Magical Touch of Jari Jari Spa

The entrance of Jari Jari Spa

Most people find it convenient to book a spa treatment at the hotel where they are staying during their holiday, choose among the available offerings, and sometimes just slide into slippers and a robe a few minutes before their appointment. But what if you are residing in Kota Kinabalu and looking for spa treatments outside of a hotel? Well, it would not be difficult for you to find stand-alone spas in Kota Kinabalu as they are like mushrooms –more and more spas are opening here and you can find them scattered across the city.

I have discovered dozens of stand-alone spas but I picked the one that is well-known as one of the favourite neighbourhood spots among the locals as well as expatriates – the Jari Jari Spa. The name itself, Jari Jari, literally means fingers and what an ideal name for a sanctuary where you will be revitalized for total body and mind relaxation.

The reception

The spa is strategically located in Plaza Tanjung Aru which is 10 minutes away from the airport and city centre which is convenient for guests to make a sojourn for some pampering treatments. This tranquil, serene retreat opened its doors on 18 March 2005 and founded by Jennifer Lee, a local lass from Keningau, and Jeanette Tambakau, who is orginally from Ipoh but has considered herself as a Sabahan (being married to her husband who comes from Keningau). The spa features six private suites, which two of them are designed for couples. I was impressed with the awards won by this little yet oustanding spa. In December 2006, Jari Jari Spa’s signature treatment, Dusun Lotud Inan Body Therapy, won “The Best Traditional Treatment” during the Malaysia Spa and Wellness Awards. The following year, Jari jari Spa was named top five for the Award of Excellence in the category Day Spa during The Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards for Malaysia 2007 / 2008. Jari Jari Spa is the only spa in Sabah to promote the little-known treatment of the Dusun, one of the ethnic races in the state.

Awards won by Jari Jari Spa

With so many good things that I hear about this spa, I decided to visit and find out more on what makes Jari Jari Spa well-liked among spa connoisseurs. Entering the spa is like going into the antediluvian age where a massive stone slab more than 50 million years old serves as a symbol of power and prestige by the local ethnic groups local. The sound of tricking water, soft music in the background, smells of local flowers and spices really gave me indisputable inner peace and tranquility.

I was greeted with unusually warm hospitality when I arrived. I asked Jennifer what her secret was and she replied by saying “I take great pride in my team, and we all work well together, because we want to be the best spa not only in Sabah but also in Malaysia.” She also said that being officially affiliated with the Swedish College of Travel and Tourism has contributed to the high standards set by Jari Jari Spa. Jennifer also just recently been appointed to become a representative in Sabah for The Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA) which is an organization that promotes professionalism as well as setting the highest standards for the spa industry in Malaysia. This recognition has led Jari jari Spa to become the first spa in Sabah accepted as a member of the premier organization. According to Jennifer, 70% of her customers are expatriates or tourists and only 30% are locals which indicate that the wide range of treatments are widely indulged by a good mixture of community.

Jeanette Tambakau and Jennifer Lee

Unlike most of the spas in town, Jari Jari Spa is the one and only spa in Sabah that preserving the heritage of the Dusun community. Even all of the treatments use local ingredients such as cinnamon (kayu manis), cocoa (buah koko), Tenom coffee (kopi Tenom), fragrant screw pine (daun pandan), lemon grass (serai) and turmeric (kunyit). Well, back in the old days the locals were not exposed to any of the imported and expensive massage oils that are commonly used in spa outlets nowadays. So they make use of whatever they can find in the jungle or their own backyards. I find this very innovative as you don’t really need complicated ingredients to complement a spa treatment.

Local ingredients

Other best-selling treatments at Jari Jari Spa are the Mountain Massage and Palad (The Palm Massage). The Mountain Massage uses firm thumb and palm pressure in a massage that helps relieve tension and tiredness, while calming and relaxing the body and mind. This massage helps reduce stress, soothes sore muscles and improving blood circulation - recommended for jungle trekkers and mountain climbers.

The Palad massage uses the palm to apply pressure that flows rhythmically to stimulate blood circulation and relieve tiredness and stress. Selected Jari Jari blended massage oils such as Relax, Energize, Passion and Spice, are used to address specific needs.

I would say Jari Jari Spa offers wide range of spa treatments not only for individuals, couples and even children – suitable for the whole family. What a great way for to strengthen family bond while being pampered and taken away on a fulfilling journey. Special packages are also available for girlfriends’ getaways and bridal showers. Expatriates living in Sabah can apply for tempting and worth-the-money memberships at Jari Jari Spa.

