Unforgettable

nikeliotat

#vietnam #summerinwinter#mountains #bikelife#travellingthroughtheworld #happiness💕 #relaxation #waterfalls💦#hotsprings #unforgetabblemoments🐈🍅🐾🐾🐾🌴🍋🌊🥭🌶

Not much to focus on, this time round. So what follows is here and there some text and quite a few photo's. To enjoy.
The lead photo, from the less developed hot spring, near Yangbay waterfall, central Vietnam.

Some general developments to report on. 
A special site for buying hot spring properties: Hot Springs for Sale. With US listings and a couple from Costa Rica. Cheapest offer (US$500k): 

Approximately 5 acres located close to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort with hot springs pools, spa, restaurant, bar and pavilion for public use. Over 400 feet of frontage on year round Chalk Creek in the Colorado mountains. Hot water well has been drilled.

Not for sale (as far as I know), just one of Pangururan's many hot spring resorts, north Sumatra, Indonesia: 

krymtrava

@krymtrava
#🇮🇩
Посетили сегодня, горячие серные источники, Анечка в восторге.
Вода очень горячая, но не сварились.
Купались, естественно годышом.
Хэштэг хороший подобрал к этому видео - #горячиетуры
А ещё там же можно попробовать самый фантастический гамбургер, который можно встретить по свету, если будете, то обязательно закажите именно его в кафе при источнике!
Видео про горячие источники на Северной Суматре можно будет увидет на нашем канале - Youtube.com/krymtrava
Создал группу www.vk.com/laketoba с подробными ответами на любые вопросы касающиеся поездки на озеро Тоба, например, как добраться и нереально фантастически дешевые цены на всё. #счастье#горячийисточник#жизнь#сандуны#озеротоба#сочи#крым#севастополь

#симферополь#святойисточник#ялта#москва#питер#новосибирск#вода#туризм

#путешествие#отпуск#голышом#авто#деревня#источник#купание#горячо

#некоторыелюбятпогорячее#hotspring#ОсновыДауншифтинга

#КрымТрава

Moving on. 

Coco.icotto mentions on instagram (Feb. 24) that another Japanese business closing: Yu Nishikawa Onsen. Translated:

'seems that there is also it. Reduces the local user, those who manage also becoming advanced age, it seems can not be maintained 😭 addition to that, customers of manners It seems bad 👎 from the outside
because you get the hot water, if there is a feeling of gratitude, such It may not be a thing'.

The original posting:

coco.icotto 

また一つ…葬られてしまう名湯がココに💧
*
Also, one traditional very good public onsen will go out of business💧
*
いつかは行きたいと思っていた “湯西川共同浴場 薬師の湯”
最初で最後になるとは思いませんでした(╯︵╰,)ｻﾐｼｲ💦
*
みなさんのインスタで見て、行きたかった☝️この堂々とした石組みの共同浴場は、想像より大きくとっても立派な湯殿でした。こうして3人で入ってもかなりな余裕でしたよ〜✨
これが最後になるなんて💦
*
私の共同浴場のイメージとは全く違い、川沿いの開放感ある浴場でした。窓を開けてみたら、、、お隣の伴久さんの氷瀑が見えました✨
あ〜ぁ〜〜〜
どうか、なくならないで〜❣️
*
☆☆☆☆☆
追記.......3/4
こちらの共同浴場、3月いっぱいで一度閉まるそうです。4月に地元の方々で存続の可否を検討されるそうです。
感謝の気持ちを持って入らせて頂きます。是非存続させていただきたいです。
☆☆☆☆☆
*
#温泉巡り #湯西川温泉 #混浴温泉 #共同浴場 #おんせんきょ #onsen#hotspring #konyoku #mixedbathing#japanonsen #traveljapan2019#japantravel

Peace
A recent phenomena? Soaking au naturel on Taiwan? Some photo's of proof:

lishun.fang

Dec.13.2018
峽谷裡藏了一湯熱水，與一位城市來的客官
#travel#outdoor#river#life#adventuretravel#explore#vscocam#wood#creek
#photographer#photo#thediscoverer#taiwan#world#peaceofmind#hotsprings
#写真

