I believe the most awesome thing we did during the Lakbay Norte 3 tour and I really recommend this for everyone. If given a chance, I will do this again.
So what’s in store for you?
- A scenic 4 x 4 ride along rugged terrain of volcanic sands of Pinatubo
- A steamy hotspring where you can relax
- A sandy spa like you are buried for rejuvenation
- A slimy mud pack all-over your body for a healthier skin.
Ready to listen to my story?
It was the last day of the 8-day adventure trip that includes Pinagrealan caving, Pantabangan Lake tour, Whitewater rafting at Chico River, riding some waves at Ilocos Norte and running at Bacnotan Eco-trail. I thought that the last day is relaxation, turns out they saved the best for last.
4 x 4 ride and Steamy Bath
After the last room party at Hotel Vida in Clark, we headed to Target at Sapang Bato, Angeles City. This is the jump-off for the raddest ride we experienced- the scenic 4 x 4 ride towards Puning Hotspring. To say it was awesome is an understatement. I was overwhelmed with nature’s beauty in this side of Pamapanga. This is a product of Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991. After about 40 minutes of amazement we arrived at the hotspring where we relaxed our tired bodies. I guess “to chill” is not a perfect phrase but that is what we did. Or maybe we “get steamy.”
You can choose between super duper mega hot spring to hot spring. If I remember it right, there are 8 pools. Most are filled with Korean tourists.
Sand Spa and Mudpack
After the steamy sauna, we headed back and went to the Sand Spa. Riding a 4 x 4 on a rugged terrain is a first time for me like being buried alive with sand. On our bottom is a big oven used to heat the sand all over our bodies. It was like the kawa tub in Tibiao, Antique only using beige sand this time. We were being dried steamed for about 20minutes before we were covered with mudpack all-over our bodies. They say its therapeutic and good for the skin.
Btw, if you are a trail runner or has a mountain bike, you can test the trails here too! I guess this is about 16-20 kilometers of rough road from Sitio Target. Enjoy the sceneries and be ready to get wet!
How to get there?
Puning Hotspring Package is available here at Php2,100/pax (minimum of 5 pax).
Alternatively, you can ride a Victory Liner bus that goes to Dau, get off at Mabalacat Bus Terminal, Pampanga. From Mabalacat, take the jeepney to Angeles City then ride another jeepney to Sapang Bato then a tricycle to Sitio Target, from there you can see the parked 4 x 4 jeeps.
Contact Person: Shalimar Sunggod, 0919-339-2795. Please be patient in contacting them, the place has no signal. I heard they can be reached/reply during the night.
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Lakbay Norte 3 is an 8-day adventure trip in Northern Luzon organized by the North Philippine Visitors Bureau in cooperation with Manila North Tollways Corporation, Victory Liner, Mc Donalds, Petron and Universal Robina Corporation.You can read more articles about it by checking the links below:
- 7 Best Experiences accdg to Travel bloggers
- Photo Duel: Frozen Margarita or Strawberry Shake
- Accommodations in Northern Luzon during Lakbay Norte 3
- My Fave Foods during Lakbay Norte 3
- Photo Duel: Roads













WOW! kailan kaya ako makakapunta rito! Hope to visit Mt. Pinatubo and the sand spa sooooon…Thanks for sharing James
ang galing mo tlaga james..kailan kya tayo magkikita uli..pwdeng sumama sa byahe mo??