Updates for June 2009

Once more an update on developments on hot springs in Southeast-Asia, to start with news.

From Asialife guide Phnom Penh, June 2009 issue. A trip to Lao provided with the following description of hot springs:

'Two hot springs lie close to Phonsavanh. The larger one is the village of Hom, some 50 kilometres out of town. The springs themselves (open 7am to 5pm, 10,000 kip), consist of a large, fenced off sulphurous mud-pond and a few concrete bath houses. Of little appeal in themselves, the setting is quite idyllic. Apparently the bungalows are popular with locals at the weekend.

Of far greater appeal are the smaller springs near the village of Sam (open 7am to 5pm, 5,000 kip). Set on the Tay River, the flow from the springs mingles with the natural current of the river, providing hot and cold running water al fresco. Watch locals come to wash their clothes, while soothing your aching bones. The only problem with this place is that the last half a kilometre is on a bumpy track that, according to our guide, can become inaccessible in the rainy season'.

Complete with picture.

The only other newsworthy fact I could come across was that of Philippines and Korean econmic cooperation:

'In Taal, another Korean group tried—almost succeeded—in putting up a hot-spring spa right at the foot of the active Taal Volcano. The group bribed its way to get official permission to build. Construction of the facility was nearly finished when the people of Taal woke up to what the group was doing, and protested. The national government, invoking the project’s lack of an environmental compliance certificate, stopped it dead on its tracks'.

Not all that positive picture of Korean investment.

Spa culture. This web page explains the origins of the word jacuzzi and it's relations to hot tubs, spa and soaking in general.

Another list, this time of popular spa towns on this planet. Surprisingly none in Southeast Asia. Many from the States and Japan. How Australia makes the mark (and Rotorua doesn't) seems an entirely different mystery.

More lists, iconic geothermal hot spring designs of the world. No idea why they made this list.

Crazy things (or not?):

'Imported from Japan, each NIHON NO MEITO Hot Springs bath salt variety recreates the experience of a famous hot spring in Japan. They are full of minerals, and will improve your sense of well being, not smother you in bubbles!'

Soakersforum.com adds more hot springs on the big screen, the list is upto nine. More art:

'Bathing is something of an art in Japan, and not to be confused with mere cleansing. There are rules of etiquette, which you gradually learn from copying others'.

This is from a Thai newspaper, the Nation, from a couple of years ago. How do you spot the Thai in a Japanese onsen?

'Women place small towels on their head, not over their genitals, when they walk to the pool, though I found myself dangling the towel strategically just the same'.

FahThai, Bangkok Airways in-flight magazine (July 2009 issue) adds:

'To newbies it might seem that one wrongly placed towel is all it takes to be a bull in a hot and steamy china shop. ... Do not wear a bathing suit; this implies that the areas under the suit have been left unwashed. '.

From blogs:

Lao

• From crazyguyonabike.com: Bor Nam Ou, near Kasi. The site mentions:

  'This could be their unofficial web page'.

  It then goes on with descriptions of many a visitor. Funny, I must have past this location at least 6-10 times without noticing it was there. The reviews are not fabulous, but good none the less.
  

Indonesia

• Sari Alter. Another insight in to differing dress culture:

  'Jennifer was the only girl in a bathing suit and Ivan was the only guy not wearing a shirt'.

• A guide to Belulang hot spring on Bali. Click on the photo, which leads to more photo's.

Philippines

• A photo report on Mambukal and typed out by nomad4ever.

• Pasyahan? It's definitely in the Philippines, but where? Near Asin?
  

Malaysia

• More on the Ana Rais hot spring, including a couple of photo's and map.

• Sungai Klah. Nurul Aqilah gives an overview of a visit. What is a foot reflexogy walk?

  'Here, hot water flows over the reflexology stone pebbles. Walking over the pebbles was a strange sensation as you not only feel the pain, you also feel warm at your feet. Nevertheless, we quite enjoy the walk over the pebbles'.

  Alifebe adds more photo's, especially on how to cook an egg.

• Poring hot spring, more photo's, no comments included. More commentary is Danielctw.

  'Well, being in the hot spring, unlike the hot spring I had in Sungai Klah, this one is a bit too modern to my liking. Imagine getting hot water from taps. Rather this place in Sabah is more like a bath tub where you can turn the tap and hot water flows out. Kinda spoil the fun for me though'.

Thailand

• Mostly photo's from Bentong hot spring in South Thailand.