Rages Quite a few items from the wackier side of soaking. What about theoriginalnomad who have now developed a collapsible hot tub, ideal for trekking into the forests and over mountains!
Other strange news:
'Boise City’s Public Works Department and Boise State University are
partnering to commission a public art project to celebrate the use of
geothermal water on campus'.
'A fisherman at Douglas Hot Springs south of Darwin believes he saw a
1.5-metre saltwater crocodile in the supposedly safe swimming area.
...
No saltwater crocodiles have previously been spotted at the hot springs, although one was seen eight kilometres downstream'.
If you are logged into Facebook go here for a photo of the foot spa on the Shinkasen train to Fukushima.
The
use of drones is all the rage, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that
the use of drones in natural geothermal areas is now on the radar. It
became all the more apparent when a drone crashed into Yellowstone's
Grand Prismatic Spring (CNN,
Aug. 7). Drones are apparently forbidden in US national parks though
it's doesn't seem clear to all users, especially since the ban was just
announced in June. Possible problems:
'Park rangers have not determined if the drone damaged the spring and if it's necessary to recover it'.
Finally less pleasant news. The Costa Rica News has an article (August 26) on whether or not their nation's hot springs are safe:
'Floating on your back or dipping the your head underwater are common
actions when enjoying a natural hot spring. However, experts now
recommend not submerging your face or head in order to prevent
infections that can enter these more vulnerable cavities.
This recommendation stems from the case of Jordan Cole Smelski, an
American 11 year-old boy, who died in July in Orlando, Florida, due to
an infection resulting from the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. The
deceased boy was on vacation in Costa Rica, where he visited the hot
springs in the Northern Zone and began to feel sick afterwards and never
recovered.
....
So in conclusion, yes, Costa Rica’s hot springs are safe. But it’s safer to keep your head above the water'.
Hot in here There's really not too much reports/news coming from Southeast Asia itself.
Indonesia
'Not
far from the magnificent Kawah Ijen (Mount Ijen) lies Kalianyar
Village, Sempol. Like many villages that you may find in Indonesia, this
one is unique because of it's hot springs area that it has. Amazing to
have a soak in once you're done with your hike up to Mt. Ijen. Nothing
like hot spring water to soothe those aching muscles. Thanks to Mr.
Slamet, he brought us to a hidden charm if you walk in toward the
village'.
Indonesia has passed new legislation meaning less environmental regulation for geothermal projects (MSN, Aug. 26). Oddly enough is this piece of news (Jakarta Post, Sep. 1):
'Rida Mulyana, director general of renewable energy at the Energy and
Mineral Resources Ministry, said that local administrations would
receive more money from the development of their geothermal resources
even if they will no longer decide the issuance of exploration and
exploitation rights to investors'.
Thinkgeoenergy (Sep. 10) notices that more larger scale projects are in the pipeline.
'Baden in Schwefelquellen'.
Hot springs at the foot of Sibayak mountain, Semangat Gunung, north Sumatra. By Katharina V
One of Asia's most upscale natural hot springs (the Banjaran, Malaysia) has a new management team. so announces Thai Travel Review Weekly (Aug. 14). A Japanese website which highlights no more than 18 Malaysian hot springs! With translate a very interesting summation of what's on offer.
Philippines
'It's getting hot in here! Natural hot pool. #hotspring #alegria #cebu'
While Indonesia may have opened up to more investment in geothermal power with it's new laws being passed, Vietnam's potential is still to be developed as it fails on the legislative side. Thinkgeoenergy (Sept. 4):
'Another relevant hurdle the country has to address is the lack of
specific legislation regarding geothermal exploration and feed-in
tariffs, which makes the process of moving forward more uncertain yet,
according to the article, the main regulatory framework for renewable
energy seems to also cover geothermal'.
any place for me to enjoy this messy happy bath? #roadtrip #taybac #vietnam #ontheroad #hotspring #suoinuocnong #letsgetwet #instamood #doyoutravel
Just one of today's entries to Spirit of Soaking: Skinnydipper hot springs, Idaho, USA.
Art Many of Southeast Asia's soaking sites are replicable and certainly not inspiring. Often it's the natural setting that makes them more likeable. However that may not need to be the case always. An example of thinking out of the box came via this article on Naoshima sento (bathhouse), Miyanoura Japan. Residents in Miyanoura, Japan can now soak in their bathhouse which doubles as a work of art itself.
