Stay wild and free
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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.
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.
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'.
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'.
Time to relax at Alba Hot Springs. Just a 15 minute drive from the resort!
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.
'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 ...
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
#hotsprings#taiwan#tarokonationalpark
A short and sharp version of the usual blog. Mostly photo's. And much dedicated to increased freedoms noticed from Taiwan. Such as above.
But first the few other bits (photo's only) from elsewhere in Southeast Asia. A beautiful sun downer from Pai (Chiang Mai, Thailand).
Reminiscing on the sweet and simple sunsets spent in SE Asia 🌴 #solotravel #girlswhotravel #travelgram #growthmindset #thailand #backpacking
A recent find, sexandsingaporecity has a feature on Alba hot springs in Vietnam (yeah, yeah, i know):
'Alba Wellness Valley, by Fusion, offers guests next level in wellness and health retreats, because of its natural hot springs. Running throughout the resort, these hot springs are available to guests whatever time of the day. Even if you decide you want a midnight dip, they’re there. A true highlight of your stay, the mineral water sits at around 43 degrees constantly – and is actually cooled to this hot temperature by the resort, because it comes out of the ground at over 60 degrees Celsius.
...
For the pampering aspect of my package, aside from frequenting the hot springs in the evening, every day I got to enjoy the Japanese onsen, followed by a treatment of my choice. Having never entered an onsen before, I was initially a little, shall we say, nervous about being naked in a public bath area, but you soon lose that once you’re enjoying the 7-step baths, looking out onto greenery via the large glass wall. The onsens are separated for genders, I might add'.
And below from the interiors of northern Sumatra's jungle:
Chilling with the orangutans in the jungle!! #indonesia #ketambe #friendshipguesthouseketambe #jungletrekkingketambe #sumatra #orangutans #hotsprings
Progressed
Wrinkly hands!
#hotspring#hotsprings#wild#natural
#taiwan#taipei#china#nudeart#nakedart
#bodyart#nudephotography#nakedphotography#elevate
#celebrate#liberate#unleash#yourbody
#art#beauty#expression#nature#nakedisnormal
#naturallynaked#loveyourskin
#bodyacceptance#bodypositivity#bodyfreedom
#freeyourmind#freeyourbody #freeyourspirit
Then over to Taiwan, as in above.
S'pavelous a new sort of travel company, Korean?
'While we understand how marvelous a relaxing hot spring sounds for a trip, the destinations are normally hard to reach. Well, worry no more, we are here to take care of bookings and transportation. Just simply focus on pampering yourself with the creme de la creme of spa'.
It has two tours on offer in Taiwan and on it's instagram we notice this:
Plan your 2020 trip now✈️ .#2 Must-do in Taiwan- Soaking in hot springSpots to visit in Taipei:WulaiBeitouYangmin MountainEnjoy a relaxing hot spring experience with ne message away. DM us for more info!#taiwan #travelphotography #spainasia #thermalbath #wellness #hotspring #台湾 #台湾旅行 #溫泉 #찜질방 #온천 #여행 #여행스타그램
Following just a couple more soakers from Taiwan:
下七股野溪溫泉#溫泉 #hotsprings #twig #newtaipeicity #野溪溫泉 #nature
Se prélasser dans la chaleur suffocante des onsen 🏮🌡️Expérience à tenter qui rend la peau douce et permet de progresser dans l'acceptation de son corps 😘....#taiwan #onsen #beitou #roadtrip #sourcesthermales #hotsprings #chaleur #hot #bodypositive
🚗⛰🍾🎲🎼💃🏽👙♨️...#Patron #Moet #HappyPills #EDM#MaroboHotSprings #Bobonaro #DroneIsLife#TimorLeste #TimorLesteFromAbove#HiddenParadise #JtAerialPhotography#EditedToTheMax #ThroughJtLens#BirdsEyeView #WorldFromAbove#FromWhereIDrone #DiscoverDrone#DJIMavic711 #SkySupply #Droning#DroneGrids #DroneStagram #GoneDroning#ShotzFromAbove #DjiGlobal #VisualOfEarth#SkyPixel #DroneAddict #DroneJunkie21.1.18
It seems that what's topical in the wider Asian soaking society is the quirky, the cashing-in and the experiencing Japan.
On the latter, the Philippines Sunstar (Feb. 10):
'I went to Nagoya last week to get naked with strangers. Now if you find this gross, stop now. Put the paper down. Close the window on your screen. But if you think this could be interesting, read on.