k7511066257 

黑熊之湯大分溫泉
#溫泉
#野溪溫泉
#hotspring
#hiking

wansyueann

能夠在野溪裸泡 真的是人生夢寐以求啊 是吧是吧
這是要天時地利人和的啊啊
吃完火鍋 吃飽喝足後
我和建朗就決定到對面泡溫泉
眼看四下無人 兩人就光著屁屁
涉過非常非常冰的溪水
連手帶腳的爬過滿覆青苔的岩壁
結果還是一個腳滑
嚕到屁股 差點痛到噴淚
不過太冷了 還是馬上爬向溫泉
試一下水溫 然後 噗通跳進去
啊~~ 真的是 開薰😄😄😄😄😄😍
—
回到文明世界要開始趕po文進度了
—
📷 一定還是男友兼攝影師限定的
—
#taiwan#taiwantravel#taoyuan#桃園#嘎拉賀#hotsprings#hotspring#water
#hotspringsphotography#hotspringsparadise#waterfall#amazing
#waterfallphotography#waterfallsfordays#waterfallselfie#girl#nature
#nature_photo#naturephotography#naturelovers#naturediversity#awesome
#naturelife#naturephotographer#natureloversgallery#beauty#wansdaywanslife

traveljunker

#Hotsprings#naked#nature#men#women the #freedom of #taiwan#mytrips

Disposable

A visit to Yunomori onsen. A Japanese like experience of hot springs, but not natural. As experienced by Singaporeans (Sengkangbabies). And we are in Singapore:

'Everything about Yunomori Onsen and Spa was a novelty for my family:

-Being stark naked with 30 others

-For females, disposable panties and bra are available-Kids felt weird sitting on stool and scrubbing ourselves clean? But I like the repeated process of scrub rinse and scrub again

-Dipping from pool to pool, different water and temperature (always start from the least hot)

-Told them beforehand that we should not spend more than 15 minutes in pool, let the body cool down before soaking in another pool-First timers can read up about Onsen etiquette on Yunomori website

I was just curious whether there is a difference to the Onsen experience between tropical Singapore and cool Japan'.

Stark naked, but only (as far as we know). Noted as Blidit hot spring on Flores, Indonesia: 

chladmartin

Another naked photo #sorryguys#nature #naturebath #hotsprings#coldsprings#airpanasblidit#thatsthebintang

Powerless

Heading in to the focused region. Starting off with Thailand.

nishacherrelle

He said, “don’t you feel lonely living in your own little world?”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

She whispered, “Don’t you feel powerless living in someone else’s world?”

 #adventure #thailand#pai #wanderlust #travelling #travel#instatravel #instadaliy #instagood#positive #goodvibes #relax #journey#instagood #hotsprings #nature #pretty#poser

Jonnymelon (Jan. 12) on what to expect at Sai Ngam hot spring, Pai, Mae Hong Son province in the north of Thailand:

'The Sai Ngam Hot Spring is a 3-tiered cascading natural hot pool, the top one being the hottest at 34-degrees Celsius. I could have spent hours floating around in this crystal clear hot spring. The water temperature was just perfect! If you have an underwater camera, you’re going to want to put it to use. I don’t think I have ever seen a freshwater spring as transparent as the Sai Ngam Hot Spring.
There is a timber seating area off to the side of the springs to hang out and change rooms/toilets are located at the gate entrance. Also, if you want to buy some snacks and drinks there are some small stall vendors that line the street near the carpark'.

Switch

Over to Indonesia

Whatsnewindonesia (Mar. 25) has 10 natural hot springs in Indonesia in the offering. Very much a best of.

stephkarose

We found hot spring perfection in the jungle. #hotsprings#sumatra #holibags #worldnomads

Indonesia Tripcanvas (Mar. 17) takes a bolder step: 11 hot springs around Bandung. Nice resorts no doubt, but little nature. 

On Bali the same source (Mar. 15) counts to 5, much more natural here. Such as Belulang:

dhyahabsaribw

I wanna switch off from reality 😌 #belulanghotspring

The Jakarta Post (Mar. 17) also goes to Munduk, Bali. Seven things to do. One feature:

'Soak in Banjar hot springs
After hiking or taking a motorbike ride, it’ll feel great to soak your muscles in a natural hot spring. Banjar Hot Springs, locally known as Air Panas Banjar, is closer to Bali’s north coast, but still an easy day trip from Munduk. The water in the springs has a high sulfur content, which is said to be therapeutic.
You can take a dip in any or all of the three separate pools, which have different depths and temperatures. A tap sits high above one of the pools with its water pouring down to give visitors a natural massage. You can also get a Balinese massage on-site before or after your soak. Not too many tourists make it to these hot springs, but it’s a very popular spot with locals, so try to get there early and beat the crowds'.

Reborn

More islands, the Philippines.

