Traditionz

mrboiiii at Lake Agco (Mindanao, Philippines):

One with nature! #gopro

Japan and onsen seem inseparable. 

Taking an onsen is much more than just a soak. It revolves around traditions. Following traditions. And it's also about purity: pureness of water combined with pureness of human bodies and human souls. And spirituality.

But that was then.

Now, in order to attract more guests (no, no, no, it's about making more profits) we read that bath wear is allowed. 

Reported on quite a few websites in the region, I'll cite traveller.com.au (Nov. 14), though the original article is attributed to the Washington Post:

'The inn [Sui Suwako] is among an increasing number of hot spring resorts that allow guests to wear a garment while bathing, not only because more and more Japanese find it embarrassing to be naked when men and women can use the same bathing space, but also because of the growing number of foreign visitors who are not used to the traditional requirement that bathers be naked at these facilities.
...
The Japan Tourism Agency in March last year compiled guidelines - for onsen inns and other bathing facilities
...
[The agency] calls for operators to allow guests to use bathing wear.
...
According to Ishikawa [Michio Ishikawa, an onsen critic and chair of the Regional Science Association of Spa, Japan], some operators do not allow users to wear their own garments while bathing for hygienic reasons and instead have them use items they sell or lend'.

Allowing bath wear allows the sanctity of pureness to be dropped as well as allowing aspects such as class, social standing, religion and even politics to enter the onsen bathing process. 

It may not be the end of the world, but it does bring this closer. Ummm, sort of.

laygroundtokyo

♨️Onsen rules series♨️ #onsen #温泉 #newrules #japan #illustration#sofreshsoclean #onsenszn #hotsprings

Giving in to foreigners rudeness may be one way to go, refinery29.uk (Nov. 14) looks at it differently:

'Elsewhere in the world, gendered communal baths are a cornerstone of how you hang out with friends. One country where this happens is Japan, where natural hot springs known as "onsen" are a big part of life. As Shino, a Kyoto resident who has been visiting the baths since she was four, explains: “Onsen are for relaxing and healing, as the waters are often high in minerals. As well as aches and pains, they’re supposed to be good for the skin, which is why a lot of women go.”
...
Pochi, from Tokyo, has her own bath at home (not necessarily a given in a city where space is at a premium) but still goes to the sentō two or three times per month to relax with friends or family. It’s like going to the pub, only wetter.
...
With women in Japan enjoying the longest life expectancy in the world, communal activities such as these play a vital role in maintaining the health and happiness of an ageing population.
...
Naturally, supply and demand plays a big part in the price structure: While the Romans and Victorians were big fans of a bathhouse, many have now been closed down. Plus the UK's level of geothermal activity means hot springs are never going to be – erm – springing up all over the place. But if communal bathing were as ubiquitous and budget-friendly as it is elsewhere, would we be ready to take the plunge?'

Discover

More. On soaking in general.

An article (Adventure.com, Nov. 8) on how internet is killing discovery.

'The internet has made many things, including travel, easier, safer and more accessible. But does too much information risk destroying the most rewarding aspects of travel?
...
And paradoxically—instead of always hunting out the highly-rated sights, hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars—we have to try harder to stop seeking the best experiences, and let them come to us. There might not be many corners of this world yet to be discovered by humankind, but there are plenty yet to be discovered by you.
So if you do manage to find somewhere extra-special and all on your own, perhaps don’t tell us about it via TripAdvisor or Instagram. Don’t even tell us about it when we ask you how your trip was. Save a few spots for the rest of us to ‘discover’'.

Discover what? tripviss.blogs (Jul. 22) has 

'8 Relaxing Hot Springs & Baths in Southeast Asia'.

A couple each from the major nations (in size).

A geothermal musical? ThinkGeoenergy (Nov. 20) reports on a geothermal themed musical, staged in Belgium.

Nikkei.com (Nov. 17) notes a number of new methods to breathe fresh air into older bathing establishments:

'Dwindling customers force public baths to try new ways to get them into hot water
...
Another sento attracting foreign visitors is Showayu in the Awaji district. Teruo Morikawa, who runs the facility, has teamed up with his brother, Masatsugu, to allow free, unlimited bathing for customers who stay at Masatsugu's guesthouse nearby. The service attracts many backpackers from Western countries, Morikawa said.
...
Irifune Onsen near Nishitanabe station specifically targets after-work joggers
..
One sento has turned itself into a venue for an entirely different use. Masataka Tamaru hosts live music performances at his Asahi Onsen
A shortage of successors for traditional family-run operations is also being blamed for sento closures. Some sento owners are handing over operations to people outside the family.
Hideaki Katsura began running Chidori Onsen in Konohana Ward in October, after the owner retired but had no one in the family to take over. The 51-year-old former company employee has a plan to attract a new type of customers -- he said he wants to turn the facility into a place where avid cyclists can gather'.

