confirm with the resort if overnight facilities are required. Cash only on site; plan accordingly. Families seeking hot springs near Manila in an old-growth rainforest setting will find Hidden Valley Springs the most historically rich option in Laguna.

Safety & Etiquette

Hidden Valley Springs Safety Tips

Hidden Valley Springs is generally safe for most visitors. The spring pools vary between warm and cold; the Soda Pool has natural CO2 carbonation, which is a normal geological feature and is safe for bathing. Test pool temperatures before entering and move between warm and cool pools gradually. The pools are consistently described as pristine and clean in visitor accounts.

The forest paths to Hidden Falls and between some pool areas are natural trails with uneven ground, tree roots, and potentially slippery surfaces after rain. Wear footwear with grip suitable for both pool use and trail walking, such as water shoes or sandals with straps. Follow staff guidance on trail conditions. Swimming beneath the falls is not permitted, though foot-dipping at the falls area is allowed. The waterfall trail is described as manageable even for older visitors when proper footwear is worn.

The resort accepts cash only, which is the most frequently mentioned practical challenge in visitor accounts. Bring sufficient cash for the full day tour fee plus any extras before arriving; the nearest ATMs are in Alaminos and Calamba. No towels are provided; bring your own along with a change of clothes. Air-conditioned locker facilities are available. Outside food and drinks from off-site may not be permitted; confirm this when booking. The forest is a protected old-growth environment; stay on designated trails. Overnight accommodation is currently suspended; the resort operates as a day tour destination only at the time of this listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Soda Pool at Hidden Valley Springs and why is it carbonated?

The Soda Pool is one of the signature named pools at Hidden Valley Springs and is famous for its naturally carbonated water. The carbonation comes from dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) that is released from the volcanic geology beneath the Laguna area as the spring water rises to the surface. This CO2 dissolves into the water and gives it a faintly fizzy quality similar to sparkling mineral water. Local legend at the resort says the water needs only a spoonful of sugar to taste like Sprite. The Soda Pool is safe for bathing; the CO2 concentration is a natural geological feature rather than a chemical additive. It is one of the more unusual spring experiences in the Philippines and is consistently mentioned in visitor accounts as a notable feature of the Hidden Valley Springs visit.

Did Francis Ford Coppola really stay at Hidden Valley Springs?

Yes. According to the resort's own documentation and multiple sources including the resort's gallery page and travel coverage, Francis Ford Coppola stayed at Hidden Valley Springs while directing Apocalypse Now (1979). The film, shot largely in the Philippines, required Coppola to be based in Luzon for an extended period. Hidden Valley Springs, with its seclusion, forest setting, and proximity to Manila, served as a residence during production. The film became one of the most celebrated in cinema history, and the Coppola connection has become part of the resort's identity and promotional material. The resort has been operating since 1918 and has hosted various notable guests over its century-long history.

Is overnight accommodation available at Hidden Valley Springs?

At the time of this listing, overnight accommodation at Hidden Valley Springs is suspended. The resort's own website confirms it is not accepting overnight guests and is currently operating exclusively as a day tour destination. The resort has historically offered bungalow-style cottage accommodation with rustic wood interiors and open-air bathrooms, and these rooms may return once renovation work is complete. If overnight accommodation is important to your plans, contact the resort directly to confirm current availability before booking. The day tour runs as a full-day visit and covers access to all pools, buffet lunch, afternoon snack, and use of the resort facilities, making it a complete day trip experience from Manila even without an overnight option.

What pools are available at Hidden Valley Springs?

Hidden Valley Springs has six natural spring pools in total, plus two kiddie pools and one natural jacuzzi. The pools draw from both hot and cold springs originating from the volcanic geology of the surrounding Mount Makiling and Mount Banahaw area. Named pools include the Soda Pool (carbonated), the Lovers Pool (more secluded, suited to couples), and warm and cold spring pools at different points in the resort grounds. Visitor accounts describe the water as exceptionally clean and clear, with a quality often compared to bottled mineral water. The warmth of the pools has decreased slightly over recent years, which some visitors attribute to a geothermal power plant installed in the Laguna area, though the water quality remains high.

What should I bring to Hidden Valley Springs for a day tour?

Bring your swimsuit, towel, and a change of dry clothes as these are not provided by the resort. Water shoes or sandals with straps are recommended for the forest trails between pool areas, which can be slippery and uneven. Bring sufficient cash for the full PHP 2,800 day tour fee plus any extra purchases, as the resort accepts cash only and there are no ATMs on site; the nearest machines are in Alaminos and Calamba. Sunscreen is advisable for the open pool areas. The day tour includes a buffet lunch and afternoon snack, so you do not need to bring your own food; outside food and drinks from off-site may not be permitted. A dry bag or ziplock is useful for keeping your phone and valuables safe during pool use.