...
Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded onsen—the popular hot spring bathing facilities all over Japan that requires all bathers to bathe in the buff. I was determined to go—and not because I’m an exhibitionist. As a matter of fact, when the onsen was first introduced to me exactly a year ago in Hokkaido, I was horrified by the idea of going naked in public.
...
In a nutshell, all my apprehensions at the onsen were unwarranted. You get over the nudity in less than 30 seconds. Truth to tell, no one stares and no one cares—at least at the females only onsen'.
Star2 (Malaysia, Mar. 12):
'I used to be the kid in school that was too shy to even change in the toilet if there were other schoolmates around.
When colleagues learned that I was visiting Club Med Tomamu in Hokkaido, Japan, where guests have access to an onsen operated by the neighbouring Hoshino Resorts, they were adamant I put my inhibitions aside and give it a go.
...
Meanwhile, neck up, the air was cool and refreshing. There were even snowflakes falling on my cheeks! It was just magical'.
But it's not only the Southeastasian perspective that notes cold feet to the Japanese au naturel soaking. The Independent (Feb. 23):
'“Welcome to paradise!” says the naked, middle-aged woman sitting beside me, grinning as she sinks deeper into the almost-too-hot spring water pool at Hotel Shiragiku in the Japanese city of Beppu.
She has travelled from Hong Kong to visit the laid-back spa city famous for its 2,500 mineral-rich hot springs, which are said to soothe the skin and relax the body. I nod my head interestedly to feign comfort and hide the fact I am becoming increasingly anxious that she can see my nipples through the water.
A Londoner uninitiated with onsen culture, I’m seemingly the only one of the dozen naked women in this hot spring bath to feel even a modicum of awkwardness at being in the nude with strangers. Having endured in Japan for thousands of years, onsens are much older than swimsuits and such clothing is thought to contaminate the spring water heated by the Earth’s crust. Instead, bathers must wash thoroughly in a communal area before entering the pool.
I try to relax; it would be remiss to let a little awkwardness get in the way of a dip in an onsen, an integral part of experiencing Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. And I quickly learn there is something cathartic and freeing about chatting and relaxing communally. This is the antithesis of being shut away in a massage therapy room'.
The Tampa Bay Times (Mar. 8):
'In the bitter February cold, the idea of soaking in an onsen sounds like heaven.
The catch: naked.
In Japan, bathing is an essential ritual of life, at home and in public, often at the end of the day. The tub isn’t for washing, but resting, a chance to soak in natural nutrients.
...
I’m a woman from small-town Madison, Fla., who takes quick showers and wears one-pieces to the beach. I dragged conservative dress like a safety blanket from middle school into my married late 20s. "You once wore tights to the beach," a longtime friend told me.
Could I enjoy this?
...
I feel lightheaded.
I think I like this'.
________________________________________#curup #ayokecurup #exploresini #rejanglebong #bengkulu #explore_rejang_lebong #hometown #hotspring #nature #mainkesini #vacation #holiday #destination #backpack #travelindo #travellers #dolansebentar #jalanjalanmen #alamnusantara #alamindonesia #like4like #photooftheday #pergiyuk
Stretching it
While we're discussing the onsen culture: Japan Today asks (Mar. 9) when are boys not welcome anymore in the female section of the onsen?
'While some Japanese hot springs operate under a konyoku policy, in which male and female bathers share the same tubs, for the most part bathing in Japan is gender-segregated, even when it’s communal. However, an exception is usually made for young kids.
...
In many people’s opinions, though, once a child starts the first year of elementary school (which usually occurs at the age of five), it’s probably about time for them to start using the bath for their gender.
...
The issue of how to handle young kids in the opposite gender’s bath is particularly tricky, because onsen/sento bathing facilities aren’t private like a public bathroom stall, nor is the goal to get in and out as quickly as possible, like with a changing room at a public pool. The whole point of Japan’s traditional bathhouses is to stretch out the bathing process and make it a relaxing ritual, so operators can’t dismiss out of hand complaints from customers who dislike having boys in the women’s baths. Nevertheless, with a far greater number of single mothers in Japan now than in the past, and the reinvigoration of the country’s love of onsen over the past decade and a half, it’s a topic that’s likely to continue being debated'.
Quite right, as the article generates quite a few comments.
