A haven is defined as a place of safety or refuge. Last September I had the chance to visit a beautiful spot in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur which locals consider as their safe haven. Libuacan cold spring is a quiet, peaceful and serene safe haven. It is a place that could relieve stress and will definitely give its visitor a breath of fresh air.
The water is deep, clear and cold. This spring is the perfect place to unwind if you’re going through some things or just a place for a relaxing but beautiful experience with your friends and loved ones. The spring itself isn’t too deep because you could already see the bottom of the stream. BUT the Libuacan underground cave is a different story.
The caretaker of the spring mentioned that there were American divers who tried to measure the depth of the water source, the underground cave, but they only managed to explore 95feet depth.
It wouldn’t be hard for you to get lost in its beauty because not only is it breathtaking, but the area was surrounded by tall trees that moved like they were dancing with the wind. There were concrete stairs leading to the stream and a wooden bridge that connects both sides. And if ever you’re thinking about where you can just sit to enjoy the scenery, the area had wooden picnic tables and chairs where you can place your things and enjoys your snacks. And they also have a dressing room.
Reminder: Throw your trash in the proper places. :)
And the price wouldn’t even be a problem for you! You will find a hut by the entrance where representatives from the barangay sit. And instead of paying an entrance fee, they accept donations in lieu. How awesome is that?!
The best part about Libuacan cold spring is that there aren’t a lot of establishments or buildings, so it truly is a break from the city and it isn’t crowded. So you could just soak in the experience.
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| the water source, the underground cave |
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| that crystal-clear cold water! |
The spring is located at Barangay Maglambing, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. Getting there isn’t hard either. There are daily flights going to Davao and Butuan City and from there just take a bus going to Surigao del Sur, then just ask the villagers to help you go to Tagbina. Going to Libuacan spring you’d have to take the habal-habal from the national highway.
And just in case you’re still looking for other things to put in your itinerary, Enchanted River of Hinatuan is a place you should also visit. The caretaker of the Libuacan cold spring actually mentioned that the water source of the underground river was connected to the Enchanted River of Hinatuan.
Other destinations you could visit and add in your itinerary in order to maximize your stay in Surigao del Sur: the Enchanted River of Hinatuan, Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, and the Britania group of Islands.
HOW TO GET THERE
Book a flight to Butuan City or Davao City. Other option: There is also a Cebu Pacific connecting flight from Manila-Cebu-Tandag (capital city of Surigao del Sur).
From Butuan City, ride in a bus bound to Mangagoy (Bislig City).
- Ask the driver to drop you in crossing near to elementary school in Barangay Maglambing. From there, hire a habal-habal that will take you to the location of Libuacan Cold Spring. Travel time from Butuan City is more or less 4hours.
From Surigao City, ride in a bus/van bound to Butuan City- 3-hour travel. At Butuan City Bus Terminal, ride in a bus bound to Mangagoy (Bislig City). Then follow instructions above.
From Davao City, There are nonair-conditioned buses in Davao Ecoland Terminal directly bound to Mangagoy in Bislig City. Travel time is more or less 6 hours. From Mangagoy ride in a bus bound to San Francisco/Butuan City – tell the driver to drop you in eskina/crossing Elementary School in Barangay Maglambing in Tagbina- that’s more or less 2-hour travel. Another option is you can ride in an aircon bus going to Butuan City, get-off at crossing San Francisco and ride in a bus or jeepney going to Tagbina. Then follow instructions above.
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