Spa session… in Kajang Prison? Yes, we tried it and here’s what surprised us

I’ll admit it... when my two girlfriends and I decided we needed a massage, a prison was the last place we imagined ending up.

But that’s exactly where our impromptu girls’ day out took us - Spa Z, Kajang Prison’s very own spa, which I only discovered thanks to a viral Threads post.

One screenshot later and we were down the rabbit hole, equal parts curious and sceptical.

“Prison? For a spa? Whatttt.”

That was the group consensus. Still, we called and miraculously… they had slots.

So off we went on a one-hour mini road trip from Shah Alam to Kajang, armed with fried chicken, gossip and Waze.

Despite the presence of prison officers, everyone was incredibly warm and helpful, shattering the intimidating mental picture we had initially carried in.

First Impressions: Not as scary as you think

Walking in, the predictable thought hit: Should we be worried?

But the spa was calm, tidy and professionally run.

There were prison officers around but everyone was warm, helpful and nothing like the intimidating mental picture we’d carried in.

Once the massage began, any lingering doubts melted away. Their first touch - firm, confident, thoughtful - said it all. These women were well-trained.

My masseuse shared that they undergo five months of training in prison before they’re allowed to serve customers. The small allowance they earn can be used upon release, giving them some financial breathing room to restart life.

Somewhere between the shoulder rubs and small talk, it hit me how easily we forget that people behind bars are still just that, people. Capable, talented and working to rebuild.

A fully equipped spa (yes, really)

Thanks to a viral Threads post, our impromptu girls’ day out took an unexpected turn—straight to Spa Z, Kajang Prison's very own exclusive spa.

Spa Z isn’t some barebones setup tucked into a corner.

They operate from 9am to 4pm (closed during Hari Raya) and the service menu is... honestly impressive:

• Full body massage
• Facial
• Sauna
• Tungku therapy
• Reflexology
• And a full salon offering:
• Haircuts, blowouts, trims
• Hair treatments
• Rebonding
• Colour
• Henna
• Serum treatments

The prices? Almost shockingly affordable, especially by Klang Valley standards. No-frills, no-fluff, but high in skill and sincerity.

The Gallery: Malaysia’s hidden craft treasure

Post-massage, we wandered into the gallery selling handmade items by inmates and this was another eye-opener.

There were beautifully crafted batik and songket pieces, including a jaw-dropping 'dua muka' songket priced at RM30,000.

For this, one surface pattern of the songket is different from the other and it took the inmates three to four months of daily work to complete it. The craftsmanship was insane, delicate, intricate and honestly, museum-worthy to my untrained eyes.

Showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, the collection featured batik and songket pieces, including a truly jaw-dropping 'dua muka' songket valued at RM30,000.

And then… the frozen food section

Yes, you read that right.

They also sell hype-worthy frozen snacks, including:

• Frozen donuts
• Sardine rolls
• Kuih badak
• Various currypuffs - potato, chicken, and the viral lamb currypuff (usually sold out, but luck was on our side — fresh restock!)

During Raya, the location reportedly transforms into a bustling kuih raya hotspot, with all the festive delicacies meticulously handmade by the inmates.

There were also jars of rempeyek, tempeh chips and other munchies. During Raya, the place reportedly transforms into a kuih raya hotspot, all handmade by inmates.

If you’re into rattan furniture, their pieces are gorgeous - I would have hauled one home if not for my apartment’s limited space.

Their rattan pieces are so gorgeous I was genuinely tempted to buy one, but my apartment simply doesn't have the space.

They even offer tailoring services for baju kurung, alterations and more, though slots are already almost full for Hari Raya.

A day out that changed our perspective

What started as a random girls’ outing turned into something unexpectedly meaningful. Beyond the massages and the snacks, the visit challenged our assumptions.

The women we met were skilled, respectful and working hard, especially now that the spa has gone viral, not just to pass time, but to build a future.

We left Kajang Prison feeling relaxed, surprised and oddly hopeful.

Sometimes the most unlikely detours remind us of our shared humanity, even in the last place you’d expect: behind prison walls.

If you ever want a massage with a story, a little life lesson and really good lamb currypuffs at the end, you know where to go - just remember to book ahead!

And if Kajang feels too far, the Prisons Department will be holding 'A Day with the Prisons Department' at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on Nov 25 and 26, where you can grab their frozen items and crafts.