Meanwhile in Taiwan, no such problems:
面朝大海 春暖花開#EDNAKED#♨️ #溫泉男孩.....#liveoutdoors #earthfocus#thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #welltraveled#passionpassport #stayandwander#beautifuldestinations #discoverearth#letsgosomewhere #natgeo #welivetoexplore#lifeofadventure #modernvoyage#liveauthentic #exploretocreate#whereveryougo #hotsprings #八煙野溪溫泉#八煙溫泉 #野溪溫泉 #溫泉 #泳褲痕 #美尻 #野外露出 #野裸 #🍑
Strange news: yfs figureshop have a complete set of a Japanese onsen:
あ~温泉行きたい。職人が混浴露天風呂造っちゃいました。近日店頭にて展示予定です。#ミニチュア人形のyfs#nゲージ#nゲージジオラマ#nゲージで見る日常光景#露天風呂#混浴露天風呂#混浴温泉世界#ヌードフィギュア#ヌード人形#セクシーフィギュア#ミニチュアフィギュア#ミニチュア人形は演出です#ミニチュア写真#ミニチュアの世界#smallworlds #miniaturefigures#nakedfigures#nudefigures#hotspring#onsen♨️ #onsen♨️ #温泉旅行♨️#miniaturephotography#microworld #microphotography#diorama #ジオラマの世界
Australia's Kitchen Nine reports (Feb. 12) on another Japanese quirky hot spring feature:
'... we’ve recently stumbled on this glorious footage footage revealing a Valentine's Day special at Yunessun spa in Hakone; the chance to bathe in a melted chocolate hot spring. Yes, you heard that correctly. Chocolate all around your body'.
An impromptu hot spring from Taiwan, don't see this being the next big thing for 2018 ...
夜戰多望野溪♨️貨卡真的是太ㄅㄧㄤˋ了 ！夏天可以是泳池 冬天可以是溫泉池#camping #hotsprings #4x4 #offroad4x4#offroadlife #jimny #amarok
Banyantree
'The travel market for China’s hot springs is one of the fastest growing in the world. Revenues from hot springs trips, which follow the ancient custom of bathing in thermal waters for recuperative effect, more than quadrupled from 22.8 billion yuan (US$3.6 billion) in 2006 to 100 billion yuan in 2016, according to online travel agent Ma Feng Wo. Happily for resort owners, cold weather only makes the prospect of a warm bath more enticing.
...
According to Ctrip, China’s love of hot springs is fuelled by women, who booked 70 per cent of the website’s trips in 2017.
Carolyn Mu, 28, a primary schoolteacher living in Weihai in Shandong Province, began visiting hot springs resorts regularly after graduating in 2014. “I usually go to hot springs with my friends. After having a bath, we get together in the lobby and have fun, watching TV, having a meal and playing cards,” she says'.
It then goes on to list 6 luxury hot spring resorts.
What we prefer. For instance these rustic hot springs that still exist in China. Here at Mangshi, Yunnan.
Hot springsUnder the banyan #hotsprings #hotspring #amazing #wash#swimming
Laos wants to develop (read spoil) it's hot springs. From the
Vientiane Times (Jan. 19):
'Bokeo provincial authorities have identified naturally warm and mineral-rich waters and plan to develop the sites as new tourism attractions for bathers during Visit Laos Year.
Director of Bokeo province Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Bounsavath Keoduangta told Vientiane Times local authorities have surveyed three natural hot springs for sustainable development to increase the number of local and international visitors.
The first hot spring is located near Namkeung village, Tonpheung district, situated about 25 km from the north-western province’s capital and only a kilometre from an adjacent natural waterfall.
“Infrastructure at the location will include facilities such as a restaurant, guesthouse and designated bathing site. The project is in the design stage with construction to begin soon,” Mr Bounsavath said.
The second hot spring is located at Namfa-namter village, Tonpheung district, situated about 40km from the provincial capital.
“The two hot springs are warm but not too hot and considered quite fine for taking a bath, especially in the winter.”
According to provincial officials, the third hot spring in Pounglor village, Meung district has temperatures approaching 100 C and is about 60km from the urban centre with a 28 km section of road under construction to allow access for visitors.
The popularity of hot spring bathing among international guests is expected to attract more local and foreign visitors if suitably developed; therefore, authorities are welcoming investment proposals for facilities at the sites'.
Following a photo of what the photographer attributes to as Xieng Khouan province, but I've done quite some searching but have yet to discover where exactly this new looking resort is located.
