Aspire

A Nature's Heartbeat photoshoot:

Let love guide you, let it be everything you aspire for.

Jenny, Jess and Carrie in Koh Phangan, Thailand.

There's waterfall news. And waterfall news.

Coconuts Bangkok (Feb. 23 2023):

'Imagine walking along a river in a remote corner of Thailand and seeing a massive flotilla of inner tubes packed with pale flesh bobbing with the current.

That was the scene TikToker @Roritrarkratair stumbled into this week along the Pai River in Mae Hong Son province, where more than 100 tourists filled the river as they slowly floated merrily, merrily along. Instead of a white-water adventure, they seemed to be having some very low-key fun just floating slowly along, all crammed together'.

From the Vientiane Times (Oct. 3, 2023):

'Saravan​ provincial​ authorities​ have awarded a concession to a local company to create a wide range of visitor facilities and services at Tad Loc and Tad Hang waterfalls, in order to attract more tourists.

...

Developments will be carried out in three phases. Phase I will takes place from 2023-2026 and will include the promotion of tourism, the improvement of infrastructure and facilities, and the organisation of tourist activities.

Phase II will take place from 2026-2030 and will see the construction of hotels, meeting rooms, restaurants and gift shops, and the organisation of a range of tourism activities, while Phase III will see the sites developed to international standards of tourism, according to the Pathetlao Daily newspaper'.

That's not good news ...

ca_pi_ca at Tad Hang

#laos #bolavenplateau #pakse #tadhangwaterfall #waterfall #adventure #experience #stones #czech #czechboy #watermassage #waterfoam #waterporn #waterpower #drinkingwater #nature #travel #gopronature #gopro #hero4 #woodstick #waterfallselfie #capica #krajanciznovosedlicnacestach #beautifullaos #bestnatureshot #timelapse #frozenintime #waterbath #amazing @laospictures

More of the same.

The Laotian Times Facebook page (Mar. 30, 2023):

'Authorities in Yot Ou District, Phongsaly Province are preparing to open Lor Lae waterfall, a new tourist attraction, after conducting a survey earlier this month.

Plans to develop the area around the waterfall include building resorts, viewpoints, and restaurants to host visitors'.

Sunstar reports (Nov. 17):

'A WATERFALL in Sitio Auring, Barangay Cawag, Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), near Hagimit, has stirred controversy after a viral Facebook post on Thursday, November 16, claimed that the natural wonder had been cemented over.

...

This is not the first time the waterfall faced closure; a similar situation arose previously due to irresponsible disposal of trash by tourists. Despite efforts to communicate restrictions through local language signage, visitors continued to disregard regulations, leaving their waste behind'.

Suspended

As always there's the more negatives:

Khmer Times (Aug. 2) reports on a death at Omal waterfall - Kampot.

Khaosod (Dec. 3) notes another from Ko Samui.

And another death from the Philippines (Manilla Bulletin, 15 Jan.).

The odd happening of a deadly incident reported in India but eventually originating from Indonesia's East Java (AFPfactcheck, undated presumed early 2023).

Malaysia reports (Jul. 4, 2023) on 7 victims being swept away for 25 kms in Terangganu.

More recent 1 missing near KL (town of Bentong), as reported by freemalaysiatoday (Feb. 20). Not far away (Kuala Kubu Bharu) another incident with 2 victims (NST, Jul 2023).

Tuoi Tre News (Jul. 16):

'Authorities in Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam have ordered a suspension of swimming activities at the Du Gia Waterfall in the namesake commune after a tourist drowned there this week'.

Stay safe!

alesmartan

Weekend at Bokor National Park, amazing place ❤️

#cambodia #bokor #kampot #watefall #khmer #beautifulcambodia

Creation

mysticmariana

mother earth

gaia

creatress

cleansing us

feeding us

loving us

we are so blessed to walk

amongst this garden planet

reincarnated in human form

to experience this magical land

naked and free

wearing only truth and love

while she holds us

in our true form

far from societies constricts

on the island of the gods

the garden of eden

surrounded by wild food

butterflies

birds and serpents

rainbow bridges

from earth to sky

xcilip motao y nayeeh

hijos de la tierra

curándonos

con cada paso en esta

madre tierra

✨🕊🌈🐍🌊🌸

photo by @bodhicious

Gosh, things are getting out of hand, 1 entry per year?!
Apparently. So without any undue delay, let's dive in!

