Pemandian Air Panas Sidebu-debu, di kejauhan terlihat Gunung Sibayak. Sudah pernah kemari?oto: @iceteaworld | #pariwisatasumutnet
I'm trying to find a common theme for this issue of soaking news from the Southeastern Asia region. I can't.
Even more surprising, is that most info concerns non-regional issues.
'Last week, China’s First International Seminar on Hot Springs and Climate Health Tourism was held in BeiBei, Chongqing. Hot springs and climate experts, scholars and related entrepreneurs came from various countries such as China, Italy, Russia, and Japan (in total approximately 350 attendees) came together to discuss the topic of hot springs and climate health and how to transform Chongqing into a hot springs travel destination.
...
Throughout the seminar, Chongqing signed a number of hot springs and climate health tourism projects. These projects cover areas such as hot springs, leisure reports, and industrial research and utilization'.
On Sunday, people in Yichun, Jiangxi province in China, took part in a chili-eating competition in a hot spa filled with chilis. A woman named Yi Huan won the contest by eating 20 chilis in a minute, earning the title of “Chili Queen.” 🌶👑🔥 (📷: Getty)-#chili #chilis #chilli #pepper #peppers #spicy#spice #hot #food #foodie #instafood#foodlover #foodstagram #eat #eating#hotspa #spa #hotspring #hotsprings#competition #woman #women #yichun#jiangxi #china #chinese #辣椒 #溫泉 #宜春 #江西
Chongqing is also where you can experience the above. South China Morning Post (Oct. 19) comes with more info:
'Chongqing has unveiled a new hot spring bathing area that looks like a bubbling hotpot. The novelty bathing spot in the city’s Shapingba district even has bright red water coloured with Chinese medicinal herbs, floating plastic “vegetables” and giant chopsticks for bathers to snap selfies with.
The pool opened last Friday and is shaped like a traditional metal hotpot container divided into four sections filled with hot “broth”, according to a Pear Video clip posted on the weekend'.
Diving
Vogue (Nov. 26) goes to the spa. And notes some international etiquette: European sauna's, banya's, onsens, hammams and Anglo Saxon massage.
'The Soak is a podcast about how we [Alana and Aimee] get clean. It is equal parts anthropological investigation, travelogue, and excuse for us to experience other cultures through one of humanity’s most mundane rituals: the bath'.
Five episodes as far, forest bathing, seaweed baths, bathing and arts, Korean spa's and US public pools.
v.gurujiii at Ardent (Camiguin, Philippines)
post-hike chill @ the hot springs 🔥 fired up by the volcano itself 🌋 #feelcamiguin #ringoffire
Looking a bit a wider issues in the wider region.
'A recent report in The Sydney Morning Herald added dive-bombing into onsen, ...'
While on Japan, there's also the non-soaking experience (Sunstar Cebu, Nov. 21):
'And our guide, Amy, in between regaling our group with stories on creative bento boxes and Japan’s high-tech toilets, which play music to muffle the sound of one’s labors inside the cubicle, dangled nightly the prospect of respite from the freezing cold with the onsen, the traditional Japanese hot spring bath.
The only catch was: “You have to go in naked—with other people,” she said.
The onsen was out of reach. For as tantalizing as the idea of thawing was, baring our flesh in public went against everything we had learned in Catholic school, though the bigger reason we gave the onsen a wide berth was the fear of running into anyone we might know there'.
Hätte nicht gedacht, dass heiße Quellen so fies stinken 😅 und trotzdem war es unglaublich schön dort 😊
Haben eine Quelle gefunden welche nicht auf den Karten für Touris eingezeichnet ist, so waren wir dann allein dort und hatten den Pool für uns. Bei 31 Grad quasi in eine heiße Badewanne zu steigen ist einfach verrückt 😂
Direkt an der Quelle ist das Wasser sogar verdammt heiß, man kann nur kurz einen Finger rein halten 😅
#freethenipple #backpackingsoutheastasia #paithailand #hotsprings #heißequellen
Further afield, a guide to Idaho's best clothing optional hot springs, slightly dated (Apr. 22, 2015):
'There are 130 to choose from, and below you’ll find 5 of the best, where au naturel is the soaking style of choice.
Important note: Please remember to keep your footprint light — stay on trails and pack out everything you bring to the hot springs. Working together helps us keep these special places clean and safe for years to come'.
