The off-road experience on our way to Puning Hot Springs near Clark, Pampanga was one of the most amazing rides I’ve ever done.

Before the trip, I had little idea of what to expect since it was the first time I’ve heard about Puning Hot Springs.

We started the day taking a regular jeepney to Sapang Bato from Angeles City. At the jump-off point, all of us got really excited seeing 4×4 military jeeps gamely lined up, waiting to take us to our destination. More so, when we discovered we would be passing through lahar (volanic mudflow) filled valleys.

We were caught off guard with the beautiful landscapes. Everything came as a thrilling surprise.

Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-092318)
Thrilling 4×4 jeep ride at Sapang Bato, Angeles, Pampanga

Off-road jeeps at Sapang Bato, Angeles City

Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-083258)Take your pick :)
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-083423)
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-084032)Loved this rust colored jeep. I want one!

The road trip begins!

Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-090756)Near the jump-off point
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-091021)Great overlooking view before entering the lahar filled river valley
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-090810)Aetas, indigenous people, greeting us with the most genuine smiles.
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-091153)
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-091526)Lots of photo stops along the way

Rocky river

Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-091816)Passing through rocky river terrain
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-091837)Following the path of the river
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-091835)Wide smiles while holding on to the railings for dear life
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-091858)Squinting through bright sunlight for a souvenir photo.
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-091951)

Narrow gorges

Just as we thought it couldn’t get any better, it did. Our jeepney drivers led us through a narrow crevice in the mountain, still following the rocky river.

Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-092036)
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-092047)
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-092057)

It was the best part of the ride! It reminded me of mountain passes I read or see in movies like Lord of the Rings or 127 hours.

I felt a bit scared, and awestruck at the same time :D

Off Road Adventure to Puning Hote Springs, Pampanga

Lahar Landscapes

After passing through the narrow gorges, we saw towering peaks covered with the overwhelming sight of extensive volanic mudflows.

We were already in the foothills of Mount Pinatubo. So near to the crater lake! but I guess I will have to reserve that for another trip.

Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-093032)
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-093022)
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-093143)
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-093153)
Puning Hot Springs - Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Greater Clark - Pampanga, Philippines - (012912-093416)

Well camouflaged in a corner of one of the mountains was Puning Hot Springs, where we got to enjoy a therapeutic natural hot bath. The scenery resembled a tropical Tibetan Shangri-la … with lahar covered peaks instead of ice-capped mountain :)

Watch this video a took during our 4×4 Jeep Ride in Sapang Bato, Angeles (Greater Clark), Pampanga: