An Invigorating Experience at Tanjong Jara Resort Spa Village – Terengganu, Malaysia

I had passed by the Spa Village at Tanjong Jara Resort on the first day I arrived. It looked very inviting and serene. I was waiting for my chance to sample some of the great massages they have listed there on their menu. And so the next day around late morning I scheduled a date with the Spa Village and headed dreamily down the small pathway from my room that led through a canopy of trees past a swimming pool by the sea.

Suchimurni was a word that reverberated in my mind. In Malay, it basically means a relaxation of the soul towards a journey of revival. I certainly needed some revival of my own. The past few weeks had been very stressful at work and my own emotions were all awry. I was in need of a breath of refreshment and relaxation.

I sat inside a beautiful complex of structures, gardens and pools waiting my turn. A generous and beautiful hostess gave me a cold glass of scented herbal roots and told me that my room was being made. I had chosen to sample a Traditional Malay Massage.  The chirping of birds and the sounds of the sea had already started to have a therapeutic effect on me.

Before long she was back with my masseuse. After going through the details of what to expect in the massage therapy of my choice the masseuse led me into a large airy room with huge glass windows. After changing into a sarong, my journey of revival began.

It starts with a bath called Mandi Bunga (floral bath experience). I sat on a stool while she poured water filled with flower petals over my head while she recited prayers for my success, good health, happiness for family, joy, peace etc. Sitting in such a spectacular setting, I couldn’t help but feel like some aristocratic lord indulging in some ancient ritual.

After quickly drying myself and changing into another clean dry sarong, I went into the room for my massage. I can’t really go into the finer details of the massage because I drifted off into a deep slumber. I do remember the masseuse asking me if I had any trouble spots and how much force she could use while massaging.

I recollect my feet being covered with hot towels and with long kneading strokes I was being gently but firmly massaged. I recollect my calves getting tender and the muscles of my back and neck screaming with delight. Using oil made with special local ingredients such as turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, onion and citronella, circulation is invigorated.

Sometime into my slumber I suddenly awoke to find her working at my shoulders. She said something about my shoulders being very stiff and my neck muscles very tense. I fell asleep again after mumbling something and blaming the world economy.

100 minutes later it was over. The stiffness in my back and legs had disappeared. Deep inside, I felt rejuvenated. All I could muster was a “thank you”. I didn’t know what else to say. Turning around I walked out of the Spa Village invigorated and light as a lark.

The peaceful surroundings of the spa village

The flower infused water used for the Mandi Bunga

Mandi Bunga experience

The spacious spa rooms

Relaxing on my balcony after such a rejuvenating spa experience…

In the evenings, I head out the the far left hand side of the resort, to gaze into the beauty of the South China Sea – that in it self adds to the whole relaxing experience at Tanjong Jara Resort

Spa Village at Tanjong Jara Resort is a sanctuary anchored in the ancient Malay way of life. Located at Batu 8, Off Jalan Dungun 23000 Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia, the Spa Village is open from 10am to 8pm. For a full list of experiences, download their menu here.