#hotsprings
Cocks
'8 Relaxing Hot Springs & Baths in Southeast Asia'
Forbes (Mar. 13) notes 5 hot springs in Asia. It includes Fang (Thailand) and Binh Chau (Vietnam).
Vietnam.net (Jan. 30) has a photographic overview of Tram Tau hot springs. Must be quite new, as tripadvisor has no reviews ...
#real #hotspring in #springtime only 1 dollar charge/visitor can you believe? 😯😱😭😍• Check out Yên Bái - Việt Nam and feel #reborn • #travel #travelphotography#adventure #adventurer #adventuretime #mountains #traveler #lifestyle #culture#vietnam #original #inspiration #inspire#nature #naturephotography #landscape#naturelovers #zen #indie #indieartist #dreamer #harmony #balance #reflection#clearwater • #jzentran
Patrik Lord Travel Blog (Feb. 4) goes to Baslay, Negros (the Philippines):
'The area is quiet and peaceful and if you are resonable fit and are not dependent of shops and changing rooms this is the place for you!
...
Going down to the hot springs. Indeed we saw many people at the turnback, but they were there for cock fights not for the hot springs'.
'The local government here is eyeing a hot spring within a natural park as a new tourism destination in Eastern Visayas.Burauen town tourism officer, Carmela Corazon Crebillo, said Friday they had already drawn up plans to develop the Calor Hot Spring, but were awaiting further comments from concerned national government agencies'.
In all honesty the plans seem more natural while enhancing the forested area around the springs with very limited eco-impact.
Giggles
Malaysia's New Strait Times heads for Bentong's hot spring (Feb. 22):
'Nature enthusiasts who are looking for a break not far from Kuala Lumpur may want to consider staying at Erya by Suria Hot Spring Resort.
Surrounded by a rainforest the resort in Bentong, which is only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur and 20 minutes from Bentong town, is perfect for those in need of a rejuvenating and healing retreat soaking in the geothermal hot spring pool.
...
As it is a short getaway, my travel companion and I do not delay taking a therapeutic dip in the 40-degree Celsius sulphuric hot spring pool where the water is directly channelled from the hot springs to the pool. The pool is also open to the public with different rates for children, adults and senior citizens'.
'Top 5 Hot Spring Resorts in Malaysia'.
No. 2 is the just mentioned Suria at Bentong and also mentioned is KSL Hot Spring Resort which is yet to open in Johore.
'6 Hot Springs in Malaysia to Sweat Your Worries Away'.
Very similar to aforementioned.
'Skinny Dip in a Hot spring
Ok obviously, you should skinny dip at your own risk- side note: We ended up getting stalked basically by these young boys (maybe 10-12 years old). They definitely thought it was hilarious that we were stranded and naked while they all stood around giggling and pointing. Anyhow, it was peaceful and as cliche as it sounds, I truly felt "at one with nature" while here. The hot spring we visited was called Asri Hot Springs. What I liked about going to this one rather than one of the super touristy ones is that we were right there with the locals, doing what local people do. Apparently, this is a place where some may come to bathe. I also loved that they had several different"bath houses" in addition to the outdoor springs'.
Travelfish (Jan. 28) head for Cipinas hot spring (Java).
'Cipanas is a small atmospheric mountain resort town famed for its volcanic hot springs that seep from nearby active volcano, Gunung Guntur.
...
the resort itself has a somewhat tawdry, downmarket vibe.
The surrounding area however, offers beautiful mountain scenery, active volcanos, ancient ruins, traditional villages and some good hiking opportunities and thus makes a worthwhile stopover
...
The warm water is very relaxing and hard to resist, which makes it easy to forgive some of the below average facilities, and offers the perfect antidote to ease weary muscles after hiking one of the nearby volcanoes.
...
Public baths are a cheaper option, but the ones we checked out were pretty scruffy and lacking in cleanliness'.
qee_3060 at Desa Penen Kec. Sibiru-biru (North Sumatra):
Let's keep you warm 😀#hotspring #pool #nature #cave #cliff #stone #bluelagoon #trip #today
mrboiiii at Lake Agco (Mindanao, Philippines):
One with nature! #gopro
Japan and onsen seem inseparable.
Taking an onsen is much more than just a soak. It revolves around traditions. Following traditions. And it's also about purity: pureness of water combined with pureness of human bodies and human souls. And spirituality.
But that was then.
