After our Hive Orientation and OCD Onboarding at Kal-anan National High School, together with @ybanezkim26 and @intoy.bugoy, we went to BANYAN SPRING or previously known as GUIWANON SPRING 10 years ago.
Yes, it wasn't my first time here however I looked forward to coming back after 10 years so I can experience the goodness this spring brings to oneself.
We rode a motorbike to get here. The fare was less than a dollar. However, the entrance fee was Php100 or $1.81. Back then, there was no entrance fee at all!
When we arrived at the place, there were lots of cars and motorbikes parked outside. I was expecting this since it was a weekend when we visited the place. There was now a gate or fence, a cemented pathway, and stairs to reach the spring itself. Back then, one got to enjoy a little hike along its rugged terrain.
When we reached the bottom of the stairs, I got a little bit overwhelmed by the crowd that was present. Tables filled with families and friends sharing food, talk, and music. The cottages at the far end were also filled with people. A lot of people swimming as well. Good thing, there were still a few vacant tables of which we were able to rent one for the price of Php200 or $3.63.
10 years ago it wasn't this famous yet and so only locals frequented this place. And we only brought a tarpaulin and laid it on the ground and placed all our things and food!
When we settled down, we decided to take a small tour before we went for a swim. I couldn't help but compare how it was 10 years ago and how it is now. A lot has changed indeed! However, despite the evolution of this place, the spring and the tree still held their beauty, positive energy, and enchanting and mystical powers throughout those years. I truly believe the spirits dwelling in this place kept protecting it despite human intervention and imposition of progress.
Although progress doesn't seem to be a bad thing. The surrounding structure or retaining wall for the spring was much better now compared to years ago when it was worn down and abandoned. They even made a separation between the source and the public space where people can go for a spring. They said it was to prevent contamination and help the source remain clean and undisturbed which I think was a great idea. There was also a retaining wall to separate the deeper part of the spring and the part which was great for kids. A lot of people were sitting here, enjoying their time.
The old tree right in the middle stood tall and proud providing shade against the sun's heat. However, a few of its huge branches were already removed. One of which was used to be a jumping point for small children back then. I guess it became hazardous and was removed to prevent accidents. Nonetheless, this huge old tree remained to be the centerpiece of this enchanting spring.
The following photos are from 10 years ago...
The clear water remained the same before and now. If only there weren't many people swimming, and the water was to be so calm, one would be able to see the bottom of the spring.
We reached the back part where the source can be found. It was decorated with those huge potted plants and it made this side of the spring more beautiful and peaceful. It was the total opposite of the public area where people were swimming. Here the water was so calm that the rocks and fishes could be seen clearly! The color reflected by the water reminded me of a crystal called Azurite-Malachite. Look it up. 😊 The water was so inviting and yet this side was restricted. I couldn't help but be charmed by the view we had. I mean, who wouldn't?
After a few minutes and a few shots, we circled and reached the other side of the spring. There was a grotto of Mary which didn't exist back then. I felt this was placed to attract more people. The part where there is also a fence separating the spring and the sea didn't exist back then. And the concreted floor extension where the cottages were a pretty good idea for their business. Back then, there were only 3 worn down, wooden cottages you could use.
After our quick site inspection, we then had our obligatory swim. It was just the perfect thing to do to wind down from our Hive orientation.
We brought our snorkels just so we could see underwater although there weren't any fancy things like corals or fishes to be found. When we finally touched base with its cool waters, my body system relaxed and felt rejuvenated. It was cold for me though and took a few minutes to acclimate to the temperature. I found that a lot of people enjoyed going under and then coming back to the surface. The only downside is that one has to be careful and not have their feet touch the bottom of the spring. There are small pointy shells where its mini torn will get stuck on your feet just like what happened to my friend 10 years ago which now has happened to me 10 years later. It was struggle removing the small torn from my foot but it was pretty harmless.
I think we stayed here for just 1-2 hours. Although short and sweeet, we had a good time basking in mother nature's energy. It was so good.
I am ending this story with the advice to visit the place on weekdays where there would be less crowd so you can enjoy this charming nature to yourself and that despite how much changed this place has gone through, it is still worth coming back to.
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Have I mentioned that I !LUV springs? I so love springs. Just added another thing to my "to do list" for when we (eventually) visit PH!
!HUG
Hi @consciouscat!!! Are there springs in Australia? It would make my heart happy once I get to explore all the natural beauty there. I am looking forward to exploring the forests there too.
Hi Darling @indayclara 😍😽
There are (to the best of my knowledge) a small number of hot springs but not a lot. (I think that hit springs arise because of breaks in the tectonic plates--those things deep under the earth holding everything in place--and because Australia sits entirely within one plate and not across plates then it's far more stable from this perspective. So safer but also less hot springs!)
But there are definitely lots and lots and lots of trees here for you to spend time with, mostly in what we call bush (the Aussie word for 'forest').
!HUG
I sent 1.0 HUG on behalf of @consciouscat.
(1/3)
I sent 1.0 HUG on behalf of @consciouscat.
(1/3)
Oh, no, that mini torn... I am not a fan of them either hahaha
That is good you could compare the difference, how it was 10 years ago and now. The progress is many times good, but it also means a more crowded place 🤷♀
The progress was indeed way more better but one has to schedule her time wisely so she can avoid the crowd next time 😂
Now you know :D
Such a heavenly place it is . I can't see much different except the trees have grown little loved all the photos❤️
Thank you!!! Yeah. I love the trees surrounding the spring. Especially the old huge tree right in the middle. I hope it gets to live another 100 years! ❤️
Give me chill by just looking at the blue water i could always remember how i wanna soak myself in that cold spring
Great to know you have already explored this side of Tabogon.
Kita tlga improvement sa place....maganda sna magbabad if hndi masyado crowded hehe
That is so true. Kaya torn tlga akoinsan visiting famous tourist spots.
It's the clearest spring in Cebu! It's slightly salty though. HAHAHA
The photos brought back old memories of when this spring was still called "Guiwanon Cold Spring"!The happiest moment I had was when we could come here to cool ourselves off from the scorching heat brought by the summer season. It was then only 5.00Php for the entrance fee. Thanks for sharing @indayclara! I seemed to miss the old times nga ma happy jud makaari kay panagsa ra kaayo makalugsong sa lungsod!hehe
Omg! Lahi rjud tong sauna panahon diba? makamingaw jud. pero happy rman nuon ko na ila gipreserve ang spring.
Looks so refreshing
Hiya, @ybanezkim26 here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Travel Digest #2122.
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You have visited a wonderful place to enjoy your family and friends. It looks like everyone there is having a marvelous time enjoying the beautiful spring and nature.