Want to try a bathhouse?
Sarah Chan of Nowhere Baths in Singapore eases you into this calming practice
Do you love taking showers and spending long hours in the bathtub?
If you like immersing yourself in water, you might want to consider another alternative: A bathhouse.
In Singapore, there’s Nowhere Baths – a modern facility that features two hot pools, a sauna, a steam room, a cold plunge, and a lounge for you to rest and relax in.
To give you an idea: Their hot pools include an Epsom Salt Bath and a Cloud Bath (it has nanobubbles) at 39 to 40 C. The sauna is at 85 to 90 C, the steam room at 42 to 45 C, and the cold plunge at 13 C. Take your pick!
But if you’re wary, don’t worry. Nowhere Baths co-owner Sarah Chan is here to guide you, especially if it’s your first time.
She knows how important it is to choose a bathhouse carefully. It must meet your moods and needs (maybe even your personality). It should still give you a sense of privacy (if you’re an introvert or going solo).
Her experiences will help you decide if it’s right for you, and her quick tips will show you how to maximise your time at a bathhouse so you get the soothing effects you’re after.
(Just to be safe: Consult with your doctor first before booking or visiting. According to Nowhere Baths, certain “health conditions may put you or others at risk”.)
What was your first experience like at a bathhouse, and participating in communal bathing?
Sarah: “It was during the pandemic when I first started visiting Yunomori Onsen & Spa in Singapore. I remember feeling shy when I first went, but soon enough it felt liberating. It was also nice to normalise being amongst people of different ages and backgrounds, and bodies of all shapes and sizes. The feeling of being in a warm bath was so comforting, and I loved how it was such a simple way to feel good.”
What made you decide that bathhouses should be a part of your lifestyle?
“My business partner Derrick and I were inspired by bathing culture and its colourful history around the world, in particular the writings of Leonard Koren. As we were already running a float centre, we loved the idea of healing with water and it felt like a natural progression.
“Through the ages, bathhouses have been an important space for communities; it’s where people start and/or end the day, where they renew themselves or connect with others. Everyone strips away their armour and we are all equal in the bathhouse. Living in a modern city, we felt drawn to this way of building a sense of community.”
Aside from Nowhere Baths: What are your personal favourite bathhouses or communal bathing spaces?
“I can’t say that I’ve been to a tonne of bathhouses around the world, but I enjoyed bathing at Sense of Self and Peninsula Hot Springs (both in Australia). Löyly (Finland) was also nice.
“That said, the most memorable places I experienced were more humbly designed. In Taiwan, Finland and Japan, it was inspiring to see how small bathhouses or outdoor springs served the local communities. Nothing fancy, but well-loved and utilised. Most of them were close to nature, and it was a transformative experience to be in touch with the elements that way.
“There are many more on my list that I have yet to experience.”
What are your own personal habits and musts for bathhouses, and soaking?
“I usually begin with the sauna to get a good sweat going before I take a cold dip. To be honest, I don’t follow a set flow every time – it really depends on how I’m feeling on that day. The sauna is where I lie down, close my eyes, and just let everything settle, like a transition space between the outside world and the bathhouse.
“Generally, I’ll enjoy at least three rounds alternating between hot and cold. I make sure to spend time resting in between, because that’s actually where I get into a deeper meditative state. My mind feels fuzzy in a good way, and I’m just content to be staring off into space – with nowhere to be and nothing to do.
“While Nowhere Baths is mixed-gender and swimwear-attire, I would also recommend everyone to try nude bathing in a gender-segregated space at least once. It’s very freeing.”
What kind of feelings do you get out of the experience?
“I feel like I’m fully arriving in my body. We don’t get such experiences often in Singapore, where you can experience the elements like this. I’m in awe that a simple change and contrast in temperatures can evoke such an experience, and it’s nothing new – people have known it since ancient times.”
How to live through Nowhere Baths’ two-hour Silent Bathing session (for those who think they can't ever go offline)
“Bring a book!”
Tips you'd like to add to your First Time guide for first-timers
“Go at an off-peak time so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Chat with the bathhouse team to get recommendations.”
Tips for solo bathers
“Try wearing earplugs if you find that you’re sensitive to noise. When you’re alone, you may be more tuned in to the people around you, so earplugs are a simple way to feel like you’re in your own space.”
Tips for group bathers
“You don’t need to spend the same amount of time in each space as your friends. Listen to your body and rest when you need to.”
The secrets to using and enjoying:
• The cold plunge
“If it’s feeling intense, try keeping your hands or arms out of the water. But if you’re already shivering, it’s best to exit and not over-exert yourself.” (Read this before you do any kind of cold plunge.)
• The sauna
“Lie down (if there’s space) to enjoy an even heat.” (Check out some of the benefits of going to a sauna.)
• The steam room
“Use the bucket scoop to rinse and refresh yourself with cool water.”
Ready to give it a go? Whether you just want to let your mind float or de-stress, try it by yourself or with friends: Why not find your ideal bathhouse and soaking experience today?
Nowhere Baths is at 14A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249669. See them on Facebook and Instagram.
Such a nice Q+A, thanks for sharing!