Since I am just starting to become a spa connoisseur after a spa treatment that I had at a spa outlet not long time ago, I was curious on how to choose which spa treatment that suits or benefit individual spa-goer. Jennifer explained that the the younger women are better off with a soft to hard massage as they can endure the pain compared to the older women. Older women should always go for soft massage because their skins can be very sensitive and bound to get bruised so easily.

With all the information on Jari Jari Spa and based on Jennifer’s recommendation, I was keen to embark on a blissful journey with the signature Dusun Lotud Inan. Jennifer said that this treatment was passed down from generation to generation among the Lotud Dusuns community during the rice-growing seasons. The women spent the whole day of back-breaking paddy-planting works in the paddy field so at the end of the day, this massage helped to ease the aches and pains. In modern days, this massage is also recommended for those who want to relieve tension and tiredness cased by the bad posture associated with working on computers for long hours. I definitely belong in that category!

Foot therapy room

Before the treatment, I was served a glass of soothing ginger tea or layo tea, believed to relax and cool down the body before I had to fill up a set of questionnaires which basically meant to find out more on any of my medical history, stress level, allergies and all sorts of health conditions which help the therapist to determine what techniques to incorporate in the massage. Then my therapist, Ziera, escorted me to the foot therapy room and have me seated on a countoured wooden chair to enjoy the warm Dusunic Floral Foot Soak in a rustic wooden foot tub lined with soothes pebbles. After the floral foot soak, Ziera scrubbed my feet using Tenom coffee which helps to remove dead skins. Right after the coffee scrub was washed off, Ziera dried my feet and legs before she applied the cocoa cream. I was awed on how the coffee and cocoa had really soften my feet and legs after that.

Dusunic Floral Foot Bath

Next, Ziera led me to the treatment room where I was greeted by the refreshing and mixed aroma of lemon grass, fragrant screw pine, turmeric and cinnamon. She slipped out of the room while I get change into a sarong which was readily placed inside the room. When she returned to the room, I have made myself comfortable on the massage bed. Lying face-down on the massage bed, I can still smell the aroma lingered in the air.

Treatment room

Ziera then applied some massage oil and used thumbs pressure to the various points of my body especially on the neck, shoulder and back. For a young woman, Ziera's touch was strong and deft and she located areas of stress that need unknotting without me having to guide her to them. It was a wonderful feeling to be in the good hands of someone who gave a fabulous massage, checking with me a couple of times to make sure the pressure was just right: It always was.

One hour 45 minutes flew by and I was awakened by a soft pat on my shoulder. I felt my whole body was as light as the feathers when I got up which was a positive response – the strained muscles have been shifted into place and out of tension. I sat down on the massage bed while sipping a warm and revitalizing layo tea and a glass of warm water. This ritual is believed to nourish the body after losing body fluids or sweats during the treatment. I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone especially those who have had a long and hectic day at work.

I reluctanty had to return to the real world but I would never forget the magical touch that embraced me throughout a blissful journey far beyond speech – none other than Jari Jari Spa! I would definitely make a comeback one day.

Fact File:Jari Jari Spa
Plaza Tanjung Aru,
2nd Floor, Block B,
Lot 2.1,Jalan Mat Salleh,
Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia.
Tel: (60 88) 272 606
Fax: (60 88) 272 604
Website: www.jarijari.com.my

The Renaissance of Mediterranean

Olives Mediterranean Restaurant

There are not many restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine in Kota Kinabalu. In fact, there are only a couple of them around that I can think of. So when I was invited to Olives Mediterranean Restaurant at Nexus Resort Karambunai, I had no idea of what to expect.

Rated as one of Malaysia’s best restaurants in Malaysias Tatler for several years in a row, Olives is well-known among food aficionados in Kota Kinabalu for its remarkable Mediterranean cuisine and wide selections of fine wines from the best wineries around the globe. It is the combination of quality ingredients, expertise and exceptional menu that makes Olives the ultimate choice for fine dining in town. So I decided to see and experience the most talked about restaurant myself.

When I stepped into the award-winning fine dining restaurant, I was lured by the cozy and relaxing ambiance. The charcoal drawing of undulating hills, vineyards and rustic village houses on its feature wall is sort of transporting me to Mediterranean. There are also tables by the floor-to-ceiling windows which allow you to enjoy the panoramic view of a beautifully landscaped garden and glittering night’s sky. Olives can comfortably accommodate up to 48 persons and fits all sorts of occasions, be it a romantic dinner for two or a dinner with some friends.

