Hot spring resorts near Singapore
Hot weather and hot springs don’t seem like a pairing that would go well together. But there are benefits when you combine the 2: soothing muscle aches and enriching the skin with antioxidants are just some of them.
Now, you don’t have to travel all the way to Japan just to soak in an onsen. Not when there are ones easily accessible from Singapore. Here are hot spring resorts that you can visit within a 4-hour flight.
Table of Contents
- Hot spring resorts near Singapore
- – Indonesia –
- 1. The Onsen Hot Spring Resort Songgoriti – Japan-themed onsen
- 2. Toya Devasya – Overlooking a volcanic crater
- 3. Kampung Sumber Alam Garut – Private hot spring tubs
- – Vietnam –
- 4. Mikazuki Resorts & Spa – Vietnam’s biggest waterpark
- 5. Serena Resort Kim Boi – Serene landscapes & mud baths
- 6. Minera Hot Spring Resort – Aesthetic country-themed spas
- – Thailand –
- 7. Ma-Du-Le Zen Resort – Bamboo & sakura decor in Pattaya
- 8. The Hotspring Beach Resort & Spa – Hot springs by the sea
- 9. Wareerak Hot Spring & Wellness – Surrounded by nature
- – Malaysia –
- 10. Lost World of Tambun – Comes alive after sunset
- 11. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges – In a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 12. Sementra Hot Spring Nature Resort – Serene village near Ipoh
- Soak away in hot springs near Singapore
– Indonesia –
1. The Onsen Hot Spring Resort Songgoriti – Japan-themed onsen
Image credit: @theonsenresortbatu via Instagram
There’s no doubt that visiting a Japanese onsen town is a must-do when travelling to Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka. But, you can still get quite an authentic experience just a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore. The Onsen Hot Springs Resort Songgoriti in Batu, Indonesia looks like an onsen village you might find in Hakone, complete with Torii gates and Japanese bridges that look just like the real thing.
Image credit: The Onsen Hot Spring Resort Songgoriti via Facebook
The Japan feels are further heightened by the inclusion of yukata robes you can wear around the resort. For the night, you can even choose to stay in a wooden ryokan that has tatami flooring. Each one also has its own private onsen bath, should you not wish to share the gender-split public ones.
Image credit: The Onsen Hot Spring Resort Songgoriti
If you’re here for the weekend, the mountainous area of Batu is worth exploring. You can hike up the twin-peaked Mount Arjuno-Welirang or even go apple picking in the nearby Sidomulyo Village.
Getting there: The nearest airport is Surabaya, which is a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore. It’s then 3 hours by car to reach the resort.
2. Toya Devasya – Overlooking a volcanic crater
Image credit: @alexj_young via Instagram
Danau Batur in Ubud, Bali is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater lake, on which Toya Devasya perches on its edge. It’s just as Instagrammable as it sounds – you get to soak away in a hot spring infinity pool with Mount Batur in perfect view ahead of you. Tip: come in the evening for a glimpse of the sun dipping past the horizon.
Image credit: Toya Devasya
There’s a 5-star villa you can stay in after spending the day at the hot springs. But you can also choose to have a more rustic stay at The Hikers Camp, where you can sleep under the stars on single- or queen-sized beds in a tent.
Beyond relaxation, adventurous souls can conquer the summit of Mount Batur on jeeps to catch awe-inspiring sunrise vistas from the active volcano.
Book a jeep ride up Mount Batur.
Getting there: The resort is an hour’s drive from Bali’s international airport in Denpasar.
3. Kampung Sumber Alam Garut – Private hot spring tubs
Image credit: @ri___a6 via Instagram
Pulling its source of water directly from the hot springs at Mount Guntur in West Java, Kampung Sumber Alam Resort offers private baths in every room of its resort. This means private soaks for couples and even families with children.
Image credit: @kampungsumberalam via Instagram
While the private hot spring baths are the main attraction, the resort also offers outdoor activities like jungle trekking and white-water rafting. Trust us, it’ll be more rewarding to soak in the hot spring after working out your muscles in these activities.
Getting there: Bandung is less than a 2-hour direct flight from Singapore. After which, you’ll need to drive 2 hours to reach Garut.
– Vietnam –
4. Mikazuki Resorts & Spa – Vietnam’s biggest waterpark
Located in the coastal city of Nha Trang is Mikazuki Resorts and Spa, a Japanese-style resort with its own waterpark and even a mini Mount Fuji.
Image credit: Mikazuki Resorts & Spa
The onsen here isn’t natural, but it is heated and uses minerals imported from Japan, so you’ll still reap the same benefits of a hot spring like increased blood circulation.
