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.

Varm

sittiarafah33:

Air Panas Waigete #airpanas #waigete #maumere #flores #ntt

Long time, no see? Apparently that's what happens when u are busy busy. Or better said putting your priorities elsewhere.

Following are a couple of pictures from the region which might be to your likely. Well, better siad they are to my liking.

 

We started off with Indonesia (above) which always has some of the regions most enticing hot springs. Following in alphabetic order is just the solitary soak from Burma:

 

#naturalresort #hotspring#taungngu#lovelyday

source

Gather

Indonesia condures up many a potential photo-op however somehow I've included another from Flores, with the second photo of having a shower: it's not often that having a shower is emphasized at the popular soaking possibilities in Southeast Asia.

piasabinehaakonsen

#hotsprings #niceandvarm #funnypictures

ncis_meira

Monthly gathering means showering together after #hotsprings #bali #kintamani #island #likeforlike #ilovebali #wonderfulindonesia #noedit #friendship

Sit back

#favourite #memory bathing in an #amazing #natural #hotspring with the local #village #people in #laos - the area was actually divided in two sections one for #men and the other for #women and #children - it was a #beautiful moment to be apart of and our presence excepted! #hotsprings #secrethotspring #washing #bathing #beautifulmoments #travel #travelgram #travelstories #backpacking #journey #destination #ilovepeople #laotian #ilovelaos #amazingplace 

source

Laos (above) is still a country where tourists are yet to discover the many soaking possibilities, leaving the hot springs as pristine as one could hope for.

Malaysia (below) in contrast has overdeveloped most of their hot springs, only those off the main road still having some attractive powers if only for avoiding the hordes of merry makers:

iamtravelist

#Borneo #hotspring #nature #sarawak #kuching #malaysia #travel #life #weekend #sitbackandrelax #spa #water #blue #countryroad #hot #naturalhotspring #kuchingtravel

More ... nerves

 

Only 35.8°C, much better! [sweat_smile] #hotsprings #cebuisland #philippines #travel #discover #itsmorefuninthephilippines #hotwater #nature #wanderlust #instatravel 

 source

Wrapping up this photo overview, we start with the Phillippines (above and below), followed by Thailand, with the last photo from Vietnam.

rowmaiquez:

Hot spring is one of my fave natural waterpool. The warm water relaxes my nerves. Arden Hot Spring, Camiguin #camiguin #beautifulisland #adventuretime #rowinwonderland #hotspring 

nene_nae at Rock Valley Hot Spring and Fish Spa, Khanchanaburi:

ออนเซนแบบไทยๆ ตีโป่ง 😂 #onsen

aussieinwanderlust at one of Pai's hot spring resorts (Mae Hong Son province)

The happiness when you stumble along a cool natural springs resort....only to find out that it's SUPER HOT. This is not refreshing when it's 40 degrees out already! 😫😫😫

iceteeweenj 

On👌 #waterweb #inaction #potd #hotspring #onpoint #flickonpoint #hairflickoftheday #albahotspring #vietnam #huecity #vietnamtrip2016

Dip

Can't get enough of the nature. [leaves]

Panchor hot spring, Sarawak, Malaysia source.

Time for a another photographic tour of the region, starting off with Malaysia above and the Philippines below.

Dip for 20 minutes in this #hotspring and get a full body #massage at #bladespa straight across from the pool. #mambucal #amazing #negros #itsmorefuninthephilipines #beach #islandlife #lifeisgood #pinas #bakasyon #goproph #gopro #goprous #goprouniverse #goproworldwide #goprophotography #goproeverything #island #travel #beachlife #harrisadventures #travelph 

source

  

#ofatheexplorer #backpacker #igers #whenincebu #wanderer #wanderlust #goprohero4 #mytravelgram #hotsprings #yolo

Mainit hot spring, Cebu, Philippines,  source. 

Explore

#onsen ? Nope. It's just another typical of #hotsprings .

