Bathing in a Hot Spring Pool of Minahasa

The highland of Minahasa has got several hot spring sites that are open to public visitors. Some have got outdoor bathing pools and indoor bathrooms for people to enjoy the warm water of the hot spring. In Japan, people call a hot spring bathing site as onsen. Here in Minahasa highland, we don't have a specific word for that. We usually call it pemandian air panas (hot water bathing). 

French ladies in hotspring in Minahasa

I visited two hotspring sites that are located between the towns of Sonder and Tomohon today. Most visitors went there only to see the steamy hot water that was flowing out of the ground, and the surrounding landscapes that were filled with trees, ponds, and hot water streams. 

When I was at one of the hot spring sites, I met two French girls. They were walking around taking pictures of the surrounding landscapes and forest. I said hello to them and involved in a conversation. They asked me about the hot water lake that they had just seen. I explained to them that the water comes from hot spring that flows to the lake. When the ground water is heated by the volcanic heat, some of it will turn into high pressure steam that creates cavities on the surface of the ground.

Traveling to highland of Minahasa

I told them that they could enjoy bathing at the outdoor pool. They were very happy with the info. They immediately undressed and soaked their bodies in the pool for around 1 hour.

There are a number of therapeutic benefits that people could get when they take a bath using the warm water that is very rich of sulfur and other earth minerals. The water from hot spring is good for the health of our skin. The warm water from the hot spring has got antifungal and  antibacterial substances. When we soak ourselves in the hots pring pool, we can reduce our stress, and also improves the circulation of our blood.

After soaking in the hotspring, the visitors could return to their hotel can get massage from a masseur. 

While visiting the ponds of the hotspring, I did some birdwatching activity. I a few interesting birds such as Gray Wagtail, Gray-rumped Treeswift and Sunda Teal. So, although I did not take time to soak my body in the hotspring pool, I could enjoy walking around the park to see the warm water ponds, rainforest and the birds. 

Annas gibberifrons

If you are interested in traveling to Minahasa and want me to organize your tour and guide you, please, contact me (Charles Roring by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.