Compliments from Singapore Tourism Board

'Foot Rubs Are Elevated To An Art Form At Bath Culture' Uniquely Singapore

Located in the heart of Chinatown (just a three-minute walk from the Chinatown MRT station), Bath Culture reinvents Chinese foot reflexology. Touted as "more than a foot rub", Bath Culture offers foot baths and neck and shoulder massages as well. Also, the concept here is more spa-like. In place of the florescent lights and pedestrian air of other Chinese foot reflexology centres does décor resemble an ancient Chinese chamber with silk lanterns and dark red walls.

Foot baths are offered in wooden tubs of water at a temperature of about 42°C. Choose from a variety of foot bath salts, from moisturising milk crystal mud bath to antiseptic black plum natural foot bath. Foot baths are believed to improve blood circulation (hence the warm water, reminiscent of a Japanese onsen) and metabolism and promote sleep.

A 20-minute foot bath costs SGD 19-23, a 20-minute neck and shoulder massage SGD 29 and a 40-minute foot massage SGD 40. We recommend the 60-minute session, dubbed Healthy Sole, Happy Soul (SGD 69). Your therapist rubs down your neck and shoulders while you soak your feet, then you get a foot massage using an in-house cream concocted from jojoba oil. (Bath Culture tip: If you're not used to water that warm, keep your feet firmly placed on the bottom of the tub while they get used to the temperature.)

Business has been brisk and the shop often stays open past 10pm to accept customers who pop by for an after-dinner foot soak and massage. There are plans for further expansion and, in late July, Bath Culture will offer body massages using Javanese and Chinese techniques in the shop space upstairs. Customers will also get to enjoy "the freshest air in Singapore" as oxygenated air will be continually pumped into the room - a concept similar to oxygen bars.