The Great Summer Escape 8:

"Chilax" at Malumpati Cold Spring

By Pepin

The long and winding road from Iloilo to Antique can make you wobbly and purge. But be thankful enough because there are many beautiful sceneries that can relieve your queasiness easily. Just like Malumpati Cold Spring. Its nippy waters and abundant flora around will take you to a different level of respite that you surely wouldn’t like to miss.

Located in the hushed town of Pandan at the northern part of the province, Malumpati Cold Spring is a perfect retreat to experience less-demanding moments with family and friends. Its crystal clear water set at a suitable temperature is just right to give anyone a rejuvenating sensation and to relieve those heavy pressure points. That is why many people regard it as a health spring.

But what excites anyone who visits this site is its natural landscape. Although there are evidences of human interventions, like the concrete bridge and footpaths, the works of Mother Nature remains well-preserved. From the pebbles and fishes underwater to the huge trees around, the wonders of creation continues to prevail. Plus, the gushing of wind, the rushing of the water, and the chirping of birds flatter more the serene sanctuary.

For a noteworthy piece of information, the water that pour to the spring is part of the Bugang River, which was adjudged as the cleanest river in the Philippines last 2003 by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran National Award – River Category. Now, that’s something to be proud of about this place.

Malumpati Cold Spring is three hours bus ride from San Jose, the central town of the province of Antique, and five hours away from Iloilo City. The entrance fee is only for ten pesos, and small cottages only cost Php 25.00. Overnight stay is available at the following rates: Php 1500.00/room (no electricity) and Php 2500.00/room (with generator; fan room). Special facilities include an improvised diving board, barbeque grills, and bamboo rafts.