Light

7ennifer_tl at Marobo (Timor):

🚗⛰🍾🎲🎼💃🏽👙♨️...#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'. 

yoghijuliansa somewhere on Sumatra (Bengkulu):

________________________________________#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:

yidext

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:

yfs_figureshop

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 ...

ian_hsien

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 South China Morning Post (Mar. 12) looks at the Chinese soaking scene:

'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.

ciliansun

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.

al_icanplay

#hotsprings

Cocks

blog.tripviss (Jul. 22) has 

'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 ...

jzentran at Tram Tau

#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'.

Less better news, as always in the same vein. Philippines News Agency (Jan. 20):

'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'.

Tripadvisor notes 3,5 stars for the experience, booking.com a 7.2, they could probably use the publicity.

Staystripzilla (Mar. 8) has 

'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.

The Smarter Way (Jan. 2018) has 

'6 Hot Springs in Malaysia to Sweat Your Worries Away'.

Very similar to aforementioned.

Ten things to do on Bali (There V Goes Again). Number 8:

'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

Soothing

eazytraveler 

DAY 18 of #eazy30daysinindonesia | Two gushing streams merge — one cold and the other steaming hot from the heart of Inerie volcano — at Malanage Hot Spring. It's the wonderfully soothing way to end a full-day exploring tribal villages and a volcanic crater in #Bajawa, central Flores. 🛀

Time for some update, however ther's precoius little to focus on. It looks like the timespan of internetters is decreasing by the day, so we end up with just a couple of views here and there. Still, let's give it a try.

Starting in Malaysia, Thinkgeoenergy (Aug. 5) has some info on geothermal development:

'The Apas Kiri in the Sabah east coast district in Malaysia is expected to be operational by June 2018, as reported locally.

The project is set to have an installed capacity of 30 MW and will be feeding its electricity into the grid of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd. under a feed-in-tariff scheme.

It will be Malaysia’s first geothermal power plant'.

Eco
Staying on-subject. Indonesia has much geothermal potential that it makes sense to exclude national parks for geothermal extraction. Mongabay (Sep. 12):

'The Indonesian environment ministry has denied the Aceh provincial government’s proposal to rezone part of Mount Leuser National Park for geothermal development, reacting to opposition from conservationists who argued the project would threaten key orangutan and rhino populations'.

The article was cited by ThinkGeoEnergy (Sep. 13) which failed to copy the part in which doubts were raised to meeting the local needs (there were none) nor on the extent of the rezoning (nearly 8,000 ha instead of the 100 ha required). Better usage below.

hillymontague 

I'm not much of a selfie taker, but when taking a bath in natural hot springs, exceptions have to be made! #swimming #travel #adventure #camping #trekking #hiking #ketambe #leuserecosystem #hotsprings #bathtime #indonesia #aceh #sumatra #forest #travellife #gopro #selfie #hillyfromtheotherside

Meanwhile the same source (ThinkGeoEnergy, Sep. 13) highlights the geothermal setup on Bali by translating an article from CNN Indonesia as it concludes

'There is though hope, as a lot of the opposition is likely rooted not in religious issues, but about who will be effected by development with regards to the division of land and compensation'.

Cover
Sometimes the hot springs can get too hot, figuratively speaking. TTR Weekly (Sept. 29) duplicates an AFP report on the most recent rumblings atop the Indonesian island of Lombok. A smaller vent situated in the crater of Rinjani has begun to erupt:

'Around 1,000 tourists, including about 600 foreigners, were believed to be in the area when Mount Barujari sent columns of ash and smoke shooting high into the sky over Lombok island, Tuesday, according to the official disaster agency'.

One of the highlights of a multiday trek over the volcano cone is a possibility to enjoy natural picturesque hot springs, as below.

david_jacowbski

 Indonesia last year. #hotsprings #rinjani #mountain #nature #beautifuldestinations #thevisualcollective #createexplore #earthfocus #visualsoflife #instagood #stanyandwander #igmasters #streetdreamsmag #agameoftones #illgrammers #urbanromantix #citybestviews

There's a list of famous hot springs in Vietnam (source).