Islands? Bali, Thailand's Ko Phangan and a singular from the Philippines.

sarah__harley

"Don't go chasing waterfalls"🎶✨ #bali #kantolampowaterfall

kasianast

#freedom

superlupe_

Wanderlust

#travel #asia #waterfall #cambugahayfalls #siquijor #philippines

Pursuit

sashasolarsystem

Осторожно, не обожгите ваши пальчики об экран

#kohphangan #manphotography #manportrait #portrait #portraitinspiration #thailand #nature #mothernaturerocks #waterfall #intothewild #lifefolk #chasinglight #kohphanganisland #phangan #man #saturdaymag #photocinematic #pursuitofportraits #ourmag #worldviewmag #portraitpage #tendermagazine #apricotmagazine

viktorijabird

103wangel💧

theleelasutras_

New moon super top secret mission to hidden waterfalls and swimming holes with my partner in alien fairy goddess crime.

Mother Earth is giving birth

Giving birth to me..

I am the eyes and the ears

The hands and feet

Of spirit moving upon the earth.

_Diane Bardwell Masters_

🐠🧚🏾‍♀️🧞‍♀️🦎🌿🌱🌑💦🌌💎🔮👅😻

#piscesnewmoon #heldbythemother #oshun #orishas #fairylife #topsecret #bootyworship #imeanblackmoonworship #cleansings

Hunnies

harmony__sunshine/

spent the day sending it off 50 footers and bruising our tailbones🤜🤛 fr missin’ on these hunnies rn✨

Surprising how many waterfalls there are in Southeast Asia. But it seems those enjoyed and shared are mostly from Thailand's Ko Phangan and Indonesia's Bali!

So more photo's to be shared from both locations. 

Bali above, Phangan following.

kingg.salvator

Bathing suits are for cowards 🏊

____

#naked #nude #skinnydipping #bear #gay #hunks #men #menofoutdoors #menofinstagram #posing #bearded #andanotherone

viktorijabird

days chilling in the waterfall pools 🦦

📸 by @mralfreds 💙

saaremd

#thailand #kohphangan #phangan #phanganlife #happysoul #clickbysoul #wildchild #freespirit #freedom #nudebeauty #naturemyhome #nature #earth #plantbased #travelblogger #wanderlust #adventuretime #travelseeker #travelseeker #travelphotography #travelpics

If u know what you want, dont wait for right moment, coz right moment is now. Live now. Do what u like, love, travel, try, explower, do.. 🙋🏄🚴🏇🚣🏋🏌👭👩‍❤‍💋‍👩💕💕

Teachings

adventuresoulnicole

I've just completed the @thewildgracemovement training on Sacred Sexuality, Trauma Release, & Embodiment here in Bali. The container held was a literal quantum portal. 30 powerful women. 7 days. Deep processing. Mega Transmissions. Soul Reviving. Light & Dark feminine embodying. Now time to process & integrate so I can take these teachings back to the women in my Homeland. 🌱🌱🌱

Quyana to all of the special women who opened their hearts and souls.

Gargantuous shout-out to the awe-inspiring facilitators who held such delicate yet ferocious space

@_sayahayashi_ @kathryn.rollins

Back to Bali. 

thecashmeremuse

📷: @vvvanya

thaliasolivan

Freedom ❣️ #instatravel #bali #waterfall #nature #travel #happy #free #nakedinnature #nakedplanet #wildernessculture #wild #bae #babe

kasianast

Free your spirit

Switch

ombiya_ra

just blending in. ✨ #gratitude #kohphangan

Considering the shame of only the single posting last year, let's start 2023 off on a right foot. And beware not only photo candy but also some content.