Journeyera visits Mainit hot springs on Cebu (Jan. 11):

'We arrived at the Mainit Hot Springs and there were about 20 locals hanging out in the different pools. The pools are different temperatures and signposted with the temperature. I asked one of the locals how it is so specific and he said it is always the same with a tiny fluctuation. One hot spring was 42 degrees, which was incredibly hot. So hot in fact that we had trouble getting in unless we lowered our bodies very slowly into the water'.

Less populated (?), following Baslay hot spring, on Negros:

robynmoonlove 

🍃On my way to India today 🍃

#travel#travelphotographs#wanderlust#asia#hotspring#philippines#jungle

#backpacker#beherenow

Spot.ph (Jan. 12) has 10 things to do on Camiguin:

'Soak in the serene Ardent hot spring
Camiguin, also known as the “Island Born of Fire,” has seven volcanoes and several volcanic domes within the pearl-shaped island—which was also formed through volcanic eruptions. With this topography, it is no wonder that it has a number of hot-spring resorts, including Ardent Hot Spring. Water temperature reaches up to 40 degrees Celsius, which makes it an ideal spot for relaxation after a long tour of the island. Mist rises from the heated water that run down the vents from the active Mt. Hibok-Hibok'.

Taraletsanywhere (Mar. 18) has 9 of Laguna's best hot springs.

A last photo, from northern Vietnam, Ngoc Chien:

 

source

Floating

pariwisata_sumut from northern Sumatra's Berastagi:

Pemandian Air Panas Sidebu-debu, di kejauhan terlihat Gunung Sibayak. Sudah pernah kemari?oto: @iceteaworld | #pariwisatasumutnet

I'm trying to find a common theme for this issue of soaking news from the Southeastern Asia region. I can't.

Even more surprising, is that most info concerns non-regional issues.

ThinkGeoenergy reports (Oct. 21) from China:

'Last week, China’s First International Seminar on Hot Springs and Climate Health Tourism was held in BeiBei, Chongqing. Hot springs and climate experts, scholars and related entrepreneurs came from various countries such as China, Italy, Russia, and Japan (in total approximately 350 attendees) came together to discuss the topic of hot springs and climate health and how to transform Chongqing into a hot springs travel destination.
...
Throughout the seminar, Chongqing signed a number of hot springs and climate health tourism projects. These projects cover areas such as hot springs, leisure reports, and industrial research and utilization'.

Here's the website of the seminar.

world

On Sunday, people in Yichun, Jiangxi province in China, took part in a chili-eating competition in a hot spa filled with chilis. A woman named Yi Huan won the contest by eating 20 chilis in a minute, earning the title of “Chili Queen.” 🌶👑🔥 (📷: Getty)-#chili #chilis #chilli #pepper #peppers #spicy#spice #hot #food #foodie #instafood#foodlover #foodstagram #eat #eating#hotspa #spa #hotspring #hotsprings#competition #woman #women #yichun#jiangxi #china #chinese #辣椒 #溫泉 #宜春 #江西

Chongqing is also where you can experience the above. South China Morning Post (Oct. 19) comes with more info:

'Chongqing has unveiled a new hot spring bathing area that looks like a bubbling hotpot. The novelty bathing spot in the city’s Shapingba district even has bright red water coloured with Chinese medicinal herbs, floating plastic “vegetables” and giant chopsticks for bathers to snap selfies with.
The pool opened last Friday and is shaped like a traditional metal hotpot container divided into four sections filled with hot “broth”, according to a Pear Video clip posted on the weekend'.

Diving
Vogue (Nov. 26) goes to the spa. And notes some international etiquette: European sauna's, banya's, onsens, hammams and Anglo Saxon massage.

A great find, the US based Soakpodcast:

'The Soak is a podcast about how we [Alana and Aimee] get clean. It is equal parts anthropological investigation, travelogue, and excuse for us to experience other cultures through one of humanity’s most mundane rituals: the bath'.

Five episodes as far, forest bathing, seaweed baths, bathing and arts, Korean spa's and US public pools.

v.gurujiii at Ardent (Camiguin, Philippines)

post-hike chill @ the hot springs 🔥 fired up by the volcano itself 🌋 #feelcamiguin #ringoffire

Looking a bit a wider issues in the wider region.

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

'A recent report in The Sydney Morning Herald added dive-bombing into onsen, ...'

