Looking for Top Things to do in Compostela Valley Tourist Spots and Attractions?
It's been almost 4 years since I last visited the Davao Region. That is why, I am so happy when I finally got the chance last week to visit it again. I've been in this part of Mindanao several times in the past, but since we're staying for 2 nights in Tagum City during this trip, we decided to visit Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring in the town of Maco in the nearby province of Compostela Valley.
One of the must-visit tourist spots in Compostela Valley is the Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring. It is a unique steaming waterfall located in Brgy. Mainit in the town of Maco. Being the home of Mt. Leonard Kniazeff, one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines, the water at the falls is warm which will surely give you a soothing bath under its cascades. The warm water coming from the hot spring which cascades and forms a waterfall makes the place unique and "one-of-a-kind" as you can experience a waterfall and a hot spring in one place.
There are also some natural pools with warm water where you could take a dip and relax. We enjoyed our time here just savoring the warm water and the lush surroundings. Sulfuric hot springs are known to have natural health benefits. You will surely enjoy the warm water of the hot spring that is said to improve blood circulation, and relieve tired and aching muscles.
The place is a favorite among locals to relax and have a picnic during weekends. If you want to have the place for yourself, I think the best time to visit is on a weekday.
Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring is already developed; there are cottages, a sari-sari store, toilet and bathroom, and some rooms for overnight stay. Entrance fee is 5.00 pesos per person and cottage rental is 30.00 pesos.
Tips, Reminders and Basic Info
- Leave early. Be there as early as possible to have ample time to explore the place.
- The road to the hot spring from Mawab is 70-80% rough. Be prepared for the long, bumpy, and butt numbing ride. :)
- The water at the cascades of the falls and the natural pool is hot to warm at first. But you'll get used to it.
- There is a mini store in the area selling basic commodities.
- It is best to bring your own food and drinking water.
- Bring extra clothes and toiletries.
- You can change to your dry clothes at their bathroom.
- This is a good side or day trip if you're in or visiting Davao City (See Hotels in Davao City) or Tagum, Davao del Norte (See Hotels in Tagum City).
- If you're traveling to Mati in Davao Oriental, this could also be a good side trip to be added on your itinerary. (See Hotels in Mati)
- For better experience, I think the best time to visit is during rainy season so that the cascades at the waterfall are stronger. But be safe always.
- There is no mobile phone signal (for Globe, I'm not sure about Smart) in the area.
- It is best if you ask the habal-habal driver to wait for you if you're visiting it on a day trip. If not, there are also some habal-habal in the hi-way that will take you back to Mawab, but not all the time.
- Reduce your waste. Always practice "leave no trace" principle.
Sample Itinerary
05:30 - Travel from Davao City to Tagum City, Davao del Norte (1.5 hours)
07:00 - Arrive in Tagum, take a bus bound for Nabunturan
08:00 - Arrive in Mawab, Compostela Valley (1 hour), rent a haba-habal to Mainit Hot Spring (1 hour)
09:00 - Arrive in Mainit Hot Spring
09:00 - 14:00 - ENJOY MAINIT SULFURIC HOT SPRING
14:00 - Depart for Mawab
15:00 - Arrive in Mawab, take a bus to Tagum City
16:00 - Arrive in Tagum City, take a bus to Davao City
17:30 - Arrive in Davao City
How to Get to Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring?
Option #1
- Fly to to Davao City. Major airlines such as PAL, Air Asia and Cebu Pacific Air have several flights daily to Davao City from Manila, Cebu, Zamboanga and Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
- Upon arrival in Davao City, go to the hi-way outside the airport and take a bus to Tagum City (90 pesos). If you're already in Davao City. you may go to Ecoland Bus Terminal and take a bus to Tagum, Davao del Norte. Travel time is about 1-1.5 hours.
- Alight at Tagum City Overland Bus Terminal and take a bus going to Nabunturan (20 pesos) and get off at Mawab Bus Terminal. Buses bound for Nabunturan, usually stop at Mawab to drop and get passengers. If you're not familiar with the place, tell the bus attendant/conductor to drop you at Mawab Bus Terminal. Travel time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- From here, rent a habal-habal (single motorcycle) going to Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring. Habal-habal rental is 200 pesos for 1-2 persons per way. Travel time is about 1 hour. You can arrange with the driver to wait for you so you'll have a ride going back to Mawab.
Option #2
- A cheaper alternative (which I haven't tried) is to take a jeepney bound for Masara at Tagum Bus Terminal. This will pass by Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring. But this option is not recommended if you want to get there faster. These jeepneys take time to get full and also have many stops because they drop and get passengers along the way.
Unlike other hot springs or waterfalls in the Philippines, Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring offers a unique and totally different experience that you'll surely enjoy. Don't miss this when visiting the province of Compostela Valley!
Hotels in Davao City
- Bahay ni Tuding Inn and Resto - Check rates online
Address: 160 San Pedro Street Davao City
Click here to read my full review - Green Windows Dormitel - Check rates online
Address: FTC Tower, 5th Floor, 1034 Mt. Apo St., Davao City
Click here to read my full review - Marco Polo Hotel Davao - Check rates online
Address: CM Recto Street, Poblacion, Davao City, Philippines, 8000 - Marco Polo Hotel Davao - Check rates online
Address: Next to SM Lanang Premier Mall, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Agdao, Davao City, Philippines, 8000 - Seda Abreeza Davao - Check rates online
Address: NJ.P Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Poblacion, Davao City, Philippines, 8000 - Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao - Check rates online
Address: Km. 7 Lanang, Lanang, Davao City, Philippines, 8000 - Red Planet Davao - Check rates online
Address: JP Laurel Avenue, corner Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao, Davao City, Philippines - Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Davao - Check rates online
Address: Damosa Gateway Complex, Mamay Road Lanang, Lanang, Davao City, Philippines, 8000 - More Hotels? Click here to See other Hotels in Davao City
Hotels in Tagum City
- Big 8 Corporate Hotel - Check rates online
Address: National Highway, Visayan Village, Visayan, Tagum, Philippines, 8100
Click here to read my full review - Banana Beach Resort (Hijo Resorts Davao) - Check rates online
Address: Hijo Plantation, Brgy Madaum, Madaum, Tagum, Philippines
Click here to read my full review - Lucky9 Budget Hotel - Check rates online
Address: Mencidor Ave. Briz District, Magugpo Central, Tagum, Philippines, 8100
- The Royale House Travel Inn & Dormitel - Check rates online
Address: Ricardo Briz Street, Magugpo Central, Tagum, Philippines
- More Hotels? Click here to See other Hotels in Tagum City
Resort in Compostela Valley
- Haven's Peak Highland Resort - Check rates online
Address: Tarago Hills, Maragusan, Compostela Valley, Maragusan, Maragusan, Philippines, 8000
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i visited this place a decade ago. i want to visit back soon.
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ReplyDeleteI am an avid fan of pinoyadventurista.your article helps me a lot.thank you
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