Somewhere on Java (left)?  source

  

#hotspring #northsumatra #exploresumatra #adventure #sibayak

source

   

{ Natural hot springs in Khaung Daing. } #eauxthermales #eauxchaudes #thermal #waters #hotsprings #myanmar #inlay #inle #burma #birmanie #travel #chill 

source 

  

#hotsprings #pai #thailand #ophelia

Pai's geothermal heaven, Mae Hong Son province, source

 Namtok Ron Hot spring waterfall 

Krabi, source Kent Wang

Channeling

 Annah Rais Hot Spring is a few minutes' drive away from Annah Raid Longhouse, a Bidayuh settlement about 100km south of Kuching, at the foothill of Borneo Highlands near the mountains marking the border to Kalimantan. The invigorating hot water is about 40°C degree (sometimes reaching 70°C) and it appears in the middle of a cooling jungle stream surrounded by singing birds and chirping crickets. A truly unique experience. #annahraishotspring #annahrais #hotspring #bidayuhvillage #bidayuhlonghouse #longhouse #bidayuh #tropicalrainforest #rainforest #jungle #catcitykuching #beautifulkuching #junglestream #stream #kuching #sarawak #borneo 

source

Modern poverty
It's no doubt that progress and development are the main driving forces of the loss of natural hot springs. 
In Southeast Asia and in the wider world. 
Whereas in Southeast Asia money seems to be at the heart of this loss, a recent article blames social media. The article's author, Christine Adele, on diyphotography.net (Nov. 18) proclaims that social media is stimulating unwise use of protected natural lands, in her case specifically in the north of the United States.

'To them [as opposed to the author], the only purpose nature serves is to provide them with the shot that they can pump up in photoshop to gain more followers and impress their friends and family. They think about outdoing the shot the last person who visited got. They think about the now, and not about how their actions might affect these parks in the future. These actions continue to snowball as people do increasingly ridiculous things to outshine others'.

In this one can easily substitute the wider use of the definition of nature with hot springs. 
The plethora of social media and especially facebook and instagram (both with their culture of lookatme) are increasingly providing a stage for risk-takers to avenge on nature as well as letting better known secrets become famous. 
It's irrespective of where we are, be it Iceland (Hrunulaug), France (St Thomas), Italy (Viterbo), Thailand (Sai Ngam), Indonesia (Rinjani), New Zealand (Kerosene creek) or the U.S.A. (Umpqua / Skinnydipper), the lure of a natural soak in a natural surroundings with little or no visitor management and advertised on social media is encouraging more visitors to do likewise. Or to abuse the natural conditions or stretch the capacity of nature to cope with those visitors.

Or is it?

Social media can also capture the beauty of an area, it can also educate the visitor, it can also promote the opportunity to be at one with nature. Sites being overrun are more often than not zero-managed (and thus open to (ab)use not seen elsewhere) or as in Southeast Asia open to exploitation by touring companies.

Christine continues:

'It’s hopping fences, going into closed areas, feeding wildlife, picking flowers, camping illegally, using drones, using sparklers for light painting, swimming in protected waters, bringing our pets into protected backcountry.

It can be hard for some to understand how just one person doing these things could possibly be a big deal. The problem is, its not just one person- its hundreds of people influencing thousands of people influencing millions of people'. 

Nevertheless, her solutions are a call to ignore abuse. Hardly a solution.
Better would be to use social media to initiate change, to create affirmative action and to highlight the creative forces behind nature.

Comments on this article:

'There have always been knuckleheads in National parks. Social Media just makes them more visible'.

'Let's be clear: social media is not making people commit these acts, they make the decisions themselves. As someone stated, social media may be exacerbating the problem, but it is not the root of the issue. People are making very poor decisions, unfortunately, and it's important to remember that we're all responsible for our own actions'.

Continuing, giving locals a say, as a way to create a collective responsibility. The U.S. Forest Service has been gaining info on the future of Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs (Statesmanjournal, Nov. 5):

'The most popular ideas for the future of the site — as indicated in the survey results — show a preference for stone soaking pools, a network of trails and a small campground.
Other popular ideas include keeping the site low-impact and natural while including amenities such as a pit toilet, picnic tables and bridge across the river. The response also showed an openness to paying a small fee if the funds were used to keep the area clean and safe'. 

It does seem to be at odds with other initiatives from the same service making public access to soaking sites elsewhere in the U.S.A. more difficult ...

Co-existence

Over on soakersforum a discussion on the (de-)merits of geothermal exploration. If feasible, will geothermal exploitation lead to the loss of hot spring soaking opportunities?

The discussion seems to think not: all what is happening is a pumping around of water. 