Inspired
More mundane.
The NZ Herald reports (Oct. 25) on one of the nation's better known hot spring thermal parks being closed down:
'Landowners have cancelled the lease and changed the locks on the doors at Waiwera Thermal Resort after a history of default payments.
The cancellation notice was issued by landowners Waiwera Properties Limited (WPL).
The land has been used as the site for the Waiwera Thermal Resort and Waiwera Thermal Bottling plant, both of which fall under the Waiwera Group owned by Russian billionaire Mikhail Khimich.
Khimich's company purchased the leasehold interest in the property in 2010'.
While in NZ, there's also this hot news. Peninsula Springs of Australia are investing overseas as the Maruia Springs sees new owners (Stuff.co.nz, Oct. 12):
'In the 1990s the business was bought by Japanese owners who turned it into a Japanese-style onsen or hot spring resort.
"They were running it as a hotel with bathing; we want to run it as bathing with a hotel."
The 4ha site was on the market for some time before the new consortium of owners got clearance to buy it from the Overseas Investment Commission in late 2015'.
Jakarta Post (Sep. 20) as yet another article on onsen bathing in Indonesia:
'Visiting an onsen (Japanese hot spring) is a must while in Japan. The traditional bath is believed to have many health benefits as it uses hot spring water.
Those who want to experience the unique tradition can do so at Genki Onsen in Batu, East Java.
...
In regard to hygiene, Adista explained that Genki Onsen changed the water every day.
However, unlike traditional Japanese onsen, where guests are required to bathe naked, Genki Onsen provides disposable undergarments and camisoles or boxers'.
keichabon at Please-keep-this-place-a-secret (Japan). Bit strange to post this then ...
秘湯・野湯巡り♨️ 知る人ぞ知る感MAX、妙高高原の山中某所にある名も無き秘湯♨️白濁の硫黄泉が岩盤から溢れ出てそのまま沢に流れ込んでいくポイントに土嚢や岩で湯船を作ったワイルド野湯💨 普段は放流状態で入る時に栓をして湯を溜め、帰りには栓を抜き放流するという入湯ルール。いつでも無料で浸かり放題だけど、場所は公開出来ないので悪しからず💦
撮影地：新潟県妙高市
#露天風呂 #温泉 #温泉好き #野湯 #温泉巡り#nature #お写ん歩 #日本 #hotsprings #野天風呂 #visitjapanjp #♨️ #おんせんきょ#instagramjapan #入浴 #instagram #japan#onsen #混浴 #温泉巡り #enjoylife #tohoku #新潟 #妙高 #温泉好きな人と繋がりたい 好きな人と繋がりたい #秘湯 #温泉行きたい#openairbath #outdoorbath #wild
Bitter
Over to the region.
Laceybunny (Sep. 8) has a list of 15 Malaysian hot springs:
'We’ve compiled a list of 15 hot spring spots in Malaysia, so the next time you’re looking for a relaxing weekend activity, just refer to our list for whichever is nearest to you!'
'Some of Malaysia’s hot springs have been turned into health spas such as the luxurious Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat in Ipoh.
Sungai Serai on the other hand, has been left more or less in its natural state and looks like a large puddle with a few plastic chairs placed in it.
...
The owners of the land on which the spring is located have started charging admission of RM1 per person and another RM1 for parking.
They are using the proceeds to make various “improvements” such as the breeze-block toilet cubicle which unfortunately has been built rather too close to the pond.
Hopefully they won’t encase the whole hot spring in concrete which has happened in so many others in Malaysia'.
Malaysian style hotspring. Nice to relax and chill. #hotspring #onsen
Yearofthedurian takes a look (Dec. 22) at Mererap hot spring, over on Sarawak (Malaysia):
'The hot spring has always been there, and has always been called Merarap as far as Alfred [Alfred Padan, the regional manager of the Samling Timber Company] knows. The hot water bubbles naturally out of the ground into a series of small pools on land that traditionally belonged to his family and the Lun Bawang Tribe.
...
In January 2004, 10 years after the durian farm was planted, Alfred decided to build the Merarap Hotspring Lodge. It’s even more remote than the durian farm and is one of the only places to overnight if you decide to drive to Ba’kelalan or the Indonesian highlands.
