Calamba, about an one hour drive south of Manila, is an easy day trip from Manila. In addition to the historic Rizal House, the main attractions are the numerous hot springs around which swimming pool resorts have been constructed. The resorts are concentrated along the highway towards Los Banos. They usually have several large swimming pools, fed by natural thermal waters, reputed to have therapeutic value because of their rich mineral content.

The resorts are usually designed to accommodate day visitors, who are mainly interested in picnic facilities and swimming, and overnight guests who wish to have private cottages or rooms. The cottages and rooms vary according to price and facilities. However, there are few low budget lodgings. Almost all hotel rooms have their own comfort rooms and some also have minipools inside. In resorts open 24 hours, swimming pool fees are more expensive at night. Resorts often have adult and children pools.

The busy season for resorts is summer (AprilMay). Transportation to the resorts is usually by private car. However, for resorts located on the highway area between Calamba and Los Banos, transport can easily be obtained on frequent buses bound for Sta Cruz or on local intercity jeepneys. A listing of some selected resorts:

Spas / Swimming Pool Resorts and Hotels

Villa de Castro (4) - Pansol Highway, Tel 1562
dbl 300600 (ac,tb,minipool)
2 swimming pools, entrance day/night P 10/15
picnic tables P 200/day
pavilion tables P 500/day; restaurant

Aguia Caliente (5) - Pansol Highway
dbl 350400 (ac,tb)
2 swimming pools (long), entrance day/night P 7/15
picnic table P 50/day; restaurant
Large sign on the resort reads: "This medicinal water contains all the elements for good health, vigor and stability of human body. These are manganese, chlorine, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, and other organic matter".

El Pansolito (3) - Pansol, side road off highway
Tel 1935; no hotel rooms
4 swimming pools, entrance P 7 (8:0018:00)
picnic hut P 60400/day
primarily for family outings

Villa Teresita (1) - Pansol, side road off highway Tel 2369; dbl 400 (ac,tb); 1 swimming pool, entrance 15 nice, quiet; for the visitor who wants privacy

Villa Querol (2) - Pansol, side road off highway
Tel 1895
3/8/12/24 hrs rates P 100300 (ac,tb)
3 swimming pools, entrance day/night/24hrs P 6/12/21
picnic huts P 45175/day
entire villa can be rented for exclusive use; most expensive during
summer months, rates P 2,0007,500

Monte Vista Resort (6) - Pansol Highway
cottage 300450 (ac,tb,minipools)
4 swimming pools, entrance P 715; new facilities with attractive Filipino designs and traditional shell paned windows; clean and well maintained; game rooms for pool and Pingpong; popular with Filipino families; busy on weekends

Mount View Resort (7) - Pansol Highway
dbl 150200 (fan/ac,tb)
2 swimming pools (45 m), entrance P 7
picnic table/hut P 40/50/day

Crystal Spring (8) - Bagong Kalsaga
dbl 350520 (ac,tb,minipool,bar); lux rooms
8 swimming pools, entrance (8:0017:00) P 20/35
terraced pools offer unique stone sculptured styles which resemble natural, rocky waterfalls; these "falls" act as sliding canals where the swimmer can slip from pool to pool; attractive setting and facilities

Garden Inn Resort (9) - Bagong Kalsaga
Tel 1495; dbl 200300 (fan/ac,tb,minipool)
18 rooms; restaurant; 2 swimming pools, entrance P 4

Country Air Resort (10) - Bagong Kalsaga
Tel 1903; cottage 180250 (fan,tb,minipool)
11 cottages, 3 swimming pools

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The one rule that I have found to apply throughout the world is that if you, as a male seeking a female, aim for youth and beauty, then you are better off in small towns than in big cities.