More soaking business. The Asia Times (Nov. 1) reports:

'Russian and Japanese investors have begun work on the first hot-springs spa resort in Russia to use geothermal mineral water and follow the traditional Japanese bathing style. The bathing complex, known in Japan as an “onsen,” is due to open in 2019 on Sakhalin island in the North Pacific, and will, it is hoped, attract tourists from various parts of the Asia Pacific region'.

Benefits

Time to explore the Southeast Asian region in topical bites, starting off in Indonesia.

A new concept? The onsenresort, Malang (Java). Opened from October last year:

'The one and the only natural hot spring resort and Japanese restaurant in Batu, Malang of East Java. It is ideally located in the amidst of lush pine trees scenery of the mountainous background in Batu, Malang. This is the ideal place for relaxing your mind and body .Our 24 hour friendly staff will welcome you with fresh welcoming drink, and will lead you to the true Japanese villas and also the Japanese bathing culture and experience: ‘Onsen’. It is believed that enjoying onsen will be beneficial for your well being'.

Facebook reviews count 2.5 stars from 14 reviews; quite a few were very negative. 

The Japanese bathing culture and experience? It seems that what is meant, is that it's more attuned to the Indonesian traditional (?) full clothing soaks.

endahwahyuratri

Berendam hot spring di Giri tirta resort dengan air mineral supaya awet muda... yuuks.....#hotsprings#giritirtaresort#happyladies

Five most recommended hot spring destinations near the Toba lake on Sumatra (Laketoba.com, Sep. 17). 

Interesting. And surprising. To see yourself from a selfie. They could have asked ...

Then, the hot spring of Kasi (Vientiane province, Laos) announces on Facebook (Dec. 25) it's new pool has been completed. It looks like a new pool has been constructed in the old pool. 

How it was:

mairawa

A tip for northern Laos - Kasi Hot Spring. We stayed two nights in one of those small huts on the hill and spent at least half of the time floating (jumping) around in the hot pool. #laos #kasihotspring #biketour

Basic
The (Malaysian) Star (Dec. 2):

'Far from being just a simple scenic spot by a river and waterfall, the Lubuk Timah Hotsprings and Recreational Centre has more than Mother Nature’s wonders to offer to visitors today.
...
Just a few years back though, the popular weekend destination had yet to be properly developed and it lacked many basic amenities.
After several upgrading projects started in 2015, thanks to the Tourism and Culture Ministry, it is now on its way to becoming an outstanding destination'.

The New Strait Times (Dec. 14) on the Setapak soak in KL:

'If you are new to Kuala Lumpur, chances are you probably don’t know that there is a hot springs spot in the city.
...
The pool lies in the compound of the Resource Springs apartment but it is still open to public, daily from 7am to 8pm. For a small fee of RM2 you can have a hot bath here. There is a bathroom with cubicles for men and women. The management has also provided a number of foot-baths around the pool and there is even a small kiddy pool fed by hot water from the main pool'.

nadz_ruslan

Panchor Hot Spring Serian#photooftheday #travelgram #websta #samsungs7edge #portrait #perspective #photography #panchorhotspring#hotspring #sarawak #borneo

Philippinesnow (Sep. 13) has:

'8 Timeless springs in the Philippines'.

Note: hot and cold.

jed1433

Pampainit ng katawan#byaheNiJed #summer #laagan #lakwatsero #instravel #instagram #IG #wanderer #view #PilipinasDestination #nature #naturelover #naturePhotography #Philippines #promotePH #pinas #chasingwondersph #spring #Dauin #NegrosOriental #hotspring #baslay

Singapore's Strait Times (Nov. 25) reports on Sembawang soaking developments:

'The country's only natural hot spring on the mainland, the Sembawang Hot Spring, will soon be developed into a park 10 times its current size and feature a cafe, toilets and a floral walk.
Construction work will start in early 2018 and be completed by 2019, the National Parks Board (NParks) said on Saturday (Nov 25).
...
News that the site was to be developed into a park was met with mixed reviews in April, with some wanting to keep its rustic character while others open to having facilities such as washrooms and basins'.

