luxury vs ritual
March 30, 2010My trip to Jakarta this month was supposed to be for a couple of days only, but I extended it till the weekend because I wanted to soak up Jakarta a bit more. I am so inspired by their culture; the kind people, the lifestyle, the food, the language, the fashion and of course the shopping mall on every corner.
But most of all, I’m so inspired by the culture of the women there. OMG seriously, they really really really take care of their appearance. Anywhere they go, even to go buy milk down the road, they are impeccably dressed and not a single hair out of place.
I would never go to Jakarta for my honeymoon. Not because I don’t like the place, but because there are just too many pretty girls walking around, toting Birkin bags in the mall. Seriously, they all look like celebs with make up and hair perfectly set and perfume that can fill up the whole room.
Of course I wouldn’t go to that extreme to be wearing a gallon of make up to go to the mamak stall, but I admire the way they really groom themselves. I always write in my blog how women should love themselves more and make effort to look, feel and smell good. So far, I think Indonesian women are the epitome of that.
And besides good genes and all those jamu they consume, I discovered their little secret.
SPA.
Rich or poor, they frequent the spa on a regular basis; creambath, massage, body scrub, waxing, all sorts of heavenly body treatments. If in Malaysia, we see spa as luxury only if we have the time, Indonesian women see spa as a ritual. Like taking a shower in the morning. Which woman on earth wouldn’t agree to this culture?!!
They wake up really early in the morning just to do their hair before going off to work. That bit doesn’t sound so fun. I’d rather wear a wig than sacrifice sleep.
Because I had time on my hands, I agreed to be taken to a spa (without much persuasion, really) called Taman Sari. Taman Sari is under the umbrella of Mustika Ratu, so they have been established for many many years. This is one of the more high end spas and my god, it was so worth it. Because in Indonesia, massages are cheap. My one and a half hour massage was Rp. 190,000…how much is that in RM? Where’s my calculator… RM70. But remember, this was a high end spa.
The Javanese massage was sooo nice that I had to stop myself from dozing off because I didn’t want to waste any second being unconscious.
But…
OK men, look away please. This is for the ladies.
The lady just slipped my towel off and asked, “Do you want a “chest” massage?”
What on earth…GOD NO!
I wanted to laugh, but I thought that would be mean. But perhaps she should’ve asked me before robbing me off my towel.
Afterwards, I had a hair wash. Their hairwash chair has massage options, OK!! It was awesomeeeee. I haven’t seen any in Malaysia so far. If you know any salon with massage chairs, do share please.
Fresh out of massage. So content.
With the very nice lady who did my hair
Taman Sari is a spa with customers from all over the world, including Miss Universe Venezuela 2009. Hey if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for all of us!
I’m back home in KL now, but am missing Jakarta. I’m starting to think I have ancestors from there because I have this fond affinity for the city!
u look lovely as always, V!:)
ahhhh i love the spa in indonesia! like so cheap kaaaaan? and it was a satisfying experience :)) and yeahhhh the chest massage…lol…..it’s once in a lifetime experience la! no more after this π so malu!
Did u take a peek at their pool? I took a photo there even we weren’t allowed to do so! π
hey there vivy,
was just wonderin, wanna get some profiles/quotes from your office for the IBS works, who do I contact? you? or your sales team etc?
uuu Ive been to Taman Sari too! So nice kan.
And, yep, same experience with the “chest” massage. I was caught unprepared (more like half asleep-lying on my back. I thought she want to massage tummy only!!). But (ahem boys please go away) I think I know how to keep “chest” perky now LOL.
soooooooo interesting about the chest massage… hehehe
PD looks soooo beautifulllllllll..As always=)
i’ll be going to jakarta in january next year..hehe=)
thanks for the comments π
ems: they have a pool!?!!! man i should’ve spent more time there heheh
rouge: HAHAHAHA pls email me tips… i need to know this before it’s too late. ahhaha
eric: you can email me eric! i’d be happy to explain our ibs system to you.
i think quite a few of the hair saloons in jakarta’s high end malls have massage chairs!. yeah i wish they had those here too.
I need to go Jakarta … like NOW.
me too! I want, I need, I must go, I WILL go to Jakarta. Already started planning for my trip!
CHEST MASSAGE!!!
=))
Hye PD..u can go to Snips the curve for d massage chair (=
Ps: but d chair is at d back.just for cuci only.not infront π at least ada jgk kan?hihi
I never miss pampering myself at Taman Sari whenever I’m in Jakarta. It’s the best, don’t you think? π
About the chest massage.. Haha.. I did once in Bali, at “Taman Harum”.. He didn’t even ask.. Want or not.. And i was speechless.. Malu! .. But became one of my lifetime experience that i will never forget