Stranger soaking news from Indonesia. Coconuts Jakarta (Sep. 20):

'The warden of Soppeng State Prison in South Sulawesi, Irpan, was recently arrested by police in the tourist area of Lejja, Soppeng - famous for its hot springs.

Irpan was not on a family trip to the the hot springs. According to police, Irpan and three of the guards from his prison were on holiday, along with 17 prisoners'.

On fire

More hot news, this time from China's Yunnan state. Gokunming reports (Sep. 23):

'Fuxian (抚仙湖) is reputedly the cleanest lake in China, and also the deepest, containing an estimated ten percent of all the lake water in China.

...

The group was photographed bathing near a hot spring that feeds the lake by another unrelated traveler on September 12. While swimming is allowed in the lake, one of the trio was caught on camera washing her hair with shampoo. Once the image was published on Chinese social media the firestorm began, and continues unabated nearly two weeks later.

...

In addition to countless posts and discussions on social media, press outlets across the country seized on the misdeed to highlight the growing sense of environmental awareness amongst China's citizenry. One can only hope that such concern over Fuxian — the shores of which are ever more crowded with resorts and tourists — will prompt people around the country to think twice before littering'.

Quick internet searches reveal that the custom is quite prevalent. Even cars are seen washed in the pristine (?) waters ...

South China Morning Post (Sep. 17) adds:

'The administration said it had hired 200 inspectors to stop “uncivilised behaviour” and one in charge of the hot spring section had been punished.

Mania

A couple of pictures, first from the Philippines, then a rustic springs northern Laos and finally a peculiar picture from Burma:

One of a series of pictures on Mainit hot springs, on Cebu island. From tumblr

 

Muang La Lodge Hot Spring

antoine.fievet at Dhang Kuang

#Myanmar #Birmanie #burma #inlelake #monks #hotsprings #buddhism #swimmingpool #travel #instatravel 

Expansion

Off to Thailand where ther is news from the Yunomori chain of onsen reports. Thailand tattler (Oct. 6)

'After the success of its Bangkok and Singapore branches, the unique concept of Yunomori Japanese Onsen and Spa has expanded to Pattaya. The Thai inspired onsen and spa combines Thailand’s natural hot spring waters with traditional Thai massage techniques and allows guests to restore their mind, body and spirit'.

Note it's unclear what is understood with natural hot spring waters, it certainly is trucked in at the least. 

boycalledric 

Hot Springs Crew Dem #pai #hotsprings #friends #hostellife #vscocam #thailand #travel

Star TV (Aug. 25) has a vdo of Southeast Asia's first geothermal plant in Fang, Thailand, which is still the only geothermal plant in the Kingdom. 

Finally sad news from Malaysia. Free Malaysia today (Aug. 5):

'A five-year-old boy drowned while bathing in a pool at the Ulu Legong Hot Spring Recreational Centre near here last night'.

Defining

Горячие источники#вроде река, а вроде и ванна##hot#springs#airpanas#hotwaterfall#river#

Mengeruda Soa, Flores, Indonesia

Source instagram katyaspencer

The geo downside

When is news newsworthy? We rely too often on commercial broadcasts to set our priorities. But how important is an earthquake in Yunnan, China? Not so, says our telly.

But for the internet we would be none the wiser about the Yunnan's tragedy. Just imagine. The Telegraph (Aug. 4) :

'Another man described a huge landslide that smashed cars and buried tourists at a local hot spring.

"We were in the hot spring when the quake happened and we saw boulders rolling down the mountain towards us," said Wang Xiong, from Ludian county, to the same newspaper.

"I grabbed the kids and ran out of the pool, but my right ankle was hit by a rock. Our three cards [cars] were destroyed by the rocks falling on them. A huge rock killed my great aunt, it hit her in the stomach.