Naoshima bathhouse exterior
More art. Jennifer West makes films. Two and a half minutes long. One film from 2007 is entitled: 'Naked Deep Creek Hot Springs Film'.Not posted on Youtube?
Avoiding face Despite some places in Asia where bathing naked is the custom, when entertaining guests from here, not always is this practice commonplace / accepted. Alan Eagle:
'When night falls during the Canadian summer, vacationers often peel off their clothes and jump in the water for a refreshing dip. It's partly to feel naughty, but mostly to feel free of society's burdens, gliding through the water like happy wild animals. Recently a friend and I visited the beach at Beidaihe, and after a few late night drinks, decided it was time for a skinny dip. We invited some other friends to join in, but there were no takers. In fact, our Chinese friends seemed absolutely scandalized. This puzzles me. I peeled off my clothes steps from the water, in the dark, where no one had a chance to see me au naturel. I think you could say the act was quite modest. Especially as the tight Speedos favored by Chinese men leave no detail to the imagination. You can easily take the full measure of a man with a quick glance - something impossible to do with the baggy bathers preferred by Westerners. (This is in contrast to the modest one-piece swimsuits with attached dresses and built-in falsies favored by Chinese women.) So I'm not sure by what standard my midnight swim would be calculated as immodest. At any rate, I don't care because I enjoy shocking people'.
Talking about swimming naked, CNNGo has nothing better to do than list
'7 sexy skinny dips - Seven spots in Asia where clothing is just a chore'.
China, Sri Lanka, Thailand; all are places where going au naturel is fine. But strangely they are all exclusive resorts where the privacy you might want comes at a gigantic price, the cheapest quote 373 $US, most above $600. Surely the are other secluded places where the same effect can be achieved at no cost at all?
Malaysia A slightly delayed update on Banjaran hot spring, near Ipoh. Since opening it has been getting good feedback and winning awards. Pity though that the price makes it exclusive. Nice for photo opts, not so for soaking ... the Star signs out as follows:
'The Banjaran experience calms your mind, energises your body and gives you a healthy glow, but since it is a plush retreat, expect a dent in your wallet . . . but worth every sen'.
Thailand A new resort in Thailand's upcoming destination of Krabi. Scheduled for a January 2011 opening, Natthawaree is a hot spring resort and spa located at Ban Phueng, south of Krabi town. Forty four rooms (source) and many pools though the website says 77 rooms, so let's just see. It's located near all other Krabi hot springs, might just be worthwhile visiting there this November ...
Singapore More info on the history of Singapore's only public hot spring Sembawang. A very thorough article.
'People gather around the hot springs. Kawah Domas, Mount Tangkuban Perahu'
Once more an update on developments on hot springs in Southeast-Asia, to start with news.
From Asialife guide Phnom Penh, June 2009 issue. A trip to Lao provided with the following description of hot springs:
'Two hot springs lie close to Phonsavanh. The larger one is the village of Hom, some 50 kilometres out of town. The springs themselves (open 7am to 5pm, 10,000 kip), consist of a large, fenced off sulphurous mud-pond and a few concrete bath houses. Of little appeal in themselves, the setting is quite idyllic. Apparently the bungalows are popular with locals at the weekend.
Of far greater appeal are the smaller springs near the village of Sam (open 7am to 5pm, 5,000 kip). Set on the Tay River, the flow from the springs mingles with the natural current of the river, providing hot and cold running water al fresco. Watch locals come to wash their clothes, while soothing your aching bones. The only problem with this place is that the last half a kilometre is on a bumpy track that, according to our guide, can become inaccessible in the rainy season'.
Complete with picture.
The only other newsworthy fact I could come across was that of Philippines and Korean econmic cooperation:
'In Taal, another Korean group tried—almost succeeded—in putting up a hot-spring spa right at the foot of the active Taal Volcano. The group bribed its way to get official permission to build. Construction of the facility was nearly finished when the people of Taal woke up to what the group was doing, and protested. The national government, invoking the project’s lack of an environmental compliance certificate, stopped it dead on its tracks'.
Not all that positive picture of Korean investment.
Spa culture. This web page explains the origins of the word jacuzzi and it's relations to hot tubs, spa and soaking in general.
Another list, this time of popular spa towns on this planet. Surprisingly none in Southeast Asia. Many from the States and Japan. How Australia makes the mark (and Rotorua doesn't) seems an entirely different mystery.
