Mambukal Sulphuric Hot Spring: Koronadal’s Hidden Healing Paradise

I used to live in Koronadal City for five years to attend college, but I was oblivious then to the beauty and wonder that this city has to offer. Probably because I was young back then, my only focus was finishing my degree, and I didn't have the time or resources to explore the city. I mention this because I recently discovered a healing place in Koronadal City called the Mambukal Sulphuric Hot Spring. Wait, what? Sulphuric, you say? I’ve never heard of a volcano in Koronadal City in all the years I've lived in South Cotabato, but this sulphuric hot water actually comes from geothermal activity. While it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a volcano nearby, the groundwater is naturally heated by magma or hot rock, causing the spring water to become hot and contain sulphuric elements.

Well, it’s not bad at all because 1.) Who wouldn’t want unlimited, free-flowing hot water from nature? And 2.) The hot sulphuric water is proven to be good for health and overall well-being. For these reasons and more, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to visit and experience what this sulphuric hot spring has to offer. According to Google Maps, it’s not far from the city—very close to well-known landmarks like KCC Mall, the public bus terminal, and SPDA. It’s not difficult to find, as the road to Mambukal Hot Spring, while not very wide, is also not congested. We passed through Brgy. Sta. Cruz, a small town with narrow roads, but traffic was manageable. I’d say the area is semi-commercialized despite being on the outskirts of the city. Even on a weekend, traffic wasn’t bad. There’s a small section of rough road leading to the spring and a one-way lane where, if you encounter another car, one must give way. But overall, the road is manageable. The area is not very elevated—just rough in some parts—but still accessible to four-wheel vehicles and motorcycles.

When we arrived, we saw a spacious parking lot that can accommodate many visitors. A large signboard greeted us with the tagline, "The Healing Place of the South." There were many reading materials posted around, emphasizing the health benefits of the hot spring. One thing immediately noticeable was the smell—even in the parking lot, you could already catch the scent of sulphur.

They have a nice and welcoming reception area where you can settle entrance and cottage fees. The entrance fee is very affordable at ₱70 per person, with a cottage fee of ₱400. We then made our way down to the pool area. A well-built ramp provides easy access, even for people in wheelchairs. Kudos to the management for making the resort PWD-friendly, considering they expect guests with illnesses and elderly visitors.

Sure enough, when we arrived at the pool area, there were already a few people there, most of them elderly—probably about 60% of the guests. Some were even in wheelchairs or using crutches, indicating they were there for therapeutic reasons.

As I explored the place, I was surprised by how large it actually is. Not only does the water smell like sulphur, but it also has a milky-white or muddy-brown color. However, just to clarify, there’s no actual mud—it’s just the color of the water, likely due to the sulphur content. They don’t have just one or two pools, but around eight, each with varying temperatures. If you prefer warm water, they have it. If you like it hotter, there's a pool that reaches up to 40°C. And of course, I had to try them all. Personally, I enjoyed the hottest one. It took me a while to adjust to the temperature, but once I gradually soaked in, I felt completely relaxed—like all the tension in my muscles was being relieved.

My favorite part was the natural jacuzzi, where hot water flows endlessly. Since it’s also sulphuric, the water has a milky-white hue. A warning sign suggests staying in the water for a maximum of 20 minutes, followed by a one-hour rest before re-entering. While not strictly enforced, it’s likely there for health reasons, so it’s best to follow the guidelines.

I also liked that all the water from the pools and springs flows into a small creek. Since the creek is fed by natural spring water and overflow from the pools, the water remains clean and fresh.

Another thing I appreciated is that, unlike most resorts, this place is peaceful—no videoke machines blaring from the cottages. Alcohol and smoking are also prohibited. Well, it’s not called The Healing Place of the South for nothing. If the goal is rejuvenation and wellness, it makes sense to eliminate unhealthy activities like drinking and smoking.

This was my first time visiting, but others mentioned that the place has significantly improved in terms of ambiance. Everything is well-organized, even the grilling area, where signs indicate separate sections for pork, other meats, and fish. Our Muslim brothers and sisters will definitely appreciate this thoughtful setup.

Overall, I love the concept of this resort—not just offering physical healing but also mental relaxation. The management does a great job maintaining peace, order, and cleanliness. What a great way to take a holistic approach to healing! Soaking in hot sulphuric water doesn’t just relieve body pain; it also reduces stress and acts as a natural antidepressant. This experience was both refreshing and unforgettable.