But about those photo's. I can understand that I have quite a few fitting from Bali, but why so many from Thailand's Koh Phangan? 

Homeiswhereyourbagis (Sep. 8) might have an explanation: favourite place, nice waterfall. What doesn't explain anything. One of their write up's of a Koh Phangan waterfall:

'Another beautiful waterfall of Koh Phangan is the Paradise Waterfall. A really small but very calm waterfall in the middle of the jungle. Not many tourists get lost here.

However, there is little water in the dry season, but you can still sit in the waterfall, enjoy the peace and nature. Simply switch off with a little cooling. I really like it here'.

I suppose there's no answer as to why Koh Phangan waterfalls are popular, nor why everybody should head out here all of a sudden. Possibly to do with it's reputation for full moon parties (and any other moon parties), though these can take place wherever in Southeast Asia.

When it comes to content on Southeast Asian waterfalls, we seem to be steered to another list of / a travel site with tours of and/or when solely relying on news, the drownings/falls themselves. What I mean to say, there's precious little travel info being shared such that it makes it's way to Google searches. So also not here. Didn't it use to be different?

Trip.com has a post (Oct. 13) on the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls of Thailand (editor note: this hardly occurs simultaneously). No surprises on the list, but also no Koh Phangan ... They do answer the following question:

'Is it safe to swim in Thailand's waterfalls?

Generally speaking, the waters are quite clean and you're unlikely to meet any dangerous animals. The only real danger comes from the water current, so be extra careful during the rainy season, when rivers are flowing at their strongest'.

Thailand's leading newspaper Bangkok Post (Mar. 11, 2021) on Chet Sao Noi waterfalls of Saraburi. As usual there's no possibility to quote from Bangkok Post. However from what I understand, huge efforts have been undertaken to ensure over crowding is eased as the park-like landscape has been enhanced and many a facility added. For better, for worse? The Bangkok Post adds that Chet Sao Noi is not overlooked no more.

Maxinne Bjork

We are now all settled in our house, which is a very nice feeling. We live a bit outside where everything is happening, about 15-20 minutes drive with scooter. We had a plan of isolating ourselves a bit from the boiling soup - to focus on us, be in nature, read books and on projects we have separate and together. So this is perfect. Its such magical nature here, lots of waterfalls, the ocean is crystal clear, you can smell the flowers. Yesterday my man experimented his way to the perfect recipe for gluten free vegan pancakes - after getting inspired at the food market the other day. So delicious. There is something special with pancakes - something I can really crave. And after a full day of delicious eating & love making we felt like going to a waterfall. Life on a stick <3

Hongkong's South China Morning Post has a safe article (Jan. 9) on Thailands Chanthaburi. Highlights include waterfalls:

'The entrance to the Namtok Phlio National Park is just beyond. Having parked outside the ticket kiosk, I pay 200 baht (US$6) to enter the 130 square kilometres (50 square miles) or so of protected forest.

A path along a mountain stream passes signs warning of wild boar, Asian mongoose and black bears; a pyramid-like stupa – a Buddhist shrine – built by King Rama V in memory of Queen Sunanda Kumariratana, who drowned in the Chao Phraya river in 1880; and a moss-coated chedi – a Thai Buddhist monument – dating back to 1876.

Thais are bathing in the pool below the epic waterfall that shares the park’s name.

I peel off my sweat-soaked shirt and leap into the cool mountain water. Fish are easy to spot in the clear water and they are not shy of the people intruding on their habitat, nipping dead skin from toes.

I had not imagined my journey would culminate in being nibbled by black carp in the jungle, but that is the beauty of wandering, when detours and chance encounters lead to the gems travellers prospect for'.

yokugi

Venture a little further north from my home island on a couple of hours drive away and found this stunning waterfall.. Having this beauty all for myself the whole day is just priceless..

#waterfall #beautifuldestinations #nature #photography #outdoors #adventure #menofoutdoors #neverstopexploring #welivetoexplore #phangnga #phuket #thailand #chasingwaterfalls #hike #trek #outdooradventures

Power

Best waterfalls you need to visit in Lao PDR (Nov. 9, Backpackerswanderlust). Luang Prabang, Pakse and 4000 islands. Good intro.