Then there are arguments from Japan:

'In fact, there are 27,405 identified hot spring wells and over 21,000 combined hot spring spas and inns, according to 2014 data published by the nation’s Ministry of Environment.

Over 126 million people visit Onsens annually, spending considerable amount of money at spas, hotels, restaurants, and shops at hot springs. Because of the significant economic activities related to tourism, local communities didn’t think that Onsen business and geothermal power plants could co-exist'.

Several examples are given from the U.S.A. of hot springs drying up / dried up.

Then the crux which seems to follow the lead of this posting:

'We have lost far more soaks to irresponsible users and lack of respect than we have to geothermal power'. 

And the use of binary geothermal systems will probably not affect the springs themselves.

Read more below in the Philippines section on how pumping hot water for soaking is affecting soaking ...

Sticky

Japanese owners of onsen are apparently hoping that their lowering of standards concerning visitors with tattoos will reap more money courtesy of foreign tourists paying a visit. 
Well, actually the national tourism organisation is hoping this will happen and is nudging the owners in that direction. So reports the South China Morning Post (Nov. 5):

'With visitor numbers soaring but mindful of not upsetting the company’s Japanese guests, Hoshino Resorts has taken a more proactive approach to the problem.

“For small tattoos, we provide guests with a sticking plaster that they can use to conceal it before they go into the hot spring,” said the company official, who declined to be named.

“We do understand that tattoos have become fashionable in other countries and we really did want to do something that would be acceptable to everyone,” she said. “We believe this will mean that everyone will be able to enjoy our onsen.”

Not all of Japan’s operators have been as quick to keep up with modern realities, however, which has caused confusion among foreign visitors who had no idea that they would be refused access to an onsen if they had a tattoo.

A study carried out recently by the Japan Tourism Agency revealed that 56 per cent of hotels and inns across the country do not permit anyone with a tattoo to use their communal bathing facilities and have no provisions to help bathers conceal a tattoo.

Just over 30 per cent said they will not turn someone with a tattoo away, while a further 13 per cent say they will grant someone with a tattoo access under certain conditions, such as having it covered up".

While on the subject of soaking habits: the Shanghaiist (Oct 5) has this odd piece of news:

'Officials at the Huaqing Hot Springs in Shaanxi province have urged visitors to please, please kindly refrain from taking pictures of themselves feeling up a statue of an ancient Chinese beauty after it stopped being funny a long time ago'.

Thanks for the memories [heart_eyes] #vietnam #bath #hotsprings #piscine #nature #backpackers #explorers #landscape #beautifulday #morning #river #holidays #massage #instatravel #hmong #authenticity #ramenezmoilabas Crédit [camera] @guillaume_40

Afoul of the Vietnamese public scrutiny? Source

Vietnam also seems to be struggling with tourist antics. Apparently they are also awakening to the naked foreigner phenomena: posing in nature.

And Vietnam does not like. Thanhnien News (Dec. 29):

'A recent photo of three foreigners standing completely naked on Fansipan, Indochina's highest mountain in northern Vietnam, has received strong reactions on social media.

...

The foreigners were disrespectful to a Vietnamese location deemed by many as a national icon'.

However it was deemed less obscene by many of the comment contributors, which seems evidence of a more healthy attitude.

Carrying on. What might allude many, is how Thai tourists are increasingly visiting Japan and many seem OK with the onsen culture. Or even wanting to experience this traditional custom as authentic as possible. 

This is evidenced on instagram where I see many Thai language reactions / comments on onsen photo's. Take the example of the more famous onsen of Takaragawa, where bathing al fresco is the way to go:

Onsen Time ท่ามกลางหิมะ ☃ ☃ กับสาวน้อย @nene_nunoo #happytime #happytrip #tokyuagain #ของขวัญปีใหม่ #เรื่อยเปื่อยทัวร์

 source

Maybe it's just the snow and hot bath which elicits the need to photo one self. Very foreign to Thailand. Pretty picture btw and one of many examples.
 
Finally back to China. With temperatures dropping in China, it seems a bit contradictory for the Shanghaiist to report (Nov. 30): 

'But, in Chongqing, when conditions start to get a bit nippy, that's when the nude swimmers come out to play'.

