Balinese massage (Pijat Bali) — what it is and how a session goes
Balinese massage (Pijat Bali) is a light, calm full-body massage with warm oil. The therapist works with long, flowing strokes and gentle kneading at a slow pace, and you choose the scent of the oil with her before the treatment. At Tera Thai a session lasts 60, 90 or 120 minutes and costs from 229 PLN. It suits a first visit, or any time you want to rest without firm pressure.
Where Pijat Bali comes from
Pijat Bali is a traditional massage from Indonesia. It combines techniques from the island of Bali with influences from Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. We perform it on a massage table, with warm oil. Classic Thai massage works differently: no oil, comfortable clothes, firmer pressure and stretching.
What Balinese massage involves
The therapist combines several techniques in one flowing session:
- long, enveloping strokes that spread the warm oil over the whole body,
- gentle kneading of the back, thighs and calves,
- acupressure, meaning calm pressure on selected points,
- elements of reflexology on the hands and feet,
- gentle limb stretches, much calmer than in Thai massage.
The session ends with a calm neck and head massage. The pace stays slow and even throughout, which makes it easy to settle down.
What a visit at Tera Thai looks like
We start with a short chat. We ask about your preferences and any contraindications, and you choose the scent of the oil. Before the massage the therapist washes your feet in warm water, because every massage with us begins with this ritual. You can read more about it in our article on the foot-washing ceremony.
You keep your own underwear on or we give you disposable underwear, and you stay covered with a towel throughout. Fresh linen, towels and warmed oil are standard, and you can shower before and after the treatment. If the pressure feels too firm or too light, tell your therapist at any moment. After the massage there is time to rest with a glass of water.
Balinese massage options and prices
Besides classic Pijat Bali we offer several Balinese variants. Prices are the same in Gdańsk and Gdynia:
| Option | 60 min | 90 min | 120 min | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pijat Bali | 229 PLN | 299 PLN | 389 PLN | light, calm full-body massage |
| Back and shoulders | 199 PLN | — | — | upper body only |
| Deep tissue | 249 PLN | 349 PLN | 429 PLN | firmer work on the muscles |
| With body scrub | — | — | 429 PLN | scrub and full-body massage |
| Hot stones | — | — | 429 PLN | massage with warm volcanic stones |
| Balinese Relaxation Package | — | — | 399 PLN | Balinese massage, acupressure, reflexology and stretching |
The full list of massages and packages is in our price list. You pay at the salon, by cash, card or BLIK, with no deposit for 1–2 people. The hot-stone version is covered in more detail in our hot stone massage guide.
How it feels
Most of the session is warm oil, a slow rhythm and a pleasant scent. The pressure is gentle and there is little stretching. Your skin stays oiled afterwards, so if you are in a hurry, leave a few minutes for a shower at the salon. For the hours that follow, see our guide on what to do after a massage.
Balinese or Thai massage?
These two are the most often confused. Balinese is done with oil and is flowing and light. Classic Thai is done without oil, in clothes, with the focus on pressure and stretching, so most people find it firmer. The full comparison is in Thai or Balinese massage: which to choose. If you would like a massage without oil that is still calm, read our guide to relaxing Thai massage.
For anyone who wants to rest and unwind, including a first visit to a massage salon. If you prefer firmer muscle work, choose the deep tissue variant. Couples often pick Balinese for a session together, as we describe in our couples massage guide. Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage is similarly flowing, and the therapist also works with her forearms.
How often?
A visit every 2–4 weeks works well. We cover this in our guide on how often to get a massage. If you come regularly, ask at reception for a loyalty card: your fifth massage is 50% off.
Where to book Pijat Bali in the Tricity
We offer Balinese massage in Gdańsk and Gdynia in both Tera Thai salons: in Gdańsk's Zaspa district (ul. Hynka 18/lok. U13) and in Gdynia's Redłowo (ul. Redłowska 37/10). Each salon has its own page with prices and directions: Balinese massage in Gdańsk (Zaspa) and Balinese massage in Gdynia (Redłowo). Both are open daily from 12:00 to 22:00. You can book online via Booksy at any time or by phone, and maps and directions are on our locations page.
