Soul

motogirlthailand

Introvert Heaven...#pongarng#hotspring#nature#thailand#chiangdao#Introvert#intj#quiet#relax

Well, overall not too much to share, mostly country related.

Let's first look at the lesser reported.
It's not often that we can read about a Timorese hot spring in a publication such as The Australian (Jan. 24). Pity it's quite a short piece:

'These must be the most remote hot springs in all of Asia. We are soaking in a swimming pool of hot spring water at Marobo, Timor-Leste. The water is hot enough to boil an egg. Or a toe. I inch in and once I’m in, it’s hard to get out'.

Another anomaly. Myanmore (Jan. 26) has a tip on what to do at Naypyitaw the nation's capital: 

'First up we have Pinlong Hot Springs, around a 2 hour drive from Naypyitaw, you can enjoy the natural hot and cold springs in a beautiful and lush landscape. After opening in 2010, it was mainly locals who would go to enjoy the springs but finally the word has trickled down and up to 400 people a day go to visit during the colder winter months. They’ve built a resort around them which you can now stay in for 20,000 kyat a night, however the reviews are not particularly good and even the manager admits that no one stays there. However it’s a great place to spend a day, you can enjoy some traditional food and tea amongst beautiful scenery and away from the soulless capital'.

Not necessarily regional, hot spring literature: now available for pre-ordering from a Hongkong publisher, Iris Law's

The Onsen Experience: A Guide to Japan’s Hot Spring Sanctuaries

Hmm, wonder what that entails.

Isolation
Vietnam has some soaks on offer.
itourvn has a top 5 of hot springs worth a visit.

While Vietnamparadisetravel (Feb. 19) offers to inform us about:

'Top 5 Most Famous Hot Springs in Vietnam'.

Lifeofdoing, (Mar. 4) stayed a night in Nha Trang's I-resort, experiencing mudbathing and soaking:

'The highlights of the day were the famous mud bath and the hot mineral springs. After we changed into our swimwear, we went straight to our mud bath in our private tub. Mud has the pre-connotation of a thick goopy texture. Here, the warm and almond colored mud had a velvety and silky smooth texture similar to a coffee latte. It was fun to sit, chat with my mom, and slather the mud onto our skin.
Once we rinsed off, we went straight to the hot mineral spring swimming pool. It’s stated that the mineral water is natural to the area. The pool is shared with other guests in the VIP bungalows yet we had it all to ourselves for 15 minutes until three other guests arrived. The pool was hot yet so relaxing to swim in. The view overlooked the green hills of Nha Trang'.

lewan_qh

Hmm I need some mud bath right now. Quarantine or lock-down should never be hot key words. I'm in isolationship in this summer days 🙄#omg #covid_19 #plzleavemealone #travelphotography #phuquoc #island #vietnam #mudbath #enjoylife #instapic #instagood

More from Vietnam, Yahoo Finance (Mar. 25) shares this:

'From now till the end of 2020, a number of game-changing tourism projects and products will also be launched by Sun Group. Specifically, phase 1 of the luxurious Yoko Onsen (a hot spring resort) in Quang Hanh, Cam Pha, Quang Ninh will officially come into operation. This investment by Sun Group is the first Japanese-style 'onsen' resort to be opened in Vietnam. Attracting tourists through all four seasons, Yoko Onsen will solve a perceived seasonal weakness for tourism in Quang Ninh'.

Boasting

Channelnews Asia has an article (Jan. 4) on the re-opening of Sembawang soak, Singapore's only public hot spring:

'Where there used to be just drains, taps and buckets of very hot water, the Sembawang Hot Spring is now a park that boasts a cascading pool, cafe as well as a floral walk.The park, the only natural hot spring park in Singapore, reopened to the public on Saturday (Jan 4)....The park's amenities have also been improved and there are now toilets, an activity lawn and a cafe'.

Buffetliciuos takes the opportunity to head over to the revamped Sembawang hot springs cafe, with intent. They aren't too impressed by what's on offer here: local delights. Advice entails a 10 minute walk for

'better and cheaper alternatives'.

View this post on Instagram

#sglife #singapore🇸🇬 #singaporelife #sembawang #sembawanghotspring #exploringsoutheastasia #hotsprings #シンガポール #シンガポール生活 #シンガポール温泉 #温泉 #足湯 #シンガポール巡り ・ ・ 📍Sembawang hot spring ・ センバワン音泉♨️ ・ シンガポールで唯一の？温泉へ🚶‍♀️ ・ 足湯でポカポカになりました😚 暑い中暑いお湯の足湯ってなんかへんな感じ🤣 ・

A post shared by yurie@Singapore OL🇸🇬Japan (@yt_tpe_sin) on Mar 24, 2020 at 9:05am PDT

There's more user-related info from Goodyfood (Jan. 11):