"There must have been 300 or 400 people in the hot spring at the time. Some were hit by the rocks before they could escape. I saw blood everywhere in the water."

Away from these tragic events is an interesting article from Japan (Japan Property Central, June 23) which continues on the future of onsen resorts as reported in the interview with Miho Tabuchi. Apparently hot spring resorts are in fear of new regulations requiring them to meet  new standards for earthquake safety:

'The regulations target kyu-taishin buildings used by an unspecified large number of people, such as ryokans, hotels or hospitals, over 3-storeys tall and with a total floor area over 5,000 sqm. -

... 

The regulations require that building owners make their best efforts to ensure a building is up to code, but the regulations are not legally enforceable. However, the end result is the same. If the hotel is not up to code, the information is made public on government websites. Tourists and tour companies may choose to avoid making reservations at ‘risky’ hotels.

Beppu City in Oita Prefecture is one of the most well-known hot spring areas in Japan. It has 8 facilities that fall under the inspection regulations'.

Going global

The Sydney Morning Herald has an article on South Korean bath houses (June 8): 

'This is the world of the jimjilbang, the traditional South Korean bathhouse. In previous centuries they were a practical neighbourhood facility but with the advent of modern home plumbing they reinvented themselves as 24-hour leisure centres'. 

All in all, the writer seems quite satisfied with the experience.

Another experience, a bit further away, Moroccan hammams. Perthnow (July 25) shares with us and how the writer concludes her enjoyable experience:

'The women in the hammam spend their outside hours covered from head to toe in a djellaba, yet it was me, with my decadent Western exposure to incidental nudity, who was bashful'.

Onsenaddict (July) compiles a small list of Japan's most muddiest hot springs. A good albeit brief read.

Wacky spa treatments. The planetd.com (June 2) lists nine. 

Asia's contribution: Ayurvedic massage (that's not weird), hot cupping, Vietnam's mud bath, Jordan's Dead Sea, Penang's reflexology and ion foot bath's in Nepal. 

Basically the experiences were wacky, not the treatment themselves ...

Phasoet Hot Spring, Chiang Rai #Thailand. Temperature is 87 Celsius. 30B for adults & 10B for kids pic.twitter.com/zvYbJofxBH

Source Richard Barrow on twitter

Obstacles

Thinkgeoenergy (July 25) reports that China will be seeking to upgrade it's use of geothermal energy as a solution to end the devastating impacts that coal fired power generation is creating. By both using geothermal energy for heating purposes and expanding geothermal energy generation, it hopes to lower this dependency:

'... a nationwide geothermal heating program will cover an area of 500 million square meters while installed geothermal capacity will be expanded to 100 MW. As of the end of 2013, China’s aggregate installed capacity of geothermal power generation projects was a mere 27 MW with all projects located in Tibet, including the 25-MW Yangbajin geothermal power station'.

Meanwhile Taiwan is thinking likewise. Taipei Times (June 12): 

'Several academics and specialists yesterday said Taiwan has the natural resources to develop geothermal energy, but there are still many obstacles that need to be overcome, including strict regulations and a lack of government funding'.

Indonesia seeks to up the ante on geothermal power by announcing 9 areas open for geothermal power research (Thinkgeoenergy, June 4).

Furthermore Thinkgeoenergy (July 16) is upbeat that Indonesia legislation will free geothermal power from being labelled a mining activity thus making environmental concerns less important.
Thinkgeoenergy (July 17) then reports on a Bahasa report of continuing opposition towards geothermal power on Bali. This comes a day after the same source had it's hopes up for opposition to disappear, as new legislation might pave the way. Part of the hope was because this new legislation would see forests areas become geothermal power plants! So much for green energy!

Basking in sweet sweet nature. #ahlife #tabanan #hotspring #balidays 

Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia. Source crystallivingthelife

Charming
Not much reports from Asia alas. 

• Malaysia

Blogger Sarah Low reports on Banjaran hot springs, Ipoh, Malaysia, one of Asia's most upmarket natural hot spring places. Two hundred photo's on, there's no word on what she thinks of the resort, nor any evidence that she visited here for a soak!