While on Japan, there's also the non-soaking experience (Sunstar Cebu, Nov. 21):

'And our guide, Amy, in between regaling our group with stories on creative bento boxes and Japan’s high-tech toilets, which play music to muffle the sound of one’s labors inside the cubicle, dangled nightly the prospect of respite from the freezing cold with the onsen, the traditional Japanese hot spring bath.
The only catch was: “You have to go in naked—with other people,” she said.
The onsen was out of reach. For as tantalizing as the idea of thawing was, baring our flesh in public went against everything we had learned in Catholic school, though the bigger reason we gave the onsen a wide berth was the fear of running into anyone we might know there'.

inasetsfire

Hätte nicht gedacht, dass heiße Quellen so fies stinken 😅 und trotzdem war es unglaublich schön dort 😊

Haben eine Quelle gefunden welche nicht auf den Karten für Touris eingezeichnet ist, so waren wir dann allein dort und hatten den Pool für uns. Bei 31 Grad quasi in eine heiße Badewanne zu steigen ist einfach verrückt 😂
Direkt an der Quelle ist das Wasser sogar verdammt heiß, man kann nur kurz einen Finger rein halten 😅
#freethenipple #backpackingsoutheastasia #paithailand #hotsprings #heißequellen

Further afield, a guide to Idaho's best clothing optional hot springs, slightly dated (Apr. 22, 2015):

'There are 130 to choose from, and below you’ll find 5 of the best, where au naturel is the soaking style of choice.
Important note: Please remember to keep your footprint light — stay on trails and pack out everything you bring to the hot springs. Working together helps us keep these special places clean and safe for years to come'.

Inspired
More mundane.

The NZ Herald reports (Oct. 25) on one of the nation's better known hot spring thermal parks being closed down:

'Landowners have cancelled the lease and changed the locks on the doors at Waiwera Thermal Resort after a history of default payments.
The cancellation notice was issued by landowners Waiwera Properties Limited (WPL).
The land has been used as the site for the Waiwera Thermal Resort and Waiwera Thermal Bottling plant, both of which fall under the Waiwera Group owned by Russian billionaire Mikhail Khimich.
Khimich's company purchased the leasehold interest in the property in 2010'.

While in NZ, there's also this hot news. Peninsula Springs of Australia are investing overseas as the Maruia Springs sees new owners (Stuff.co.nz, Oct. 12):

'In the 1990s the business was bought by Japanese owners who turned it into a Japanese-style onsen or hot spring resort.
"They were running it as a hotel with bathing; we want to run it as bathing with a hotel."
The 4ha site was on the market for some time before the new consortium of owners got clearance to buy it from the Overseas Investment Commission in late 2015'.

Jakarta Post (Sep. 20) as yet another article on onsen bathing in Indonesia:

'Visiting an onsen (Japanese hot spring) is a must while in Japan. The traditional bath is believed to have many health benefits as it uses hot spring water.
Those who want to experience the unique tradition can do so at Genki Onsen in Batu, East Java.
...
In regard to hygiene, Adista explained that Genki Onsen changed the water every day.
However, unlike traditional Japanese onsen, where guests are required to bathe naked, Genki Onsen provides disposable undergarments and camisoles or boxers'.

keichabon at Please-keep-this-place-a-secret (Japan). Bit strange to post this then ...

秘湯・野湯巡り♨️ 知る人ぞ知る感MAX、妙高高原の山中某所にある名も無き秘湯♨️白濁の硫黄泉が岩盤から溢れ出てそのまま沢に流れ込んでいくポイントに土嚢や岩で湯船を作ったワイルド野湯💨 普段は放流状態で入る時に栓をして湯を溜め、帰りには栓を抜き放流するという入湯ルール。いつでも無料で浸かり放題だけど、場所は公開出来ないので悪しからず💦
撮影地：新潟県妙高市
#露天風呂 #温泉 #温泉好き #野湯 #温泉巡り#nature #お写ん歩 #日本 #hotsprings #野天風呂 #visitjapanjp #♨️ #おんせんきょ#instagramjapan #入浴 #instagram #japan#onsen #混浴 #温泉巡り #enjoylife #tohoku #新潟 #妙高 #温泉好きな人と繋がりたい 好きな人と繋がりたい #秘湯 #温泉行きたい#openairbath #outdoorbath #wild

Bitter

Over to the region.

• Malaysia

Laceybunny (Sep. 8) has a list of 15 Malaysian hot springs:

'We’ve compiled a list of 15 hot spring spots in Malaysia, so the next time you’re looking for a relaxing weekend activity, just refer to our list for whichever is nearest to you!'