'It’s only been a few days since the newly redeveloped Sembawang Hot Springs Park reopened and we’ve already heard quite a lot of comments about the place. More specifically, about the people who have visited the place since the reopening. And let me just say that the comments aren’t all good.
One blogger called Petunia Lee shared her experience on her blog which was posted on 7 January when she visited the park in hopes of feeling refreshed and revitalised. Instead, she left feeling disgusted and ashamed.
Well, here’s why.
It all started when she entered and saw a domestic helper bending down and washing her employers’ feet for them.
Her entry wrote, “She fetched water. She bent down and splashed water over her employers’ feet and calves. Those people did not look handicapped. They probably have delusions of royalty.”
...
One 31-year-old woman told Shin Min Daily News that one’s feet are bound to be dirty after walking around to get to the cascading pool and it’s only right that they wash their feet before entering the pool.It was previously hyped that visitors can cook their eggs at the park using the hot water that can be collected at the water collection points.Excited about this feature of the park, Lee brought two eggs along with her on her trip. However, while she was trying to cook her eggs, an inconsiderate old man simply emptied his pail of feet soaking water into her pail with her eggs.
...
It seems that even though this place is newly reopened, it’s only a matter of time before people stop visiting because of how dirty the place has become. Lee expressed how beautiful the place was, but she was ultimately disappointed by the people she met there.
She even said, “At times like this, I am so ashamed of being Singaporean.”

Elsewhere Asiaone (Jan. 15) also reported on an impromptu bath, which is also a no-no here. There is though a hot spring etiquette guide, see here.

Indication

Thailand's Pataya Mail (Mar. 10) looks on the upside of our current crisis:

'Authorities in the northern most province of Chiang Rai have decided to promote over 10 hot springs in the province in an attempt to attract local travelers after a 70 –per cent drop in tourist number due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
...
Under the Lanna Spa City Programme, hot springs which would be promoted include Thaweesin, Pong Pu Fuang, PhaSert, Pong Phra Bat in Muang district and Pa Tueng in Mae Chan district'.

Over to the Philippines.

The Manilla Bulletin (Feb. 5):

'Tacloban City – The Department of Tourism regional office 8 (DO-8) is upbeat with the tourism viability of a hot spring in La Paz town as another tourist attraction in Eastern Visayas.
DOT Region 8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes told reporters in an interview that the newly-identified tourism destination will surely attract more local and foreign tourists with the infrastructure now in place connecting the tourist destination located in Barangay Bocawon to the town proper of La Paz town'.

A reference to Kalabato? As in below:

zachxha98

Hotspring 🍃😊

Sangat island, an islet off Busuanga, has a hot spring which seems very idyllic. More info here.

Davaotoday (Jan. 28) notes on the nearby Ardent hot spring:

'He [Camiguin Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo] said the temperature in Ardent Hot Spring, one of the tourist attractions in the province that’s located at the foot of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, has gone down in the last few years. Their recent record was at 33 to 34 degrees. In the past, its temperature could reach up to 47 degrees Celsius.
Romualdo said this could be an indicator that Mt. Hibok-Hibok no longer poses a threat to Camiguin. And while the change in temperature could have an effect on the tourism industry, the governor said they could still develop Ardent into a water park if it no longer offers the temperature that it is known for'.

So, no longer so hot?

Confused

Malaysia's New Strait Times (Feb. 24) notes the local delvelopment of 

'Esplanade Hot Spring Hotel in KSL Bandar Bestari in Klang, Selangor [which] is targeted to open in July 2021'.

The Star (Mar. 11) shares this:

'About 70 people took part in a gotong-royong to clean up the natural hot spring in Kampung Ulu Kuang, Chemor, near Ipoh'.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝓜𝓲𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮 𝓡𝓲𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓮 (@ellerickie_) on Aug 2, 2019 at 8:34pm PDT

Bestblogcorner (Dec. 30) has 8 best Balinese hot springs:

'There are many wellness retreats that serve hot springs with mineral-rich water too. Some of these springs are even sources of holy water. Be it the hot springs Bali Ubud or of any other area but, if you also wish to be a part of one of these natural hot springs in Bali, then be confused no more as we have already done the leg work for you. Here is a list of top 8 hot springs in Bali'.

If I'm correct, there are only 8 hot springs on Bali.

Authenticindonesia (Feb. 6):

'Traveling has many purposes. One of them is for relaxation. To get your own relaxation can be obtained in many ways, including by visiting natural hot springs. Soaking in a hot spring pool can be one solution to make the body fresh again after tired undergoing holiday activities. If you want to travel to the hot springs, here are our recommendations for 12 best Indonesia natural hot springs'.

Another new hot spring? 
Bali sees a hot spring called Gitgit, as in the famous waterfall. It has a website, though only in Bahasa. Google reviews have been around for a year, the last few months seem more positive.

Tagged

yannoschnitzel

Late night hot spring action by the river. Wine and Baileys was had 🍷 Lucas (bro) looking good 💪
#travel#onsen#hotspring#river#taiwan#modelshot

I would like to start this blog entry with highlighting the following: that of soaking secrets.

Especially on social media, I've seen a lot of "ssst, don't tell anyone where we are". But nonetheless, let's share the photo.

On the one hand, keeping something secret increases it's sacredness, on the other ultimately in a social world, if you believe that the soak setting is being sacked, the only real answer is social organisation. But that seems to entail a rash with many fellow soakers. Too many of us are only interested in what nature has on offer to us rather than the other way round.

falsesummitco

Seriously! And leave the fucking glass bottles at home. This is why we can’t have nice things. #falsesummit #hotsprings #stopgeotagginghiddenlocations

In the Southeastern Asia context, there's an additional threat. 

