Best 12 of Indonesia's Hot Springs

Indonesia, a land of dazzling coral reefs, smoldering volcanoes, and vibrant culture, also holds a hidden treasure trove – its natural hot springs. Nestled amidst emerald rice paddies, volcanic peaks, and lush rainforests, these geothermal havens offer a unique blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and cultural immersion.

Getting there is an easy flight, with plenty of places to stay. As always I suggest getting travel insurance in case nature rears her head and cancels your travel.

1. Kawah Ijen Crater Lake

Kawah Ijen volcano is a lively volcano located within the eastern neighbourhood of Java Island. With its turquoise blue waters, this lake is that the most important reservoir of hot and acidic water on Earth.

But don’t be tricked, this is not a hot spring you want to dive into. The water within the crater lake features a pH of not up to 0.3 on a scale of 0 to 14 (7 is neutral). For comparison, juice features a pH of 2; battery acid features a pH of 1.

The sulfur, which is deep red in color when molten, pours slowly from the ends of these pipes and pools on the ground, turning bright yellow as it cools. The miners break the cooled material into large pieces and carry it away in baskets.

Stay nearby at one of the many homestays near the volcano.

Secret Tip: Witness the mesmerizing "blue fire" phenomenon at night, where sulfur gases ignite, creating an ethereal spectacle.

Safety: Hike with caution due to steep terrain and potential sulfur fumes. Use proper footwear and masks if necessary.

Best Time to Go: Dry season (May-September) for clear skies and optimal visibility of the blue fire.

Mineral Assessment: High sulfur content, known for its therapeutic benefits for skin conditions and respiratory ailments.

2. Batur Natural Hot Spring

Nestled on the slopes of the active Mount Batur, these hot springs are believed to possess healing properties by the Balinese. They are a common stop following the Mount Batur sunrise hike due to its close proximity to the hike and there are guided tours that will take you to both locations!

Many people camp at Mount Batur to catch the sunrise. For more luxury stay at Black Wood Cabin, where you can enjoy outdoor hot tubs overlooking the forest and a concierge service

Ten different springs and pools are located here with varying levels of water temperatures and depths, one even being more kid-friendly.

From Ubud, the drive is about an hour and a half, so it is out of the way if you are staying in southern Bali. However, several companies offer transportation from the major Bali cities, and if you plan to do the Mount Batur sunrise hike, it is an easy addition to your itinerary!

Lockers: You will get a locker included in your entry fee. The lockers are big enough to fit a standard backpack plus some, making it easy to store anything you have to bring with you, which can be a lot if you are coming from the Mount Batur hike.

Changing Area: The hot springs provide good accommodations for changing that are separate from the restrooms. There are no shelves, only have a hook, so don’t take all of your belongings into the changing room unless you want to put them on the floor.

Secret Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the serene atmosphere and breathtaking sunrise views over Mount Batur.

Safety: Be mindful of slippery rocks and strong currents near the volcanic lake.

Best Time to Go: Dry season (May-September) for comfortable soaking temperatures and clear skies.

Mineral Assessment: Rich in sulfur and minerals, known for their muscle-relaxing and detoxifying properties.

3. Maribaya Natural Hot Spring

Situated in a volcanic valley, Maribaya was once a royal retreat for the Sultan of Yogyakarta.

Rejuvenate your body by soaking in the Maribaya Natural Hotspring Resort's soaking room. You will enjoy relaxation accompanied by the sound of the Cigulung waterfall and Cikawari waterfall which are the prima donna for photo spots at Maribaya Natural Hot Spring Resort.

You can stay at nearby Nyiak Tanjuang camp area and if you have kids, the luxury tent provides an indoor play area, outdoor play equipment, and a baby safety gate. With an outdoor fireplace and a picnic area, this luxury tent offers plenty of opportunities to wind down.

For more of a luxury experience try out Kartika Lodge where you can sit by the fire or meet new friends in the shared kitchen.

The hot spring pools called Tirta Sawarna and Tirta Wening. Since they are filled with natural hot spring water, the color of the water in the pools are greenish.

There are two small waterfalls here: curug Cigulung and curug Cikawari (curug is a Sundanese word for a waterfall). Although you can not walk down to the waterfall, you can take pictures from their side or from the bridge. You also can enjoy the view of the waterfall from the Twig Cafe, the restaurant that is located beside the stream. One drawback when we were there is the piles of garbage in the river, which smells very bad.

Secret Tip: Try the "black sand therapy," where volcanic sand is used for exfoliation and skin rejuvenation.

Safety: Be cautious of slippery rocks and avoid the hot geysers located near the pools.

Best Time to Go: Dry season (May-September) for pleasant weather and optimal soaking temperatures.

Mineral Assessment: Rich in sulfur, sodium, and potassium, known for their muscle-relaxing and stress-reducing properties.

4. Manleluag Hot Spring

Locals believe the hot spring's waters possess healing properties and use them for traditional medicine. Manleluag Hot Spring National Park is a set of two ophiolitic hot springs, near the 923-foot (281 m) tall extinct volcano Mount Malabobo, and is located in the rural barangay of Malabobo in Mangatarem municipality, some 180 kilometers north from Manila.