Now, in order to attract more guests (no, no, no, it's about making more profits) we read that bath wear is allowed.
Reported on quite a few websites in the region, I'll cite
traveller.com.au (Nov. 14), though the original article is attributed to the Washington Post:
'The inn [Sui Suwako] is among an increasing number of hot spring resorts that allow guests to wear a garment while bathing, not only because more and more Japanese find it embarrassing to be naked when men and women can use the same bathing space, but also because of the growing number of foreign visitors who are not used to the traditional requirement that bathers be naked at these facilities.
...
The Japan Tourism Agency in March last year compiled guidelines - for onsen inns and other bathing facilities
...
[The agency] calls for operators to allow guests to use bathing wear.
...
According to Ishikawa [Michio Ishikawa, an onsen critic and chair of the Regional Science Association of Spa, Japan], some operators do not allow users to wear their own garments while bathing for hygienic reasons and instead have them use items they sell or lend'.
Allowing bath wear allows the sanctity of pureness to be dropped as well as allowing aspects such as class, social standing, religion and even politics to enter the onsen bathing process.
It may not be the end of the world, but it does bring this closer. Ummm, sort of.
♨️Onsen rules series♨️ #onsen #温泉 #newrules #japan #illustration#sofreshsoclean #onsenszn #hotsprings
Giving in to foreigners rudeness may be one way to go,
refinery29.uk (Nov. 14) looks at it differently:
'Elsewhere in the world, gendered communal baths are a cornerstone of how you hang out with friends. One country where this happens is Japan, where natural hot springs known as "onsen" are a big part of life. As Shino, a Kyoto resident who has been visiting the baths since she was four, explains: “Onsen are for relaxing and healing, as the waters are often high in minerals. As well as aches and pains, they’re supposed to be good for the skin, which is why a lot of women go.”
...
Pochi, from Tokyo, has her own bath at home (not necessarily a given in a city where space is at a premium) but still goes to the sentō two or three times per month to relax with friends or family. It’s like going to the pub, only wetter.
...
With women in Japan enjoying the longest life expectancy in the world, communal activities such as these play a vital role in maintaining the health and happiness of an ageing population.
...
Naturally, supply and demand plays a big part in the price structure: While the Romans and Victorians were big fans of a bathhouse, many have now been closed down. Plus the UK's level of geothermal activity means hot springs are never going to be – erm – springing up all over the place. But if communal bathing were as ubiquitous and budget-friendly as it is elsewhere, would we be ready to take the plunge?'
Discover
More. On soaking in general.
An
article (Adventure.com, Nov. 8) on how internet is killing discovery.
'The internet has made many things, including travel, easier, safer and more accessible. But does too much information risk destroying the most rewarding aspects of travel?
...
And paradoxically—instead of always hunting out the highly-rated sights, hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars—we have to try harder to stop seeking the best experiences, and let them come to us. There might not be many corners of this world yet to be discovered by humankind, but there are plenty yet to be discovered by you.
So if you do manage to find somewhere extra-special and all on your own, perhaps don’t tell us about it via TripAdvisor or Instagram. Don’t even tell us about it when we ask you how your trip was. Save a few spots for the rest of us to ‘discover’'.
Discover what? tripviss.blogs (Jul. 22) has
'8 Relaxing Hot Springs & Baths in Southeast Asia'.
A couple each from the major nations (in size).
A geothermal musical? ThinkGeoenergy (Nov. 20) reports on a geothermal themed musical, staged in Belgium.
Nikkei.com (Nov. 17) notes a number of new methods to breathe fresh air into older bathing establishments:
'Dwindling customers force public baths to try new ways to get them into hot water
...
Another sento attracting foreign visitors is Showayu in the Awaji district. Teruo Morikawa, who runs the facility, has teamed up with his brother, Masatsugu, to allow free, unlimited bathing for customers who stay at Masatsugu's guesthouse nearby. The service attracts many backpackers from Western countries, Morikawa said.
...
Irifune Onsen near Nishitanabe station specifically targets after-work joggers
..
One sento has turned itself into a venue for an entirely different use. Masataka Tamaru hosts live music performances at his Asahi Onsen
A shortage of successors for traditional family-run operations is also being blamed for sento closures. Some sento owners are handing over operations to people outside the family.
Hideaki Katsura began running Chidori Onsen in Konohana Ward in October, after the owner retired but had no one in the family to take over. The 51-year-old former company employee has a plan to attract a new type of customers -- he said he wants to turn the facility into a place where avid cyclists can gather'.