Travelmanuel asks (Aug. 14) the question and supplies the answer:

'WHERE IS THE BIGGEST WATERFALL IN LAOS? HOW TO VISIT KHONE PHAPHENG FALLS

From Thailand’s Mae Ya Waterfall to the Detian-Banyue Falls in Vietnam, Kawasan Waterfalls in the Philippines, and Bali’s epic Sekumpul Waterfalls, Southeast Asia is known around the world as a destination for beautiful waterfalls, and Laos is no exception.

Although still very much off the beaten path, the largest and widest waterfall in Laos is known as the Khone Phapheng Falls. Thousands of locals and tourists flock to this area to relax, take photos, and see the power of nature'.

jorgejorgeous

Thafalang river, Laos #laos #thafalang #nudie #intouchwithnature #niceday #nudista #asia #aventura #adventure #river #riverswim #thakhek #bluesky #naturist #hot #hiking #hotday #jungle #offthebittentrack #paradise #refreshing #relax #swim #skinnydipping #clothesfreeliving #clothesfreelife #gaynude #nakedliving #nakedinnature @experiencenaturism #nakedmalebeauty #clothesfreelife

Over to some official news. From the Vientiane Times (Sep. 8):

'More than US$8.8 million is being spent to improve infrastructure, including construction of a road leading to Kaeng Nyui waterfall in the tourist hotspot of Vangvieng in Vientiane province.

...

Vangvieng district Governor Mr Bounchan Malavong said construction of the road to Kaeng Nyui waterfall will begin soon and will take 24 months to complete.

...

The existing road to the Kaeng Nyui waterfall will be paved over a distance of 6 kilometres and will be 6 metres wide. A parking area, shops, and sidewalks will be built.

The construction of a road and a bridge on the west side of Vangvieng district will involve a double layer of asphalt over a distance of 26-kilometres and a road width of 6 metres.

Drainage will be improved, an existing bridge will be repaired, and a reinforced concrete bridge 80 metres long and 11.6 metres wide will be built across the Nam Xong river'.

Then the same source from nearly a year ago (Jan. 18, 2022):

'The well-known Tad Yeuang waterfall in Pakxong district, Champassak province, has been recognised with an Asean sustainable tourism award, which will be presented to provincial officials at a ceremony to be held in Cambodia.

The award was given in acknowledgement of successful tourism development around the waterfall, in ways that are sustainable. Tad Yeuang waterfall is popular with visitors because of the stunning scenery that surrounds it, while the everyday life of local residents can also be observed.

...

Provincial authorities have encouraged people living near the waterfall to grow organic vegetables for sale to visitors and are promoting aspects of local culture in the hope of generating more income for local residents.

...

Champassak is well endowed with places of interest, both nature-based and historical, and no one should miss a visit to this scenic region during their stay in Laos.

The province has 216 officially-designated tourist sites, including 116 natural, 60 cultural and 40 historical places of interest, but only 20 have any visitor facilities.

Among the natural wonders are Khonphapheng, Tad Fan, Somphamit Waterfall Park and Tad Yeuang waterfalls, with activities ranging from trekking and ziplining to rest and recuperation in the lap of nature. Visitors can also enjoy produce from the Bolaven Plateau, including its famed coffee. The province has been named by the government as a green travel zone, meaning that tourists may visit the area now that Laos has reopened its doors to visitors after travel restrictions have been lifted'.

Also to be read in the Laotian Times (Jan. 19, 2022)

Posed

Lucas Leo Catalano

Sideman, Bali

Tourists pose in-front of hidden waterfall.

A couple more lists.

Thesimpletravel notches (Jan. 4) 25 Top Malaysian waterfalls
A blog (Aug. 29) by Valerie Wheatley notes Cebu's many waterfalls and lists 7.

The World Travel Guy has a very extensive list (Jan. 4) on Indonesia's best waterfalls, seventeen are listed.

