2 Sabah - Fish Spa at 'Tagal' Sungai Moroli, Kampung Luanti

It's always nice returning to Sabah for a holiday. Although I was born and bred in a little island nearby, there is still so much I haven't seen of the mainland.

The fish spa at Kampung Luanti remains one of my favourite experiences. It is a long winding three-hour drive out of Kota Kinabalu city, but the ride was kept pleasant by the several stops we made to do some souvenir shopping, take in the majestic view of Mount Kinabalu and explore the odd structure of "Rumah Terbalik" (Upside down house).

The entrance fee is RM5 for 15minutes in the river. There's an additional RM3 charge if you bring a camera in. You'll find that they aren't very strict about it. We were not charged for our camera, not did they restrict our time. I guess it's because it wasn't peak season.

Fish food costs RM0.20 per packet. Buy it because feeding is a fun activity.

The fish spa in Kampung Luanti is nothing like the ones we find in malls. The fishes are larger sized, active and very effectively remove dead skin cells by sucking it off. By golly, my submerged feet were squeaky clean! I am not proud of it. I do wash my feet everyday!

The beautiful thing about it is that I got to experience all this in the natural cool waters of "Tagal" Sungai Moroli river. Tagal, meaning "No fishing" in the local dialect. There were no confining man-made pool or four walls to restrain my visual senses. The scenery is breathtaking 

Large school of fishes swarming towards me initially seemed intimidating but I was quick to get comfortable with the feeling once realisation sank in that it doesn't hurt. I felt the sharp mouths grazing my skin but that's just about it.

If this isn't your cup of tea, stay near the edge of the river where the smaller fishes are. You can choose to enjoy your time by tossing in some fish food. Watch the fish go crazy for it.

The pebbled bottom of the river can be a little harsh on the feet. There are plastic chairs provided. You can bring these chairs with you to the river. Just sit, with feet in the water, while the fishes enjoy their fruit..ahem (one man's meat...).

Daredevils can go for a full body dip.

Me? I'm satisfied with with the attention. Never have I had so many fans fighting for a piece of me...fish they may be.

Here are some photos I took:

A testimony of their dedication to keeping the river clean

 

Tourists getting the low down from the Guide

This tourist is on her own

Smaller fishes

In a frenzy as they sense food in the hand. Watch the video below. It's amazing.

Bridge over serene water

More of the bridge