Bathrooms around the world: Asia Edition

January 21, 2021

Have you ever thought just how different bathrooms in different countries are? You’ll most probably be amazed to know that not all bathrooms are spacious enough to have neither bathtubs nor countertops and that there are other types of toilets aside from what you’re accustomed to.

Wherever you go, a trip to the bathroom or even a public toilet is always imperative. If you’re planning to visit another country (presumably after the COVID-19 pandemic, of course), it’d be best to be equipped with knowledge on what to prepare and expect in terms of the bathrooms and toilets that you’ll come face-to-face with. Consider that a new year’s treat from us, because for our first blog in the new decade, we’ll be taking you on a quick trip around some Asian bathrooms. Buckle up!

  • The Philippines

Let’s start somewhere that’s relatively close. For our first stop, we have The Pearl of the Orient Seas none other than The Philippines. Filipinos have a penchant for tiles, with the material being the top choice for flooring (sometimes even walls) in most homes. It is also evident when you use a Filipino bathroom. While doing your business, you’d be amused to see how funky the designs of their bathroom tiles are. Aside from that, another unique thing about the country is that they don’t often use showers and only a small percentage of the households have a bathtub. And no, neither bidets nor tissue paper is common in any typical home.

Right now, you must have one burning question in mind: How do they shower and wash after doing number 2, then?

In unison, the Filipinos will answer, “Edi gamit tabo at balde!” (Using a dipper and pail!) It might seem initially weird especially to a Westerner, but come to think of this: it’s more hygienic and even saves water. It’s a win-win for Filipinos and Mother Nature.

  • Taiwan

Now that you’ve learned that there’s another way to cleanse oneself without the need for a bathtub or a shower, it’s time that you must know about another means of doing your business.

In Australia, most, if not all of us are used to sitting down in the bathroom, but it’s another story for a large part of the Taiwanese population. Rather than sitting, they squat on the toilet. Sounds like a daunting task, doesn’t it? You’re not alone. Many people have also chosen to resist nature’s call in fear of soiling themselves. There are lots of G-rated guides to help you get through it. Even though some places now offer sit-down toilets to cater to foreign tourists, you’re still bound to come across one of these, so it’s best to be prepared

The good news? Medical experts, including Vincent Ho, a gastroenterologist from Western Sydney University, agree that squatting comes with numerous advantages. Among these may be easier stool passage, less risk in contracting lower-intestinal contamination, and so far as possibly preventing hemorrhoids. Moreover, it’s more sanitary than sit-down variants since you don’t have to make actual contact with the toilet itself.

If those aren’t enough to ease your worries, it’s worth noting that Taiwanese restrooms are generally hygienic and most have toilet paper available—just remember not to flush them!

  • Japan

You’ve seen Japanese anime and tasted Japanese cuisine. Being one of the most well-known countries, you’ve likely already had a glimpse into the rich culture of Japan—AKA The Land of the Rising Sun. However, have you heard about how high-tech their bathrooms and even public restrooms are?

There are two main types of toilets in the country—one that requires squatting (like in Taiwan) and another that would require you to sit, which is known as the Western-style toilet. For this part, we’ll be highlighting the latter and listing features that put other toilets to shame:

  • Toilet-sink contraptions that promote sustainability and also save space.
  • Heated bidet toilet seats for chilly nights and a cleaner feel after washing. Ditch the toilet paper and save more money too!
  • Emergency buttons are also installed in some toilets for those who might need it.
  • Noisemakers that imitate the sound of water being flushed so that you can comfortably do your business in public.
  • Deodorization because no one likes the smell of poop in the air!
  • Automatic closing toilet seat so that you don’t have to touch it and compromise your hygiene. Furthermore, some toilets are also touch-free when it comes to flushing.
  • And that’s not even the half of it!

Indeed, once you experience all the comfort that comes with using a Japanese toilet, you’ll never look at yours the same way again. Though bathrooms and toilets may not be a common topic in most conversations, it’s undeniably interesting seeing the variations in each country. What country would you like us to do next? Also, see anything that you like above? Reach out to us and we’ll see what we can do to renovate your bathroom!

Bathroom in the Philipines
Dipper and pail in the Philipines
Taiwan squat toilet
Toilet in Japan
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