To round off this post, just the single picture from northern Thailand:

alks.hnn

The Naked Man.#thailand #pai #nature #naturephotography #natureporn #naked #man #ass #nude #allnatural #hotsprings #mountains #landscape #clouds #summer #ink #river #asia #travel #travelphotography #instatravel #igtravel #travelgram #picoftheday #pictureoftheday

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

Time

 Nothing like a dip in some hot springs while it's pouring rain. #adventure #travellife #travelasia #asia #travelvietnam #instatravel #travellust #globetrotter #jetsetter #travelbug #travelawesome #traveling #travelgram #vietnam #explore #nature #naturegram #instanature #instatravel #wanderlust #wander #wanderfolk #hotsprings #yangbay

source

Life

A brief photo update on those soaks in Southeast Asia. Above Vietnam, following Indonesia.

mandi di hari k-4 ( 4 hari sebelumnya kagak mandi ) cegel kakak ..adek gak mau pulang .. ^^ Dimana ini hayo? 13 Mei 2014 #latepost photo taken by : @adisulistiyo05 #seger #cibungcibung #curug #airpanas #waterfall #enjoyindonesia #mountainesia #galeriindonesia #trip #holiday

Lombok,  source. 

What a life #saturday #kintamani #hotspring #pool #kintamanilake #lake #mountabang #gunungabang #weekend #chillin #life #internshipbali #bali #baligasm #toyadevasya #lifeinparadise #mtpb #thebaliguideline

 source 

  

aahh so nice #sogood #hotspring in the #river at #tangkahan #northsumatra #indonesia 

source

Moments

   

Happy 24th wedding anniversary, Mama and Papa [couplekiss] #Mambukal #Hotsprings #Ohana #Gopromoment #goprohero4silver #Afterlight

Negros, the Philippines,  source. 

   

I miss this place. #hotspring #camiguin #wanderer #wanderlust

Ardent hot spring, likewise from the Philippines,  source.

  
Over to Malaysia:

   

Seriously I kinda miss that place tho it's a lil spooky. #bliss #hotsprings #nature #TheBanjaran

source

 

Today's destination [wink] creditby @derekgeeat #hotsprings #goodphotographer

Panchor Dayak, Sarawak, source. 

Dream

   

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. [sunny] Walt Disney @hakunamacara #hotsprings#pai#thailand#vacation#travelling#backbacking#paradise#next#stop#gilitrawangan

#bali#monostel#beschdeleben 

 source

   

Day trip to the hot springs in Marobo! #marobo #timor #timorleste #hotsprings #boiling #hot #pool #mountains #view #bathtime

source

Soaring skyward

'#throwback #sunday #hotspring #emeraldpool #aonang #bff'

Taken in Klongthom, Krabi, Thailand. Source

The northern hemisphere is slowly becoming colder; the time of year to seek the heat of mother earth herself.

It's also time to recap the year. 
Little original content has been added to this site itself; such is life. But the regular updates besides capturing some pan-Asian soaking highlights seems gradually evolving into a number of themes:
- geothermal power development versus local soaking rights
- excessive development of hot springs
- (traditional) bathing traditions
- innovative ways of using earth heat

On other related sites, this year have seen their own developments. The Himalaya site has seen a number of original posts reworked and kept up-to-date. In this and the Thailand site have seen a number of photo posts.

Most of the effort though, has been directed to the Europe site, with a good number of original posts culminating in an overview of supposedly Europe's most natural soaks. Possibly the European Natural Soaking Society may well become the flag-bearing site. My own time for long-distance travel is very limited and the few remaining really natural soaking sites remaining in Europe may well need my fullest attention ...

Fiesta
But back on subject. The hot spring season in North (and Southeast?) Asia is under way. 

With a couple photo's of models (or sexy girls as this website believes) chinatraveltips notes:

'The 6th China Huangshan Mountain international hot spring culture festival kicked off on November 18, 2013'.

Hot spring culture = couple of female models splashing? 

Another hot spring festival, this time in Fuzhou - Lianjiang, China. Originally from China Daily (Oct. 30). What does a festival look like: 

'The guests enjoyed dance and singing performances from Russia, Spain, Taiwan and Fuzhou, and also had the opportunity to relax at the hot springs at Gui’an Xishan resort hotel after the show'.

Southeast Asia lagging in this party (thankfully?)?

Follow the leader

The Jakarta Post (Nov. 6) describes the Philippines as an example to follow in the field of geothermal power:

'Indonesia does not have to look very far to find the best way to tap geothermal energy, which potentially is located in protected, remote forests.

As Indonesia struggles to find a balance between the development of geothermal resources, forest conservation, and development, the Philippines has shown how that can be achieved.

...

Agnes de Jesus, senior vice president for environment and external relations at the Energy Development Corporation — the Philippines’ largest geothermal power producer — recalled similar challenges in 1988 when the Philippine government decided to build geothermal power plants in the middle of Mount Apo Natural Park following the El Nino weather phenomenon that reduced hydropower generation.