'Imported from Japan, each NIHON NO MEITO Hot Springs bath salt variety recreates the experience of a famous hot spring in Japan. They are full of minerals, and will improve your sense of well being, not smother you in bubbles!'
Soakersforum.com adds more hot springs on the big screen, the list is upto nine. More art:
'Bathing is something of an art in Japan, and not to be confused with mere cleansing. There are rules of etiquette, which you gradually learn from copying others'.
This is from a Thai newspaper, the Nation, from a couple of years ago. How do you spot the Thai in a Japanese onsen?
'Women place small towels on their head, not over their genitals, when they walk to the pool, though I found myself dangling the towel strategically just the same'.
'To newbies it might seem that one wrongly placed towel is all it takes to be a bull in a hot and steamy china shop. ... Do not wear a bathing suit; this implies that the areas under the suit have been left unwashed. '.
It then goes on with descriptions of many a visitor. Funny, I must have past this location at least 6-10 times without noticing it was there. The reviews are not fabulous, but good none the less.
Indonesia
Sari Alter. Another insight in to differing dress culture:
'Jennifer was the only girl in a bathing suit and Ivan was the only guy not wearing a shirt'.
A guide to Belulang hot spring on Bali. Click on the photo, which leads to more photo's.
Philippines
A photo report on Mambukal and typed out by nomad4ever.
Pasyahan? It's definitely in the Philippines, but where? Near Asin?
Malaysia
More on the Ana Rais hot spring, including a couple of photo's and map.
Sungai Klah. Nurul Aqilah gives an overview of a visit. What is a foot reflexogy walk?
'Here, hot water flows over the reflexology stone pebbles. Walking over the pebbles was a strange sensation as you not only feel the pain, you also feel warm at your feet. Nevertheless, we quite enjoy the walk over the pebbles'.
Alifebe adds more photo's, especially on how to cook an egg.
Poring hot spring, more photo's, no comments included. More commentary is Danielctw.
'Well, being in the hot spring, unlike the hot spring I had in Sungai Klah, this one is a bit too modern to my liking. Imagine getting hot water from taps. Rather this place in Sabah is more like a bath tub where you can turn the tap and hot water flows out. Kinda spoil the fun for me though'.
Thailand
Mostly photo's from Bentong hot spring in South Thailand.
I would have liked to give you all the news on hot springs in Southeast Asia but there is none! So I'll once more guide the reader to ithe more nteresting blog entries. And to some other issues.
One of these issues was the most recent posting on spa's. Interesting is that I defined a spa as
'any place having a natural water source that is believed to possess special health-giving properties'.
One of the world's most authoritative voices of the spa industry, Intelligent Spas refers to spa as
'a business offering water-based treatments practiced by qualified personnel in a professional, relaxing and healing environment' This definition was developed to support the original meaning of spa being "healing through water". Water-based treatments may include body wraps, body scrubs, baths, etc.'
End of definition. One aspect which I seemed to have omitted is the professionality whereas I concentrate soaking on in natural waters, preferably without somebody telling me what to do. Then again I suppose a spa might just be cleaner than a soak.
On the art and hot springs theme of a couple of months back, the soakersforum actually now has a thread on hot springs in movies which actually answers which hot spring was featured in the Easy Rider film. Concerning Easy Rider ,Taos the town near the mentioned hot spring, actually will celebrate 40 years after the film came out. There have been other films with hot springs featured but whether these are viewable or not is entirely different question. Have any Southeast Asian hot springs been in films?
But before I get into the specifics of each nations blog entries on hot springsthe folowing: a common phenomena becoming ever so popular in the spa industry are fish tanks where you can let the fish tickle your feet while at the same time letting them eat your dead skin cells. Life's Happenings describes this in some detail how it not only is healthy:
'After a spa session with the 'fish doctors', they eventually need to see a real medical doctor as their legs had turned reddish, itchy and blotchy'.
He also provides a link to no less than the Wall Street Journal which has a story on banning these fish spas (in 14 states they've been outlawed! Poor fish).