The Borneo Post (Aug. 3) has a massive article on the hot springs of Annah Rais and Panchor, both near Kuching, Sarawak. Do we learn anything new:

- Despite all the investment and priority given, it seems that no one has done any simple research as towards the mineral content of the waters. 

- Using mud at Panchor is becoming more popular. 

- Annah Rais springs were used for spiritual meditation:

'The spirit would then ask the person what he wanted.

“According to my grandfather, in the old days, men liked asking for charms so they could marry the women of their fancy.

“However, more often than not, the spirit would tell them he could not fulfil their wish because he has no power and could do nothing.”'

• Philippines

The Benguet local council hopes to be able to build a swimming pool next to it's hot spring, so reports Banguio Midland Courier (June 22). The idea is to save on heating costs.

 

Define relaxation??? #hiddenvalleylaguna #Waterbaby #weekend #awesome #wanderlust #hotspring

Laguna, Luzon, the Philippines. Instagram user hello_anne28

An update ...

Quite significant news is that I have moved away from Southeast Asia, so sometime in the future, first hand reports will dry up .... In the meantime though, I still have a couple of reports upcoming, of a journey I made through the northern part of south Thailand. 

Think Green? Not Soak? 

This years earthquake and tsunami exposed Japan's over reliance on atomic energy.Within Japan this has lead to a more sustained push for geothermal energy. What makes Japan stand out from other countries is the ingrained appreciation of soaking. Any possible project in Japan which would affect soaking possibilities stands less of a chance of becoming a reality. The Mainichi Daily News (Sep. 3) reports on an onsen hotel (Kuju Kanko) with electricity generation. Unfortunately the price returned by the government prohibited the electricity generation from being profitable (great policy) but this hotel did get a much more positive image from generating it's own electricity, enabling the owner to hark back some of the losses. Monocolumn adds in another article the fear that the push for more geothermal energy will have adverse effects for soakers especially as the overall scope that geothermal energy will have a sufficient contribution to Jaspan's overall energy needs:

'.. many hoteliers and innkeepers are dead-set against having geothermal prospectors drilling in their backyards. They worry that a power plant nearby would harm the environment; worse, it might deplete the heat that keeps the local springs warm, they say'.

Kenji Hall, the reporter of this article, adds a positive example of how the two could exist, similar to the above experience and concludes:

'The technology will need more success stories like that to avoid being branded as the villain. Geothermal energy won’t likely to win the sympathy vote if the public has to choose between a niche technology and a leisure activity that has been around for centuries'.

With oil prices refusing to drop substantially, the lesser endowed geothermal countries in the region are revving up their investment plans. Both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (Thailand) will be part of research and find for a 2-10 MW installation. Malaysia are thinking bigger, 36 MW (Phase 1).

'Speaking after negotiation meeting between the stakeholders for the Geothermal Power Plant project at Kg Tass Balai Raya here, Wednesday, he [Project Director Andrew Amaladoss from Tawau Green Energy Sdn Bhd] also assured the kampung people in the nearby area that the project has no threats to them.He said that among the advantages of using geothermal power was it is clean, required not a big area, cost saving and is not harmful to the people and environment'.

Added was that the geothermal project is not harmful to the people or the environment ... Actually the Think GeoEnergy website is a good source for geothermal energy news. From the past months there are reports on projects in Lampung (Indonesia), Lahendong (Indonesia) Sarulla (Indonesia), Naga (Philippines), the Philippines and West Sumatra. And more ... 

  

Crossing the divide, culturally 

Hot springs in China are becoming a target for Japanese hot spring companies. relax.com.sg reports that:

'According to a recent report by the UK's Financial Times, Gokurakuyu aims to open its first spa in China by March 2011 with its partners, an affiliate of China's Citic Group and Japanese investment company MBK. The company has also announced an aggressive expansion plan to run 100 variously-sized spa houses in China within five years, more than it operates in Japan'.

