Innerpeace

1egendaryl at Red Rock, Philippines:

🍀🍁🍂☘️ 

__

#hotsprings #spring #green #nature #sulfur #mountains #hike #trek #live #love #travel #philippines #stayandwander #rain #landscape #fujifilm #xt20 #bikini #innerpeace #peace

Away from the region, let's see if there are any developments worth reporting.

An issue becoming more prominent this year: shall well explain where this secret hot spring is located? 

It's increasingly more hush-hush, as keeping the secret is seen as a way in ensuring that the ultimate (and inevitable?) destruction of our places of pleasure and peace by the hordes and vandals will be kept at bay.

Anyway, Travel and Leisure with slightly older article (Mar. 22, 2019) concerning geotagging photo's, a practice sharing your location with the wider world on social media:

'Undoubtedly, the advent of social media changed the way we travel. Take one look through your Instagram or Facebook feed and you’ll likely come across at least a post or two that gives you just a touch of jealousy or inspires your wanderlust.

While all that posting certainly has its perks — like getting more people to get out and see the globe — it can also bring unexpected downsides that are becoming more and more critical to understand. Especially the issues brought on by geotagging.

...

“Poachers are now using unsuspecting tourists to hunt their prey,” Sherwin Banda, president of Africa Travel Inc., shared with Travel + Leisure. “While on safari, tourists post photos of animals to social media sites, not realizing that embedded within the post or the photo is a geo-tag containing the GPS location of the photo. This allows poachers to track animals of value.”

Of course, it’s not just animals who are harmed by geotags. Landscapes and natural areas are suffering thanks to too many people trampling the land just to get the same shot as a social media influencer.

The New York Times reported in 2018 that Delta Lake, a remote area in the Grand Tetons, became one such place after influencers discovered its beauty.

“Influencers started posting from the top of the lake. Then it started racing through social media,” Brian Modena, a tourism-board member from Jackson Hole, told The Times. Modena noted that just a few years ago perhaps just one or two hikers would make the nine-mile journey to Delta Lake each day. Now, however, he said as many as 145 people hike it just to get the same exact photo. Because of this, smaller trails are now heavily trafficked, leading to erosion of precious land'.

It's a brave call, but will it heed? Like I said, it's becoming more fashionable, but there's nothing better than social organisation of protection. That's one reason we have governments, though governments often have differing agenda's.

On a more positive note, Think GeoEnergy (Jun. 22) takes time to celebrate. Celebrate World Bathing Day:

'What better thing to do than sitting in a hot pot somewhere in nature or one of the many hot geothermal water fuelled spas around the world? So let's celebrate World Bathing Day.

kitkatchocs at Mainit hot spring:

Ate Joy 🌼 #hotsprings #travel #philippines #mindanao

I belatedly looked up the wellness trends for this year (Global Wellness Institute). Climate Change, Spirituality? No it's:

'Trend 1: Developing the Understanding, Emphasis and Use of the Term ‘Regenerative Economy'.

Trend 2 concerns benefits: 

'... pursuing higher levels of benefit at an individual, corporate, social and environmental level, to be a catalyst of change for “the better”.

Wonder if the trends have changed during the past year? Corporate survival? Inner-health? Positivity?

Heading into the wider region.

The Asian Times looks (Jul. 24) at the situation of Japan's soaks:

'Hot springs, justifiably, are a major tourism resource for Japan. The 27,000 hot springs dotted around the country generated US$11.8 billion in revenue in 2013, representing more than one-fifth of the $50 billion global hot-springs market.

Japanese hot springs were set for a further boom as analyses noted that the rapid growth in global “wellness tourism” would provide the industry with an additional boost in the coming years.

Certainly, as the number of foreign tourist arrivals in Japan jumped from 3.3 million in 1995 to 31.9 million in 2019, the country’s hot springs have also seen a proportional rise in the number of foreign visitors.

That was, of course, before Covid-19 struck. To say that the Japanese tourism market has been derailed is an understatement.

...

Hot springs are expected to face a disproportionate decline as Covid-19 lays waste to the Japanese tourism industry.

Not only are the signature communal baths that define hot-spring resorts completely inadequate in the age of “social distancing,” but cautious tourists are also keen to avoid the process of getting to remote hot-spring towns, densely built up with inns and hotels amidst narrow streets, often reachable only through normally packed trains and buses.

In an era when tourists prefer to avoid crowds, the essentially crowded nature of hot-spring resorts almost seems anachronistic.

