HOT SPRING IN BALUNGAO, PANGASINAN

BALUNGAO, PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES

We were invited by co-workers to accompany them for a day tour in the province of Pangasinan where 600 meters and 1.4-kilometer zip-line can be found. In the town of Balungao, the booming tourist attraction of "Balungao Hilltop Adventure" offers not only zip lines but also ATV rides, Hiking, and Hot and Cold Springs. Bungee Trampoline is not yet available though on their website and flyer it is being advertised.

Balungao Hilltop Adventure Zipline

Balungao Hot Spring Adventure

Balungao's Hot Spring, Hilltop and Zip-line Adventure is approximately a couple of hours away from Olongapo City. Travel experience is great because of its accessibility if you take the expressways of Subic Clark Tarlac (SCTEx) and the Tarlac-Pangasinan La-Union (TPLex). We exited at Carmen Toll Plaza which is the end of TPLEx as of the time of writing. We then turned right and took Rosales-Balungao-Umingan Road and eventually turned right again for Napudot Road - a barangay road that leads to Balungao Hilltop. No wonder why they named this road "Napudot" because "Napudot" is an Ilocano word for "Hot".

Balungao Hilltop Adventure Zipline

Considered as the longest zip-line in Region 1, its 1.4-kilometer span will give you total adrenaline, fun, and excitement. This is longer than the boasted zip-line in Pagudpud! The only difference is that Balungao Zip-line is not on open water. To those who are not brave enough to brace the 1.4-kilometer line, you can try the shorter one which is 600 meters long.

The Swimming Pools of Balungao Hilltop

There are five pools to plunge in at Balungao Hilltop; three kiddie pools and two adult pools. Three swimming pools have cold water and two pools for the hot spring.  One of the adult pools is about 8 feet deep, then a shallower one 6 feet deep. Be careful not to submerge immediately in the hot spring but rather let your body adjust to the temperature.

Trekking or Hiking in Balungao Hilltop

We didn't try hiking at Mt. Balungao, instead, we trekked on a creek at the foot of the hill to the source of hot spring. We found candle wax along the way, probably lit by local believers of "bantay" or "guardian" of the area - a typical Filipino myth.

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is available but nobody in the group tried it. We found it a bit expensive for a 15-minute ride.

The restaurant is lacking, only Sari-Sari stores that sell snacks, soda, and such.  Be sure to bring your food when visiting this place. Further improvements like restaurants and additional rooms should be constructed.  Cleanliness of the pool area is also an issue; courtesy of employee needs improvement as well.

Below are the rates acquired from their flyer:

1. Entrance Fee - P50 for Adult; P25 for Kids (up to 4 feet)

2. Cottage - P200 (Kubo); P100 (U583-8421mbrella)

3. Zipline - P300 (600 meters); we are not certain about the price of their 1.4 km zip line.

4. ATV - P200 for 15 minutes

5. Bungee Trampoline - P100

Other Adventure Amenities:

1. Hot & Cold Swimming Pools

2. Hiking/Trail Walking - P300 (guide)

3. Mountain Biking

4. Trust Fall

Cabana - P800/room 12 hours only; good for 4 persons.

Sulit Package - P500 includes:

1. Zipline

2. Bungee Trampoline

3. ATV Driving

They have FIVE Contact numbers:

• 075-583-8421

• 075-583-8412

• 0921-598-8081

• 0932-535-8687

• 0939-448-4799

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