More soaking business. The Asia Times (Nov. 1) reports:
'Russian and Japanese investors have begun work on the first hot-springs spa resort in Russia to use geothermal mineral water and follow the traditional Japanese bathing style. The bathing complex, known in Japan as an “onsen,” is due to open in 2019 on Sakhalin island in the North Pacific, and will, it is hoped, attract tourists from various parts of the Asia Pacific region'.
Benefits
Time to explore the Southeast Asian region in topical bites, starting off in Indonesia.
A new concept? The
onsenresort, Malang (Java). Opened from October last year:
'The one and the only natural hot spring resort and Japanese restaurant in Batu, Malang of East Java. It is ideally located in the amidst of lush pine trees scenery of the mountainous background in Batu, Malang. This is the ideal place for relaxing your mind and body .Our 24 hour friendly staff will welcome you with fresh welcoming drink, and will lead you to the true Japanese villas and also the Japanese bathing culture and experience: ‘Onsen’. It is believed that enjoying onsen will be beneficial for your well being'.
Facebook reviews count 2.5 stars from 14 reviews; quite a few were very negative.
The Japanese bathing culture and experience? It seems that what is meant, is that it's more attuned to the Indonesian traditional (?) full clothing soaks.
Berendam hot spring di Giri tirta resort dengan air mineral supaya awet muda... yuuks.....#hotsprings#giritirtaresort#happyladies
Five most recommended hot spring destinations near the Toba lake on Sumatra (
Laketoba.com, Sep. 17).
Interesting. And surprising. To see yourself from a selfie. They could have asked ...
Then, the hot spring of Kasi (Vientiane province, Laos) announces on
Facebook (Dec. 25) it's new pool has been completed. It looks like a new pool has been constructed in the old pool.
How it was:
A tip for northern Laos - Kasi Hot Spring. We stayed two nights in one of those small huts on the hill and spent at least half of the time floating (jumping) around in the hot pool. #laos #kasihotspring #biketour
Basic
The (Malaysian) Star (Dec. 2):
'Far from being just a simple scenic spot by a river and waterfall, the Lubuk Timah Hotsprings and Recreational Centre has more than Mother Nature’s wonders to offer to visitors today.
...
Just a few years back though, the popular weekend destination had yet to be properly developed and it lacked many basic amenities.
After several upgrading projects started in 2015, thanks to the Tourism and Culture Ministry, it is now on its way to becoming an outstanding destination'.
The New Strait Times (Dec. 14) on the Setapak soak in KL:
'If you are new to Kuala Lumpur, chances are you probably don’t know that there is a hot springs spot in the city.
...
The pool lies in the compound of the Resource Springs apartment but it is still open to public, daily from 7am to 8pm. For a small fee of RM2 you can have a hot bath here. There is a bathroom with cubicles for men and women. The management has also provided a number of foot-baths around the pool and there is even a small kiddy pool fed by hot water from the main pool'.
Panchor Hot Spring Serian#photooftheday #travelgram #websta #samsungs7edge #portrait #perspective #photography #panchorhotspring#hotspring #sarawak #borneo
Philippinesnow (Sep. 13) has:
'8 Timeless springs in the Philippines'.
Note: hot and cold.
Pampainit ng katawan#byaheNiJed #summer #laagan #lakwatsero #instravel #instagram #IG #wanderer #view #PilipinasDestination #nature #naturelover #naturePhotography #Philippines #promotePH #pinas #chasingwondersph #spring #Dauin #NegrosOriental #hotspring #baslay
Singapore's Strait Times (Nov. 25) reports on Sembawang soaking developments:
'The country's only natural hot spring on the mainland, the Sembawang Hot Spring, will soon be developed into a park 10 times its current size and feature a cafe, toilets and a floral walk.
Construction work will start in early 2018 and be completed by 2019, the National Parks Board (NParks) said on Saturday (Nov 25).
...
News that the site was to be developed into a park was met with mixed reviews in April, with some wanting to keep its rustic character while others open to having facilities such as washrooms and basins'.
To round off this post, just the single picture from northern Thailand:
The Naked Man.#thailand #pai #nature #naturephotography #natureporn #naked #man #ass #nude #allnatural #hotsprings #mountains #landscape #clouds #summer #ink #river #asia #travel #travelphotography #instatravel #igtravel #travelgram #picoftheday #pictureoftheday
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