However, even beyond the ongoing crisis caused by Covid-19, hot springs face a long-term threat as tourists shift to other destinations. Media analyses have noted that especially among the Japanese youth, travel has become more about taking in new experiences rather than particular sights, consistent with the global trend toward experiential travel.

The focus on new experience places hot springs at a disadvantage, as the communal baths they offer cannot be considered novel for millions of Japanese who habitually soak up in hot tubs at home and communal baths (sento) in their local neighborhoods.

Some hot springs have faced particular difficulties in adjusting to such shifting tastes in travel. Successful hot springs have either adapted to the need to be Instagram-friendly, like Ginzan, or diversified into other tourist-friendly activities, like Hakone. But those unable to add further value for tourists beyond hot springs, like Kinugawa and Higashiyama, have seen formerly popular resorts shuttered, further driving away visitors as their rotting structures become eyesores.

...

With more than 40 resorts filing for bankruptcy due to Covid-19, the epidemic presents unprecedented pressure and opportunity for the hot-spring industry as a whole to reform how it does business and weed out resorts that are unable to change'.

The situation seems a bit similar to Europe's sauna set up.

Not hindered by geographical needs (i.e. no source required) nor communal locked ins, sauna's are increasingly a bit player to other attractions or are an attraction in their own right. 

Possibly in Japan, tying in the onsen with its surroundings and/or enhancing the (natural) surroundings might help. Or establishing niches. Japan is very much a one size fits all social setting, so stepping outside the main fit might be guaranteed success.

It's odd that the soaking culture in Japan fails to empress younger generations. In Taiwan I observe the opposite. Still wild hot springs to be discovered, these attract a much younger internet savvy crowd.

hgw_9 [insta account n.a. anymore ...) at Taigang (泰崗野溪溫泉) hot springs:

#野溪 #溫泉 #臺灣 #Creek #hotsprings #Taiwan

Klook.com (Jul. 5) on a side note invites its readers to head off into nature: 

'It's a well-known fact that Taiwan is full of hot springs! In addition to popular hot spring areas, there are also scenic outdoor spots across the island where you can have a relaxing dip while enjoying some outdoor activities.

From the north to the south of Taiwan, here are 14 hot spring spots where you can enjoy the best of nature while enjoying both hot and cold springs!'

A good and varied overview. 

Back to Japan. Newscision (Jun. 2) also reports on the apparent downward trajectory of onsen business nowadays:

Among the oldest businesses in the world, Japan’s onsens are national treasures where guests come to enjoy the spa facilities centered around natural hot springs. There are more than 3,000 onsen inns in Japan, some of which date back more than a thousand years and have been in the same families for generations. Yet many are now being forced to close their doors.

Decades of economic recession have forced many onsen owners into bankruptcy. Last year one inn closed after having operated continuously since 704, and this year the sudden decline of Chinese tourists due to the COVID-19 has caused still others to shutter. But what if the onsens could stay open by capitalizing on their hot water resources in another way?

More than just an onsen

On June 1, 2020, Baseload Power Japan commissioned its second power plant in Japan, at an onsen in Gifu. “We first got the idea when we were driving around Japan and started noticing signs for closed onsens,” says Baseload Capital COO Pernilla Wihlborg. “we started asking onsen owners if they might be interested in making money by creating power from their hot water and in parallel, we established our local subsidiary. Eventually we came into contact with onsen owner Ms. Midori Mizunami.”

Midori’s spa has been in operation for 14 years, but the ups and downs of the tourism business can be challenging. “For business owners, it is a relief to have income from two different sources,” says Midori. “Now, when the tourist business is down, I will still have money coming in from the power being generated from the Climeon heat power plant.”

At many onsens the water coming out of the spring is so hot that it must be cooled before guests can bathe in it. “That’s one extra benefit we can offer onsen owners,” says Masahiro Ito, Representative Director of Baseload Power Japan K.K. “The power plant can lower their costs by cooling the water at the same time that it creates electricity.”

So another opportunity to be had. And if the scale of operation is such, it need not affect the onsen business; it could even enhance it. 

Other issues from the wider region. Matt Sykes on instagram teams up (Sep. 9) with the Australian venture Great Vic Bathing trail: 

'matt__sykes__

The Australian Wellness Tourism Summit is cultivating seeds of regeneration today through a virtual gathering titled 'Wellness Travel Opportunities in a Changing World'.

