A Neighborhood day spa in Malaysia
By: Dena Braun
The spa industry is booming with spas springing up in the most unlikely places.  On a recent trip to Penang in Malaysia, I mentioned to my guide that I also wrote spa stories and the next day he surprised me with a trip to a local day spa.

Now Penang is very much still coming into the modern world, unlike the capital of Kuala Lumpur.  But even here in this town where poverty is still evident, the winds of change are blowing.  Case in point is Teratak Spa.  Nestled into an unassuming neighborhood, it stands out for its freshly painted cheerful green exterior and care given to landscaping.

I pick up a spa brochure and see a special package consisting of a floral footbath, passion fruit body scrub and a back massage for the unreal price of under $30 USD.   At Teratak you won’t get all the frills of a resort spa, or the polish of a therapist who has worked at the best spas in the world, but you will get a lot of bang for your buck and leave more relaxed than you arrived.

Owner Norliza Orthman is passionate about the spa industry and is an astute marketer who knows that her spa must look good and offer new innovative treatments.  To that end the spa’s signature treatment is the Kaffir Lime Scalp Massage.  The treatment is designed to promote circulation and increase hair growth.  It’s about a 20-minute treatment focusing on your head, face and upper back.  The therapist’s touch was a bit rough and I enjoyed the new Sarsi Bath treatment more.  This treatment utilizes herbs and strands of sassafras wood in the bath.  Orthman says it’s very good for people with dry skin, eczema and bug bites (a common occurrence in Malaysia).  Other interesting offerings include body wraps done with banana leaves and Balinese massage.

Orthman is hoping to grow the spa industry as a whole in Malaysia and even offers a school to teach aspiring wellness practitioner.  For more information email teratakspa@yahoo.com.

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