Bali Discovery reports (Nov. 13) on the opening of a glass bridge over the Petanu river:

'As reported by Beritabali.com, effective Saturday, 12 November 2022, the public is welcome to cross the gorge and enjoy the view of the adjacent Tegenungan waterfall in Blahbatuh, a short distance north of Denpasar, Bali'.

taramorelove

It was one of my first mornings in Bali. I had just gotten out of a sweaty Sunday morning ecstatic dance and a handful of us, new and old tribe, decided to go to a nearby waterfall.

I was riding on the back of my best friend’s motor bike. Jungle to the left and right, Balinese and tourists whipping by.

My heart was wide open already, and Morgan asks me, “The word nightmare implies the worst dreaming imaginable. So is there a word for the best dream possible? What would be yours?” That question alone put me on an upward spiral for my journey here. This trip has been a dream. Every moment seamlessly woven with high caliber humans, inspiring conversation, nourishing food, juicy dances, sunrise singing, some of the best yoga teachers & massage practitioners, profound meditations, serendipitous business meetings, a cosmic astrological reading from the high priest of Bali, surfing, motorbike riding, and endless laughter. Not to mention staying in an absolute sanctuary in the midst of chaotic Ubud. Wow Bali, you have blown me away. I am beyond inspired, nourished, and grateful. Thank you. And giving thanks for having yet another week after feeling so full already 💦🌸🌴🙏🏽#givethanks #friends #life #sograteful #ubud #bali

Manners

Vietnamtravel has an article (Jun. 12) on secretive waterfalls around the city of Nha Trang. Some though are actually huge entertainment complexes (Yangbay), so not so secretive then?

Vietnamplus (Aug. 16) spots a waterfall-now for something different subject:

'The Vietnam Post Corporation launched a set of stamps featuring famous waterfalls in Vietnam on August 15, aiming to promote the country's scenic landscapes to the public.

The article also provides more background to the four waterfalls.

AsianewsNetwork has an article (May 18) on environmental protection in Cambodia (is this not a contradiction?):

'Recently, Sreysor spent 10 days travelling to the waterfall called Chay 100 – ominously called “Death Falls” by some of the members of nearby villages – on her latest adventure exploring Cambodia’s wilds.

Chay 100 is located in the middle of the deep forest of the Cardamom Mountains, bordering Koh Kong and Pursat provinces, and it is reached by travelling from Khnong Phsa in Kampong Speu.

“We aimed to find the waterfall called Chay 100,” she says. “I heard old people say that there was a beautiful high waterfall hidden out in the middle of the forest. So we wanted to find out if it was true and if we could find an easy way for eco-tourists to visit the area.”

Sreysor and a group of four other friends set out to find Chay 100 accompanied by three guides from the local community. They had an unforgettable experience as a result – but not entirely in the manner for which they’d hoped or planned'.

The article / report continues with a concise diary of the days needed to visit the falls and return to modernity. Bit of a strange article.

Khmer Times (Jul. 12) reports on a 'hidden' waterfall: 

'Hoang Waterfall was at one time inaccessible, home to only a few hermits and wildlife. Yet, it is now a popular tourist destination in the Tboung Khmum province, which was split from Kampong Cham in 2013. However, it is still quite daunting to reach the waterfall even today.

It is home to a cliff-hiking area with dozens of square metres of cascading waterfalls with beautiful views and the air, sweet'.

Finally, again the Khmer Times (Jul. 19) with some better news for some waterfall chasers:

'6 tourists had a lucky escape after they were trapped in a tree by heavy floods at a waterfall for over an hour.

Heavy flooding at Thmar Kral Waterfall Natural Resort in Chiep Commune, Teuk Phos District on the afternoon of July 17, 2022, left the tourists trapped on a tree on an island in the waterfall'.

kasianast [Bali]:

Free your spirit

Realistic

salbedaras

No words.

