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agungyudika

Stay wild and free

Model by @rachel_loudy

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Fyi tempat ini cocok banget buat list tempat liburan kalian saat tahun baru, tempatnya buat memanjakan badan dan pikiran karena disini kalian bisa berendam dengan air panas, kalau ada yang tahu tempatnya komen ya dibawah guys

What's there to share? Not much concerning the odd photographic evidence.
But some content.

Secret Retreats (Sep. 28) has a feature on Asian hot springs.
On Rinjani (Lombok, Indonesia):

'Take a trek to the emerald jungles of Mount Rinjani National Park to see Lombok’s wealth of waterfalls and then relax those tired muscles post trek with a soak in the island’s most famous hot spring, ‘Aik Kalak Pengkereman Jembangan’. Aik Kalak translates as boiling water and as the name suggests, it is a place where one can enjoy bathing in the warm, healing waters surrounded by nature. Aside from bathing, local people have long come to the site to perform rituals and seek blessings. Long considered a magical place, locals still today bring ritual items such as Keris (a dagger typically used in religious rituals) to the spring to wash and bless them and ensure their supernatural powers are intact. Legends have it that Sasak warriors, the Sasak are an ethnic group that calls Lombok home, would visit the spring to bathe after battles and the magical waters would heal battle wounds.

Aik Kalak Pengkereman Jembangan is located at about 2,000m elevation on the side of Mount Rinjani and in the late afternoon and evening the cooling air makes for a wonderful contrast to the steaming waters of the spring. The refreshing atmosphere of the stunning natural scenery on Mount Rinjani and the warm, healing waters of the hot spring are guaranteed to soothe and revive all who visit.

They also mention Pai (below), Sankamphaeng (both Thailand), Poring (Sabah, Malaysia) and Muang La (Laos). As witnessed from the above, their script writer is very much in form.

finebites.co

Thailand, February 2019.🍃🌞

Sometimes I feel like I forget to breathe. Not metaphorically speaking, but quite literally holding onto a breath I must remind myself to release.

Like there are so many tabs open in my brain I’m not present in the moment. I’ve never been an anxious person. But the last few years have been weird as hell and have brought on more anxiety and stress than ever before.

I’ve found comfort in my friends and family, holding them close, practicing yoga and meditation, being in nature, immersing myself in things that bring me joy and calmness. Finding beauty in the small things and focusing on how I can create a life of love, happiness and allow it to overflow to the collective. We all need more kindness in community as well as solitude; doing the inner work. I hope today brings you simply peace. 🙏🏼🦋💛

More Thai, more Pai.

Thailand Nomads has a 2022 review of Pai (Chiang Mai) most popular hot springs:

'Hot Springs are a treat to the eyes and souls of people who genuinely admire the beauty of nature.

The city of Pai has some really beautiful Hot Springs that you must check out on your visit here.

We have picked up the best ones for you in this blog'.

They note 4 local hot springs to enjoy.

Halved

Central Thailand. xyzasia (Sep. 14) looks at what's on offer around Khanchanaburi:

'The hot springs were the specific reason that I travelled to Kanchanaburi province. I’d been suffering some groin pain for nearly two months after a bad bout of Covid and couldn’t find any way to get rid of it. But when I spent a couple of days at a saline hot spring in Krabi in southern Thailand, I discovered that the pain had more than half disappeared.

...

Wat Wang Khanay Hot Spring

This very traditional public sulphur hot spring is located in a temple complex on the south-eastern side of Kanchanaburi city. It’s very conveniently located to the city – only about 15 km away – but it is unlikely to appeal to most international visitors. You’ll be invited to step into a large stainless-steel drum that looks like an industrial cooking vat after the attendant has filled it with hot water from the underground spring. There are several rows of the vats along one side of the temple courtyard'.

Continuing with Rock Valley hot springs:

'I had quite a long soak in the coffee pool, but it wasn’t my favourite. The next one was – the eucalyptus pool at No 13. This also claimed to help with blood circulation and skin detoxification, but I so loved the aroma. I could have soaked in this one all day. The temperature was probably only around 38-39°C so you can certainly spend longer in it if there are not too many other people at the hot spring.

That was the last pool that I spent much time in because No 14 was only straight mineral water at 38°C. It wasn’t labelled but I assume it was a ‘cooling down’ pool before the last pool which was labelled ‘normal temperature’. That is the largest of all the pools at the hot spring, but I didn’t get to try it because it was being cleaned on the day I was there'.

