Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape, Protected landscape with natural hot springs in Mangatarem, Philippines
Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape is a protected area in the Zambales Mountains featuring two natural hot springs near Mount Malabobo. The terrain includes forested areas and rolling hills through which two rivers flow, creating varied habitats.
The area was established as a forest reserve in 1934 under Governor-General Frank Murphy and later became a national park in 1940 through President Manuel Quezon's decision. This shift marked a change in how the land was protected and managed.
The hot springs serve as gathering places for local communities who visit to bathe and spend time together in the warm waters. These sources hold meaning in daily local life and are valued as natural resources by nearby residents.
The area can be visited via accessible pathways that wind through forested and hilly terrain, making for a peaceful and natural experience. Wear sturdy footwear and prepare for uneven ground underfoot.
The two thermal springs have an unusually high pH level between 11 and 13, making them among the most alkaline hot spring systems in the region. This distinctive chemical makeup comes from water rising through underground sources beneath Mount Zambales.
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