Visiting the hot spring is also the only way you can get access to the durians, since Alfred and family don’t sell the old-tree, organic, bitter durians to anyone but friends, family, and guests of the Merarap Hot Spring. You can choose to stay overnight in the lodge, but our group chose the day trip package, which may or may not have been the best choice'.
Mychiangmaitravel has an overview (Nov. 6) of Pai's (Mae Hong Son) hot springs. Very informative.
lady_lookkaew at Rock Valley Hot Spring and Fish Spa (Khanchanaburi):
#relax 👫 #แต่งรูปวนไป
#picoftheday #saturdayvibes #traveling#thailand #lifeisgood #เที่ยวเมืองไทยไม่ไปไม่รู้#mybetterhalf #husbandandwife #slowlife#เพ้อเก่ง #hotspring
The ever excellent Travelfish (Oct. 16) has updated their Klongthom / Emerald pool (Krabi) chapter:
'We shared the pool with perhaps 200 others, which felt crowded but not to the point that we weren’t able to swim around without colliding into people. Expect the pool to be busier during high season, especially on weekends when locals join the many foreign visitors. Arriving early in the morning or after 15:00 would give you a chance of averting the crowds. While the pool is refreshing and the landscape striking, we wouldn’t say that it ranks among the best mainland attractions in Krabi province, especially when considering the crowds'.
Onsen / spas in Bangkok? Tripcanvas (Nov. 26) has the answers:
'Onsens may cost you a bomb elsewhere, but you’ll be surprised at what you can get in Bangkok!
Stay with us as we journey to find the most value-for-money and affordably luxurious onsens and spas in this bustling city!
...
Kashikiri Soda Onsen
Here,
private onsens are provided, so there’s no need to worry about any
awkwardness soaking naked in a hot tub with strangers. But if you would
like to enjoy a romantic moment with your loved one, you can opt for a
couple onsen or a tub for two!
เวลาเรายืนมองเขาอยู่ในมุมของเรา บางทีก็รู้สึกนะว่า “เออดีแล้ว .. ที่เขาอยู่ตรงนั้น เราก็ดีแล้วที่เราอยู่ตรงนี้” ☀️🌆🎋🎋🎋🛀🏻💦😊 #นั่งโง่ๆอยู่ในอ่าง
Swayed
Blisssaigon (Dec. 1) has 6 hot springs to choose from when on a road trip in Vietnam. A good read.
Viet Nam News reports (Nov. 2) on Tram Tau district (Yen Bai) hot springs:
'What could be more pleasing to travellers in the northern province of Yên Bái after conquering Tà Chì Nhù Mountain? Soaking in hot mineral springs with a picturesque landscape laid out in front of them.
Located around 2km from Trạm Tấu District, the springs in Hát Lừu Commune lie under a small valley, surrounded by terraced fields and hills of pine forests that sway with the gentle breeze. Travellers can also choose to stay overnight at a homestay next to the spring to enjoy a night in the mountains'.
Mặt hí hửng, tắm tiên Ngọc Chiến - bản Lướt - Mường La - Sơn La, Hí hí.#famtrip #ngọcchiến #sonla #mocchau#nudebath
Tripcanvas (Nov. 21) has 11 soaking choices in and around Bandung, all not very natural.
It (Nov. 16) also has 5 hot springs on Bali:
'Where better to soak your tired bones and indulge in one of Earth’s natural remedies, after a long day of hiking, or as a holiday reward for months of hard work?
We bring you a selection of Bali’s best hot springs, in both luxury-chic and back-to-basics rural settings that will delight you more than a hotel spa ever could'.
UDAH PERNAH
#karo#berastagi#airpanas#karokaro#surbakti#karonese
Not all good news from Semangat (lead photo above this entry). Jakarta Post reports (Dec. 2) on a landslide at Semangat that killed 7 tourists.:
'... the 16 students were spending the night at the Daun Paris Raja Berneh hot springs resort when part of a cliff in the area collapsed at about 6 a.m. local time following heavy downpour in the region the night before'.
insights looloo (Nov. 20) has 5 Filipino soaks for the cooler months: Ardent, Asin, Puning Maquinit and Manleluang.
stephen092 at Batasan, Cotabato, Mindanao:
OHANA 💓💓
Then finally, did anyone miss the regional top 10 of Southeasian soaks?
Sorry, I seem to have insufficient time for this. You'll have to make do with the above.