♨️

It was a pleasure to join one of the panels with other industry leaders and share the vision for the 900km @greatvicbathingtrail which will link up hot springs, bathing and wellness experience right across our southern coastline. Regeneration is about communities, nature, culture, trade and transformational stories. Success can't be measured through money alone.

🌱

Excited by the opportunities for collaboration that lay ahead. Thank you and well done to @katherinedroga

and the team @wellnesstourismsummit'.

Another interesting venture to report on, Hamam magazine:

'HAMAM in a new quarterly bathing magazine launching in summer 2020. It will feature essays, artist projects, photography, and interviews from contributors from all over the world. We think of bathing as a practice of letting go. We will explore many practices, but there’s no denying: we’re bathing obsessed. We’re launching HAMAM because there isn’t a magazine already out there that cares this much about a good soak. 

Creeps

Heading over to the region proper, starting off with Vietnam.

Nashaplaneta (Feb. 10) heads for one of the hot springs near Sapa (Ban Ho) and reports on the practicalities:

'The fact that this is not the sources of healing hot water from the earth, but just a pool in the private house of one of the locals, who for a nominal fee let anyone wanting to swim here. The owner of the house says the water comes from a natural deep well, and has healing properties, but in fact is no way to test, and given that it is a bit warm, doubt creeps in. Of course, no facilities there.

That is why we do not recommend a special trip here from the city, they are not worth it, but to swim in them in the evening after a long walk before bedtime in Ban Ho you can. Besides, nearby is a river where you can swim in cold water, and then plunge into the warm water'.

kimthu92 at Alba Wellness near Hue, central Vietnam:

Onsen 🧖🏻‍♀️♨️

#vacay #vacayvibes #onsen #hotsprings #japanesestyle

Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh is the name given to a new hot spring resort near Halong Bay. Timtravel (Jun. 10) is just one of those reporting on this happening:

'Located just 10 kilometers from Ha Long and 15 kilometers from Cam Pha’s downtown area, Yoko Onsen is the first Japan-standard onsen resort in Viet Nam so far.

Surrounded by the green of the mountains, Yoko Onsen looks like a small Japanese village, peaceful and quiet. The wooden villas featuring traditional Japanese architecture, Japanese gardens with rare pine core bonsais, stone lanterns, bridges and ornaments… have brought about the feeling of tranquility and serenity. Entering this space is absolutely an escape from the hustle and bustle outside.

The resort has 27 mineral bathtubs, equipped with the continuous filtration system to remove impurities that are harmful to the skin and ensure water quality even when many customers used at the same time, together with the sauna area and the food court.

Research by French experts since the French colonial period showed that Quang Hanh hot spring was one of the most valuable sources of minerals. Quang Hanh mineral water samples were also sent to Tokyo, Japan for analysis and the finding showed that the spring was rich in healthy minerals, with the content of Ion Na+ and Cl-, boric acid and bromine (up to 40ml per litre). These minerals are effective in eliminating toxins, relieving pain, promoting blood circulation, enhancing immunity and supporting the treatment of skin diseases as well as reducing stress.

Quang Hanh High-class Mineral Hot Spring Resort has been invested by SunGroup with a total investment of 3.5 trillion VND. It covers an area of 43.6 ha in Quang Hanh Ward, Cam Pha City. The project is aiming to expand with a luxury hot-spring resort adjacent to Ha Long Bay of 536,4ha and a nature reservation of 150ha'.

It's actually located further along from Halong City, heading northwards. 

There are a lot of recent reviews on google, a bit iffy possibly? It seems a lot has been done in creating the place, but most visitors (and reviewers) are nationals, who have an unrealistic expectation that one would have been transponded to Japan!

Though there are private facilities, the Japanese naked bathing hasn't been an aspect copied. Didn't see any complaints about this.

thanhtungbn1988 at Quang Hahn / Yoko onsen:

Cảm giác tắm suối nước nóng giữa núi rừng..phê phết.

[Translation: The feeling of hot spring bath in the middle of the mountains]

#yokoonsenquanghanh #yokoonsen #quanghanh #quangninh #vietnam #vietnamdeplam

The Broadlife (Sep. 19, 2019) reports on Nha Trang's 4 (yes 4) mud baths.

Lush

A primer by Thailand Magazine (Jun. 29) for Pai's (Mae Hong Son) premier pool; that of Sai Ngam:

'With a water temperature between 30 and 40 degrees, the Sai Ngam Hot Spring is really lovely to stay in. When we were there it started raining very hard, which made the difference between temperature above and underwater even bigger. A crazy experience! The area is lush and feels more like a forest than a jungle. You can relax here and enjoy the ambient sounds like birds, cicadas and other insects'.

