BY HERMAN M. LAGON
WHEN we discuss the appeal of travel, the conversation usually veers toward far-off places, rich cultural encounters, and distinctive cuisine. We seldom stop to consider the most fundamental but necessary feature of travel: the lowly bathroom.
Still, this sometimes disregarded facility is essential for determining whether a destination is seen as friendly or not and helps significantly shape a visitor’s experience. It’s time we recognize that, in the tourism sector, the cleanliness, accessibility, and general quality of public restrooms — especially those with potable water — equal any museum, beach, or restaurant.
Many nations, including the Philippines, have struggled to meet the ASEAN Public Toilet Standards, a set of guidelines encouraging the maintenance of restrooms to high standards. Although the causes of this are complicated, visitors, especially tourists, clearly notice when toilets are inadequate, which has a long-lasting effect that might eclipse even the most beautiful scenery or fascinating attractions.
Traveling across Japan and Southeast Asia made me realize how much the travel experience revolves around restrooms. For example, I observed that in Thailand, every terminal — from airports to bus stations — has clean, modern restrooms with the most recent conveniences. These are not only functional areas; they are also meticulously crafted to guarantee comfort and hygiene, frequently with automated systems lowering the need for human involvement, so preserving great degrees of cleanliness.
Singapore, a city-state noted for its exacting urban design, treats its toilets first. Modern technologies in public restrooms include air purifiers, touchless taps, and automatic flush systems. Still, the meticulousness with which maintenance is done distinguishes it. Public toilets, including MRT stations and retail stores, are routinely cleaned and routinely inspected to guarantee they satisfy requirements. The city becomes even more appealing to visitors since these well-kept facilities give comfort and security.
Japan, a nation known for its cleanliness and friendliness, may lead the way in bathroom standards. Japanese toilets are an experience rather than only clean ones. From integrated bidet features to heated toilet seats, the facilities are meant to be as comfortable as possible.
Furthermore, these bathrooms are carefully maintained, often featuring background music and aromatic air fresheners, promoting general peace and relaxation. Given that it greatly improves their trip, it is not surprising that visitors to Japan frequently remark on the state of the restrooms.
These nations know that a clean, well-kept bathroom reflects their dedication to the welfare of their guests, not only convenience. “We care about your comfort and health,” the message states in one of the toilets I went through in a faraway terminal in Japan. This is especially pertinent given the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
This objective emphasizes guaranteeing sanitation, water availability, and sustainable management. This aim directly expresses well-maintained public toilets with potable water, which improve personal health and the environmental sustainability of a given area.
We have a long way to go in this sense, though. Although some of the most stunning natural beauties in the world call our country home, our public toilets are sometimes appalling. The quality of restrooms is often poor, lacking in both cleanliness and basic conveniences, whether in bus terminals, tourist areas, or even cities. This compromises the whole travel experience and begs questions about public health and sanitation. (To be continued)/PN