🚗⛰🍾🎲🎼💃🏽👙♨️...#Patron #Moet #HappyPills #EDM#MaroboHotSprings #Bobonaro #DroneIsLife#TimorLeste #TimorLesteFromAbove#HiddenParadise #JtAerialPhotography#EditedToTheMax #ThroughJtLens#BirdsEyeView #WorldFromAbove#FromWhereIDrone #DiscoverDrone#DJIMavic711 #SkySupply #Droning#DroneGrids #DroneStagram #GoneDroning#ShotzFromAbove #DjiGlobal #VisualOfEarth#SkyPixel #DroneAddict #DroneJunkie21.1.18
It seems that what's topical in the wider Asian soaking society is the quirky, the cashing-in and the experiencing Japan.
On the latter, the Philippines Sunstar (Feb. 10):
'I went to Nagoya last week to get naked with strangers. Now if you find this gross, stop now. Put the paper down. Close the window on your screen. But if you think this could be interesting, read on.
...
Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded onsen—the popular hot spring bathing facilities all over Japan that requires all bathers to bathe in the buff. I was determined to go—and not because I’m an exhibitionist. As a matter of fact, when the onsen was first introduced to me exactly a year ago in Hokkaido, I was horrified by the idea of going naked in public.
...
In a nutshell, all my apprehensions at the onsen were unwarranted. You get over the nudity in less than 30 seconds. Truth to tell, no one stares and no one cares—at least at the females only onsen'.
Star2 (Malaysia, Mar. 12):
'I used to be the kid in school that was too shy to even change in the toilet if there were other schoolmates around.
When colleagues learned that I was visiting Club Med Tomamu in Hokkaido, Japan, where guests have access to an onsen operated by the neighbouring Hoshino Resorts, they were adamant I put my inhibitions aside and give it a go.
...
Meanwhile, neck up, the air was cool and refreshing. There were even snowflakes falling on my cheeks! It was just magical'.
But it's not only the Southeastasian perspective that notes cold feet to the Japanese au naturel soaking. The Independent (Feb. 23):
'“Welcome to paradise!” says the naked, middle-aged woman sitting beside me, grinning as she sinks deeper into the almost-too-hot spring water pool at Hotel Shiragiku in the Japanese city of Beppu.
She has travelled from Hong Kong to visit the laid-back spa city famous for its 2,500 mineral-rich hot springs, which are said to soothe the skin and relax the body. I nod my head interestedly to feign comfort and hide the fact I am becoming increasingly anxious that she can see my nipples through the water.
A Londoner uninitiated with onsen culture, I’m seemingly the only one of the dozen naked women in this hot spring bath to feel even a modicum of awkwardness at being in the nude with strangers. Having endured in Japan for thousands of years, onsens are much older than swimsuits and such clothing is thought to contaminate the spring water heated by the Earth’s crust. Instead, bathers must wash thoroughly in a communal area before entering the pool.
I try to relax; it would be remiss to let a little awkwardness get in the way of a dip in an onsen, an integral part of experiencing Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. And I quickly learn there is something cathartic and freeing about chatting and relaxing communally. This is the antithesis of being shut away in a massage therapy room'.
The Tampa Bay Times (Mar. 8):
'In the bitter February cold, the idea of soaking in an onsen sounds like heaven.
The catch: naked.
In Japan, bathing is an essential ritual of life, at home and in public, often at the end of the day. The tub isn’t for washing, but resting, a chance to soak in natural nutrients.
...
I’m a woman from small-town Madison, Fla., who takes quick showers and wears one-pieces to the beach. I dragged conservative dress like a safety blanket from middle school into my married late 20s. "You once wore tights to the beach," a longtime friend told me.
Could I enjoy this?
...
I feel lightheaded.
I think I like this'.
________________________________________#curup #ayokecurup #exploresini #rejanglebong #bengkulu #explore_rejang_lebong #hometown #hotspring #nature #mainkesini #vacation #holiday #destination #backpack #travelindo #travellers #dolansebentar #jalanjalanmen #alamnusantara #alamindonesia #like4like #photooftheday #pergiyuk
Stretching it
While we're discussing the onsen culture: Japan Today asks (Mar. 9) when are boys not welcome anymore in the female section of the onsen?
'While some Japanese hot springs operate under a konyoku policy, in which male and female bathers share the same tubs, for the most part bathing in Japan is gender-segregated, even when it’s communal. However, an exception is usually made for young kids.