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

'Some of Malaysia’s hot springs have been turned into health spas such as the luxurious Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat in Ipoh.
Sungai Serai on the other hand, has been left more or less in its natural state and looks like a large puddle with a few plastic chairs placed in it.
...
The owners of the land on which the spring is located have started charging admission of RM1 per person and another RM1 for parking.
They are using the proceeds to make various “improvements” such as the breeze-block toilet cubicle which unfortunately has been built rather too close to the pond.
Hopefully they won’t encase the whole hot spring in concrete which has happened in so many others in Malaysia'.

 

bunnyrabbids at Kuala Kubu Bharu:

Malaysian style hotspring. Nice to relax and chill. #hotspring #onsen

Yearofthedurian takes a look (Dec. 22) at Mererap hot spring, over on Sarawak (Malaysia):

'The hot spring has always been there, and has always been called Merarap as far as Alfred [Alfred Padan, the regional manager of the Samling Timber Company] knows. The hot water bubbles naturally out of the ground into a series of small pools on land that traditionally belonged to his family and the Lun Bawang Tribe.
...
In January 2004, 10 years after the durian farm was planted, Alfred decided to build the Merarap Hotspring Lodge. It’s even more remote than the durian farm and is one of the only places to overnight if you decide to drive to Ba’kelalan or the Indonesian highlands.
Visiting the hot spring is also the only way you can get access to the durians, since Alfred and family don’t sell the old-tree, organic, bitter durians to anyone but friends, family, and guests of the Merarap Hot Spring. You can choose to stay overnight in the lodge, but our group chose the day trip package, which may or may not have been the best choice'.

• Thailand

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

Mychiangmaitravel has an overview (Nov. 6) of Pai's (Mae Hong Son) hot springs. Very informative.

lady_lookkaew at Rock Valley Hot Spring and Fish Spa (Khanchanaburi):

#relax 👫 #แต่งรูปวนไป
#picoftheday #saturdayvibes #traveling#thailand #lifeisgood #เที่ยวเมืองไทยไม่ไปไม่รู้#mybetterhalf #husbandandwife #slowlife#เพ้อเก่ง #hotspring

The ever excellent Travelfish (Oct. 16) has updated their Klongthom / Emerald pool (Krabi) chapter:

'We shared the pool with perhaps 200 others, which felt crowded but not to the point that we weren’t able to swim around without colliding into people. Expect the pool to be busier during high season, especially on weekends when locals join the many foreign visitors. Arriving early in the morning or after 15:00 would give you a chance of averting the crowds. While the pool is refreshing and the landscape striking, we wouldn’t say that it ranks among the best mainland attractions in Krabi province, especially when considering the crowds'.

Onsen / spas in Bangkok? Tripcanvas (Nov. 26) has the answers:

'Onsens may cost you a bomb elsewhere, but you’ll be surprised at what you can get in Bangkok!

Stay with us as we journey to find the most value-for-money and affordably luxurious onsens and spas in this bustling city!

...

Kashikiri Soda Onsen

Here, private onsens are provided, so there’s no need to worry about any awkwardness soaking naked in a hot tub with strangers. But if you would like to enjoy a romantic moment with your loved one, you can opt for a couple onsen or a tub for two!

yuii_kultha at Kashikiri:

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

Swayed

• Vietnam

Blisssaigon (Dec. 1) has 6 hot springs to choose from when on a road trip in Vietnam. A good read.

Viet Nam News reports (Nov. 2) on Tram Tau district (Yen Bai) hot springs:

'What could be more pleasing to travellers in the northern province of Yên Bái after conquering Tà Chì Nhù Mountain? Soaking in hot mineral springs with a picturesque landscape laid out in front of them.
Located around 2km from Trạm Tấu District, the springs in Hát Lừu Commune lie under a small valley, surrounded by terraced fields and hills of pine forests that sway with the gentle breeze. Travellers can also choose to stay overnight at a homestay next to the spring to enjoy a night in the mountains'.

sofianguyen64

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

• Indonesia

Tripcanvas (Nov. 21) has 11 soaking choices in and around Bandung, all not very natural. 
It (Nov. 16) also has 5 hot springs on Bali:

'Where better to soak your tired bones and indulge in one of Earth’s natural remedies, after a long day of hiking, or as a holiday reward for months of hard work?
We bring you a selection of Bali’s best hot springs, in both luxury-chic and back-to-basics rural settings that will delight you more than a hotel spa ever could'.

ucensurbakti__

UDAH PERNAH
#karo#berastagi#airpanas#karokaro#surbakti#karonese

Not all good news from Semangat (lead photo above this entry). Jakarta Post reports (Dec. 2) on a landslide at Semangat that killed 7 tourists.:

'... the 16 students were spending the night at the Daun Paris Raja Berneh hot springs resort when part of a cliff in the area collapsed at about 6 a.m. local time following heavy downpour in the region the night before'.

