Want a break from the City? Well this hot spring is calling your name!
Locals in Malabuyoc, Cebu, refer to the Little Kawasan as a secret spring because of its tranquil, wooded surroundings and turquoise waters. However, keep in mind that it is not formally known as “Little Kawasan” because it is only a comparison based on its likeness to the well-known, if smaller, Kawasan Falls in Badian.
The Hot Spring in Question
In Filipino, “mainit” means “hot,” and this spring certainly lives up to the description. Nestled beside the Montañeza River, this group of four geothermal pools has temperatures between 35.8°C and 42.6°C. While the colder pools are ideal for full-body immersion, the hotter ones are frequently utilized for foot soaks. Although it serves a distinct function, the Mainit hot spring’s thermal waters provide a soothing spa experience in the middle of a forest.
Benefits of the Hot Springs
The heat from the hot spring comes from volcanic rocks and fault lines linked to Negros Oriental. The water contains sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and potassium where it sases muscle and joint pain, soothes skin conditions like eczema and promotes blood circulation and relaxation.
The Enchanting Layout
The hot spring has 4 pools and is arranged in tiers beside the river, hence the comparison to the Kawasan Falls. It is surrounded by bamboo forests, coconut palms, and a limestone cliff backdrop, and the artificial pools are constructed out of stone and concrete right into the riverbed. A hot-cold plunge experience is made possible by the hot spring water flowing into the chilly Montañeza River. The first two pools you’ll encounter are the hottest so you better test the water before entering. The lower pools are more comfortable and often shaded. The riverbank is rocky but shallow which is perfect for cooling off between soaks.
Tell Tales about the Hot Springs
Locals say that before Mainit Hot Springs became what it is today, some engkantos lived there. These are mythical creatures that are often referred to as elves or fairies.
How to Get There?
Exact Location: Barangay Montañeza, Malabuyoc, Cebu
- By Commute: From Cebu City, ride a Ceres bus at the Cebu South Terminal bound for Bato via Barili. Tell the conductor you’re getting off at Malabuyoc town proper. Once there, hire a habal-habal to Barangay Montañeza and from the drop off point, the walk uphill will take about 10-20 minutes to the hot springs. As you walk, you will pass through coconut groves and small farms and locals may offer to guide you.
By Car: Take the South Coastal Road or SRP to Naga City then continue along the Cebu South Road via Barili and Dumanjug. Then drive through Alegria and into Malabuyoc. The landmark to watch for After crossing Montañeza Bridge, look for a faded blue sign that says “Mainit Hot Springs” Turn left onto a narrow uphill road (easy to miss—watch for sari-sari stores nearby) Parkin There’s a small parking area near the entrance Walk to the pools From the parking area, it’s a 5–10 minute walk to the hot spring pools.