As public ownership is very poorly protected, any (pristine / primitive / undeveloped) hot springs gaining popularity is bound to be ensnared by private interests. 

Privatising cuts local use, cuts social organisation / cohesion and often leaves the locals themselves as bit players in the profit seekers set-up; where the wealth created is transferred to the local capitals.

And what is the role of this blog itself? 
I like to say that opposing developing hot springs is not highlighted enough. What is highlighted is often the beauty of the dwindling number of natural soaks. But with the (global) population ever increasing, spending and free time becoming more and more readily available (= good thing), the plight of many natural soaks is to be developed; the question is often only when?

Luckily as above in Taiwan, there might still be locations in Southeast Asia, rugged and rough and still far away from roads which might survive. Let's hope more soaks can hold out for longer.

Ironically the next subject concerns developing more and private soaking facilities.
ThinkGeoenergy (Oct. 7) highlights a recent report on the state of Victoria (Australia) and it's potential to encourage more investment in soaking.

'The report called “The Great Victorian Bathing Trail” can be downloaded here (pdf).
...
The report might as well be a blueprint for hot spring development beyond the state of Victoria in Australia'.

I similarly agree, it's an excellent report, showing how experiencing hot spring baths elsewhere on this globe can be copied and enhanced in creating more soaking opportunities in Victoria itself. But such is the inspiration from the report that using it for soaking developments elsewhere is a must.

Note that the developments in Victoria concern pumping-up geothermal water, as there are no naturally occurring soaks there. 

Dilemma
Some wackier news, all from Japan.

The Japan Today (Nov. 4):

'Although famous throughout the country for their baths, Beppu still feels that more people ought to be visiting. However, the dilemma is that people can’t truly see how good the baths are without first actually going there. So they developed a way to instead bring the bath to the people. These Genso no Yu or “Visionary Baths” are inflatable, easy to transport anywhere in the country, and can fit four to five adults in each of the two 450-liter baths. Of course, they use 100 percent Beppu sourced water, transported in specially-designed heated tankers to keep it at a piping 40 to 42 degrees'.

Great for a winter garden party? Can't see it taking off myself, but who knows?

The Nextshark (Aug. 7) notes some controversy:

A temple in Niigata Prefecture, Japan is causing quite the stir for its decision to use erotic art depicting historical and mythical men bathing together while in the nude.

source

More odd initiatives from Beppu. The Asashi Shibun (Oct. 18) kicks off with an article on ordering hot spring water, undiluted (it's quite common to order hot spring minerals to dissolve on location):

'Beppu city-affiliated B-biz Link started a service to deliver spa water from the municipality famous for its numerous hot springs to households and facilities across Japan.
Under the Beppu Onsen Omiya initiative, the company sends anywhere from 200 liters to 4,000 liters of hot water. A household bathtub typically requires 200 to 300 liters of water'.

Costs though seem prohibitive.

Everywhere

jojo9154

Vietnam’s hidden treasure! 💎 #banho #sapa #laocai #vietnam #nature #hotsprings #travel #wander #explore #turisteando

Heading into the region proper.

Worldthermalsprings, according to it's instagram account, is currently in Vietnam, notably Krong Pha hot spring, Thap Ba and Binh Chau.

The instagram account is actually of better known thermalsprings.ru, this is their page on Vietnam. 
They link to maps-vietnam.ru where I found this comment from the thermalsprings backers:

'Your site is excellent, but I hoped that I could easily find on the map all the hot springs mentioned here, but I found about 30%. I’ll fly to Nha Trang tomorrow and travel to the hot springs. If you have the opportunity to urgently send me the coordinates of all these sources, I will be very grateful. I created the site "thermal springs of the world" and travel everywhere to hot springs. This is my hobby. Finishing all my trips at my expense. And the information is available to everyone. On November 9, I plan to visit 3 hot complexes near Nha Trang, and there is no plan further. Your map shows 3 sources to the NW from Hanoi, but there are simply no two pages. Really looking forward to help'. 

No answer forthcoming?

Life on the soaking search road looks like this:

'Traveling to the thermal springs of Vietnam: it is difficult to travel to Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, almost no English is spoken, only spa representatives from the marketing department can speak. In hotels at the reception and ticket offices (if any) knowledge of English is minimal. So it’s impossible to plan something in advance. You go out onto the track knowing that there will be buses. Everything else is unknown. The third day of the trip, November 11, reached the main highway at 5:15, caught slipping bass, then two local buses and a motorbike to the Bin Chau resort. Another motobike and bus transfer to Mui Ne and a visit to the Mui Ne Hot Spring Center resort. I take a local bus to Fantieja, a neighboring city, walk to the highway and, after eating wonderful noodle soup, start catching a long-distance bus. They write on the Internet that they go twice a day. In fact, they drove here every 2 minutes. After 20 minutes the bus stopped, in which there were places. Agreed on a price, knowing the price from the Internet for this distance. She took her berth. Very comfortable to sleep. The blanket is thin, so you can hide with your head so that the light along the road does not interfere. At 18:45, the bus ride started and at 4:00 the next day ended. I drove 622 km during the night. At this time, motorbikes do not interfere with the bus and it flies at an average speed of 75 km / h. I had to skip one source, since I would have arrived there at one in the morning. To be continued'.