Estimation

Taiwan lies on the border between Asian free for all and the Japanese art of onsening. Travelmomo notes Taiwans penchant for private hot springs in Yilan:

'In their hearts, Taiwanese are shy to go naked in front of other people. If possible, they prefer private bath (I think that's most people). That's why Hot! Spring Onion only offers private rooms of different sizes and designs for friends and families'. 

Not such a natural experience though ....

From Naked At Monuments: 

Lisong Hot Springs, Taiwan

The country is increasingly becoming a great hot spring destination. 
On a recent blog entry (Dec. 2015) My Taiwan tour highlighted Taiwan's soaking capital of Beitou:

'The entrance to Beitou Park (北投公園) is just across the street from the metro station. There are a number of small Beitou Stream waterfalls within the park. “Early on, before many facilities were developed, Japanese nationals would come here and soak in the pools below the falls – naked, in the Japanese fashion. This caused quite a stir with locals, and Japanese officials thought it best to stop the practice, to maintain Japanese dignity and esteem.” (Today only foot-soaking is allowed in the stream.) Small inns and baths began to pop up'.

A good site for more info on Taiwan's soak is a recent (Jan. 3) posting on rtaiwanr:

'Apart from night markets, hot springs in Taiwan are the must-see for many visitors. Hot springs are loved not only for their novelty, but also for their therapeutic benefits, as they provide relief to nervous, digestive, circulatory or organ disorders. This is because hot springs emerge from the very depths of the Earth, meaning that their waters carry a powerful mix of natural minerals and chemicals that are beneficial to our health. Today, many resort-style hot springs have taken advantage of this, creating luxury spa and health centres where customers can take advantage of hot spring hydrotherapy. However, many Taiwanese still prefer to go and have a good soak in the much untouched hot springs, as their ancestors once did'.

 Life in color. Stop racism! #pemandian #air #panas #angseri #tabanan #bali #stop #racism #nature #green #hotspring 

source

Lessons

How to learn from / about Japan and Japanese customs? From anime (artifice.com)? 
Concerning the onsen:

'does anime teach viewers about how to use bath houses? There is a very specific way to use an onsen and every one will have slightly different rules so it can be helpful to look for a sign'.

Not much assistance. 
A Japanese onsen (and anime) could also teach us about body acceptance and concepts of shame. 
Alas the author only notes that not wearing shoes inside is a rule one learns from onsen culture in anime!

Then something different, but also a wise lesson.
From Reuters (27 Oct.), a two minute feature video on how a man made disaster could possibly be less of a disaster. Named Lupindo after the company that caused the mud stream to start, there might be some way to gain from attracting tourists. 
Plausible, though the mud is noted as poisonous. 
And it could be another 100 years before the mud stops flowing (source). Check for a scientific based discussion on wikipedia.

Advisable
A quick ramble through the region:

• Burma

Finding a hot spring in Burma by guymaclaury (in photo above):

'At the end of the day, as the sun was getting ready to set, we found the hot spring. Our group dwindled from 6 to 4 because of sickness and the heat.

We were lost while searching for this hot spring when a local who didn't speak English guided us to it. Perfect way to end a long, arduous day on bicycles in the heat'.

Fear not, there are more sophisticated soaks in Burma than the puddle above. Example:

#Shvitzing in the #hotsprings #myanmar #inlelake #mountaintop

source

• Indonesia

Aroengbinang has a couple of recent blog entries on the hot springs of Tirta Sanita Ciseeng and Ciparay, both in the vicinity of Bogor, Java.
On the Tirta Sanita Ciseeng hot spring:

'One of the VIP soaking tubs at Tirta Sanita Ciseeng Hot Spring compound which can only be used by one person at a time. Please be advised that a couple is forbidden using the VIP soaking tubs at the same time, even though they are legitimate husband and wife. It is probably better that way to avoid any bad impression and abuse of the facility'.

Quite an interesting blogger he has other entries on the hot springs Kuningan Sangkanurip, Walini and Gunung Pancar.

An introduction to Guci hot water in Tegal regency.

 

#hotsprings #samosir #sumatra #indonesia

source

• Malaysia

A map of Malaysian hot springs. Misses half I think.
 
Here's another not included hot spring. Malaysian Traveller (Dec. 28) visits Dusun Tua hot spring, Selangor:

'There is no entrance charge at present but there is a donation box where visitors can contribute to the cost of maintaining the changing rooms, toilets and other facilities'.