The plan was highly controversial at that time, de Jesus said, citing the lack of legal basis to establish plants in a conservation area, which is also an ancestral domain for indigenous people.

“We conducted scientific surveys on the site to asses the environmental impact and held many consultations with stakeholders to explain about the project,” she said. It took four years for the project to start after securing approval from indigenous people and a presidential decree that granted exploitation permits in the forested area'.

The example is thus an example in the way government appeases investors. But with energy dependency as the winner.

More news (Indonesia-investments.com, Oct 22) for potential investors in Indonesia's geothermal power. A law is actually being drawn up concerning development of geothermal energy. This would be an improvement as currently geothermal power falls under mining laws.

Harking on this is an earlier article in the Jakarta Globe (Oct. 27). It explains the intricacies of a geothermal project in Lampung, Sumatra:

'Locals should be consulted on the development of the geothermal power plant being planned near Mount Rajabasa in South Lampung regency so that it will not spark controversy and be rejected by indigenous people living in the surrounding areas, a minister has said'.

A Turkish company has shown interest in geothermal power nearby (Republika, Oct. 26). And then the Jakarta Globe also reports (Oct. 7) on Japanese investment in Indonesia's geothermal power.
So it looks like geothermal power generation in Indonesia is gathering steam.

  

Meanwhile, the typhoon which struck so devastatingly central  Philippines, also affected the Leyte geothermal  power generation. This article (interaksyon, Nov. 19) mentions 4 power stations affected with capacity potential of over 600 MW. though since, some have been reactivated.
Coincident or not CNN's money has 3 minute highlight on exactly Leyte.

Culture II 

Over the past months Thailand has seen it's great public debate: are the many Chinese tourists a bane or boon?

It starts with this little knowledge. That the Chinese authorities are aware of their abroad citizens. And how they behave (as they are at home). The Bangkok Post (Oct. 3) :

'The National Tourism Administration publicised its 64-page Guidebook for Civilised Tourism - with illustrations to accompany its list of dos and don'ts - on its website ahead of a "Golden Week" public holiday that started on Tuesday. ...
It also urged them not to occupy public toilets for long periods of time or leave footprints on the toilet seat. Nor should they urinate in swimming pools'.

!!!! Nice.

The northern Thai city of Chiang Mai sees the brunt of of the Chinese influx; it forms the backdrop to a popular tv comedy in China. But the Lanna citizens are not all happy (Bangkok Post, Oct. 13):

'But despite the large sums of money these tourists bring, many local business owners complain about the travellers' uncouth behaviour _ spitting on the street, failing to flush the toilet, pushing in and any number of messy dining habits'. 

The article rolls out a complete gambit of every possible problem the Chinese are the source of. This involves the above but also low spending culture, BYO, poor driving, extensive haggling, etc. Thankfully no reports from local hot springs ... As of yet.

Than the Bangkok Post reports on October 25 on the nearly 100% increase in tourists from China. The arguments contra are for instance that the Chinese guests hardly spend any money as most of the souvenirs available in Thailand are made in China! Inappropriate behaviour is another argument. Example provided:

'I have some first-hand experience of Chinese manners. During a stay in a Pattaya hotel, I saw a group of Chinese tourists, who were walking back from the beach, stop by the hotel's swimming pool to wash  their feet. Needless to say, this upset the swimmers'.

Well, next year will probably see another flavour: Indians? Americans? Rwandi? What will the complaints be then?

And totally different. Japan thinks that soaking is passè. The answer (Reuters, Nov. 23) to keeping towns dependent on their hot springs is to open casinos!

'In contrast to the massive resorts of Las Vegas and Singapore, aspiring hosts outside the big cities are looking to the more compact facilities of Europe as a guide.
The German spa town of Baden-Baden, which also has casinos, is serving as a model for casino proponents in two traditional hot springs towns - Atami, in Shizuoka Prefecture, and Naruto, in southwestern Japan's Tokushima Prefecture'.

Asian affairs 

• Indonesia

A blog features a beautiful look at the highlands of Bali. 
This includes a walk to Angseri hot spring. 
Source: heyitsksh.

Another find? Tinggi Raja, North Sumatra was visited by the Green family (Nov 7). Is it soakable? Possibly too hot!

Jeff Low has a photographic feature on Manggaruda, hot spring, Flores, Indonesia (Oct. 24). Here's just one of the photo's:

A good report (bygetupandleave, Sep. 11) on climbing Rinjani volcano, Lombok, Indonesia. Note the ability to take a soak after the climb near the crater rim. And the photo's:

The amazing hot spring!

