HOT In The City

That's right, you can get 'hot' even without leaving the city! Located right in the middle of the city (welll...almost. It is about 6km from the heart of Kuala Lumpur city), this used to be a very, very popular spot for getting 'hot & steamy in the city' back in the 60's & 70's! Wow! Talk about 'hot spot' retro style:)

The place I'm referring to is no other than the Setapak Hot Spring.

Back in those days, Setapak Hot Spring was indeed the centre of the community of the area! People living nearby would gather at this 15' wide natural thermal pool each morning to either wash their clothes (!) or just simply take bath. And now... in this present time...the place is not as popular as it was before. Indeed, not many people living in KL even know that the city has its very own natural hot spring spot. Nevertheless, this hot spring site still remain as one of the favourite places in the city for those 'faithful and in the know' who still loyally flock to the spot.

I went to check out the place recently. It was pretty easy to locate the site. I took the Jalan Pahang route and went all the way to Setapak via Jalan Genting Kelang. Setapak Hot Spring is located about 1/2 km from the junction of Jalan Genting Kelang and Jalan Air Panas. And to make things easier, it is actually located within the compound of a residential building which is aptly named 'Resource Spring Apartment'. Parking space is available on the road shoulder... or you might even want to ask the friendly guards if they could allow you to park in the apartment's compound.

The entrance fee is only for RM1, and that would even entitled you for a 'timba' (through used for scooping water). You see, no one is allowed to jump into the pool. Or swim in any part of the 'wavy pool' area. And to be honest with you, I don't think anyone would even dare to do such things. The water is piping hot! And... the water is believed to be even HOTTER during rainy season and also between the months of January until April. Don't ask me why....?

So, the 'timba' can be used to collect or scoop up the water from the pool. Oh yeah, by the way, you need to return the 'timba' before leaving the place, OK:))

Setapak Hot Spring is opened everyday from 7am - 7pm.

The site is generally comprises of 4 different zones:

1) The 'wavy pool' area
2) The 'spring outlets' area
3) Foot Soaking area
4) Bath Cubicles

To be honest with you, I was very disappointed with the condition of the Bath Cubicles area. The less said here is the better.

Anyway, I would recommend you to enjoy your 'hot-dipping-and-soaking' activities restricted only to those 3 areas (wavy pool, spring outlet & foot soaking areas). Enjoy!

HOT Kerling

Kerling Hot Spring is a spot that has not been greatly advertised. Thus, if you do not keep your eye on the signboards along the way to the place, you could have easily missed this little-known 'hidden-gem' located not far from KL city.

But then again, mind you, it is not that a pleasant ride all the way to this beautiful 'eden'.

Well... first of all, the place is actually located some kilometres away on the northern side of Batang Kali town. I dont know about you, but I am not familiar at all with this part of the city. So for me, even to reach Batang Kali town from KL itself was already some sort of a 'mini-adventure' on its own!

After you have reached Batang Kali town, go all the way to a place called 'New Village'. Then, continue along... the place is located approximately 2 km from the 'New Village'. After you leave the housing area, you will soon notice that the paved road has changed into a 'dirty road'(unpaved). This means that you are already off the beaten track. You might want to slow down a bit here because the 'road' is laid with tons of loose gravel and stones. Mind your tyres!

Nevertheless, as you make your way along this unpaved stretch of road, you might have the chance to observe some farmers and workers go about their routines in the rubber plantation areas.

And watch out for the trucks! Yes, timber trucks carrying huge logs use the same dirty road you are taking now. So be careful.

Soon after that, you will find yourself driving on a paved road again! Yeahhhh... strange, but dont ask me why and how? Anyway, from here on you will realise that you are actually driving along or parallel to a small beautiful clear water stream. That is actually Kerling River. Well... that means you are almost there!

Some quick facts about the Kerling Hot Spring....

- water temperature: approximately 104C!

- yessssaaa... very HOT indeed

- infact, it is claimed that Kerling Hot Spring is the ... listen to this... the 5th hottest in the WORLD!

- even the rocks are almost too hot to touch...ouch!

- frequently, you can see steam rise off the surface of the water

- and there is slight smell of sulphur

- the main pond is a mix of colors... with green from the algae & shades of brown from the minerals

- a 'slim' concrete walkway/bridge gives access to the main source of the spring(the main pond)

Within a stone-throw away distance from the hot spring pond is a stream which is deep enough for you to jump in for a quick cooling plunge. Indeed, that would be the best way to enjoy hot spring!

First dip yourself in the cool stream, then come out of it and go the hot pond and immerse your body in it. Stay for in the pond for at least 10 minutes. Then jump into the stream again. And continue the cyle until you feel so, very, very refreshed and rejuvenated. But then maybe.... these kind of acts are not really meant for those with heart related problems. So, you've been warned. Dont do it unless you are really fit, wokay?