The park was converted into a protected landscape area in 2004. It is one of only two protected areas in Pangasinan, the other one is Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan.

Stay nearby at Arzel's Tiny House or Arzel Resort, a colorful A-frame home with firepits and a pool.

The protected landscape is an important biodiversity area. It is home to over 90 bird species, including the Philippine frogmouth, rufous hornbill, Philippine hanging parrot, Philippine duck, flame-breasted fruit dove, coleto, malkoha, and ashy thrush. Its forest also supports the Philippine deer, wild boar, cloud rat, Philippine warty pig, and reptiles like the water monitor.

Rufous hornbill

Secret Tip: Hike to the hidden waterfalls above the hot spring pools for a refreshing dip and breathtaking views.

Safety: Be mindful of slippery rocks near the waterfalls and avoid swimming in the deeper pools.

Best Time to Go: Dry season (November-April) for clear waters and comfortable soaking temperatures.

Mineral Assessment: Rich in sulfur and minerals, known for their joint pain relief and skin-soothing properties.

5. Sibayak Hot Spring

Considered sacred by the Karo Batak people, the hot spring is believed to possess healing and cleansing powers. Nestled in the Karo Highlands, Mount Sibayak beckons adventurous travelers with its captivating sunrise hike and revitalizing natural hot spring. Stay in one of the colorful homestays near the mountain.

It is also one of the most climbed volcanoes on the island thanks to an accessible path that starts from Berastagi and reaches the summit after an easy 2-3 hour trek that you can walk even without a guide.

After passing the entrance, the asphalt road begins to shrink and once you start to walk into the jungle, the path is nothing more than a line of white powder that looks like chalk.

After a little more than two hours of walking, the sulphurous smell of rotten eggs begins to fill the air and accompanies you as long as the path opens onto a natural terrace from where we could see the crater in the distance. All around there were small openings (vents) in the rock and the steam hissed out creating many small fumaroles that came up with a loud noise, like that of a chimney.

The hot spring is a great muscle relaxer after you’ve hiked the summit, especially on a cool sunrise morning.

Secret Tip: Combine your soak with a trek up Mount Sibayak, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Safety: Be aware of slippery rocks and potential landslides during the rainy season.

Best Time to Go: Dry season (May-September) for optimal trekking conditions and clear skies.

Mineral Assessment: Rich in sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, known for their muscle-relaxing.

6. Mount Rinjani Hot Springs

Mount Rinjani in Indonesia has geothermal potential that produces hot springs in Lombok. Hot springs from the geothermal heat of Mount Rinjani are spread from the foot of the mountain to the height of the mountain.

Stay over at the nearby Kalma Bamboo Eco Lodge, with adults-only accommodations, an infinity pool, spa facilities, a wellness packages, yoga classes, and a garden. For a beach stay, try out Amber Lombok Beach Resort, a 3-minute walk from Torok Beach.

Local folklore tells of a princess with magical healing powers who bathed in the springs, making them revered for their therapeutic properties. Local people of Lombok believe that the peak of Mount Rinjani is the invisible palace of Queen Dewi Anjani. To the southeast from the peak, there is a dusty and barren area called “Segara Muncar”. This is reportedly the invisible palace of Queen Dewi Anjani and her followers, the good spirits.

According to ancient Lombok legend, Dewi Anjani is the daughter of a king who did not allow her to marry her boyfriend. At a spring on Lombok called Mandala, she disappeared and mysteriously transitioned from the real world to the spirit world.

7. Aik Kalak Hot Springs

This hot spring in Rinjani is an amazing natural attraction. Located at the foot of Mount Rinjani the hot spring has a slightly brownish watercolor.

Aik Kalak means hot water in the language of the indigenous people here, the language of the Sasak tribe. Many tourists have bathed there because it has good content for skin care.

According to some research and literature, the sulfur content in the geothermal water source has anti-bacterial properties that can treat skin diseases such as acne, boils, and ringworm.

To get to the hot springs we travel on foot. Although, the struggle to reach this location is quite tiring but quite exciting too. That’s because during the journey through the dense forest it is still sustainable. Our eyes will be spoiled by beautiful forest scenery and fresh air.

Rumor has it that this hot spring is the bathing place of one of the famous puppet characters in Lombok. In addition, this hot spring bath has a sacred atmosphere and is considered to have the magic of healing people from all diseases.

Stay over at the nearby Rinjani Eco Villa Senaru with mountain views or Rinjani Lodge where you can enjoy an infinity pool and onsite Indonesian restaurant.

8. Sebau Hot Springs

Located on the border of Sembalun sub-district and Suela sub-district, Lombok - one of the main routes to the top of Mount Rinjani.

Sebau Hot Spring has not been an official tourist spot yet, but it keeps attracting more visitors every day. In terms of size, the hot spring has the depth of about 70 cm and it can accommodate up to 20 people.