Somewhere in northern Vietnam. In better (= less developed) times? source

itourvn (Oct. 30) has a list of best of soaks to visit in Vietnam. These being Kim Boi (Hoa Binh) , Bang (Quang Binh), Dam Rong (Lamdong), Bin Chau (Vungtau) and I-Resort (Nha Trang). Mostly (very) developed.

Impact

tiahnijade

Marobo Natural Hot Springs with this special little forest nymph. Oh the people you meet ☺️ so grateful to meet and travel with you @ishtar.raven 🌞🦋🌻✨🌱

Thailand's Nation reports (Oct. 16) on sustainable tourism initiatives from concerned business on Phuket:

'Sustainability has become the key word to their survival in the face of mass tourism for many in the tourist and hospitality industry, including Phuket’s myriad of hotels and resorts. Thus, the Phuket Hotels for Island Sustaining Tourism (PHIST) forum was born.
...
While the issue of plastic usage dominated the forum, other topics relating to sustainability were also discussed.
Eric Ricaurte, founder of Singapore-based sustainability firm Greenview, outlined three main issues in mass tourism; displaced tourists, overcrowding and the backlash from the impacts caused by tourists
“First is tourists entering neighborhoods where they shouldn’t be, in residential neighborhoods and residential buildings. I’m a resident and we have too many AirBnB places in my building, and that also drives up rent,” Ricaurte said.
“Second, [there are] too many tourists. You see this in Phuket, Japan and Korea. The third is the backlash from the impacts caused. This is what we saw in Boracay, too many tourists in small destinations without the resident’s input.”
According to Ricaurte, the issues can come down to a single problem, in that “destination stakeholders not realizing the broader impacts of the individual activities of the business and private sector and the public sector”.

Though not solely hot spring related, it does inform you more on how tourism development is taking place and how to try to counter the negatives; a good initiative, if slightly belated.

Pai Hot Springs

Mae Hong Son province by Clairemrphy

Back to Taiwan. The Taiwan News (Nov. 10) reports on a local festival:

'Hot spring season has kicked off at Sichongxi Hot Springs Park in Pingtung County's Checheng Township and will last from now until Feb. 9, 2020.
The Pingtung County Government, which organized the event, has decorated Sichongxi Hot Springs Park with red maple leaves and maple leaf-shaped lights, CNA reported on Saturday. Pingtung County Commissioner Pan Men-an (潘孟安) said that the park boasts a Japanese atmosphere, with popular traditional Japanese ballads being played on the PA system'.

Not on the festival menu:

marianarittenhouse

R E B I R T H
I’ve officially spent 31 years on this beautiful planet. No profound insights this year…just an intention to spend the next one skinny dipping in all the waters as much as possible 🥰
Happiest day to all my birthday twins out there!! 👯‍♀️
marianarittenhouse#taiwan#tarokogorge #nationalpark#skinnydipping #river #nature#motherearth #birthday#naturelovers #swimming

Travel and Leisure (Nov. 13) reports on an onsen in Taiwan: 

'Nothing but a tiny cotton towel protects my modesty at the steaming pool I’m about to enter. I may be in Taiwan, where hot-spring outings are usually swimwear-friendly family affairs, but here in the baths of Hoshinoya Guguan, tradition dictates I onsen the Japanese way: in my birthday suit.  

My initial awkwardness melts away the moment I submerge into the cypress-fringed outdoor bath. Fed by streams flowing down the craggy peak of Xueshan, East Asia’s second-highest mountain, its water is slightly alkaline and on the pleasant side of piping hot, making it the perfect introductory onsen for a novice like me.  

Opened in June, Hoshinoya Guguan (hoshinoya.com; doubles from NT$7,560) is the luxury resort chain’s first foray into Taiwan, and only its second resort outside of Japan, where founder Kuniji Hoshino opened his first ryokan in Nagano Prefecture in 1914. Its setting on a forested plateau in Guguan, a tiny hot-spring enclave in the island’s mountainous heartland 90 minutes west of Taichung, taps directly into the liquid treasure.

...

The focal point is an indoor-outdoor stone bath endlessly fed by Xueshan’s hot springs, and refreshed by a forest breeze'.

Fresh
Over to Singapore.
The poorly developed hot spring of Sembawang is getting a face lift. Importantly, access will still be free. Question mark.

Yahoo news sg (Sep. 2):

'The only natural hot spring on Singapore’s mainland has been closed for redevelopment works since August 2018, but we’ve only got a few months to go before the place reopens with a fresh new look.

Sembawang Hot Spring Park’s actual construction will be completed in October, but seeing as how it’ll take a couple months to finish paving the roads leading to the park, it’ll only officially open in January 2020, the National Parks Board (NParks) told The Straits Times last Friday'.

Mothership.sg (Aug. 31) adds a photo of how the soak might pan out (minus the soaking spirits I suppose (?)):

From the Philippines the obligatory lists. Here a couple of references. 