...
In many people’s opinions, though, once a child starts the first year of elementary school (which usually occurs at the age of five), it’s probably about time for them to start using the bath for their gender.
...
The issue of how to handle young kids in the opposite gender’s bath is particularly tricky, because onsen/sento bathing facilities aren’t private like a public bathroom stall, nor is the goal to get in and out as quickly as possible, like with a changing room at a public pool. The whole point of Japan’s traditional bathhouses is to stretch out the bathing process and make it a relaxing ritual, so operators can’t dismiss out of hand complaints from customers who dislike having boys in the women’s baths. Nevertheless, with a far greater number of single mothers in Japan now than in the past, and the reinvigoration of the country’s love of onsen over the past decade and a half, it’s a topic that’s likely to continue being debated'.
Quite right, as the article generates quite a few comments.
Meanwhile in Taiwan, no such problems:
面朝大海 春暖花開#EDNAKED#♨️ #溫泉男孩.....#liveoutdoors #earthfocus#thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #welltraveled#passionpassport #stayandwander#beautifuldestinations #discoverearth#letsgosomewhere #natgeo #welivetoexplore#lifeofadventure #modernvoyage#liveauthentic #exploretocreate#whereveryougo #hotsprings #八煙野溪溫泉#八煙溫泉 #野溪溫泉 #溫泉 #泳褲痕 #美尻 #野外露出 #野裸 #🍑
Strange news: yfs figureshop have a complete set of a Japanese onsen:
あ~温泉行きたい。職人が混浴露天風呂造っちゃいました。近日店頭にて展示予定です。#ミニチュア人形のyfs#nゲージ#nゲージジオラマ#nゲージで見る日常光景#露天風呂#混浴露天風呂#混浴温泉世界#ヌードフィギュア#ヌード人形#セクシーフィギュア#ミニチュアフィギュア#ミニチュア人形は演出です#ミニチュア写真#ミニチュアの世界#smallworlds #miniaturefigures#nakedfigures#nudefigures#hotspring#onsen♨️ #onsen♨️ #温泉旅行♨️#miniaturephotography#microworld #microphotography#diorama #ジオラマの世界
Australia's Kitchen Nine reports (Feb. 12) on another Japanese quirky hot spring feature:
'... we’ve recently stumbled on this glorious footage footage revealing a Valentine's Day special at Yunessun spa in Hakone; the chance to bathe in a melted chocolate hot spring. Yes, you heard that correctly. Chocolate all around your body'.
An impromptu hot spring from Taiwan, don't see this being the next big thing for 2018 ...
夜戰多望野溪♨️貨卡真的是太ㄅㄧㄤˋ了 ！夏天可以是泳池 冬天可以是溫泉池#camping #hotsprings #4x4 #offroad4x4#offroadlife #jimny #amarok
Banyantree
'The travel market for China’s hot springs is one of the fastest growing in the world. Revenues from hot springs trips, which follow the ancient custom of bathing in thermal waters for recuperative effect, more than quadrupled from 22.8 billion yuan (US$3.6 billion) in 2006 to 100 billion yuan in 2016, according to online travel agent Ma Feng Wo. Happily for resort owners, cold weather only makes the prospect of a warm bath more enticing.
...
According to Ctrip, China’s love of hot springs is fuelled by women, who booked 70 per cent of the website’s trips in 2017.
Carolyn Mu, 28, a primary schoolteacher living in Weihai in Shandong Province, began visiting hot springs resorts regularly after graduating in 2014. “I usually go to hot springs with my friends. After having a bath, we get together in the lobby and have fun, watching TV, having a meal and playing cards,” she says'.
It then goes on to list 6 luxury hot spring resorts.
What we prefer. For instance these rustic hot springs that still exist in China. Here at Mangshi, Yunnan.
Hot springsUnder the banyan #hotsprings #hotspring #amazing #wash#swimming
Laos wants to develop (read spoil) it's hot springs. From the
Vientiane Times (Jan. 19):
'Bokeo provincial authorities have identified naturally warm and mineral-rich waters and plan to develop the sites as new tourism attractions for bathers during Visit Laos Year.
Director of Bokeo province Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Bounsavath Keoduangta told Vientiane Times local authorities have surveyed three natural hot springs for sustainable development to increase the number of local and international visitors.