• Philippines

insights looloo (Nov. 20) has 5 Filipino soaks for the cooler months: Ardent, Asin, Puning Maquinit and Manleluang.

stephen092 at Batasan, Cotabato, Mindanao:

OHANA 💓💓

Then finally, did anyone miss the regional top 10 of Southeasian soaks? 
Sorry, I seem to have insufficient time for this. You'll have to make do with the above.

Toolkit

anitadonas at Pangururan (Sumatera Utera, Indonesia):

Lo mejor de viajar solo es encontrarte con personas bonitas con las que compartir momentos, vivir experiencias nuevas y llenarte de recuerdos. ¡Maravilloso! Aquí en Sumatra, con Simon y @marieloche, descubrimos estas aguas calientes y nos dimos un buen chapuzón bajo la tormenta, gracias a nuestro querido host @harrysmanik🌫 #couchsurfing
#airpanas #hotspring #pangururan #samosir#sumatra #sumatera #northsumatra#sumaterautara #wonderfulindonesia#indonesia #indtravel #traveltheworld#travelblog #travelgram #travelgirl#itravelalone #wanderlust #passportpassion#backpacker #solotravel #discovering#explore #gopro #goprohero #gopro3#goprooftheday #iamtb

Hot springs in Japan (onsen) get their regular free press due to what's regarded as an outlandish practice. 
Especially it's traditions concerning soaking as well about the soak itself. 
And prominent in these different traditions is the required non-clotheliness. 
An example: traveller.com.au (Aug 23):

'Regular visitors to Japan will know all about onsen.

....

It's not for everyone, that's for sure; especially if you don't like getting your kit off willy-nilly in front of strangers. 

I don't mind at all, which is why I found myself sitting naked in the open-air hot springs of the Kouno-Yu onsen with a bunch of local gentlemen when, on the wooded hillside above us, a lone deer came ambling along. We sat in silence and watched as the animal sauntered across the landscape and eventually disappeared into the trees'.

The author then continues with a description of Spa World (Osaka) and finishes the article off with: 

'Honestly, it's almost the most fun you can have with your clothes off'.

Another Japanese experience (Well+Good, Jul. 18), more personal though. And more interesting:

'I’ll admit that I was a bit hesitant about the onsen because traditionally the bathing is done in the nude. As someone who covers up at least a little bit in the SoulCycle locker room, it felt boundary-pushing to drop my yukata and walk around totally naked. I kept trying to cover myself with my hands, but quickly realized that I… didn’t have enough hands.

Decatrel [Françoise Decatrel, founder of Japanese bathing product brand Amayori] told me it was common for a first-timer from the West to feel this way. “Communal bathing has deep roots in Japanese history and has always been viewed to strengthen community ties and foster bonding. Sometimes Westerners are a bit shocked by this, but the attitude towards nudity at an onsen is very different than what we are used to,” she explains. “It’s fantastic—there is no need to be self-conscious. Other bathers are simply enjoying their baths. No one is comparing bodies. It’s a chance to let go of your perceptions of your body and truly enjoy yourself.”

...

“Bathing in the Japanese manner is life changing and is a tool to a more mindful, calm, happy life,” says Decatrel, who notes that the practice can be incorporated into your daily routine even if you don’t have access to your own personal hillside hot spring. “These ancient Japanese bathing rituals translate to our modern times just as does yoga and meditation,” she says. “They will bring a sense of ease and calmness into your life that you never thought possible.”

Though the article adds little, the words used to describe how I would envision a soaking experience are spot on. The simpleness of bathing (naked) with fellow soakers, within nature, enables creating a shared experience; breaking barriers of class, income, race, gender even.

The South China Morning Post notes (Aug. 6) a similarity, but then in the so-called forest bathing:

'A walk through trees or sitting under a tree have been shown to be relaxing and therapeutic. Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku as the Japanese call it, lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system'.

Following through, though slightly off topic, the last few years western US has been losing a number of soaking sites, albeit temporary hopefully. These include  Harbin, Ojai and just recently Terwilliger hot springs. Culprits were forest fires.
Forest fires have taken the surroundings of these hot springs away completely, though mostly leaving the sources themselves intact (hopefully). It means soaking still can take place but very much in a denuded surrounding thereby revealing how important the surroundings are in the complete soaking experience.