On to the south of Thailand.

elena_phuket

Travel to Phang-nga 4 years ago 🥰

#travelthailand #phannga #thailand #hotsprings

The Nation (Jul. 13) has yet another story on the dual pricing structure of virtually everything in Thailand, but now with special reference to hot springs:

'A TikTok video posted by a Japanese tourist complaining about “inequality” at a Krabi hot spring after having to pay an entrance fee 10 times the amount locals are charged went viral overnight, with many netizens having their say on Tuesday. The man posted the video after he visited Klong Thom hot spring, where he was charged a 200-baht entry fee as opposed to 20 baht for Thai visitors.

“A Japanese [tourist] feels the inequality in Thailand. I had to pay 200 baht while Thais pay only 20 baht,” he complained'.

Earlier the same source (Mar. 3) reported on what seems like research on aforementioned Klong Thom:

“The number of hot springs known for their healing benefits has changed from time to time, but not all hot springs possess the properties to help alleviate physical and mental ailments. Thailand is blessed to have a remarkable and curative hot spring located in Klongtom district of Krabi province. Aside from its properties to treat poor mental health and unfavourable physical conditions, the hot spring is also unique for its naturally sparkling saline water.

The Klongtom Salt Hot Spring is considered one of the world’s five best hot springs with mineral saltwater following those previously found in Taiwan, Japan, Italy, and Malaysia.”

The above explanation was given by Dr Jiroch Sinthawanon, a former senior expert of the Office of Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Public Health, when conducting a research study on hot springs in Thailand.

The publication, named “Safe and Healthy Hot Spring Bath”, was aimed at disseminating knowledge on the use of hot springs to create a good image where people can fully trust their benefits and safety, and maximise the standard of health tourism.

Jiroch added that “the temperature and minerals found in the Klongtom Salt Hot Spring are truly outstanding. The seawater seeps into the basement of the hot spring through rock layers to be filtered twice. As a result, the water retains only a light taste of salt unlike the strong salty taste of seawater as well as the smell of sulphur.”

The article also leads to significant info on a real estate project hopefully profiting from positive imagery, probably the reason for the article (and research; the author mentioned above is hardly mentioned on google):

'Wichai [Wichai Poolworaluk, president of Woraluk Property Plc, a leading real estate company in Thailand and a major developer of the Klongtom community in Krabi] said, “As a real-estate leader, we want to be the one to transform people’s concerns into happiness backed by our standardised and trusted management. This had initially inspired us to work on the development of the Klongtom Heritage project. Situated on a vast area of over 200 rai (32 hectares), ...'.

Luckily the locals are set to profit big:

'The local residents will be offered greater job opportunities and a chance to earn a higher income, while the ecosystem and environment will play a vital role in making the community grow in a sustainable way. This will help people to improve and reinvent themselves, getting ready to upgrade their life to national levels, he said'.

Luckily they'll not to be patronized. Oddly the Bangkok Post (Mar. 2) runs exact the same article.

Continuing southwards. The Star (Oct. 13) has 7 Malaysian hot springs to share:

'Most of the hot springs are small, but there are a handful that have been turned into proper resorts and parks'.

j2_travels

Just 45 mins from Kuching's city center

Lies an all natural hotspring

Which is reputed to cure diabetes, hypertension etc

Damn....doctors are gonna be out of jobs

I do so miss the good old days

When the responsibility and stress of work was manageable....

Maybe all I need is another long relaxing hot bath surrounded by lush greenery

#malaysiatrulyasia #malaysiatourism #nature #naturephotography #siasitoksarawak #raonraonsarawak #sarawaktravel #sarawaktourism #sarawakmoretodiscover #amazingborneo #borneo

Want

Free Malaysia Today notes (Dec. 21, 2021) that the onsen trend has reached Malaysia:

'Complete with warm lighting, a single-sized tub filled with hot water and imported salts, a shower area, and Urban Retreat’s very own line of toiletries at your disposal, you will want for nothing but some peace and quiet once the 45-minute session begins'.

It's a trend getting more and more traction in the area. Is it the culture (here fakely presented)? Is the not need to head to Japan for the experience? Do onsens balance out the hectic city life? I have no idea.

But here are some more snippets concerning onsen experience in the region.

Thaiger (Apr. 18) looks at the Japanese style onsen baths on offer in Bangkok:

'What if we tell you that you can have an authentic onsen experience right in the bustling city of Bangkok?

On Yunomori:

'The Onsen mineral water bath uses water from Kanchanaburi’s Wat Wangkanai [sounds familiar?], so enjoy the holistic benefits in the heart of Bangkok'.

VNexpress (Aug. 27) shares an overview of Japanese style hot spring resorts in the Danang region. It's not always clear how the waters are sourced. For instance:

'The resort has a heated swimming pool on the top floor of the 22-story building that allows visitors to admire the entire Da Nang Bay.

