Continued from –The Top 10 Coolest Places In The World To Take A Dip (Part 1)
6. Yangbajing Hot Springs, Tibet
Geothermal Hotsprings set in a warm, green grassland valley amidst snow-caped mountains of over 5,500 meters (18, 000 ft) in height, it doesn’t get much better than that. The Yangbajing Hot Springs also known as Yangpachen hot springs are situated about 90 kilometers (55.9 miles) northwest of Lhasa City in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, (known to people who appreciate freedom as Tibet). Although not as scenic as some of the other locations on this list, the springs have a mistic charm of their own and interesting because of its elevation of approximately 14,000 feet (about the same as the peak of Mt. Rainier in Washington State). The water emerges from the crust of the earth at 84 degrees F, higher than the boiling point at that altitude, blowing out steam as it is seen rising up to sky. Using its rich natural resources, Yangpachen has the largest geothermal energy power station in China, whose yearly output supplies 45% of electricity required by Lhasa City. However, bathe with caution as a long spells in the hot waters, as nice as they seems aren’t recommended because of the altitude and oxygen-deficient environment.
7. Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon, Micronesia
Chuuk Lagoon formerly known as Truk Lagoon is Micronesia’s incredible undersea phenomena and the finest wreck diving destination in the World. This sheltered body of water nearly fifty miles long by thirty miles wide and is surrounded by a protective reef and in the crystal clear waters,you can swim or dive among the ghostly remains of over 100 ships and 275 aircraft that haunt the seabed, Some of which lie at a depth of 49 feet. If your not willing to don that scuba gear and equipment to explore the wrecks at depth, swimming over the eerie structures full of World War 2 history is an experience in itself. Rich with coral growth and teeming with marine life, the crystal clear lagoon waters of the Chuuk Atolls in Mironesia you can snorkel and see some of these wrecks that remained upright and some that are intact while some in pieces full of their cargo, each with its own history and unique structure.
8. The Toilet Bowl, Hawaii
Located in Hanauma Bay along the southeast coast of the Island of O’ahu (just east of Honolulu) in the Hawaiian Islands is ‘The Toilet Bowl’,a natural pool formed by centuries of waves beating against the lava rock. Situated along the left point this pool of water is connected to the ocean by an underwater channel that allows water to surge into the “bowl” from beneath and then it flushes back out. If conditions are right, you can sit in the pool and float up and down in a phenomenon similar to flushing a toilet. Exciting right? The rise and drop can be up to 4 or 5 feet in just a few seconds, which is quite a spectacle to behold but even more fun to experience. However, on days with high surf and rouch waves the surge is not gentle and can injure or kill people, so it’s important to be cautious and attempt this site only under the guidance of experienced lifeguards.
9. Heaven Lake: North Korea/China
Another absolutely gorgeous lake for swimmers to visit is aptly named, Heaven Lake (Tianchi). Located on the border between North Korean and China, this is the world’s highest crater lake at a altitude of 2,189.1m (7,182 feet), atop the volcanic Baekdu Mountain, a part of the Baekdudaegan mountain range. Heaven lake is huge and has a depth of 699 feet. However, if you plan to travel so you can swim there, keep in mind that from mid-October to mid-June, it is covered with ice. Many believe that the lake is home to the Lake Tianchi Monster (Loch Ness-type creatures).
10. Nemo 33, Belgium
A different swimming experience all together, is the Nemo 33- the deepest swimming pool in the world. At over 33 meters deep, this giant, solar-heated aquarium contains 2,500,000 liters of non-chlorinated, highly filtered spring water maintained at a constant 30 °C (86 °F) and holds several simulated underwater caves at the 10 m depth level. Designed by diving expert John Beernaerts, the facility opened in 2004 and has since been “The” location for Scuba diving training. You can explore the multiple levels and cavernous rooms built into the pool, with its relaxed atmosphere without waves and perfect visibility.Experienced scuba divers can present their certification cards upon entry and are then free to dive to the depth allowed by their training level. he price per day to dive starts at 22 Euro, with small fees for renting a dive computer or if you have forgotten your card.