The first hot spring is located near Namkeung village, Tonpheung district, situated about 25 km from the north-western province’s capital and only a kilometre from an adjacent natural waterfall.
“Infrastructure at the location will include facilities such as a restaurant, guesthouse and designated bathing site. The project is in the design stage with construction to begin soon,” Mr Bounsavath said.
The second hot spring is located at Namfa-namter village, Tonpheung district, situated about 40km from the provincial capital.
“The two hot springs are warm but not too hot and considered quite fine for taking a bath, especially in the winter.”
According to provincial officials, the third hot spring in Pounglor village, Meung district has temperatures approaching 100 C and is about 60km from the urban centre with a 28 km section of road under construction to allow access for visitors.
The popularity of hot spring bathing among international guests is expected to attract more local and foreign visitors if suitably developed; therefore, authorities are welcoming investment proposals for facilities at the sites'.
Following a photo of what the photographer attributes to as Xieng Khouan province, but I've done quite some searching but have yet to discover where exactly this new looking resort is located.
#hotsprings
Cocks
'8 Relaxing Hot Springs & Baths in Southeast Asia'
Forbes (Mar. 13) notes 5 hot springs in Asia. It includes Fang (Thailand) and Binh Chau (Vietnam).
Vietnam.net (Jan. 30) has a photographic overview of Tram Tau hot springs. Must be quite new, as tripadvisor has no reviews ...
#real #hotspring in #springtime only 1 dollar charge/visitor can you believe? 😯😱😭😍• Check out Yên Bái - Việt Nam and feel #reborn • #travel #travelphotography#adventure #adventurer #adventuretime #mountains #traveler #lifestyle #culture#vietnam #original #inspiration #inspire#nature #naturephotography #landscape#naturelovers #zen #indie #indieartist #dreamer #harmony #balance #reflection#clearwater • #jzentran
Patrik Lord Travel Blog (Feb. 4) goes to Baslay, Negros (the Philippines):
'The area is quiet and peaceful and if you are resonable fit and are not dependent of shops and changing rooms this is the place for you!
...
Going down to the hot springs. Indeed we saw many people at the turnback, but they were there for cock fights not for the hot springs'.
'The local government here is eyeing a hot spring within a natural park as a new tourism destination in Eastern Visayas.Burauen town tourism officer, Carmela Corazon Crebillo, said Friday they had already drawn up plans to develop the Calor Hot Spring, but were awaiting further comments from concerned national government agencies'.
In all honesty the plans seem more natural while enhancing the forested area around the springs with very limited eco-impact.
Giggles
Malaysia's New Strait Times heads for Bentong's hot spring (Feb. 22):
'Nature enthusiasts who are looking for a break not far from Kuala Lumpur may want to consider staying at Erya by Suria Hot Spring Resort.
Surrounded by a rainforest the resort in Bentong, which is only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur and 20 minutes from Bentong town, is perfect for those in need of a rejuvenating and healing retreat soaking in the geothermal hot spring pool.
...
As it is a short getaway, my travel companion and I do not delay taking a therapeutic dip in the 40-degree Celsius sulphuric hot spring pool where the water is directly channelled from the hot springs to the pool. The pool is also open to the public with different rates for children, adults and senior citizens'.
'Top 5 Hot Spring Resorts in Malaysia'.
No. 2 is the just mentioned Suria at Bentong and also mentioned is KSL Hot Spring Resort which is yet to open in Johore.
'6 Hot Springs in Malaysia to Sweat Your Worries Away'.
Very similar to aforementioned.
'Skinny Dip in a Hot spring
Ok obviously, you should skinny dip at your own risk- side note: We ended up getting stalked basically by these young boys (maybe 10-12 years old). They definitely thought it was hilarious that we were stranded and naked while they all stood around giggling and pointing. Anyhow, it was peaceful and as cliche as it sounds, I truly felt "at one with nature" while here. The hot spring we visited was called Asri Hot Springs. What I liked about going to this one rather than one of the super touristy ones is that we were right there with the locals, doing what local people do. Apparently, this is a place where some may come to bathe. I also loved that they had several different"bath houses" in addition to the outdoor springs'.
Travelfish (Jan. 28) head for Cipinas hot spring (Java).
'Cipanas is a small atmospheric mountain resort town famed for its volcanic hot springs that seep from nearby active volcano, Gunung Guntur.