What I also noticed is that social media is fast in pointing the finger to social media itself: internet invites too many careless soakers. Even though the cause of these fires is unknown, possibly even an event of nature. 

anastasia_bachykala at a naked Ojai (California, USA):

Healing earth for my digital wounds.
Situations to be loved through.
#california #hotsprings #nature #child#healing #mud #getaway #naturechild#peace #love #freedom #home

Back concerning onsen culture, an interesting article about an onsen on a cruise ship (Daily Telegraph, Sep. 3). Unfortunately the source seems to focus on the novelty of nakedness (yawn), though it emphasises the positive side of communal naked soaking:

'Move indoors and Japanese bathing traditions come into play. Matsuo [Hiroki Matsuo = Japanese bath attendant on board Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess] is only allowed access to the male baths and he remains fully clothed. “Even though the indoor baths are segregated into men and women’s, foreigners are usually anxious when they learn that nudity is compulsory,” he says'.

evabaerin at northern Thailand:

Went for a swim in the not so secret secret hot springs and even boiled an egg in there! 🥚 Did I mention that I LOVE PAI? 💦🌴 #hotsprings #pai

Art in hot spring settings, not an usual topic. Lonely Planet (Jul. 3) on KAI Sengokuhara:

'A new Japanese ryokan is being billed as the first “art-oriented hot spring ryokan”, where guests can celebrate creativity along with tradition.
...
When the new ryokan opens, twelve artists-in-residence will be brought in from around the world to create works that will be displayed in the rooms. It will combine an art gallery and studio along with the hot springs that Japan is known for. There will also be activities that help guests explore their own creative side, including a variety of materials in the common rooms for artists, guests and staff to use for painting, illustrating and more, as well as the studio for guided art experiences'.

At prices beyond 300$US a night, for a random night next April.

merytimtrasmonte from the Philippines:

Some like it hot. #Maquinit #hotspring #coron #palawan

Steamrolling

Heading for our Southeast Asian regions, starting with a couple of splashes from Malaysia. 
The local Daily Express (Aug. 14) on news regarding Southeast Asia's most internet savvy soak: 

'The popular Poring Hot Spring in Ranau will be upgraded and expanded with new facilities to cater to the rising visitors, including tourists.

... 

Following the working visit of Liew [Deputy Chief Minister cum Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew [of Sabah]] to Poring, Dr Jamili [Sabah Parks Director] said it can be concluded that the place could not cater anymore for the rising number of visitors that has reached its maximum level based on the existing capabilities of the facilities. 

Hence, he said there is a need to upgrade and expand the place by adding more features.

Liew said the proposed private chalets which will look like small bungalows aim to cater for high-end tourists who can afford the facilities and services.

She said at present, there is no accommodation facilities in Poring and building the chalets would meet the needs of visitors who wish to stay to enjoy the nature and scenic view.

"My ministry would prepare the working paper and submit it to the State Government," she said'.

More from Malaysia's Sabah state, once again the Daily Express (Jul. 17):

'[Sabah] State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew said a professional tourism architect will be hired to develop a conceptual plan for Tawau Hills Park (Taman Bukit Tawau) in order to turn it into a first class tourism resort in Tawau.

Christina, who is also Tawau Member of Parliament-cum-Api-Api Assemblywoman, said Taman Bukit Tawau has a wide area with 2,700 hectares with lots of potential such as waterfall, hot spring, the tallest tropical tree and beautiful rivers'.

fgjohniu:

#VisitSabah #TawauHotsprings spa

The Star of Malaysia (Jul. 5) on the Peninsula: 

'[Johor Bharu] City dwellers can now enjoy a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with the opening of KSL Hot Spring Resort at Taman Daya, the first resort in Johor with hot spring water.
"One of the key features at this resort is the natural hot spring water or ‘Onsen water’ that is rich in minerals and calcium,” he [KSL Hotel and Resort assistant general manager Simon Cheng] said.
“University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) helped us locate the best source of the natural hot spring water in Jasin.
“After the water is transported here, it is kept in a water tank and undergoes treatment before we allow it to flow into our pools,” he said'.