Taraletsanywhere (Oct. 15) gets to Laguna for some soaking:

'The province of Laguna is blessed to have natural hot springs. The water from these springs flows down from Mount Makiling, which is an inactive volcanic. Over the years, more and more hot spring resorts have opened up, catering to people who want to relax, unwind and soothe their tired muscles. Here are the best hot spring resorts in Laguna — for your family or barkada outing, team building or personal vacation'.

Viatravelers (Sep. 6) stays closer to the nation's capital:

'If you’re sapped of inspiration and just need a break, here are 8 hot springs in Manila to spur your relaxation. This list includes a lot of hot spring resorts from Laguna, a city dubbed the “Resort Capital of the Philippines”, and a select few from other cities near Manila'.

sheenamiyay at Balite Hot Spring, Baganga

wala akong tasa at kape😄🥵☕️

Xinhua (Sep.1) comes with what might be peculiar info, hot-spring related. But it's ultimately very tragic:

'A private plane with six passengers, including a patient and two pilots on board crashed into a private pool resort in Laguna province south of Manila on Sunday afternoon, police said.

Police said the injured victims and casualties will be determined as the investigation continues.

Police said two caretakers of the resort inside a subdivision in Pansol, a village in Calamba City, were injured in the accident that happened around 3 p.m. local time. They were rushed to a local hospital for treatment, police said.

Pansol is famous for private hot spring resorts.

trtworld (Sep. 1) adds:

'All nine people on board a small medical evacuation plane were killed on Sunday when the aircraft crashed into a resort area south of the Philippine capital and exploded in flames, officials said.

The light plane crashed into a resort compound in Pansol village in Laguna province near the foothills of Mount Makiling'.

Unwind

Malaysia then.
The Star (Jun. 6) looks at the popular Poring hot spring:

'Visitors to Sabah are often in search of beautiful beaches and islands such as Sipadan, Mabul and Mataking, where you can go swimming, diving or snorkelling. There are also those who seek out adventurous activities like climbing Mount Kinabalu.

And then there is the Poring Hot Spring'.

charlenekhor

Hot pool hopping 🤣 #banjaranhotsprings #retreat #hotpool #travel #hotsprings #trip #airbnb #pool

Hypeandstuff (Sep. 13) mentions the trend of Japanese onsen soaking outside of Japan has reached Malaysia:

'Being able to relax and recuperate in a Japanese hot spring bath, onsen, seems like one of the best ways to unwind after a hectic day. This traditional Japanese hot spring bath is now available in Kuala Lumpur as the first onsen spa in Malaysia, just a few hours away from Singapore. Way cheaper than flying to Japan.

Urban Retreat Onsen Spa is the first of its kind in Malaysia to offer this authentic onsen service

....

Using mineral-rich crystalline powders extracted directly from Japan’s renowned onsen springs, you will be energized with the elements from this famed Japanese tradition. You even get to choose your very own onsen mineral for your bath. Thereafter, get to relax in your own cosy personal onsen hot tub that is traditionally enjoyed in Japanese homes, unlike the public baths'.

Tripadvisor reviewers rave about the place, but I read only reviews of the massages.

Sun Daily (Sep. 6) reports on upgrading taking place in Gadek:

'Gadek Hot Spring will be given a RM17 million makeover and named Gadek Wellness and Spa Resort, Malacca Chief Minister, Adly Zahari, told reporters today.

It is expected to be ready in early 2021 and will come with a 25-room hotel, chalets with a private hot spring pool, traditional treatment room and more.

“The rebranding and uniqueness of this place will turn it into an iconic tourist spot for Alor Gajah, while offering job and business opportunities in Gadek'.

Purified

travellingsumut

Sangat asik mandi air panas alami (belerang), sambil menikmati sejuknya udara pagi hari di Sidebu-debu, BERASTAGIKonon menurut mitos mandi di air belerang ini bisa menyembuhkan segala macam penyakit loh guyss...Lokasi: Hot spring pesona Sibayak view Pemandian air panas sidebu debu, BerastagiRepost: adventurewith_ashley.#sidebudebu #hotspring #sibayak #travel #traveler #travellingsumut #exploresumut #berastagi #exploreindonesia #wonderfulindonesia

Several issues on Indonesian soaking.
Starting off with Java and this unexpected news. The Jakarta Post (Oct. 3):

'A rare jaladwara (waterway segment) made of stone that resembles a Garuda and believed to date back to before the Majapahit era was found during an excavation of the ancient petirtaan (hot spring) in Sumberbeji village, Ngoro district, Jombang regency, East Java'.

It's a bit unclear whether it is really a hot spring; the  term petirtaan refers to a bath, mostly for nobility (source), though with a spring.  A jaladwara is a spout.

Majapahit refers to an era of more than 500 years ago when the eastern part of Java was the center of a in size differing Hindu (-Bhudist?) empire which in it's heyday ruled much of the Southeast Asian archipelago's (source).

More from Java. Indonesia.tripcanvas (Oct. 25):

'Here’s an overview of our guide to hot springs around Bandung and Garut area (tap to scroll to the relevant section)':

All presented as resorts, nothing natural.
Then Bali. Traveltriangle (Jul. 26) with another list:

'Hot springs are very calming to the body and the soul. Check out our list of the best hot springs in Bali which will be a relaxing getaway on your next trip to Bali'.

Amazingly, all but a few of the presented photo's are of the incorrect location. Disregard this article.