...
the resort itself has a somewhat tawdry, downmarket vibe.
The surrounding area however, offers beautiful mountain scenery, active volcanos, ancient ruins, traditional villages and some good hiking opportunities and thus makes a worthwhile stopover
...
The warm water is very relaxing and hard to resist, which makes it easy to forgive some of the below average facilities, and offers the perfect antidote to ease weary muscles after hiking one of the nearby volcanoes.
...
Public baths are a cheaper option, but the ones we checked out were pretty scruffy and lacking in cleanliness'.
qee_3060 at Desa Penen Kec. Sibiru-biru (North Sumatra):
Let's keep you warm 😀#hotspring #pool #nature #cave #cliff #stone #bluelagoon #trip #today
@meeshull
masterfully bargained a taxi ride to moni, a little town of waterfalls
and rice paddies and clusters of wooden houses ... also this small & strange
"hot springs" where we dipped our feet, slapped at mosquitos, and
politely stared at the locals who stared back, soaking and taking
selfies. #wonderfulindonesia
It's pretty often that we are delighted with the good news concerning geothermal power generation. Take this from Think GeoEnergy (Sep. 12):
'With ongoing geothermal development and 345 MW of geothermal power
generation capacity to come online next year, Indonesia is soon to
overtake the Philippines as the second largest geothermal electricity
producer in the world'.
Don't get me wrong, generating power from the earth's inner heat is a good and sustainable way to harness nature without decimating the earth's resources in the pursuit of economic gains.
But geothermal power development doesn't necessarily equate sustainable development.
Too often local concerns / local development is ignored. Mongabay reports (Aug. 22) on protest on Java:
'This January, the people of Karangtengah Village in Central Java were
surprised to find that the river running past their homes had turned
murky. Not only do the villagers rely on the Prukut River for
freshwater, it also tumbles down in the scenic Cipendok Waterfall, the
centerpiece of a local tourism industry.
Before long, the villagers identified the source of the muck
polluting the waterway: mud and debris from a once-forested plot of land
that had been cleared to make way for a planned geothermal power plant
in Baturraden, a tourist resort on the southern slopes of Mount Slamet.
...
The Baturadden power plant, the development responsible for muddying the
Prukut River, demonstrates that while these projects can bring
tremendous benefits, they are not entirely without social and
environmental costs.
...
PT Sejahtera Alam Energy apologized for the incident, and said they
would install filters to clear up the water, after the Banyumas public
works department told the firm about the pollution.
...
Despite these promises, the river turned brown again in July, prompting even stronger protests.
...
In 2012, PT Sejahtera Alam Energy obtained an IPPKH — a permit which is
required for firms wanting to carry out economic activity in forestry
areas — from the then-Forestry Ministry for 44 hectares of land. But in
October 2016, area covered by the permit was expanded to 488.28
hectares, according to a report
from local news site Braling.com — although the Banyumas district
office, which admits that 90 percent of the total concession area is
indeed protection forest, insists the power plant and its related infrastructure will only span 137.5 hectares'.
It seems that despite all the positives locals are still being sold short.
Its time to relax 😌.
.
Emang udah paling enak kalo cuaca lagi dingin,berendam di air hangat,apalagi kalo viewnya Telaga Bodas,waah ajib bener dah.
.
Nah
buat kalian yg punya masalah penyakit kulit seperti jerawat dll,mungkin
harus nyoba berendam di sini karna di sini airnya mengandung belerang.
.
Dan untuk menikmati semua ini kalian cukup merogoh kocek Rp 15rb 😊.
.
📷 @rezamaulanamalik
B(r)agging
Other news.
As old sites are apparently on the verge of disappearance (Soakersforum), new ones appear. Ultimatehotsprings has just launched and notes:
'This Website is dedicated to everything Hot Springs'.
Despite this, it's all Americana with it's hot springs.
Nowadays, even babies (Willy Cosmo's guide to hot springs) are blogging and dispensing advice on hot springs.
Win
a FREE COPY of the newest version of the guidebook when it comes out!
For details, see the most recent post on my Facebook page - The Hot
Springs Trail.
Good luck!
#thruhiking #wilderness
#thrusoaking #hotsprings #hotspringstrail #guidebooks
#longdistancetrails #bikepacking #packrafting #peakbagging #ridgerunning
#farmersmarkets #wildlifeencounters #offthebeatenpath #thetraillife
#getonthetrail #yougotthis
Hot spring resorts are opening in Taiwan (source and source).