Revealed the hot spring of Changkat Jering near Taiping, Perak. Zest-zipper:
'One might ask, “Is it worthwhile doing so?”For me I did not notice any significant changes in me after dipping in the hot spring for a couple of times. I was told that frequent submersion in the hot water would render me impotent to father a child. How far this is true is yet to be proven, either by me or by the scientists. As for my wife, in her own testimony, she claimed that soaking in the hot spring was very effective in reducing her weight from 72 kilograms to 65 kilograms over a number of weeks. Reduction in her body weight has lessened the burden on her knees considerably. The other benefit that she has reaped was a sound sleep in the evening after a dip in the hot-spring water during the day.
'By the sound of “Poring Hot Spring” might seemed like a spa, but at first sight, the thought of my mind was “like that only ah?”. It’s like any local waterfall with picnics around & kids running about. U can opt to soak ur body or only legs. Since we weren’t “equipped”, we went legs only instead. U could see steam from the water surface.I had my doubts about the water being “spring”. It might actually just be water being boiled somewhere. Anyway, It took me sometime to get accustomed to the hot water. Make that 20mins. By the time I got out of the water, my legs was lobster red, ready to be eaten'.
'The place and its facilities is quite good. Spacious parking space, the bathrooms/toilets are well kept, abundance of food stalls with some other shops that offer traditional treatment services like reflexology and leech therapy which I did not really paid much attention to it. The place even offered pails for rent for the ones who did not bring their own buckets. So don't forget to bring your own'.
Bucket? Or leeches?
Vietnam
Phu Ninh is a lake in the central Vietnamese province of Quanh Nam:
'In the afternoon, you can visit a hot spring where water of more than 70 degrees Celsius whooshes up from the depths of Phu Ninh, then look for a “wild island” to pitch a tent and cook your fish'.
Which fish?
Philippines
A mention is made (by mistressblogger) of one resort in Laguna, Agua Caliente where
'they charge only 70 pesos for night swimming, and you can already enjoy their big pool with real hot flowing spring water. Where the hot spring water is coming out, I allowed to massage my back and my scalp, but at first I thought I got scalded because of the water's very high temperature'.
Balat Island has a (big) hot spring added to the list. It's ancient uses:
'it was used by local folks to dress chicken and pigs before being cooked. The smaller spring on the other hand was utilized as a natural facial spa before but nobody from our group was daring enough to try putting the hot mud on the face'.
Thailand
Vavijo has a couple of photo's on photobucket. Don't use shampoo! Obviously in Thailand, but where? Krabi?
Arrh, there too many blog posts coming out. Next month I'm only going to just highlight a few special ones!
Well, that's an exceptional topic I hear you say.It's not really a topic at all, there's not much linkage between the two, certainly not here in Southeast Asia. Some hot springs though are adorned with temple structures and / or carvings, but it's much more culture rather than art.
I started thinking of this subject when I came across a number of beautiful photo's by Hillary Atiyeh which she made at Breitenbush hot springs, Oregon, U.S.A.. She describes herself as
"Photographer of nature, wildlife, travel, adventure, aerial, underwater, photojournalism, environmental and social advocacy and fine art prints".
The various combo's of photo's ("Work in progress **Hot Springs**") probably fall in the underwater bracket, but nature, adventure, travel could also apply.
I personally think they are very attractive and original, though then again water and people are quite common themes in art. So I thought that this must be recurring theme. However the subject seems quite unresearched.
Some of the examples found:
Frommers explains to us that soaking in hot springs there is an art in it self!
'Nowhere is the experience of taking a bath so celebrated, ritualized and revered as in the cities and regional areas of Japan'.
Especially when it comes to etiquette, a fact that us most westerners take for granted in everyday life. Even for Southeast Asians the rules may prove challenging, witness (or not yet as is the case!) the Bangkok Post advice dispensed in a blog entry end of this month. Then again some parts of the art are self-evident:
'clean yourself before soaking!'
More on the same art:
'Bathing in Japan really is something of an art, or has at least been elevated to the status of it. This brings us to the first and most important rule of bathing in Japan: no suds in the tub — ever'.
Again not really art, but the blog (antipixel.com) does contain some nice black and white photo's.
Another art form is the Japanese art of manga, alas here it's mostly female oriented, the hot springs providing an opportunity to undress the subject.