#laos #backpacker #travel #traveller #explorer #nature #kids #neverstopexploring #travelphotography #travelgram #passportready #travelblogger #ilovetravel #travelblogger #instapassport #traveldeeper #traveltheworld #getaway #travelpics #travelphoto #travelingram #mytravelgram #travelphotography #nature #arountheworld #waterfalls #worldcaptures #worldplaces #worldingram #travelexplorers #asia #theasiacollective #schooloftravel

Starting off in what's another photographic presentation of just what skims the surface concerning waterfalls in Southeast Asia, we head to Lao PDR and Thailand's Ko Phangan.

wandering.hermit_

Feeling young, wild, and free.

Skinny dipping in the Mekong Delta. Last time I did this in Vietnam, an old lady farmer crossed the bridge that I was under and stopped to stare. 10 min later, she was still there staring, with a slight smile on her face. I think I made her day.

#nofucksgiven #skinnydipping #waterislife

viktorijabird

morning shower 🦋

yogaretreatholidays

Comfort within ~

A friend once mentioned they were surprised to hear that I struggled with body dysmorphia and yet I can feel comfortable fully nude in a safe social setting.

At times we can self sabotage, compare, seek validation or admiration… when thoughts come to stillness and breath into focus this is the moment where I comfort myself from within. 🙏🏼💕

#comfortwithin #lovingmyself #nudesunworshipping #nakedandfree #nudeyogi #waterfallphotography #waterfalllovers #naturephotography #naturelovers #selflove #selfrespect #compassion #trust #naturist #travelyogi #intothewilderness #kohphangan 🏝

Expand

naomibatiste

I had a beautiful realisation from being around my friend Saya in Bali. ⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣@_sayahayashi_ travels the world and gets paid fucking well to do what she’s passionate about. ⁣⁣⁣

When I was with her in Bali, I noticed that she was constantly in awe of our surroundings and what we were doing.⁣⁣⁣

I’d just come from my suburban home in Melbourne but Saya had just landed from Maui in Hawaii. Honestly, I was surprised that she was constantly commenting on the beautiful trees, the delicious company and the days we were spending. I expected her to be used to all of this! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

But when I mentioned this to her she said “no way, never. I’m so grateful that I get to live this life. I always remember that and I make sure I say “thank you universe, more please!”⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

I love that. I love that no matter how lush and exciting her life is, she never lets herself become jaded. When I really thought about it, I realised that this is the reason WHY and HOW she is living her best life. Because in every incredible moment she is grateful, and she is in awe. So of course, she attracts even more of this. ⁣⁣⁣⁣

Saya also shared with me that some people in your life will be ‘expanders’— people who expand what you believe to be possible in life. Saya is, and this experience was, an absolute expander for me. 💥⁣⁣⁣⁣

#gratitude #sisterhood #liveyourdreams #travel #thankyouuniverse #moreplease #embodiment #bali ⁣⁣

Besides Bali, there's no skinnydipping to be had in Indonesia? Looks like it. 

vee3rdeye

Said hi to a naked dude in the river,

then I became the naked dude in the river

bri.lioness

Wild by nature, conditioned by society.

✨Remember who you are✨what feels good to you in the depths of your soul? What pulls you close to that feeling of sovereignty and absolute present bliss? Whatever it is, DO THAT

It’s funny how much we can complicate our lives with false stories we continue to tell ourselves. But really the answers are so simple, and it is in the simplicity that lyes our truest best selves. Isn’t it interesting

#dontgochasingwaterfalls #butdo #flowlikewater #lifelessons #payattention #rememberlifeispassingby #bali #travel #ubud #dowhatyoulove

Intense

naked_pixie

New moon in Scorpio sends me into hiding. My intense desire for solitude is a welcome break from the constant need to seek connection.

And it sure is beautiful in here.

Photo by @waybeyondproductions

#philippenes #waterfall #adventure #travel #nakedinnature #adventurenaked #green #jungle #tropical #hiding #solitude

Rounding this tour with Philippines. 

_engrnmz.dx

bulao coldspring😁😁😁 nice, ^^ been there haha

cynthiaseeks

Forever on cheeky adventures with this one 🍑🍑