With a variety of minerals imported from Japan, guests can experience mineral bath services at shared baths or separate areas for men and women'.

racvcapeschanckresort

Time to relax at Alba Hot Springs. Just a 15 minute drive from the resort!

📸 @albathermalsprings

More Vietnam.
Wellness Vietnam has an article (Feb. 15) named Best hot springs experience in Vietnam.

'There are more than 200 hot springs throughout Vietnam though only a handful have been developed and are safely accessible for public bathing. Our guide to the ‘Best Hot Springs Experience in Vietnam’ features six unique locations that combine wellness, adventure, and cultural immersion'.

A local insiders (Sep. 12) guide to Binh Chau hot spring (What to expect). It looks like the place has seen some heavy renovations since I was here.

Something from Myanmar. Mylocal passion (Apr. 1):

'Tanintharyi region also has natural hot springs and the water is warm and hot in every season. Tanintharyi hot springs are heated groundwater which is of high temperature water. Local people believe that the water of hot springs can be good for our body, relax our muscles and can heal neuralgia. I want to mention four popular natural hot springs among local people in the different areas of the Tanintharyi region'.

All still very rustic luckily.

Breached

Though times are a changing, but not yet in Singapore. At least where it concerns attitudes to bodyculture, which are yet to move forward and with this news snippet (Oct. 14) it doesn't look likely to change in the foreseeable future:

'The local edition of famed fashion magazine Vogue has repeatedly been found to be in breach of government content guidelines and, as a result, had its one-year permit revoked yesterday.

The magazine then reapplied for a new permit but was granted one lasting just six months.

In a Straits Times article, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) said that Vogue Singapore violated their content guidelines on four occasions within the past two years by including nudity and content that “promoted non-traditional families”.

The exact content that violated MCI’s standards has not been revealed. Although Vogue Singapore does not feature explicit nudity, Infocomm Media Development Authority’s content guidelines notes that semi-nude models with breasts or genitals covered by “hands, materials or objects” are also forbidden.

As for the part about content promoting “non-traditional” families? That is code for content that portrays queer or LGBTQ+ relationships in a positive light'.

Then finally some news from Quebec (Canada) ,not noted for it's geothermal highlights. LaPresse (Jun. 7):

'Un développement touristique incluant un lagon chauffé entre autres par la géothermie et la construction de 300 unités en partie chauffées et climatisées par l’énergie solaire doit prendre forme à 45 minutes de Québec, aux portes du Massif de Charlevoix. Développé en trois phases, l’environnement du GeoLAGON nécessitera un investissement privé de 300 millions'.

It's not clear from the article itself whether the lagoon's waters would be geothermally sourced or just geothermally heated. With all the geothermaility in Southeast Asia, it's quite astonishing that nothing has been done on a similar but somewhat smaller scale ...

nick.j.long

Sudah lama sekali ada cita-cita main ke Dieng; baru tahun ini impian itu dapat teraih 💙💚💙💚// Enjoying colourful lakes, ancient temples, meditation caves, hydrangeas and volcanic hot springs in a place I’ve wanted to visit for ages and ages: the beautiful #dieng #plateau in #indonesia. #mountains #lakes #temple #hotsprings

Floating

pariwisata_sumut from northern Sumatra's Berastagi:

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.

ThinkGeoenergy reports (Oct. 21) from China:

'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'.

Here's the website of the seminar.

world

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.

A great find, the US based Soakpodcast:

'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.

South China Morning Post (Oct. 21) reports on tourists behaving badly in Kyoto, Japan:

'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'.

inasetsfire

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.

• Malaysia

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!'

Freemalaysiatoday (Nov. 30) has a feature on Sungai Serai soaking springs:

'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'.

 

bunnyrabbids at Kuala Kubu Bharu:

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'.

• Thailand

Hot springs and waterfalls in Chiang Rai province by Adventureswechase (6 Sep.).

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!

yuii_kultha at Kashikiri:

 เวลาเรายืนมองเขาอยู่ในมุมของเรา บางทีก็รู้สึกนะว่า “เออดีแล้ว .. ที่เขาอยู่ตรงนั้น เราก็ดีแล้วที่เราอยู่ตรงนี้” ☀️🌆🎋🎋🎋🛀🏻💦😊 #นั่งโง่ๆอยู่ในอ่าง

Swayed

• Vietnam

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'.

sofianguyen64

Mặt hí hửng, tắm tiên Ngọc Chiến - bản Lướt - Mường La - Sơn La, Hí hí.#famtrip #ngọcchiến #sonla #mocchau#nudebath

• Indonesia

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'.

ucensurbakti__

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'.

• Philippines

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.

