Founded in 2005 by Jennifer Chan Lee and Datin Jeanette Tambakau, Jari Jari Spa, located in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo, draws upon traditional Borneo techniques and local ingredients, combining these with the principals of modern spa management.
Ethnic Borneo Massage, developed by Jari Jari Spa, is the umbrella term for its unique therapies based on traditional indigenous treatments, which differ distinctly from the better-known Thai, Balinese and Ayurvedic massage techniques.
Since its establishment, Jari Jari Spa quickly earned a reputation as the premier spa using traditional Borneo therapies, winning industry awards including "Best Traditional Treatment" for its Dusun Inan Therapy and "Best Traditional Local Folk Treatment", both awarded by the Malaysian Spa and Wellness Awards in 2006 and 2011 respectively. In addition, the Spa has received enthusiastic recommendations from guests from throughout Asia, as well as from Australia and Europe.
Jennifer Chan Lee is a descendant of one most illustrious native families of the early 20th Century, whose head was Paramount Chief, of all the native Dusun and Murut tribes in the Interior of what was once British North Borneo. She is proud of her heritage and traditions, and her mission is to ensure that Borneo's age-old skills are preserved in order to promote health and a sense of well being. Jennifer will be sharing her knowledge of the techniques of Ethnic Borneo Massage, particularly the Palad, Tanggara and Dusun Inan.
Palad (Palm of Hand) Therapy was developed by the Bookan Muruts, a group of hill tribes from Sabah southwest. This technique uses the palm of the hand, applying rhythmic pressure to stimulate blood circulation and relieve tiredness and stress.
The palm of hand is applied with one or more scented essential oils to address specific needs such as insomnia or anxiety. This type of massage is particularly suited for clients who prefer soothing and relaxing body massage. The pressure varies from soft to hard, and is recommended for clients having massage for the first time, as well as for the elderly.
Tanggara (Mountain Dusun Therapy), developed by the Kinabalu Dusuns (a group of indigenous tribes from the foot hills of Mount Kinabalu), uses firm thumb and palm pressure to help relieve tension and tiredness. The Tanggara massage technique is an invigorating yet relaxing massage that helps reduce stress soothes sore muscles and improves blood circulation.
The movements are designed to improve blood flow to the skin and muscles, and remove muscle tension. The hands make long smooth strokes, kneading and making circular movements on superficial layers of muscle, starting from the lower leg towards the upper back, torso and shoulder. The massage pressure varies from soft to hard, and is particularly appropriate for stress-related conditions after mountain climbing or jungle trekking.
Dusun Inan Therapy (The Paddy Field Massage)
Passed from generation to generation by the rice-growing Lotud Dusuns, this type of massage evolved to soothe away the aches and pains left by back-breaking work in the rice fields. Jari Jari's award-winning Dusun Inan therapy is, however, equally as effective in relieving the strain brought on by bad posture often associated with working on computers.
Using the thumbs to apply pressure on various pressure points in the body - particularly the neck, shoulders and back -- this technique unblocks the flow of energy, releasing tension and relaxing the muscles. The therapist targets the deeper layer of muscles and connective tissues, using slow strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.