The name itself derived from the infamous fruits – olives, which symbolize plenty, justice, peace, victory, wisdom, and rebirth. This is indeed true when Olives opened its door to a brand new chapter of creative and exquisite new menu, specially prepared by Executive Chef Volkmar Ertel and Sous Chef Desmond Chin. With an Executive Chef with 29 years of experience in the culinary industry, I knew for sure that I was going on a total indulgence of gastronomic journey! That evening I was totally spoilt with some scrumptious meals and I was honoured to be the one of the first people (apart from other invited guests that evening) to savour these delectable creations.

For starters, I had the Carpaccio of glazed salmon with orange butter, green asparagus tips and lettuce in sherry dressing. I have to say that when this pink salmon was garnished with vibrant greens, the salmon is as striking to the eye as it is to the palate especially when accompanied by the Banfi Sparkling Red Bellagio, a lively wine with hints of ripe berry fruit and a refreshing aftertaste.

Carpaccio of glazed salmon with orange butter, green asparagus tips and lettuce in sherry dressing

Then, I was served the warm Polenta Tarte filled with goatbrie cheese and dried tomatoes on Brunello Sabayone. The creamy cheese balancing well with the tarte, but then Banfi Pinot Grigio’s refreshing taste complements the whole fare.

Warm Polenta Tarte filled with goatbrie cheese and dried tomatoes on Brunello Sabayone

The next course was a delicious Mediterranean lobster soup. This is not just any soup as it was made of butter poached lobster morsels with fennel, finished with finest saffron blossom and served with a Mediterranean bread twist. I just could not stop from dipping the bread twist into the tasty soup.

Mediterranean lobster soup


When it came to the main courses, I have to say that I felt so special that evening as I got to try two choices of main courses. First, I had the classic Piemontese ravioli fillet with meat, tossed in brown butter with fresh sage and parmesan sail accompanied with Wolf Blass Bilyara Shiraz. Then, I had the rack of lamb in broccoli bread crust, saffron risotto and smoked vegetable sauce accompanied by Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino D.O.C.G. Both meals have their own distinguished tastes and I just loved both of them but I leave it to you to choose which one you like the most!

Piemontese ravioli fillet with meat, tossed in brown butter with fresh sage and parmesan sail

Rack of lamb in broccoli bread crust, saffron risotto and smoked vegetable sauce


A dinner is not complete without dessert or what I normally call the “sweet endings”. I would say that I was spoilt with two sinful desserts – the Bavaroise Bianca and Salty and Sweet.
The Bavaroise Bianca is comprised of light white wine parfait on strawberry compote garnished with candied fruits. The Muscat De Beaumes De Venise with the distinctive Muscat flavours of flowers, tropical fruit and honey was the perfect wine for this dessert.

The Bavaroise Bianca

Another notable creation was the salty and sweet Gambazola cheese coated in chilli chocolate sauce and mango salsa. Who ever thought that chilli can be used in any desserts? Don’t fret with the word “chilli” as this is one of the most sinful desserts I’ve ever tasted and it is best paired with port wine.

Tuscan coffee and petit fours concluded the dinner. As much as I did not want the evening to end, I was totally indulged to the “renaissance” of Olives’ menu. In another words, I would say the chefs at Olives have successfully enhanced the history of culinary. You should come and experience it yourself to believe it!

Fact File:Olives Mediterranean Restaurant
Nexus Resort Karambunai
Off Jalan Sepanggar Bay,
88993 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah.
Tel: (60 88) 411 222
Email: info@nexusresort.com
Website: www.nexusresort.com

Business Hours:
Dinner: 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm

Dress Code:
Smart casual






Remarks:
This editorial is also published in the following:
* Senses of Malaysia (May 2009 issue)
* The Expat (May 2009 issue)
* http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?nav=1&id=91272
* http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article.asp?nav=1&id=61191
* http://www.etravelblackboard.co.nz/article.asp?nav=1&id=64159
* http://www.dinemalaysia.com/olive_restaurant.pdf

A Cheese Haven in the Land Below The Wind

When you think that you need to get away from a bustling city for the weekend or if your ideal vacation consists of sipping chilled concoctions while dipping in the pool or dozing off under a swaying coconut tree, then the Langkah Syabas Beach Resort fits your bill to the tee.


Spectacular Borneo sunset

Owned by an Australian national, Peter Cantwell, this serene piece of paradise is only 25 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city centre and 15 minutes from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Over 15 years ago, Peter had a vision of creating a tranquil resort within a traditional rustic Sabahan village and the perfect setting of the Kinarut Laut had turned his dream into a reality.

Married to a Sabahan lady and have two lovely daughters, Peter has created a resort with unique personalised service with all the combined comforts of Australian and Asian hospitality. Up to date, the resort has welcomed numerous visitors from countries like Australia, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Brunei as well as local tourists from all over Malaysia.