And in Japan spamusement park has opened (kyodonews, Jul. 29):
'A Japanese city [Oita] boasting one of the world's largest hot-spring resorts
opened a special amusement park on Saturday with a hot-tub
merry-go-round and other rides featuring immersion in its famous thermal
water.
The "spamusement park" will operate for just three days at an existing
amusement park in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, after the southwestern Japan
city successfully raised funds to set up special rides featuring the
local hot-spring water'.
Exploration
The Guardian (Aug. 18) has a photographic expose about
'The joy of naked bathing.
The young, the old, the slender, the majestic … Ruth Kaplan travelled
the world taking shots of bathers lost in thought in hot springs, saunas
and public bath'.
More nudity and soaking, a call to enjoy the nakedness of Japan (Gaijinpot, Sep. 11)
'The traditional onsen is a good place to
start exploring the simple joys of getting naked — not for anyone else,
but for ourselves'.
Less hot, the Beijinger (Aug. 14) reports:
'A newly-cleaned river located along Beijing's south Fourth Ring Road has
been turned into a public bathing area by opportunistic nude bathers.
...
Public nudity is frowned upon in China, but that hasn't stopped some people. Last month, security guards were assaulted by a group of seven men they attempted to stop from nude bathing in Fuyang, Anhui. In March, a group of men was spotted swimming in the nude in a clean water reservoir in Hui'an, Fujian'.
Authorities in Vietnam are more relaxed. ChannelNews Asia (Jul.29)
'I first heard about people swimming in the
nude at the banks of the Red River two years ago. Nudists in Hanoi,
Vietnam’s conservative capital? Bizarre, but true.
...
The origins of the club are unclear, but
bathing in the buff is not new in Vietnam. The practice is common among
ethnic groups in the rivers and streams of the country’s mountainous
northwest, but it is still largely considered an oddity in big cities.
Nudity is not illegal except in crowded public places, cultural or
religious settings, which explains why the Red River nudists have never
been bothered by the authorities'.
Strict
Over to the local tidings.
Heading for Marobo hot spring, Timor? Atlas Obscura (Sep. 28):
Know Before You Go
The
roads from Maliana or from Bobonaro are paved but dangerous, with
massive potholes and segments of road that have collapsed. The dirt road
leading down to the hot springs is very steep and slippery. To reach
this location, you need a 4x4 vehicle or a motorbike, but most of all,
you need an experienced driver.
A list (WellandGood, Aug. 18) of global hot springs dreamy and rejuvenating. Thailand's Pai is one of the eighth.
Hot springs chilling
#thailand #hotsprings #hot #chillin #jungle #chiangmai #trekking #fnez #livefree #green
สวัสดีพังงา แช่น้ำร้อนกัน.😛🙃
.
.
#livealittle #rain #hotspring #redrocks #river #wander #wild #nature #awesome #wilderness #adventure #wanderlust #travel #free #islandgirl #naturephotography #traveler #fresh #naturelover #gopro #hero4 #photography #isla #philippines #love #livetoexplore #yeklakwatsera 👣
A note to nature lovers on visiting Poring (Malaysia) hot springs (and nature reserve):
#Poring #Hotsprings #SabahParks
Does this mean it's encouraged outside the park?
| 暖 |
The
smoky air is real. Cold and rainy season definitely makes you need a
remedy like this.🔥#hotspring #MalaysiaDay #thankful #讲去就去 #roadtrip
Coconuts Jakarta (Jul. 31) has this curious and rather depressing news:
'On Sunday, local police arrested 9 men
at a hot spring located in Songgoriti, Kota Batu, East Java. Police
allege the men were skinny dipping in the pool when the police raided
the facility.
...
The men, ranging in age from 18 to 42,
were subjected to, according to media reports, “marathon questioning” by
the police. But in the end, all were released after the police said
they could find no evidence of any crime having been committed'.
To finish a couple of Indonesian photo's:
Jumping in between the hot springs and the river 💦🏞#hotsprings #river #girlieday #naturesspa #relax #chilling #bali #baliretreat #wildswimming
After hike therapy #vulcano #hotspring #gadventures #gadv #sumatra
Copyright 2009 © Soaking in Southeast Asia. All rights reserved.
No reproduction or republication without written permission.
