Happy Dip and Happy Feet

Sembawang hot spring is the only known hot spring on the main island of Singapore. The other hot spring, I am told, resides on Pulau Tekong (a military training area), which is out of bounds to the public.

Situated along Gambas Avenue, the entrance to the hot spring is not prominent as it is marked by only a red signboard. Turn left, walk along the concrete path and my wife and I reached our destination. There was a very faint smell of sulphur lingering in the air.

Do not expect to 泡汤 here like the Japanese or Taiwanese. All you can do is 泡脚 and soak your tired legs. The hot spring water issues from several water taps located on site and there are spare water pails lying around.

Pick up a reasonably clean looking pail and gingerly, fill up with hot water. Again, gingerly, carry it and place it next to your seat. Then you just have to wait.....

Wait for what??? Wait for the hot water to cool down lah !!! There were reports of scalding incidents in the past and you may dip your legs slowly in the water when you can tolerate it. Then just sit back and relax... Ahhhhhh.

With hot water flowing 24/7, it is no wonder that people come here to make use of this free resource. When we were there, we saw one bringing back bottled spring water in glass bottles, an uncle scooping water from pails and bathing, and a domestic worker doing her laundry.

Saving money and Mother Earth...