A total of 18 chalets with balconies overlooking the swimming pool or azure South China Sea allow you to breathe in the balmy sea breezes that wafted through your windows while the magical sounds of ocean waves lull you to sleep at night. With every delight at your fingertips, the true spirit of escape is undeniably natural and there are just many things for everyone here.



Recreational appeals include a swimming pool underneath the green trees and a wide range of tour activities which you can book through the reception. On a fine day, you can even get on a horse ride around the resort for only RM15 per ride. If you just want to rest in your chalet, you can even borrow some DVD movies or books from the reception free of charge. You don’t have to leave the resort for meals as The Balcony Restaurant offers wide selection of high standard of cuisine with an emphasis on western dishes together with many favourite Asian specialties. I always hear among the expats as well as the locals that the Langkah Syabas Beach Resort’s Sunday Roast buffet lunch is something that no one should ever missed! So one Sunday, I decided to try and find out what is so special about it. As I walked up the staircases to the restaurant, I was totally drawn to the pleasant smell of roast meats.

Traditional roasts such as beef, lamb and chicken along with its accompaniments of Yorkshire pudding and baked potatoes are on full display for the guests to enjoy on a relaxing Sunday afternoon while enjoying some cold beers. Then there is cheese section, something that I could not say no to.

Soft brie cheese, sweet as cream. A tasty camembert cheese with slightly salty taste. Where did this cornucopia come from?


A selection of cheese – Brie, Camembert, Feta and marinated Feta

“It’s all from around here,” the waitress said, gesturing vaguely toward a white-painted building at the back of the restaurant. “We make the cheese here, the home of Kinarut Beach Cheese.”
A cheese factory in Sabah? Well that surprised me which made me so eager to find out more about the person who had come up with the brilliant idea of making cheeses in this hot and humid place.


Cheese factory

I managed to meet up with the manager of Kinarut Beach Cheese, Shelley Blew, an Australian who is proud enough to say that she is a Sabahan as she has been living in Sabah for a long time. According to Shelley, three years ago a couple of retired cheese makers from Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Mos and Liz Howard, were having their first holiday in twelve years. When they stayed at Langkah Syabas Beach Resort, Peter Cantwell popped up the question on whether it was possible to make cheese in Malaysia.


Shelley Blew - manager of Kinarut Beach Cheese

Who ever thought that the question has led Mos and his family moved to Kota Kinabalu and stayed for six months to teach two local ladies, Judith Lojingki and Ng Siew Kyun, the fine art of cheese-making. Then the rest was history!


The cheesemakers - Juidth Lojingki and Ng Siew Kyun

Are there enough sources of milk in Kota Kinabalu? Surprisingly, Shelley said she gets supply of milk from a local supplier, known as Korporasi Pembangunan Desa. At this stage, all cows’ milk is used and they are delivered to the factory three times a week. As back-up, cows’ milk is also purchased from another supplier which is the Sabah International Dairy.

“It takes a whole day to make cheese so we only make them about three to six times a week.” Shelley explained. “For now, we make at least 100 kg of cheese every month. Our busiest time to make cheese is in July because we need to cater for hotels and resorts in August when it is the busiest month for them” she added.

Shelley was so kind to give me a quick tour around the cheese factory. Even though it is only a small factory, being in there had given me a vivid idea on the meticulous processes involved in making cheese. The cheese can last for two months but normally after 1 month, the smells turns a bit pungent and slightly of ammonia, so you need to unwrap the cheese and let it breath. Some people like cheese with strong smell and some don’t, so it is up to the individual on how long they want to keep the cheese for. Although the Kinarut Beach Cheese factory is only making Brie, Camembert, Feta and marinated Feta, Shelley mentioned that other sorts of cheese such as Blue cheese will be added to the list soon.

Kinarut Beach Cheese distributes its cheese to leading hotels and resorts such as Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu, Nexus Resort Karambunai and Le Meridien Hotel Kota Kinabalu. The cheese is also available at leading supermarkets like Merdeka Supermarket, Chua Kah Seng Supermarket and Giant in City Mall with a plan to supply to hotels and supermarkets in Kuala Lumpur.

So when you think you need a break in a paradise with something to titillate the palate, it is yours to discover at Langkah Syabas Beach Resort!


Remarks:
This editorial is also published in the following:-
* The Expat Magazine (April 2009 issue)
* Senses of Malaysia (May 2009 issue)
* http://www.etravelblackboard.co.nz/article.asp?nav=1&id=64082
* http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?nav=1&id=91024
* http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article.asp?nav=1&id=61033