Recent other vists include Kuala Kubu, Selayang and Hulu Tamu.

Di Malaysia pun ada Onsen la. Kalau agak agak jammed otw kerja tu singgah jap la kolam air panas , kasi buang toksin dalam badan biaq tak malas jaa, buang penyakit badan then buang semak kat kapla biaq tak serabut. Kalau nak buang penyakit hati lagi senang, zikir je, Masyallah. #onsen #kemalaysiakekita #jejakmalaysiamiyul #selayangkusayang #kolamairpanasmenggelegak #bolehmasaktelur #jgnminumnntmabukpiau #takpanaske #akuygmandikoygpanas #kodahkenapa #hdr 

Selayang, source

One of Malaysia's more well-known hot springs, is that of Bentong. It however is not a commercial for soaking. 

Azrin went there last October and was not bowled over by his stay at the newish Suria hot spring resort nor by the soaking opportunities at the hotel:

'Waterwise, kids pool, flipping cold. Not even bluish. Unchorinated I suppose. Hot pools had water fed in, piping hot and I do not recall the natural pool being this hot, about 60'c or so I figure they recycled the water. No natural sulphuric smell but of my old school longkang back in Rulang. Anyway, I got my cheap fix. Not so cheap. My eyes are itchy from the haze too. Reminder to oneself, go to the natural pool'.

 泡 溫泉之寧靜心靈，一切歸零。 [herb] [leaves] [fallen_leaf] [hotsprings] [high_brightness] #hotdippingpot #geothermalwater #relaxingtime #happyday #haveanicedayahead #happiness #happy #holiday #lovelife #natural #goodmood #hotsprings

Yes, you guessed correctly, it's Banjaran got spring. Source

• Philipines

Mainit Spring in Malabuyoc by outoftownblog:

'The entrance fee was only twenty pesos. The tourist spot consists of multiple springs of flowing water naturally heated by underground sulfuric rock. One mini-spring had the highest temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius. Dipping my finger to test the temperature, the water was indeed very hot'.

 

2014 - 2015 Year Ender Mainit Hot Spring Photo Taken: April 12, 2015 #vscoph #vscocebu #vscocam #springs #hotsprings #nature #malabuyoc #cebusouth #cebu #igers #igerscebu #wanderlust #choosephilippines #igtravel #travelph #travel #pinasmuna #cebukeepsmegoing #ig_philippines #bestshots_ph #vscophilippines #iluvcebu #travel_philippines #mobilephotography

source

A scientific study ((Jago et al., 2015) Science Direct, Dec. 21) on pumping hot spring water in Calamba and Los Baños in the Philippines. Note they refer to both towns having together more than 500 (!) hot spring resorts / spa's. 
Part of their conclusion:

'Hot spring water resorts and spas in Calamba and Los Baños, Laguna are estimated to consume a large volume of groundwater which could result to over-extraction and decrease in groundwater quantity. However, monitoring of actual usage is difficult as most of these resorts do not have water use permits. The Water Code of the Philippines requires water users to register and apply for permits for water allocation, but still many resorts have not yet registered with the NWRB. If groundwater extraction is left unregulated, water availability for the resorts industry and for other uses in the future, will be negatively affected'.

• Singapore

Trying to recreate the real thing. From the ikeda spa site:

'As the hinoki wood comes in contact with hot water, it releases a unique type of skin-soothing oil that is widely used in Japanese skincare products. The spa waters are infused with interestingly-scented onsen (hot spring) bath salts to recreate the ultimate onsen experience'.

 

[heart_eyes] Who needs to go Japan when you can onsen like at @ikedaspa [bathtub] #throwback #filming #ikedaspa #onsen #relax #channelu #clarkequay #prestige #japan  

source

•  Thailand

 

Murky #onsen #hotspring water #ChiangDao, #ChiangMai, Northern #Thailand  

source

Note: 

Jago, K.A.B., F.P Sirignan, R. Balangue-Tarriela, M. Taniguchi, Y. K. Reyes, R. Lloren, M.A. Peña, E. Bagalihog (2015) Hot spring resort development in Laguna Province, Philippines: Challenges in water use regulation. Science direct: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Vol. 4, Part B. Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.