Pangyan Falls And Hot Spring

The sight of roaring waters cascading over a rocky ledge into a plunge pool below or the quiet view of a lonely river flowing into the sea provide a soothing experience to those who believe the healing power of natural attractions.

Among these irresistible attractions are waterfalls and hot springs. Finding the most beautiful one, however, may be a tough hike, but the feel of fresh water on your body and the breathtaking views of the falls are worth the efforts.

In addition to the foregoing, scientific research published in the US National Library of Medicine concluded that waterfalls can calm the mind and body, and can help reduce stress and improve moods.

Waterfalls are reported to improve lung function and psychological stress parameters including depression, anxiety, and paranoid ideation in people with moderate to high stress levels (NLM-NHI).

Those stimulating thoughts sprang into my mind, as we drove along the highway of Lupon – a town in Davao Oriental heading to the laidback surroundings of Don Mariano Marcos home of the secluded Pangyan Falls.

About 20 kilometers away from Mati City (about a 45-minute drive), this unfrequented falls also features two hot spring pools, with a natural flowing lukewarm water behind the small cascading waterfalls. These pools are what visitors will first see upon arrival, adjacent to the cottages built around the area.

Heated by underground volcanic activity, I sank into its warm water: my muscles began to relax. And the stresses of the day seemed to melt away. I could feel its healing powers washing over me, soothing my aches and pains and leaving me feeling renewed and revitalized.

For thousands of years, people have been soaking in natural hot springs for peace and relaxation. Nowadays, the practice of using hot springs as forms of therapy and to improve mental and physical health conditions is widely embraced.

Hot springs are a natural wonder formed by geothermal activity. The earth’s geothermal heat has made these essential pools of water either hot or warm. And as a result, they provide a soothing and relaxing environment. Hot springs, moreover, can be found in various parts of the world; they have different properties – depending on location and minerals present in the water.

From this spot, I walked forward to the furthest end and climbed up to see the gushing, cascading cold waters of Pangyan Falls. Rock boulders and greeneries surround this three-layered interconnected waterfall.

The first level of the falls is around 10 feet high having variegated sizes of rock boulders where the cascading waters flow. Climbing further up is the second level of the falls: it measures around 4-5 feet high but extends a wider boundary space for flowing waters. Finally reaching to the third level is the main pool where the more than 20-meter Pangyan Falls cascades its gushing waters from above.

The weather grew intermittently warmer as the noon sun reached its peak but the forest trees surrounding the falls helped mitigate the heat. It was lunch time. And 30 minutes later, I took a dip into the cold waters of Pangyan Falls for the purpose of refreshment. Doing more exploration, I stayed here for 2 more hours before finally heading back to Mati City.

The Philippines, according to many, are home to some of the world’s most impressive natural wonders. Waterfalls and hot springs are among them. Apart from its looming volcanoes, gorgeous spits of sand and mysterious underwater terrain, the Philippines are and endless well of discovery.