Spoilt

Singapore's  Strait Times (Aug. 11) reports on the development activities of it's main island hot spring of Sembawang:

'The Sembawang Hot Spring, Singapore's only natural hot spring on the mainland, was officially closed for development works on Friday (Aug 10).
The area will be developed into Sembawang Hot Spring Park, and is expected to reopen in October next year, according to a notice posted on the National Parks Board's (NParks) website'.

mzuuzu at Ardent, Camiguin (Philippines):

Устала от этой поездки. Почему-то выдохлась. 6 перелетов, минивэны, лодки, тук-туки, велорикши, мопед за неполные четыре недели.
Снорклинг, дайвинг, обезьяны, черепахи, водопады, сардины, лагуны, каньонинг, снова дайвинг. Очень много ярких впечатлений и эмоций за очень короткое время.
Три дня на разграбление острова, перелёт, новый остров, три дня, переезд. Индонезия-Гонконг-Филиппины.
Осталось два перелёта, два ночных автобуса и самый большой остров Филиппин.
Не знаю, как можно жить в режиме постоянной дороги. Сколько надо сил?
Еще мне никогда не был понятен тревелливинг. Как можно постоянно путешествовать? И как при этом можно никуда постоянно не ломиться? Сидеть в кафе, ходить на рынок..
Как научиться быть марафонцем, а не спринтером?
#mzuuzu_philippines #путешествие#источник #hotsprings #alwaysontherun#филиппины #camiguin #юва #азия#nationalgeographic

Over to Vietnam. Vietnam news (Aug. 10) has a touristy feature on Vân Hồ District (Son La province):

'Chiềng Yên Hot Spring is very different from others of its kind. It is not planned as a professional service area. The hot spring runs from the mountain with an average temperature of 35°- 40° Celsius. It is embanked to create a 50m2 pool for people to have a hot bath. Both men and women in the village will share the same pool here. And it is also for tourists. It is the hot spring that provides local women with white skin, black hair, and attractive figures.
If the tourists spend a day conquering Mt Pha Luông, they are advised to enjoy the hot spring to ease their pain and complete the journey to the mountain'.

the.wolfbaby.lsk at Xã Trạm Tấu Huyện Trạm Tấu Tỉnh, Yên Bái province (Vietnam).

Vietnamnet (Aug. 16) has more serious news.
Much ado about hydropower going wrong. Blame is put on hydropower as a poor choice, though events point towards insufficient public scrutiny (read undemocratic decision taking), leaving locals disenfranchised:

'In 2000, Ban Ho, with its scenery and culture of ethnic minorities, was the ideal destination for travelers who came to Sa Pa [Lào Cai province]. There were nearly 30 homestays in Ban Ho at that time.

However, Muong Hoa Stream and La Ve Waterfall, which were always full of visitors, now have nothing except rocks and gravel.
...Dao Thi Tem felt lucky as her house was near La Ve waterfall, a favorite destination of travelers. She decided to borrow money from relatives to build a house for travelers. However, since the day Nam Toong hydropower plant was put into operation, the waterfall has been dry. “Su Pan 2 hydropower spoiled the hot spring. And now Nam Toong hydropower spoils the waterfall,” Tem said.To many people’s surprise, many of the hydropower plants are illegal'.

andika_anjani at Ciater (Java):

 Swimming time di kolam depan rumah mantan. 🙊
At least setelah janji ngajak temen gw ke sini, akhirnya gw juga bisa renang manis pagi-pagi. Berhubung belum bisa balik ke Aik Kalak Rinjani lagi, mending ke deket rumah aja.
Curug Cipanas Nagrak ini airnya hangat karena bersumber dari Ciater, Subang. Fasilitas warung dan toilet juga udah proper. Kemarin sih lagi dibangun kolam tambahan buat di bagian bawahnya.
Dengan HTM 10.000 rupiah, buat gw okelah ngacir berenang air anget sampe puas. Walau kolamnya memang buatan, tapi suasana alam di sini masih terasa asri. Bentuk kolamnya mirip-mirip Umbul Sidomukti gitu deh.
Saran gw kalo berenang ke sini pakelah kacamata renang, kecuali kuat perih kena air belerang, lalu datanglah pagi-pagi supaya dapet suasana sepinya. Dan jangan baper liat jalur masuk ke area curug soalnya dipenuhi plang sejenis 'Jalan sama aku, jadinya sama dia'. 😂
Jangan lupa jaga kebersihan dan patuhi larangan naik ke tebing atas curugnya, yes!
O iya, banyak yang kepo sama hasil foto-foto di sini sampe pengen buru-buru main ke Curug Nagrak. Nih, salah satunya yang bilang bakal dateng pas libur Lebaran @hafizhshofwan. Awas aja kalo pehape. Tenang, di rumah ada kamar kosong ko. Kamar mandi maksudnya. 🙊
~APL
#andikappuccino #explorewestjava#curugnagrak