'Obligatory Onsen (hot springs) Story':I usually call this the 'Obligitory Onsen Episode' because in anime there is almost ALWAYS an episode where the main characters head for a hot springs. But now I am noticing that this happens in shoujo manga a whole lot too. It usually happens in the form of a school trip, and involves the main hero and heroine of the story encountering each other unexpectedly in the bath, and having a few nice minutes of romantic/sexual tension ^_^;
Again Japan, but not so hot springs, but nonetheless with some fringe connections. Paintings on sento (public bathing places) walls:
'A vivid blue paint fills the huge wall of the Sento, the public bath house, and in no time, bold brush strokes with great momentum create an image of Mount Fuji and crashing waves… As a long-standing tradition, Japanese Sento users have enjoyed many of these panoramic views on the walls of their beloved hazy bath houses which are an integral part of Japanese life'.
There are quite a few artists impressions of hot springs:
Beitou hot springs (Taiwan) has a museum, no less. Though this is more culture than art.
'This museum is housed in public hot spring bath built during the Japanese colonial era. his is a good spot to learn about Beitou's rich hot spring culture and history'.
'Ranked among the Hundred Famous Gardens in China, it also has the status as a National Cultural Relic Protection Unit and a National Key Scenic Area.'
Again more history. With some architecture.
An "Art" Spa hotel in Jilan, Taiwan. It has nothing to do with art though!
Radium hot springs, U.S.A., has an art show, but little connection between art and hot springs other than the physical location.
Probably the most intriguing is the inovel by Steve Zio aptly titled Hot springs.
'Hot springs are about indulging the senses and living in the moment. They’re about finding a deeper connection through warmth and relaxation. This connection differs from person to person, of course, and the Hot Springs website aspires to be whatever you want it to be. Whether you’re a reader of the book, have an interest in the Hot Springs art, music, and multimedia experience, or if you’re more inclined to pool your talents (by sending your own art, music, photos, links) with other online contributors on the Hot Spring theme, then please just dive right in.
We’re made mostly of water, our lives our fluid, and we came from the seas. Through Hot Springs and hot springs, we can explore this liquid matrix and delve as deep as we want to go. And the best thing about plunging into.'
'"Hot tub all to ourselves"
11 x 14 inch Silkscreened Print
If you can get to Bagby Hot springs early, you may get the tub all to yourself.
Then you can stretch out and catch up on a good book'.
With this site I hope to get interest in the geological phenomenon known as hot springs. And enjoying them. Soaking. Here. In. Southeast Asia. In many countries visiting hot springs is a favourite past time, strange as it may sound in such steamy nations, hot springs tourism is well, er ... hot in Southeast Asia. I am trying to maintain this site with supplying first hand knowledge, trolling the net for other sources and hopefully contributions from other soakies. So if you ever feel the need to contribute just contact me,
jhdubbeldam@ hotmail.com
Soaking in Southeast Asia visited hot springs postings
Worry
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*nudeblogru*
*🧖♀️🧄☁️*
It feels a bit odd to start off an entry on European hot springs with the
confines of a sauna. But alas, can't delve up a good h...
Beat
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*geekrebel Few things beat the sense of freedom of a naked swim at a
waterfall with no one else around - sadly the forest behind where I’m
standing has b...
Therapy
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Well, Nepal is briefly back in the global focus. As usual not for the right
reasons. And as soon as they were in the spotlight, global focus has
shifted el...
Cooked
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*kamshingwai*
*Cooked ♨️🇹🇭 #hotsprings#thailand*
A look at a couple of photo's popping up from the soaks of Siam.
Starting south-ish.
Above Taryn hot ...
Spa Scandinave Les Bains Vieux Montréal
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When you enter Spa Scandinave Les Bains Vieux Montréal, it is a very
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setting is not. I...
The Terme di Sirmione and its Miraculous Waters
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Featuring Guest Blogger Sophia Knowles We are pleased to feature a guest
blog by Sophia Knowles, who presents our first article on the geothermal
waters of...
Seoul, Dongdaemoon - Haevitch (Havitz) Spa World
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Guest reviewer: Cami
This spa is on the 12th floor of the Cerestar building in Dongdaemun, right
behind the Migliore building. Exit Dongdaemun station at...
Spring Dance Hot Tubs Virtual Showroom
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Our owner Dan Sine was recently interviewed about our company during the
Suburban Home & Garden Show last month.
In this quick video he talks about the hot ...
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#vanistravel#vaniaroundtheworld#hotspring#swim#forest#bali #banjar#indonesia#summer#holidays'
'
? #roadtrip #taybac #vietnam #ontheroad #hotspring #suoinuocnong #letsgetwet #instamood #doyoutravel
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