Maquinit Hot Spring: The Only Saltwater Hot Spring in the Philippines
Ever dreamt of a beach bash in a bathtub? Well, Maquinit Hot Spring, Coron, Palawan has turned that wild thought into a bubbling reality! Nestled in Coron’s green closet of wonders, this isn’t just any hot spring. It’s the ocean’s saucy reply to all freshwater tubs out there – introducing saltwater sizzle!
Stride down the boardwalks as they play peek-a-boo through dense mangroves. It’s like nature’s red carpet, but with fewer paparazzi and more chirping critics. Oh, and you might want to get your swimwear’s consent first; this thermal embrace is a tad more passionate than the usual!
Dip into nature’s temperature roulette. Fancy a lukewarm cuddle at 37°C or perhaps a spicy hug at 40°C? You choose. With rock bouncers and leafy canopies, it’s Mother Nature’s VIP club. The ambiance? Pure acoustic sounds of nature – we rate it better than any spa playlist.
But it’s not just about warmth; the waters here are on a beautifying mission. Drenched in minerals, it’s like getting a skin treatment where the ingredient list doesn’t require a dictionary. All aches are VIPs here – Very Important Pains to soothe!
And for the romantics, as the sun flirts with the horizon, Maquinit plays the perfect backdrop. The skies blush, and you’re in the best seat in the house, possibly the universe.
Touring Coron? Maquinit Hot Spring isn’t just another stop – it’s where the journey pauses for a rejuvenating pit stop. Consider it Coron’s bubbly high-fie to all nature lovers out there. Because at the end of the day, who doesn’t want to be pampered by the planet?
The History of Maquinit Hot Spring
Did you know that Maquinit Hot Spring is one of the very few saltwater hot springs in the world? And only the two of its kind in Southeast Asia?
In the late 1970s, the two pools of Maquinit Hot Spring were developed by the Jovellanos family. The Jovellanos constructed two pools (Pool 1 and 2) to accumulate the water using rocks and cement. The family then developed a third pool, the biggest pool that we know today and which collects the water from pools 1 and 2, to accommodate the surge in local tourism in 1990s. (source: researchgate.net)
The word “Maquinit” originated from the Tagbanwa word “Maku’init which means “hot”.
Early life forms thriving in Maquinit Hot Spring
Interestingly, the Maquinit Hotspring that we know today was once home of Cyanobacteria which are the first organisms known to have produced oxygen. They are among the earliest known life forms on Earth and have significantly impacted the planet’s biosphere.
In other words, we kind of owe it to them the oxygen we breath today.
They can be found in almost every terrestrial and aquatic habitat like oceans, fresh water, rocks and soil. (source: Cyanobacteria)
The Geology of Maquinit Hot Spring
How did the water of Maquinit Hot Spring became hot?
The warm water of Maquinit Hot Spring is sourced from the geothermal activities in Coron. This is the same with other hot springs in the world.
Coron region is formed from volcanoes like other places in the world. Volcanoes have hot magma underneath the Earth’s surface which can transfer heat to the area around it. This causes unique features in the environment and can affect the type of plants and animals that live there.
Water from rain or the ocean can go into the ground and travel deep down. In places where there’s a lot of heat in the ground, the water can get close to hot rocks or magma. This makes the water warm up.
Hot water tends to rise due to its lower density compared to colder water. This warmer water makes its way to the surface, emerging as a hot spring.
Why is Maquinit Hot Spring Saline?
Unlike any other hot spring in the world, Maquinit Hot Spring is saline. It means that it contains salt. Due to its proximity to the sea, it can be suggested that the water came from the sea of Coron.
Maquinit Hot Spring has a temperature ranging from 37oC to 41oC. This is indicative of significant geothermal influence.
Health Benefits of Bathing in Maquinit Hot Spring
Hot springs, like Maquinit Hot Spring, Coron, Palawan, are therapeutic. The mineral-rich and warm waters have potential health benefits. However, it’s important to consult healthcare professionals and do more research. Some believed health benefits include:
1. Muscle relaxation
The warm water can help to relax tight or sore muscles, which can be particularly beneficial after strenuous activities or long travel.
2. Joint pain relief
People with arthritis or joint pain have often found relief after soaking in hot springs. The buoyancy of the water reduces the weight on the joints, and the warmth can ease pain increase mobility.
3. Improved Circulation
The warm water can help to expand blood vessels, improving circulation and ensuring better oxygen flow to different parts of the body.
4. Stress reduction
Just like a warm bath, hot springs can help in reducing stress. The serene environment of Maquinit Hot Spring, surrounded by nature, further aids in relaxation and mental well-being.
5. Skin benefits
The mineral in the water, especially if it’s rich in elements like sulfur, can have therapeutic properties for the skin. it can help in cleansing and rejuvenating the skin, potentially aiding in conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema.
6. Detoxification
Sweating in the warm waters can help in releasing toxins from the body.
7. Enhanced sleep
Many people report better sleep after a relaxing soak in a hot spring, possibly due to the muscle relaxation and stress reduction.
8. Boosted immune system
Some believe that regular exposure to the minerals in hot springs can enhance the body’s immune response.
It is important to note that while many people believed and swear by these benefits, not all have been scientifically verified to the same degree. Moreover, individuals should be cautious about exposure times and temperatures. Those with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and the elderly should consult with a healthcare professional before partaking in hot spring baths.
In Summary: Maquinit Hot Spring, Coron, Palawan
Maquinit Hot Spring Coron Palawan’s Steamy Spa Session! Nestled amidst Coron‘s green wardrobe and the grandeur of mountain bouncers, this isn’t just any dip – it’s a therapeutic plunge into nature’s jacuzzi! Seeking a fix for those tense muscles or the city’s stressful playlist? Look no further. Here, the waters don’t just warm your skin, they tickle your soul.
Remember to take the health benefits with a grain of salt—and a splash of caution! While many sing praises of these benefits, science might still be warming up to them. And remember, if you’re expecting, aging gracefully, or have medical quirks, check with your doc before taking the hot spring plunge!
So, if your travel diary screams ‘relaxation’, scribble in a hot date with Maquinit on your next Palawan pit-stop!