Coming from Japan, they are well aware of the different soaking culture in China, f.i. solely targeting businessmen rather than being a family outing (btw what about businesswomen?). Another example:

'In parts of China where people feel uncomfortable bathing communally, Gokurakuyu expects to include an area for customers who want to wear swimming costumes'.

Seeing how in the past, Chinese authorities have lambasted non-costume swimming as 'western decadence' it probably means that Japanese 'bathing' will not be the next big thing ... Meanwhile back on the theme of China and Japan, a recent internet report pointed to the fact that many Chinese wish to visit Japan to enjoy their hot springs as opposed to westerners ... Than what does Japan think about this? Weird culture (sideline):

'A NATURE park in China’s Hunan province is offering free admission and prizes to virgin females aged 22 or older, according to the state-run Global Times'.

Sex discrimination? Culture? A Japanese hot spring TV show has caused controversy as it employs 'an adult video model' to crank up the ratings.

'The “Let’s go to the spa and more!” broadcast by Japanese Fuji TV Station is actually an “adaption” of the old one “Go to the Spa!” which was first introduced to audiences of all ages in 2000, and mainly features the hidden hot springs (secret hot springs or secret tang) throughout Japan. In 2008, the show took a daring change by featuring the female host wearing only a towel and its name was changed to Let’s Go to the New Spa! The rating increased slightly after that. In the latest revamped programme, the host strips her clothing one by one before entering the hot springs naked'.

As soaking au naturel is a cornerstone of Japanese culture and many villages manage to attract significant numbers of tourists wishing to enjoy a soak dare we say naked, tv programs denying this seem a bit unreal. Anyway in reality it's all very tame ...However, already back in February Japansugoi reported on the increasing popularity of the show (DVD's also available). It notes:

'While nudity is not a big issue on Japanese TV, this onsen show by its very nature has the charms of the onsen demonstrated by way of a female reporter’s nude bathing'.

Just one of a series of photo's by Paula Bronstein. Text with the series:

'Japanese earthquake victims enjoy a communal bath set up in tents by the Japanese Self Defense Force March 26, 2011 in Rikuzentakata, Iwate, Japan. With hundreds of thousands made homeless by the quake the baths are essential since the makeshift evacuation centers have little running water'.

The regional news

Soaking festivals are the in-thing. The Philippine Information Agency reports (Sept. 9) from Los Baños:

'The Special Science and Nature City of the Philippines will celebrate Bañamos—a unique healing waters festival—beginning September 14 that will highlight the town’s colorful history capped by various fun-filled events. ... The Dia Aguas Santas (Day of the Holy Waters) is set on September 17 where a symbolic public bathing will be held in a hot spring pool blessed with holy water near the Immaculate Conception Parish Church'.

And ziplining and soaking? Head for Bamungao Pangasinan, Philippines:

'Zipline ride offers you a view of villages, extinct Mt. Balungao, and flowing hot and cold spring'.

Annah Rais hot spring, Sarawak (Malaysia) continues to gather favourable reviews. For instance Dawn Poh. And JG. That has been noted by local politicians who will now move their constituency up to the 'modern' world. Borneo Post report (September 5):

'Speaking of one famous spot, the Anah Rais hot spring, he [Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit] proposed that a study on the carrying capacity of the spring be conducted to improve the facilities there'.

Oh no, study the carrying capacity! Pai, Mae Hong Son (Thailand) keeps on moving up. And so does it's hot springs. New kid on the block: Pai HotSpring Spa Resort (lot of effort in finding a name). Though probably just a rename (from Thapaispa) their own guest review page gives a positive shine on the rename. However continue on tripadvisor and you will be shocked by for instance this entrance from August 2010:

'This hotel is filthy and just rely on the hotspring appeal to rip travelers off'.