The journey to this hot spring is no less exciting. By going through the forest, the eyes will be presented with views of large trees and unique plants. In addition, there are quite rare sights during the journey to the hot springs. Before reaching the site, tourists may find a gate and they must walk about 2 km to get to the location.

Indeed, the forest here is still very beautiful and natural. During the trip, be careful because forest animals such as monkeys are quite aggressive because they are still wild. In terms of temperature, it is around 35-50 Celsius degree. With this heat, the water indeed emits unpleasant odor due to the high concentration of sulfur.

You will walk about 1 hour from the gate to the hot spring. You are allowed to carry a tent and other camping requirements to spend a night near to the hot spring. In this case, it is recommended to ride a motorbike to get the location instead of walking.

From Mataram City, tourists should get to Suela Sub-District first. The trip takes around 2 hours and the distance is 72.2 km. There are a number of cozy homestays near the hot springs.

9. Cimanggu Hot Spring

Ciwidey is rich with hot springs. One of them has used by Perhutani (State Forest Management Firm) as the source of Cimanggu swimming pool. Discovered by Dutch colonizers in the 18th century, it became a popular retreat for its therapeutic waters.

Cimanggu Hot Spring is some swimming pools full of hot water from the mountain. The water is much hotter then in Hot Spring Ciater Resort, the area of this hot spring is very nice and a good place to relax. This hot spring is not so crowded as Ciater Hot Spring.

The drive from Bandung takes about 2 hours. It is a lovely spot reasonably maintained, to relax, to swim, or just soak. The hot springs are channeled into a small pool for children and a large hot water pool.

Cimanggu tourism site has some facilities such as; big parking area, play ground, hot water swimming pool, public toilet and bathroom, musholla, and drinking and food shops. Stay in a few of the cute homestays in town.

Secret Tip: Venture deeper into the resort for hidden private pools surrounded by lush greenery.

Safety: The terrain can be slippery, especially near waterfalls. Consider wearing water shoes and exercise caution.

Best Time to Go: Weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Rainy season (November-April) offers lush greenery and cooler temperatures.

Mineral Assessment: Sulfur, calcium, and magnesium content contribute to potential relief from muscle tension, rheumatism, and skin ailments.

10. Guci-ku Hot Spring

Known as "Gua Cibukan" (Cave of Beauty) in ancient times, it was believed to possess mystical powers.

Hot Water Boom Guci-ku is famous for having warm and chlorine-free water. The water is comes directly from Mount Slamet. This tourist area provides a choice of swimming pools from the shallowest to the deepest according to age.

Adrenaline junkies can enjoy a thrilling slide from a height into the pool. One of the notable rides is a slide from a height to the pool. Facilities available here include lodging, restaurants, and halls. The hall can be rented for various events.

At TWA Pancuran 13, visitors can directly take a bath using a warm ‘pancuran‘ (shower) from the 13 existing rock holes. There are three pools that visitors can choose to soak in and none smell of sulfur

Secret Tip: Inquire about local "pijit" massages for an added layer of relaxation after your soak.

Safety: Steep paths and slippery rocks require caution. Be mindful of fluctuating water temperatures in different pools.

Best Time to Go: Weekdays and the dry season for optimal soaking conditions and fewer crowds.

Mineral Assessment: Sulfur, sodium, and chloride content are believed to be beneficial for joint pain, skin conditions, and stress relief.

11. Banjar Hot Spring

Banjar Hot Springs, locally referred to as ‘Air Panas Banjar’, are located approximately 5km southwest from the famous Lovina coast in North Bali. Enjoy a stay at a number of villas along the beach in Banjar.

From the Seririt-Singaraja main route, a series of village routes up the hills of the Banjar district lead to an intersection with clear signposts to the hot springs. At the spring’s site entrance, a ticket office is adjacent to a parking space.

The entry is Rp 20,000 (about $1.75 US). The toilets (scattered throughout the property) cost 3K ($.20) and the rather large lockers cost 5K ($.35).

The hot water springs complex comprises four main pool sections, with the largest and central bathing pool featuring a restaurant perched high above the northern side. Beside the restaurant are restrooms, lockers and changing rooms, and a spa and massage facility.

Banjar Holy Hot Springs has a sulfur content of 26% and a temperature of ± 38 ° C.

12. Volcano Sari Hot Springs

Ciater is probably one of the best areas in West Java for natural hot springs, as it's open all year round with so many other activities for families, including kids!

Nestled among tea fields, beneath a volcano, is Ciater hot springs. Beautiful natural surroundings are accompanied by good staff and clean accommodation, which altogether is great for couples looking for a place to relax, or families wanting to show the children the local wildlife.

Sari Ater Hotel and Resort is probably one of the best and the biggest resort in the area, with a few pools with natural hot springs and some recreational activities to opt around the resort. Inside the resort, there are at least three communal hot spring pools that you can opt for: Mayangsari, Wangsadipa, and Nangka pools.

One thing you should note is that Sari Ater also has another branch located in Bandung city center, so make sure to book one in Ciater instead of one in Sukajadi.

Are you traveling in other parts of Asia? Take a look at more hot springs in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, India, Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam.

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