The $10 Massage

Yesterday we went to Lauban Bajo's Yayasan Ayo Mandiri massage centre. A great idea - people with disabilities are trained to give massages and related treatments (facials, reflexology) and given useful careers. As the brochure I picked up in the centre explained, people in Indonesia with disabilities have it tough - they are stigmatized, dependent, and can be isolated. Some of the therapists are encouraged to start their own centres or work as massage therapists in their own villages once trained.  So you're getting a great massage AND helping some people out. They have a boarding centre for students for other villages too. Total win.

The therapists are deaf or hard of hearing, some are blind, and my guy walked with a severe limp. That didn't stop him from having the strongest hands and arms I've ever seen.

Prices as of Nov 2014:
60 min massage with 10 min footbath - 100,000 Rp. (about $10)
100 min " - 130,000 Rp.
60 min Facial - 80,000 Rp.
Hot stone massage 100 min - 150,000

(They also come to hotels if you're staying in a hotel here.)

Mon - Sat 9-12:30 / 3-8 pm
Closed Sun/public holidays
0062-(0)385-41318
www.yam-flores.com (they said their internet is slow and only got our email asking for an appointment the next day)

Location:
They are located on JL. Puncak Waringin. If you are walking from the centre of town, take the side road in front of Hotel Gardena. You pass 2 schools, the 2nd being TK St. Angela.  Take the next side road right up a steep hill, passing a backpacker's hostel and look for the big sign saying "Massage". Alternatively if you walk along the waterfront to the north end of town, the road makes a sharp right turn at the harbour. Follow the road and take the 2nd right turn.  Either way, it's no more than a 10-15 minute walk from town.

There are 2 other massage places in town on the main road, but their prices are bit higher. The facility we went to was clean and welcoming - the showers at the end were a nice bonus for sweaty cruisers!