Image credit: Mikazuki Resorts and Spa
There’s a public bathing area for men and women, where you’ll need to wear bathing suits. If you do want to go full nude like the Japanese do, there are also gender-separate areas with smaller pools and tubs to soak in.
Image adapted from: @danang.mikazuki via Instagram
The onsen is just a small part of this mega resort. Those travelling with kids will want to also check out the indoor waterpark here, which has the longest water slide in Vietnam at 140m in length. If you’re here just to chill, there’s also a wave pool and dragon river. Floaties are provided so just lean back and let the water float you around.
Getting there: Fly from Singapore to Da Nang, about 3 hours away. The resort is a quick 20-minute drive away.
5. Serena Resort Kim Boi – Serene landscapes & mud baths
Image credit: @serenaresortkimboihoabinh via Instagram
Tucked away in the mountainous landscapes of Kim Boi, Serena Resort Kim Boi is a hidden resort with a hot spring. These are naturally-heated pools that contain water rich in minerals from Kim Boi itself.
Image adapted from: Serena Resort Kim Bôi via Facebook
Guests can choose to soak in the open-air public hot springs, but there are also onsen villas with their own heated pools that overlook the whole resort and nearby river. If you’re still on the fence about visiting a hot spring in summer, then visit this place during the winter months of December-February when temperatures can dip as low as 12˚C.
Getting there: Fly directly from Singapore to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, about 3.5 hours from Singapore. The resort is a 2-hour drive away.
6. Minera Hot Spring Resort – Aesthetic country-themed spas
Aesthetic country-themed spas that guests can enjoy at Minera Binh Chau Hot Spring Resort.
Image adapted from: @minerabinhchau via Instagram
You don’t need to travel far to experience European countries like Greece, Turkey, and France. It’ll feel like you’re in those countries when you visit the Minera Hot Spring Resort in Quang Ninh. The spas are heavily inspired baths you can find in these countries.
Inside the Greek Spa.
Image credit: @roonguyen via Instagram
Step into the Greek Spa that is modelled after Santorini and offers aromatic steams. Otherwise, take a dip into a red wine bath at the French Spa. There’s even a Turkish Spa with hot spring pools that have been designed to look like the rolling terraces of Pamukkale.
Image adapted from: Minera Hot Springs Binh Chau via Facebook
Besides the country-themed spas, there are other unusual ones such as a mud bath that’s said to help exfoliate the skin, and a scalding 82˚C hot spring. It’s not meant for humans to jump in, but you can boil eggs in here for a healthy snack.
Getting there: Fly 2 hours to Ho Chi Minh City from Singapore, then drive 2 hours to Quang Ninh where the resort is.
– Thailand –
7. Ma-Du-Le Zen Resort – Bamboo & sakura decor in Pattaya
Image credit: Ma-Du-El Zen Resort via Facebook
Pattaya may be better known for its beach clubs and raves, but just an hour’s ferry away is Ma-Du-Le Zen Resort, located on Ko Lan island.
This resort is a slice of Japan in spring with its blooming cherry blossom trees and bamboo groves, as well as onsen pools set to an optimal temperature of 40˚C.
Image credit: ไปทุกที่ : Paii Took Tee
You can stay the night at their ryokan-style rooms where bedding is placed on an elevated wooden floor. Guests are also provided with yukata and Japanese slippers to wear throughout their stay to mimic what you might find in a real onsen village.
While Thailand doesn’t experience 4 seasons, the coolest time to visit would be between November and February, if you want to enjoy the outdoor onsens.
Getting there: There are connecting flights you can take from Singapore to Bangkok and then to Pattaya. From here, you’ll need to make your way to the Pattaya Pier and take the Roongkietware Ferry. It costs ฿30/pax (~S$1.13) per trip to Ko Lan island. The resort provides free transfers from the pier thereafter.
8. The Hotspring Beach Resort & Spa – Hot springs by the sea
Image credit: The Hot Spring Beach Resort & Spa
Most of us would associate hot springs with mountainous regions. After all, thermal springs are often the result of volcanic activity. This is why The Hot Spring Beach Resort & Spa in Phang-nga is a rare treat. It’s a natural onsen that’s located by the beach.
The water is directly channelled to the resort and contains minerals like calcium, iron, and manganese, which are beneficial in smoothing skin. The stable 45˚C temperature is also good for stretching out tightened muscles.
