This trip was amazing. Here’s a bit of a breakdown for anyone looking to go!
First off- you will get wet and you will be in the sun. So sunscreen, towel and swim clothes. Also I highly recommend water shoes over flip flops. There are rocks and a bit of hiking and water shoes are easier. Also hidden valley has lockers, showers, and bathrooms. If you want to shower bring shower things. Ladies- bring toilet paper because there was none at the falls. (That’s common for a lot of places). If you want to tip or buy a drink or something- bring cash otherwise everything is paid for. (Hidden valley also sells soda and beer which need cash)
We were picked up from our hotel at 6am in a large comfortable van. Our tour guide, Eddy, and our driver, Marlon, were both friendly and let us know if we needed anything from them- to let them know. We asked to stop somewhere for coffee and snacks so Marlon found a spot with a Starbucks and snacks. Eddy answered all my questions regarding the Philippines with knowledge and enthusiasm… especially for 6am! Ha!
When we got to our first stop for the falls, we were given a quick heads up about pushy tipping culture and reassured that everything we are about to experience was already paid for and not to feel pressured unless we really wanted to. Also we could leave belonging in the car because they would take care of them. There were bathrooms, showers and changing areas.
The falls were beautiful. We were asked for tips or to purchase food at every stop, but if you said no thank you, they understood and kept going. It was very impressive how they maneuvered through the rocks and pulled the canoes through. The first part of the trip is in the sun, but once you get into the jungle area, it’s mostly shade. The second falls you can get on a raft and they will take you under the falls to a cave and you can get in the water. The water was cool and the raft guy took tons of photos for us with one of our phones. The trip back was significantly faster (going with the current of course).
When we got back to the van we started for hidden valley. Eddy pointed out some things along the way and talked about the springs and the volcano. He also answered my questions about the local architecture features as well as some history behind it. They also stopped along the side of the road so we could try Buco (coconut) water and Bibingka 🤤. It was very tasty and a perfect snack.
Once at hidden valley he got us our tickets and told us where to go and where they would be when we were done. We went to the buffet first and the staff was very inviting and helpful. The food was pretty good. But we were more excited to go to the springs! The springs were very relaxing. The warm pool was the perfect temperature for relaxing. And the closer to the warm falls you are, the warmer the water. Same one with the soda pool except colder. We also hiked to the hidden falls. Towards the end of the hike it did get a bit dodgy, but they had a guide to help you along the way.
All in all it was a very relaxing day. When we were done the longest part was the ride home due to traffic in the Philippines being terrible. We all fell asleep. Marlon was a very safe driver and at no point did I feel unsafe. We arrived back at our hotel around 7.
All in all we enjoyed a very relaxing day and felt very well taken care of. I highly recommend this trip.