The Traveller.com.au (Aug. 19) looks at the broader implications of the tourist industry on the island:

'Badly behaved visitors to Bali will be sent home or face "purification rituals" for disrespecting sacred sites, officials said yesterday.

The warning came after a Czech couple filmed themselves splashing each other with holy water at a temple on the Indonesian holiday island'.

Apparently without underwear. They apologized, so all is forgiven. 

It's a prelude to the next snippet, sacredness. ThinkGeoenergy (Sep. 20) reports on a Bahasa article in which is mentioned that the Balinese local government will not approve geothermal power systems: 

'... the regional governor Wayan Koster has confirmed that the geothermal power plant project in Bedugul, Tabanan, will be stopped. Koster claimed to have spoken with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ignasius Jonan.
“In addition, related to sensitive issues related to geothermal steam power plants in Bedugul. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources was willing to continue, I ask him not to continue,” said Koster in his one-year remarks at an event in Bali earlier this month.
...
The concerns mention continue to center around the sacredness of the project site'.

ThinkGeoenergy comments:

'This continues the endless story about this project, which is not quite understandable for outsiders. With the economic growth of Bali, mostly through tourism, the energy demand has increased and makes the power supply by cable from Java a factor of increasing instability for Bali. Burning palm oil essentially also creates challenges, not only in the constant supply of the oil, but also emissions that would surely be an issue for the experience of Bali for tourists and the local population. Geothermal energy provides a great opportunity tapping local resources for power generation, and a clean one. Naturally, the religious implications and approach to stakeholder engagement locally is important, but it is sad to see that no consensus can be found on this project'.

More.

ThinkGeoenergy has a report (Nov. 8) on a recent IBRD / World Bank publication titled Rapid Environmental and Social Assessment of Geothermal Development in Conservation Forest Areas in Indonesia.

'Most geothermal potential in Indonesia is in or close to forest areas. This has raised societal concerns about environmental and social impacts, especially in forests that play an important role in supplying fresh water, harbour endangered wildlife, or have high cultural or religious values. Environmental and social impacts and risks associated with geothermal power development are complex and significant and the degree to which these risks and impacts vary between geothermal power projects is not well understood.
...
The key finding is that project access roads are the major cause of social and environmental risks and impacts associated with geothermal power development in forest areas.
...
To get about 10 km of project access roads, 30 hectares of forest clearing is needed, while about 10 km2 of forest is indirectly impacted through the effects of road-facilitated hunting, illegal logging, use of fire, and other detrimental activities'.

Finally to Burma. Instagrammer hide_onsen_packer has two posts on hot spring visits in Myanmar: Khaung Daing Natural Hot Spring and Taunggyi:

hide_onsen_packer (google translated):

Inle Lake near Hot Springs Tour ♨️④

② Birisshu hot spring 

bathing charge 500 chat

open-air bath man 3 F 2, there is a water storage tank for bathing 

there was a heat Me and lukewarm There, Netsume local people have not entered

in about 38 ℃ and 46 ℃ Japanese would be a good Me heat 

put cleaning is a feeling that is not in good condition but without Well problem 

where is the source putamen not seems to have been caught a hot spring 

there was also the way private bath not in a state to put have crazy dirty

now are using instead dressing room 

good shopkeeper is a friendly person! English is not ... through

COSPA nice open-air bath 👍 

Directions 💨

entering the village to mark the red sign from Taunggyi

go straight green sign, there is the entrance you see a blue sign on the left

To do

Soaking in Southeast Asia is a winter tradition and thus we have now seen the busiest months in many of the region's hot springs. Rereading many of the internet features published recently, there does seem to more features on the previous natural soaks, but now up and coming thermal spa's. Or whatever they may be developed into.

Gone are the hot springs with natural features, common people and soaking bliss. Of course economic development has resulted in free time or cash at hand; thus the need to develop the natural world to make fit for the consumer.
What remains are facilities ill-equipped to deal with the many visitors or exclusive clubs where the willingness to line the pockets of distant shareholders results in an exclusivity. 
I always wonder, how is it possible that this has not occurred on this scale in Japan?

'Quite possibly the best Hot Spring I've found out here in Thailand yet! Multiple pools of varying temps, and a #creek to cool off in, for 100 #Baht entrance, definitely worth a visit!'

Porn Rang hot springs, Ranong, Thailand. From the webstagram site of skoisirius.

Advice wanted
As always those Japanese traditions are being challenged. Possibly innocent, but what to think about this poster on tripadvisor who wants to experience an onsen but is in a quandry: 

'... being a Westerner, I am a bit shy of being naked in public. If we go to an onsen where the gender are separated, I`m thinking it won`t be that much fun. On the other hand, if we go to a mixed-gender onsen, I`m thinking it will surely be awkward (not for me but I don`t want people to look at my wife)'. 

Talk about thinking backward! Some of the answers: 

'We had very similar concerns, especially because I speak some Japanese but my wife doesn't so she was not comfortable going to a gender segregated onsen where she'd have to cope on her own. In the end I went on my own to a gender segregated bath in central Osaka'. 

Problem solved. Why take the wife at all when travelling? Saves money ...?!