• Malaysia

An extensive report (The Star, Nov. 16) to the little disturbed forests of Ulu Meda in Kedah, Malaysia:

'How can a vacation ever be complete without a trip to the hotsprings? Indeed, after a five minute boat ride upstream, Hymeir led us into a place called Sira Ayer Hangat, which literally meant Hot Water Salt Lick. He guided us into a shallow stream, pointing out safe spots to step as certain spots had hot scalding water! Downstream, the hot spring water mixed with the cooler river to created a perfectly warm swimming area.

On a sandbar in the middle of the stream, steam rose from the ground. A wispy white substance coated the areas where hot water from a hidden spring wept straight from the sands into the surrounding stream'. 

Sira Ayer Hangat literally means ‘Hot Water Salt Lick’. It’s frequented by wildlife.

It continues:

'... once, a visiting government official saw the area and thought of turning it into a commercialised spa. Fortunately, this didn’t come to pass as it would not only have damaged the environment, but also would have driven the animals away. Besides, there were hot springs nearer towns outside the Ulu Muda conservation area'.

Hurrah!

Lest some forget, the Borneo Post (Nov. 17) mentions the existence of a hot spring in it's own backyard, Panchor Dayak:

'There is one in our own backyard – Panchor Hot Spring, nestled in lush secondary jungle at Kampung Panchor Dayak, Mile 27, along the old Kuching-Serian Road.
Here, one can enjoy the invigorating effects of a natural hot spring without having to travel thousands of miles or paying a huge sum for it.
...

In terms of facilities, Panchor Hot Spring offers quite the minimaL. There is a main wooden structure housing a canteen, a sitting place, shower rooms as well as toilets. From here, a wooden plank walk leads to the pools with a natural ambiance.

What can be easily overlooked is perhaps is the totally green jungle backdrop where tropical animals and birds may sometimes be spotted.

During a recent visit, I spotted two different types of birds — a green-whitish one which winged down a tree but soared skyward almost instantly in one swift motion, and a blue-greyish pair which fluttered among some fallen branches towards the bushes, lingering long enough for their pictures to be taken'.

And then stated matter of factly:

'Fully aware of Panchor Hot Spring’s immense tourism potential, the government already has plans to develop the place into something bigger and better — with piped water and electricity, villas, hostels and barbecue facilities.

According to Jeffrey (Layut), work has already begun.

“You can see the trees have been felled to give way for the villas and other facilities. We hope the upgrading can be completed as soon as possible so that this place will be better equipped to draw more visitors,” he said'.

Government thinking: sod nature, bigger = better!

• Philippines

Maquinit may sit high in Southeast Asia's popularity polls, but this visitor laments:

'The lack of shower is what prompted out friend Rupert that it is expensive, especially because no maintenance effort is needed for the water to fill thr pools. "Ni di sila nagbabayad ng NAWASA" added Rupert'.

• Singapore

In Singapore off the beaten track? Ourbigexpatadventure reports on Singapores only hot spring source:

'It was an interesting and quirky adventure!'

Sembawang hot spring, Singapore. Enjoy? From instagram jeromekg

• Vietnam

Vietnamplus lists the big 7 hot springs of northern Vietnam. In no particular following: Kim Boi, Than Thuy, My Lam, Ban Moong, Kenh Ga, Quang Hanh and Tien Lang.

Further afield

Bhutan. The hot springs of Dunmang are deteriorating, so reports BBS (Oct. 25). The report comes complete with a video of this beautiful hot spring. One problem: there is only 1 toilet. It apparently sees more and more visitors without any facilities available.

An upscale opening, the Angsana spa Tengchong in western Yunnan, China (Sep. 27).

A report from the end of last year. Chinese officials in the region of Inner Mongolia tired of the ever increasing amount of officials coming. So reports wantchinadaily:

'The end of the year is a peak time for officials to make inspection tours. A deputy head of a county in Inner Mongolia famous for its hot springs said he received 10 groups of guests in a single day. As a visit to the baths is considered a sine qua non, a local official paid eight visits to the baths with different groups. He was so exhausted that he decided to wait in the bath without getting up and putting on his clothes as he received the last groups for the day day'.

Slightly dated, even Lonely Planet is picking up the vibe from natural soaks. It has an article named Hot spring hunting in the Southwest USA. Most mentioned though are more upmarket soaks, though apparently Verde hot springs is known for it's remoteness and alfresco bathing! Yeah.

#bali #kintamani #batur #hotspring #lake #mountain

Enjoying Bali, source.