Sunday, November 02, 2008

Places of Interest in Sabah: Fish Massage at Kampung Luanti, Ranau

The main entrance to Kg. Luanti with the fish icon visible from the roadside

A poster at the reception area showing visitors how the massage is done

The unique signboard near the river

The picturesque river view where the fish massage will be "performed"

The "Pelian" fish or more commonly known in Sabah as "Kelah" fish

Mr. Jeffrin (foreground) showing how a full body massage is done

Yes, you read right! A Fish Massage sounds odd but it's a unique experience you might not be curious enough to try.

Fancy something more unique than your average spa? Then head on to Kampung Luanti, Ranau for a fish massaging session at Moroli river in the village!

Located in Kampung Luanti, Ranau, 131 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu (2 hours and 40 minutes drive away); this fish massage ‘spa’ is managed by the Kampung Luanti JKK and lead by Mr. Jeffrin Majangki.

In the Local KadazanDusun dialect, ‘tagal’ means ‘no fishing’, and the main purpose of the ‘tagal’ is to preserve the environment as well as the ecosystem to benefit the future generation. ‘Ikan Pelian’ or Malaysian Masheer comes from the family of Cyprinidae. These fishes are specifically trained by the villagers to perform the healing massage activities.

The fish massage is deemed to have a curative effect on those who suffers from psoriasis. Come to Kampung Luanti for regular fish massages and you will enjoy smoother and suppler skin - just like a baby’s bottom.

If the idea of fishes nibbling off your dead skin doesn’t thrill you, try other activities such as jungle trekking and camping. Should you intend to stay longer, Kampung Luanti is also equipped with a homestay programme to make visitors feel at home every time.

Further Information

Contact Mr. Jeffrin Majangki

Tel. No: 088- 878044

HP: 016-806 6598

Source: Sabah Tourism

ED NOTE: Kampung Luanti is by the main KK-Ranau-Kundasang road just after the junction to Sabah Tea Garden. The trick to the fishes coming to "massage" you lies in the "fishmeal" that you need to hold close to you body underneath the water. You can also rent some shorts or clothings for the dip at the river if you forgot to bring your own swim wear. The only minus at Kampung Luanti is a lack of good bathing facility (one has to shower in the open at present).

2 comments:

Rey said...

Wow!!...this is my first time i saw a fish massage!!...its so amazing!!...

Nice and cool pics!!!...thumbs up for that!!..

Folks, If you want to know other great travel destinations, feel free to view Travel Blog and see great, wonderful and some historical places that will amazed and would loved you to go and explore.

christal.loh said...

how much is the 'fish spa' ??

expensive ???