'I don't know what other people think, but I want some time of my own alone apart from my partner sometimes; I don't want to share toilet and pee with her. I also like gentlemen's gatherings at an izakaya/bar without ladies. But then Girlfriend might want to go shopping alone without a grumpy boy. I am always frustrated by the length of time girls spend on make ups and hair do.

Do you always take a shower or bath together with your partner? I don't'.

As the saying goes ..., when in Rome .... Begs the question why travel if you're not willing to adapt / tolerant different customs?

Geothermal power
Japan has it's own in problems in preservation of it's age old soaking rites (see above) and rights. Yomiuri online (26 Feb. 2013) has another article concerning the direction of Japan's power status and the possibility of developing geothermal power. Concentrating on Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan National Park it mentions that whatever happens 

'... the entire process from the initial survey to geothermal power generation could take anywhere from eight to 10 years'. Which will mean that it takes nearly forever ...'.

It also mentions that one reason why geothermal power generation is under development in respect of the potential is that much of the potential lies within National Parks.

'After regulations were relaxed in March last year, however, many plans to build geothermal power plants have appeared nationwide. However, with the exception of Daisetsuzan, many plans have been met with local opposition as development could adversely affect the environment and onsen hot spring sources.

In the case of Daisetsuzan, the Sounkyo Onsen hot spring resort is about four kilometers from the planned construction site.

However, the survey can be carried out as local residents, including the resort's local tourism association, have welcomed the plan. Furthermore, there is also a plan to reuse the hot water discharged from power generation to heat public facilities'. 

The best way forward is a win-win? Now why is that most if not all geothermal power plans neglect local soaking potential?

Geothermal power potential in the Philippines by CNN: A short intro.

Rock bathing?

Well via Hot soaks of the Himal we have been introduced to hot stone baths and in a previous entry here we have discovered what Ganbanyoku is.  
Onsen addict recently adds from Japan: 

'Lying on rocks is a great way to relax after a hard day at the office. The rocks might be flat slabs of heated granite, or thousands of tiny rocks that warm your body, like a thick quilt.  Ganbanyoku, (岩盤浴, is a "bathing" method that is spreading in popularity across Japan, and from Japan to other countries, because it feels so invigorating.  Low, comfortable, constant heat opens your skin pores, and you sweat out the dirt and impurities from your body while dozing or spacing out in softly lit rooms. The rocks below you are heated through the floor. Afterwards, a more traditional Japanese onsen, or hot spring, will leave your skin soft and pure'.

After an extensive description of what is on offer at Ryusenji-no-yu he laments that TVs should be banned from hot springs! 

Top

Lonely Planet has a top 10 of Japanese hot springs. Among them the best hidden hot spring; now something tells me that will not last long ...

The doddid.com site has a top 7 of Indonesia's Natural Thermal Baths. All quite surprisingly but nonetheless than Banyuwedang hot spring, probably Bali's least known. Funny that the picture includes Banjar hot spring, notmentioned at all in the top 7 ...

Another top, the top 5 onsens to visit in Japan.

Then there is the global top 10 by Reuters Business Travel. Only one Asian entry, but altogether a surprising 10. Focus on more natural hot springs but also noted is Peninsula hot spring, Australia.

Blogged:

• Malaysia 

A hot spring seeing a surge in visitors is that of Panchor Dayak. Through my lens has a blog entry:

'... the spring has been there for a long time since the 1800, known only to the local villagers. It has only been recently acknowledged by the government and the official opening ceremony was done by the local Deputy Tourism Minister on the 8th September 2012. Since then there have built some basic amenities for the visitors and the place looks better and more organized'. 

And less natural. Highly critical:

'Water quality by my observation is not all that awesome.. I’d have to say that I would not use it to gargle or wash my mouth yet alone taste it. It flows slowly to the back of the compound and left to disperse by itself. 
... 
There is also no bathing place at the compound for rinsing your body after wards, don’t know if it’s intentional just to simplify operations or not; however there are toilets and changing rooms provided'.

A photo:

 

A press entry stemming from the Borneo Post (27 Jan.) concerning the same hot spring. What do we learn?

'... he [Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos] has met two persons whose helath improved after frequenting the hot spring.
...
At one point, there were people who came all the way from Lawas for a cure at Panchor Hot Spring.
“This is why the Tourism Ministry has upgraded the hot spring for all to stay healthy and happy.”
Panchor Hot Spring is a community-based tourism project developed by the ministry at a cost of RM450,000 and completed in May last year.
...
The ministry is looking at introducing a women’s section for more privacy.
...
On Panchor Hot Spring, he suggested that locals come up with a plan to develop a hotel and resort around the area to draw visitors.
“Some tourists want to come to the hot spring, but there is no hotel around. So it will be nice to have a resort next to the hot spring.”'

Perceptions of what is understood with development ...

Borneo Post (Jan. 2) has another hot spring related article, this time it has a feature on a new hotel near poring hot springs, Sabah. Named Hot Spring Garden it's more directed to the everyday tourist rather than upmarket clientèle. And the hot springs?

'He [the proprietor] assured guests could always enjoy the hot springs nearby from 5pm to 9pm, sparing them the hassle of competing for the hot tubs and swimming pools with othre day-trippers or those staying at the resorts within the area'.