I wasn't impressed either but that was 5 years ago ... A Russian language, extensive site on Siam's soaks. Wrapping up, more cross cultural exchange. The US is doing it's part ... to help China's science get a grip of it's hot springs. Montana State University is leading a research project in Tengchong, Yunnan. Part of the surprise is that in Tengchong visitors boil eggs in the springs, which in Montana would be an offense and get you a nice fine ...

Another update, mid-June 2011

Soaking in Southeast Asia has slowly been gaining more popularity, the blog receives more than 40 visits per day and more than 4,500 page views per month, which is increasing month by month. The Himal blog is also seeing more traffic (despite no new entries; I'll be reworking and updating the original ones), but surprisingly Soaking in Siam is lagging behind. That despite for instance two new original blog entries from Phetchabun province, Phu Toei and Nam Rong.

Most popular entry on this site is the entry on art and hot springs though the more recent entry on mud is catching up; in the last 30 days this entry clocked up three times as many entries as the art entry, which itself just had more pageviews than other older blog entries. Considering the amount of time I put into the mud entry I am not at all disappointed.

Upcoming is less great news as I will be leaving the region in the foreseeable future, though more Thai soaks will be added before. As well as an overview of Thailands top soaks.

Fishy business once more

• Apparently a never ending story. Travelfish Siem Reap blog has an entry on the fishy foot massage business. Though they also note the concern, they repeat how pleasurable it is:

  'Admittedly, it’s not completely unpleasant having your feet nibbled, though many would doubtless prefer the Princess Fergie school of toe-nibbling to having actual schools of fish perform the dirty deed. The sensitive among us clearly find the experience so earth-shatteringly, ooh, ticklish, that screams, shrieks and loud whoops are in order, causing numerous people to drop their beers with fright. Actually I made the last bit up, but to the screamers, do you have to? Really?'.

  The rash of fish massages is now spreading to the other haven of tourists, free of legalities, Phnom Penh.

• Last month the Guardian had a feature on fish pedicures as it debates their increasing popularity and health issues:

  'Following the decision by more than a dozen states in the US to ban the pedicures over fears they could spread infections and disease, scientists from the Health Protection Agency have begun an investigation into potential risks. A spokesperson for the agency said that, while it did not expect to be enforcing a ban in the UK and believed the risk of catching an infection from a fish foot spa to be "very small", it was looking at publishing guidelines for the public'.

  The article continues and as always the case in Britain, protecting the fish may well be the single most important issue if a ban is imposed!

Beautiful blogs

• Well, I pride myself on my ability to seek out obscure hot springs in what many would consider a wild goose chase. However a blog entry by Ben seems to encapsulate an even more determined spirit. On a hunch he seeks a zoak in Zhongdian, Yunnan, China. He was advised to find out a hardly known hot spring with magical properties. On his bike it took him no less than 5 days to find the place, each day filled with taking in the surroundings and having mini-adventures (and doubling back to Zhongdian). He eventually finds it, a small enclosure packed with mud and just a trickle of boiling hot water.

  'Concerning Nom’s therapeutic, secret mountaintop, cave-side hot spring bathing pool, there wasn’t, not even for a moment, a sense of being let down. Rather, it was a fitting cosmic reminder that beyond any doubt the search for this mud was the real reward, and never, no matter how nice the pool would have been, it wouldn’t have been anything more than me swimming in some hot water. It’s also I think perfectly fitting that both times I followed Nom’s advice to go seek out some amazing water, there wasn’t any water to behold. I mean, really, that’s something. Yet, in one manner I think he was right. I can only assume through some extreme-condensation that the water in this formerly brimming pool must have had some residual super-magic in it. While the extended exercise in the crisp mountain air I think has done my body good, and while this is just anecdotal, my new ability to read minds I think is worth noting, and cannot be solely attributed to cycling in the Himalaya. Though, to risk sounding less than humble, being a mind reader now isn’t really all that much of a change, as it seems China only has one thought on its mind: “You can’t use chopsticks.”'.