From the Vientiane Times (Jun. 4):

'A Singaporean firm joint-venturing with a Lao partner has agreed with the Lao government to conduct a feasibility study on the development of a clean thermal power plant in the southern province of Xekong.

...

Under the MOU, EPIC and KMX will be permitted to conduct a feasibility study on the economic, social, and environmental viability of a 1,000MW clean thermal technology power plant project in Dakcheung district, Xekong province.

The project is estimated to cost US$1.7 billion and expected to be commissioned by 2027, producing reliable year-round electricity for export to neighbouring Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Domestic distribution is also likely'.

It seems rather odd, Sekong isn't really well-known for its geothermalality, so how is it possible that such a scale of project can take off?

chuckoyvicuna (I'm thinking Negros (?)):

cinnamon buns with hot tea... at the Moringa Farm Hot Springs 🙈 MAAYONG BUNTAG! 

#moringafarm #hotsprings #localboy #natibo #exotic #brown #cinnamon 

#chocolate #native #local #exportquality #highgrade 

#internationalquality #worldclass #filipino #pinoy #philippines

Malaysia then. Freemalaysiatoday (Sep. 29) heads over to Selayang:

'But some people might find it off-putting to think that a few of the bathers might be suffering from skin diseases and other complaints, some of which might be infectious.

Yes, the water is hot, but is it hot enough to kill all the bugs? Is it possible to return from the hot springs with an itch that was not there before?

...

Judging by the crowd, most people do not share these concerns and many come here to enjoy the relaxing natural hot spa treatment at zero cost. There are four pools at temperatures ranging from hot to very hot'.

Worldofbuzz (Dec. 17, 2019) has an overview of 11 Malaysian soaks. Nothing new. Nor any very natural (other than the waters).

Havehalalwilltravel (?) shares a post (Sep. 18) on 

'5 relaxing hot springs in Malaysia". 

Felda, Poring, Banjaran, Sunway and eRYAbySURIA. Note that Felda, Poring and Sunway are not entitled to let you relax (=quite busy).

renalinkbali

Natural Hot spring

North Bali

#bali #hotsprings #banjarhotspring #balinature #balidaily

Bargains

Travelvids4you has an entry (May 20) on Pangururan (north Sumatra), a place not yet changed in the last decade or so:

'After a freezing cold shower at the Efrata Waterfall and nowhere to swim I attempted to save my day by driving to Aek Rangat, an area of the Samosir region that is famous for its hot springs. It’s easy to find as you can see from a distance the white-grey rocks that stand out from the lush green landscape.

My mission was hot water and a swim. I got that and since I had a pool to myself, I got to experience it in the nude. Always a special experience.

Use of the hot springs is free as long as you buy something to eat or drink at one of the restaurants. So for a couple of bucks you can enjoy a meal and a soak in the volcanic heated water. A true bargain in my opinion'.

coconuts (Jun. 12) on Bali and Covid-19 closures / openings:

A popular hot spring water park in Bangli regency’s Kintamani district announced plans to reopen next Monday, despite officials saying that tourist attractions across Bali are still prohibited from doing so amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

...

Under the tagline “New Normal, New Happening,” the resort emphasized how they will be prioritizing cleanliness, health, and safety for visitors by applying a standard health protocol. One promotional video shows the resort staff wearing masks and gloves, and highlights how visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and hand-washing within the premises. 

Officials from Bangli regency earlier today said they had been trying to coordinate with Toya Devasya to stop them from reopening the resort, which has been temporarily closed along with other tourist attractions across Bali since late March to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Their website mentions no closing (or any other additional concern concerning Covid-19).

Understandably there are very few reviews nowadays, though this from Tripadvisor with reference July 2020:

'I was there one hour and probably half the time an announcement about wearing masks placed in Indonesian, followed by a couple sentences in English with such a think indo accent I couldn’t understand completely. There was also a water feature that filled up with water and splashed down like a water slide load slash every minute. Not peaceful.

No signage was in English while this was marketed as a tourist destination. There were 3 Indonesian couples, and that was it. I felt very out of place as a solo traveler

This is extremely grossly over priced'.

More Taiwan, alas the final photo of this posting:

nanum_tattoo at / on Orchid island: 

A special spot that I can skinny dip. Love being in my birthday suit in nature.