Image credit: @solene_yogaphuket via Instagram
You don’t have to book a night here just to use the hot springs. The resort offers wellness programmes from ฿1,450 (~S$54.78) that includes soaks in both hot and cold pools, followed by a 60-minute massage. It even comes with dessert and tea to round off the session.
Getting there: The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport, which is about a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore. You’ll need to take a taxi or book a Grab from there to reach the resort, which is just a 25-minute ride away.
9. Wareerak Hot Spring & Wellness – Surrounded by nature
Image credit: Wareerak Hot Spring & Wellness
Another beach town you wouldn’t expect to find a hot spring is Krabi. But Wareerak Hot Spring & Wellness is a natural thermal pool located deep in the forest of Klong Tom. There are 5 water sources here, ranging in temperatures from 42˚C-54˚C. The naturally-filtered water contains a blend of carbonate, calcium, and manganese minerals that you can soak in and even drink.
Image credit: Wareerak Hot Spring & Wellness
The springs are split into 2 – the Anodad Onsen is the larger of the 2 and is open to the public. Then there’s Kinnaree Hot Spring, which is exclusively for resort guests. Apart from soaking in the pool, you’ll also get a spa treatment and meal here.
Getting there: Krabi is just a 1.5-hour flight from Singapore. You’ll be able to reach the resort within a 40-minute drive from the airport.
– Malaysia –
10. Lost World of Tambun – Comes alive after sunset
The Infinity Pool (left) can accommodate up to 300 people at once while the Crystal Pool is specially designed with crystal tiles that glimmer when sunlight hits it.
Image adapted from: Sunway Lost World Of Tambun
If you’ve already visited Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat in Ipoh, you’d probably want to check out the Lost World of Tambun which is a mere 3-minute drive away. The family resort is better known for its attractions that include a petting zoo and water theme park. But nightfall is when the resort’s hot springs are open to guests staying overnight.
Image credit: Lost World of Tambun
There are a total of 12 pools here that are naturally heated. While most hot springs are catered towards couples, those with children can visit Saphira’s Lair within the resort, which has shallower water. The area has also been colourfully illuminated with lights so the whole place looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Getting there: Fly direct from Singapore to Ipoh in 1.5 hours. The resort is a 16-minute drive away.
11. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges – In a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Image credit: @suterasanctuary via Instagram
If you’ve already conquered the beaches and forests of Sabah, then give the mountains and hot springs a go at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Kinabalu Park.
Yes, this resort is located within Kinabalu National Park, where Mount Kinabalu is located. That’s how the natural hot springs are heated here by the way – from the thermal activity of the mountain. It’s also a popular spot for hikers on their return from climbing the highest peak in Malaysia.
Image credit: Kota Kinabalu
The hot spring pools are directly accessible from the lodges but public bathers can also enter for RM15/pax (~S$4.33). For a private bath, there’s an additional charge of RM15-RM20/hour (~S$4.33-S$5.80).
Getting there: You’ll have to fly 2.5 hours to Kota Kinabalu International Airport from Singapore first. Thankfully, there’s no need to hike up the mountain to reach the resort; it’s just an hour’s drive away.
12. Sementra Hot Spring Nature Resort – Serene village near Ipoh
Cottages you can stay in.
Image credit: Booking.com
On the outskirts of Ipoh is Sementra Nature Resort, which is located deep within the Gopeng Rainforest. There’s an outdoor hot spring here where guests can soak in warm pools surrounded by the lush greenery of Gopeng.
Image credit: @nickytcs via Instagram
Apart from the hot springs, most travellers to Sementra Nature Resort come here for the plethora of nature-related activities you can do here. The adventurous can try water abseiling down a waterfall or even go white-water rafting. They also hold regular nature walks to see butterflies, go cave spelunking, and spot birds.
To sweeten the deal, the resort offers complimentary breakfast and dinner for each guest, ensuring you’re well-fed and ready for your outdoor escapades.
Getting there: From Ipoh’s international airport, drive 50 minutes to the resort.
Soak away in hot springs near Singapore
You don’t have to travel all the way to Japan just to soak in a hot spring. Instead, consider these resorts that are near Singapore and offer you similar benefits – warm water to soothe aching muscles, and minerals to rejuvenate the skin. Plus, with each one just being a short flight from Singapore, you’re pretty much ready to go the next time a long weekend rolls around.
For more things to do in Southeast Asia:
- Theme parks in Malaysia
- Less-touristy places in Thailand
- Where to go glamping in Thailand
- Things to do in Da Nang, Vietnam
Cover image adapted from: @theonsenresortbatu, @roonguyen via Instagram, Ma-Du-El Zen Resort via Facebook
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