Water from a fast-flowing mountain spring runs through the Durano Eco Farm and replenishes seven multi-level pools to give visitors the best dip of their lives. The pools come in various sizes and depth: shallow for kids, deep for teens and adults, and one that’s a 12-foot plunge for those who want to dive.
Although these pools did not form naturally, they were made to fit the surrounding environment. They followed the contour of the hillside, and stones and rocks were used for the poolsides and divisions.
Spring water continuously flows down through the multi-level pools and rejoins the bigger river beyond so you can be sure you’re swimming in clean, natural and unchlorinated water.
SPRING WATER. A mountain spring fills seven multi-level pools at the Durano Eco Farm in Carmen, Cebu.
SPRING WATER continuously flows to fill the pools.
MOUNTAIN SPRING. The pools were made to fit the surrounding environment and followed the contour of the hillside.
DIFFERENT POOLS. There are different multi-level pools in the Durano Eco Farm.
DIVE. One pool is deep enough for a plunge.
Verdant retreat
What I love most about our experience at the Durano Eco Farm and Spring Resort (and it probably helped that we arrived much earlier than the other guests) was that sense of remoteness about the place.
You’re surrounded by a riot of tall and short trees and lush plants, and the music of the flowing spring that slowly becomes a roaring as it joins the bigger river.
It’s not uncommon for dragonflies to go skimming over the pool water and butterflies to fly around you while you’re swimming.
The resort is a verdant retreat, and it is easier to get to than most rustic hangouts in Cebu.
VERDANT RETREAT. Lush plants, trees and a flowing spring make Durano Eco Farm and Spring Resort a verdant retreat.
STEEP WALK. The walkway from the spring pools back to the entrance is steep and can leave the sedentary office worker a robust physical challenge.
TREE HOUSE. Those who want to spend the night can stay in one of the tree houses in the resort.
Durano Eco Farm
Located in the town of Carmen, the Durano Eco Farm and Spring Resort is less than a 30-minute drive from a side street in the town center. From the Super Metro store in Carmen, take a left on the third street called Nacional. You’ll know that it’s the correct street if you see the billboards of Shemberg Biotech Corporation and St. Benedict’s Monastery.
The town of Carmen is an hour’s drive going north from either the cities of Mandaue, Mactan, or Cebu. If you do not plan to bring your own vehicle, you can take a bus that leaves several times a day for the town from the North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Poblacion where you can take a habal-habal (local word for motorcycles for hire) to the farm.
TURN LEFT. From Cebu City to the resort, you turn left to this side road on the Carmen national highway.
RESORT ENTRANCE. The entrance to the Durano Eco Farm and Spring Resort.
The road leading to the farm is narrow and damaged in certain portions but the drive is easy because only a few vehicles use it.
There are picnic tables and cottages for day use and spartan accommodations in tree houses for overnight stays. Entrance fee is P60 per person.
Contact the Durano Eco Farm and Spring Resort through these numbers 0917 506 8335 or 0915 560 0572 (tap on numbers to call on your phone) or through their Facebook page or booking and inquiries.
