The volcanic activity that built Kiematubu also feeds a string of hot springs around the lower slopes, and the most accessible of these is at Akesahu on the western coast of the island. The springs emerge from the rock at the back of a small bay, mixing with cold sea water at the shore to produce pools that range from pleasantly warm to almost too hot to sit in. It is a popular weekend spot for local families and a good place to soak after a long day on the road.
The setting is rough and ready — concrete pools and a handful of changing shelters — but the water is genuinely therapeutic and the seafront location is hard to beat. Bring a sarong, drinking water, and small change for the parking fee. Late afternoon, when the heat of the day eases off, is the best time to come.