'Annah Rais Hot Spring - Another view from a distance'.

From the blog of My Beautiful Malaysia

• Myanmar

Despite having the same rulers as the last 30-40 years, jetting into Myanmar has now become hot; see it before disappears?  Inle Lake is high of the to be visited list. 
Kaung Daling is the name of a hot spring on the shores of the lake. Michi in a photo booth: 

'This spa is recommended by Lonely Planet as well so people are interested to go there but when they see that it is in fact a real spa with pools (they give you robes and shampoo…full treatment!) they are probably disappointed. They expect something wilder from Myanmar..we were happy with what we found! We also had a little discount because we were the first customers that day'.

'3 days and around 21 hrs of hiking later ...a well deserved break'

Myanmar opening up to soaking discoveries. From webstagram site of paulinebatista

• Philippines

Another rave about Puning, this time a photoblog by ambot-ah, nice views of this increasingly popular hot spring.

Not a very extensive blog entry, but not often commented on. Badekbek near Daclan (Luzon) was visited by Rojae: 

'The smoke and sulfuric scent emitted could be seen and smelled from a distance. The hot water from the spring is believed to have some therapeutic effects'.

Ardent Hot spring, the Philippines. Blogged by Loopie.

• Thailand

'Hotsprings'

Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand

From the flickr site of LewMez.

 

Sometimes development isn't always a solution. From thaivisa forum (1 Jan.):

'My girlfriend and I visited the OnSen Hot Springs Resort, in Sankampaeng [Chiang Mai], on New Year's Eve day. In the past, you could spend the day using their hot springs in a private room. The resort now limits your stay to 50 minutes for the same price as the previous day usage. I couldn't help notice that in addition to the limited time you could spend in a room, it appeared they have dismissed their cleaning staff. If that wasn't bad enough, the resort no longer has hot spring water, lol'. 

Note: 

'OnSen Resort is only about a minute or two drive from the San Kampheng Hot Springs. Up until this year, it was a high end resort'.

The hot springs of Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, Thailand. From the webstagram site of buhnibear.

• Vietnam

Half Japanese Aki Avis visits the hot spring of Thanh Tan, Hue. Expectations not met:

'Vietnamese-style hot springs resembles more a water park than a relaxing bath! There were also baths just to soak in, but the bulk of the resort was made up of water slides, a giant wave pool (which was being cleaned and sadly unusable), and play parks. Needless to say I was very happy have had wrong expectations. The mix of decadent relaxation (i.e. the two massages I indulged in) with sheer excitement (one of the slides was so fast that you actually went airborne on it! Not up to Canadian-safety standards if I had to guess...) was unique and refreshing! What a way to spend hump day...'.

Another find, revealed from the phuyennews are Tra O hot springs: 

'Unlike a natural stream, Tra O hot-mineral water has a temperature of about 700C, flowing from two dragon-heads built on an area of about 3m2. This system is designed as a shrine of the mountain-god. On the roof and the small lake under are the architecture of two dragons with sacred and mysterious features, behind is a space with a size large enough for a person to enter deep inside to have a sauna, the way people here do to have a better health, or cure a number of rheumatic diseases, skin diseases 
… According to many local people, the hoses in the hot spring were built in the French invasion time when cultural traces hadn’t been discovered yet. When the road is improved, trees are planted, the hot spring is sundered into hot-water pools…, it will attract many tourists to visit and enjoy euphoria feeling as having a bath in the fresh-hot water'. 

In Asia, it's the more (visitors) the merrier ..., hmmm.

Mud bath competition. The i-resort in Nha Trang is attracting more and more visitors. Tripadvisor posters note that it is more expensive. The compaison: 

'I just went there yesterday. it is a much better experience than thap ba. two big hot pools, several warm and cool pools including 3 natural style pools. overall it feels like a real resort. Make sure you go early. at 7am when it opened there was just us and two others. from 9-11am 300 people had shown up'. Priorities: 'Went today and I must say what a great day out it was first time I have had a mud bath and will go back for more . The food as the resort very good 2 noodle soups and fried rice 4 bottles of tiger total cost of 200,000 and very nice '.

China heading forward

Looking into how you develop a hot spring resort in China? In Mianyang, Sichuan they are developing a resort ...: 

'This luxury hot spring resort is built around the hilltop of Luo Fu Shan, in Sichuan Province. The site is 300Mu or 21Ha, with 70.000 m2 built surface. AIM has designed the master plan, landscape, architecture and interiors.

The project is unique to us as we are in control of almost all aspects of the projects. The masterplan is set up to use the different landscape opportunities on the site. The different functions have different types of buildings that each benefit from their immediate surroundings. This results in an architectural range that is at the same time diverse and unique'. 

Design by AIM Architecture.

More top end developments in China. Opening up is the Chongqing Beibei Banyan Tree: 

'Nestled in the Jin Yun mountain, Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei features 107 contemporary Suites and Villas, each showcasing a private dipping pool fed by water from nearby hot springs'. 

It will open up step by step from the end of February 2013 (source).

'Can we get in on this? @kathy_macleod and I hot spring #chilaxing in Mae Hong Son. @jessvsworld @wesleyhsu @veronosaurus @lifecw'

From the flickr site of RealThai