Hot Springs Aspire Sept 2009

Hot springs are available all throughout the year, but their benefits – esoteric or medicinal – are much appreciated when summer has ended.

ENGLISH FEATURE 英文專題

溫泉的好處數之不盡， 夏天過後，它的吸引力 更有增無減。

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he famous hot springs of Japan may lure tourists from around the world, but for a Japanese emperor, Taiwan was his must-go destination. Legend has it that the Meiji Emperor was able to father a son only after having dipped in the hot springs of Guguan village in Taichung. His story spread like wildfire and Guguan hot springs instantly attracted hordes of locals and tourists wanting to experience its mythical waters.

Top right: Hot springs offer guests of all ages a fun, relaxing holiday. Below: The soothing warmth of a bath, especially when done in commune with nature, lulls the senses and unburdens oneself from worldly concerns. 右上：不論男女老幼， 浸溫泉均是賞心樂事。 下：在大自然的環境下享用 溫泉，能忘卻世俗煩囂。

China’s rugged southwest boasts natural landscapes that include limestone peaks, rice terraces and the idyllic Li River. Northwest of Guilin, through a drive across scenic valleys, is the Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park. Its hot springs stream down from gullies and cracks halfway up the mountain, cutting across luxurious forests in stunning formations. Water, which runs from 45ºC to 58ºC, is tasteless, clear and suitable to drink. Choose from 16 pools, which are all a short walk from the Longsheng Hot Spring Hotel. Villages from various cultural groups are also within the park, offering tourists the chance to observe local life. Further south of mainland China, Sanya is known for its tropical climate and has been a favorite stop among cruise liners that ply the Pacific Ocean. Sanya’s long stretch of coastline makes it an ideal beach destination, but behind

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it, bordering all its three sides are mountain ranges that offer tourists a respite from beach activities. The Pearl River Nantian Resort & Spa located along the Tengqiao Expressway is considered the largest openair hot springs resort in China. Its water is about 57ºC and contains silicic acid, fluorine and radon, enough for it to be considered mineral water. The complex boasts a staggering 67 pools, with unique features such as scented and Chinese herbs-infused ones. South of Manila, Philippines, a hot springs town is nestled between the dormant volcanoes of Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw. Centuries ago, in a violent volcanic upheaval, a crater of more than 100 meters deep formed, from the cracks of which formed hundreds of springs – and from there sprang forth countless hot springs resorts. Most famous among them is Hidden Valley Springs. Sunken 300 meters below sea level, it boasts natural springs, pools and waterfalls. Due to its unique topography, Hidden Valley has both warm swimming pools naturally heated by volcanic rocks and cold pools coming from the mountain streams. One, called “Soda Pool,” is found to have crystal clear, mountain water that is comparable to that found in Japan’s Mt. Fuji. In total, it has six natural pools, including two kiddie pools and a jacuzzi. Aside from water activities, attractions include acres of abundant foliage, which is dotted with stoned pathways and wooden bridges to guide visitors along their trip through the rainforest. Bali is home to one of Indonesia’s most active volcano, Mt. Agung, along with several mountain ranges that make it a good location for spa resorts.

FACING PAGE, TOP RIGHT:XINHUA; LOWER LEFT: AMANA/CORBIS; TOP: XINHUA; LOWER RIGHT: CFP

Now fondly called “male child springs,” Guguan springs have temperatures ranging from 48ºC to 60ºC. The water is clear, transparent and odorless, which sets it apart from the hot springs of northern Taiwan. Various hot springs resorts and hotels built across this mountain village now form part of its modern charm. Shengmugu Holiday Hotel hosts the thousand-year-old pine tree, and near it is the “marriage pig” statue, which is said to keep lovers together. Owing to its mythical history, the village has several Japanese-style resorts, too. Ido Hot Springs offers a total Japanese experience – from the staff uniforms, restaurant and interior design. Meiji Hot Springs Hotel has a grand Japanesestyle roof and a spa center. The Royal Cabin Resort features hot springs jacuzzi and an outdoor hot springs pool with a Japanese garden and walkway.

The Mimpi (which means “dream”) Resort in Menjangan, northwestern coast of Bali, is supplied by the island’s famous Banyuwedang hot springs. At a comfortably warm temperature of about 46ºC, its hot spring pools and jacuzzi are scattered across the resort’s Balinese-style village and its manicured gardens. It also has 30 patio rooms and 24 villas, all of which has its own hot spring tub. For an even more luxurious treat, choose one of the six villas with its own private, natural stone dip pool. Also in northern Bali are the Hot Springs of Banjar, a fitting destination for those who prefer a trip to the highlands amid lush vegetation. Popular with the locals, avoid the weekends and local holidays when they arrive in droves. The multilevel pools are situated across a lush garden: eight carved stone nagas (sea serpent) spout water from its mouths into a smaller, upper bath, and then descends into a second larger pool. In the third pool, water drops from three meter-high spouts, inviting revelers for a massage.

the riverbank and wave hello. On shore, you’ll find that resort has hot spring pools and whirlpool tubs. Twenty of the rooms have their own private bath, for which, one may request the staff to draw an herbal bath. Whether you’re after its mythical origins or medicinal powers, the hot springs are sure to provide you a truly rejuvenating retreat. Hong Kong Express Airways operates flights to Taichung, Guilin, Sanya, Manila, Bali and Hanoi. Please visit www.hongkongexpress.com for details.

Above: Guilin’s Longsheng

Hot Springs provides a refreshing, idyllic retreat. Below: Beijing’s Jiuhua Spa & Resort features indoor and outdoor pools of medicinal waters. 上：桂林龍勝溫泉仿如人間 仙境。下：北京九華山莊 設有室內及戶外溫泉浴池。

Sixty miles south of Hanoi, Vietnam, lies the province of Ninh Binh. Known for its Tam Coc Cave and the Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh is now attracting tourists for its hot springs at Kenh Ga village. Set on the banks of Hoang Long River, the Kenh Ga Resort offers guests with a 15-minute tranquil boat ride from the village to its facility. On this trip, you will get a glimpse of local life, where the men await on their boats for a catch of fish, and the women plant rice on the paddy fields. Kids would run along SEP 2009

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