Addiction

icangdio at Gunung Ciremai national park, West Java:

Feels like a prince 👑 lol

#nature #hot #hotsprings #westjava #jawabarat #kuningan #ciremai #adventure

Well overdue, let's just check some photographic evidence of what's hot in Southeast Asia!

Starting off with Vietnam. Below what resembles a natural soaking environment, in fact it's part of a whirlwind tourist attraction.

alin_ov at Yangbay, Nha Trang:

😻😻😻

professionaltourists 

Bunch of buddies, some fun local kids, a natural hot spring in the remote forest Venilale in East Timor... sounds like a great moment for us.

#weekend #trip #friends #mates #kids #local #hotsprings #nature #mothernature #jungle #moment #love #share #travelblogger #traveladdict #travel #traveldiaries #travelphotography #picoftheday #photooftheday #travelgram #instatravel #couple #expatlife #islandlife #roadtrip

Less tourists (above) in Timor, looks very soothing. Below the ubiquitous northern Thai soak at Pai.

sarahf49 at Sai Ngam, Mae Hong Son province:

Mud masks and hot springs #pai #hotsprings

Phenomena

mundanebabble 

Sembawang Hot Spring in Singapore

It was my first time here but the place gave me a nostalgic feel.

The families gathered there were enjoying themselves soaking their feet in the hot spring water, the kids were playing with the water and also waiting for their eggs to get cooked.

It had that familiar Kampong feeling which I haven't felt in a long time. Maybe it's time to slow down my pace of life and not get caught in the hustle and bustle of life.

Singapore's only hot spring which may or may not change if recent developments are to be believed.

But below, the Philippines still apparently having soaking secrets.

faithpatayon_1 not saying where:

 Immersed ourselves in this natural hot spring that lies beneath these volcanic boulders by the sea. Again; no tourist, no entrance fee! I could say that this is the most spectacular place I have known all my life! Lowtide was just in time for sunset which made the experience more phenomenal! Even the word "AMAZING" is an understatement!

Indeed, The best things in life are free!☝

Let's take care of Mother Nature the best way we can, it's the only way we can pay her back

#blessedbeyondimagination #naturalhotspring #hotspring #mindanao #philippines #wheretonext #philspots #pinas #sunset #cannon #love #leavenotrace #explore #secretspot

Inside SoutheastAsia, Abra (Luzon) Philippines

Kili hot spring 

Crocs

ayaqjagung 

Suria Hot Springs Resort, Bentong, Pahang.

GPS Coordinates : 3.409379, 101.891356

I had a lovely stay at the Suria Hot Springs Resort. The hotel staff were all so welcoming and accommodating. Parking was easily accessed and secure.

Check-in was quick and friendly. Breakfast was fresh and delicious. I was upgraded to a lovely spacious villa with a hot springs pool and mountain views.

The only 'downsides' were the mobile network coverage namely Celcom, Maxis and webe (I'm using only these 3 telcos for my cellphones so please don't ask about DiGi and Umobile) are very very poor at the resort area. I can't connect to the hotel's Wi-Fi network at the villa at all. But the Wi-Fi was good in the lobby and restaurant. #suria #hotsprings #pool #Bentong #Pahang #instapic #travel #travelingram #traveller #travelbugs #travelling #visitpahang2017 #resort #eryabysuria #eryabysuriahotspringbentong #oneplus3t

Alas, not the natural soak we crave for (above, Malaysia), but that's what commercialism gives you.

Below northern Lao: less money, more nature.

arne_duehr at Xam Neua:

Hot Pool 🔥

#laos #hotsprings #hotpools #nationalpark #happyeaster #muanghiam #swimwithcrocs #travel

Pixies

antaurpe at Yeh Panes, Bali:

Right here.

Right now.

It's all coming true.

✨

#infinitesourceyoga #spiritledtt #hotsprings #bali #indonesia #followyourheart #trust #goddess #pixiedust

Finishing this photographic addition, Indonesia. Above you guessed the private pools on Bali, below under the volcano near Sumatra's Brastagi.

 

monicasilaban at Lau Side Bukbu, Sumatra Utera:

jadi manusia yg berprilaku kemanusian jangan berperilaku kehewanan 😆😆

Varm

sittiarafah33:

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

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

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

 

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

 

#naturalresort #hotspring#taungngu#lovelyday

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Gather

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

piasabinehaakonsen

#hotsprings #niceandvarm #funnypictures

ncis_meira

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

Sit back

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

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

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

iamtravelist

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

More ... nerves

 

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

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

rowmaiquez:

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

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

ออนเซนแบบไทยๆ ตีโป่ง 😂 #onsen

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

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

iceteeweenj 

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