  As always the journey is worthier than the destination. Too often in modern days we are only concerned with the destination, overlooking the more valuable journey. If I would be in the habit of awarding annual prizes for Best Story on Soaking, Ben would have bagged this years prize easily ...

Geothermal energy, a hot item?

• China is aggressively seeking to increase the importance of geothermal energy in meeting the countries seemingly insatiable demand for power. Could be worse.
  
• No less then Pippa Middleton will help in promoting geothermal energy in the UK according to Think Geoenergy, though not known in which capacity ...
• In Japan, a turn has taken place to geothermal power. An investment advice notes that despite Japan's volatile geothermality, power has not been developed as in other countries. Why not invest?

  'However, by and large its thermal regions have been transformed into onsen – hot spring resorts - which are a hugely significant phenomenon of Japanese culture. Many of the best resources are in national parks and in popular tourist spots. Indeed, reverence for hot springs is such that one geothermal energy expert declared that they are regarded as almost holy by the Japanese'.

The cultured

• AsiaSpa has a feature article on onsens in Niseko, Japan. This Singapore edited, East Asia marketed magazine apparently acknowledges that spa in essence (and naturality) is a hot spring but as it focuses on the higher income generating minority of the regions public, it can't suggest a local soak. However Japanese soaks come with instructions, all matter of fact:

  'The most common mistake first-time visitors make is to enter the baths in swim suits, which are not allowed'.

  Well, as anyone visiting a Southeast Asian soak will contest (with exception of Vietnam), one would believe that swim suits are not allowed as well; everybody just soaks in their daily clothes! Other pointers: don't stare, don't be noisy, don't bring your own drinks. In other words if visiting a regional soak here, expect them to be noisy with visitors staring and drinking. And consider yourself lucky because it could be a lot worse ...
• Tourists from China are spoiling weekend aways in Taiwan:

  'No work, no computers, just relaxing in the hot springs, taking a drive around, and eating. But the Chinese tourists staying at the resort almost spoiled it'.

  What a horror!
  

Hot trend?

• Anyway, the region is trying it's best. Newcomer to cater to more demanding visitors is Alba Health Thermal Resort, next to Thanh Tan hot spring near Hue, Vietnam. Pictures are on Picasa. They claim to the first balneotherapy resort in Vietnam, balneotherapy referring to medicinal use as opposed to recreational use. Now why this distinction? If soaking recreationally, surely the medical benefits would also be included. Or is it simply an expensive term to discern itself from the hordes? Anyway, looks like a nice place to stay and I hope that they become a guiding light to others. As long as they don't move any more upmarket ...
• Burilasai Hot Spring Resort and Spa, Mae-On, Thailand is another newcomer, at least in name. Not much info ... It mentions 'hot mineral', hopefully it means hot mineral water, because the pictures seem not to emphasize it's soaking qualities ... 269 friends on Facebook. One respondent on Agoda mentions the

  'spa is great'.

Tops

• Webecoist start off with 13 natural swimming pools from around the world. Some hot, some not. Yangbajain (Tibet) and Blue Lagoon (Iceland) are the hottest, but neither is natural! Representing Southeast Asia are Tat Kuang Si waterfall in Lao and Mabinay spring in the Philippines.
• Top diving equipment has it's Top 10 Unique Natural Springs of the Philippines. 1-10: Salinas Salt spring (not hot), Tangub HS, Malumpati (not), Hidden Valley HS, Timoga Cold Spring, Ardent HS, Tukuhan HS, Sto. Niño Cold Spring, Asin HS and Tiwi HS at no. 10. All

  'really worth visiting'.

• Staying with the Philippines, there are also

  '6 Ways to Soak in Ardent Spring in Camiguin'.

  With crossed legs, folded knees, one leg folded, lying flat (legs inward or outward), floating in frog position! Ha! By tagabukid8705.

• Then there are 15 Laguna hot springs. An alphabetical listing.

Finally, there's the new hot spring of Taal volcano, the Philippines (source). It's lake is increasing in heat and would qualify as a hot spring.