Something fishy going on in Singapore? You bet! Only this one is designed to make you — or rather your feet — feel good. Pedicure has acquired a whole new meaning in the island country with the relatively new concept of fish reflexology, a feel-good spa exercise where thousands of fish (yes, you read that right) nibble happily at dead skin as you ease your feet into a tank of warm water. And the result in as little as 30 minutes is baby-smooth, sparkling-clean feet.

A novel spa therapy first introduced in West Asia, the fish spa is a must-have on your list of things to do when you visit Singapore or Malaysia next. The revitalising fish spa treatment — which is preceded by a relaxing 30-minute-long foot massage in between sips of rose tea — leaves you with healthier skin without the breakouts, lesions and rashes that can result from a pedicure gone bad. The doctors at work here? The well known Garra Rufa or ‘Doctor Fish’ from Turkey, a species native to hot springs, lakes and river basins which have a simple agenda — to help you get rid of those painful cracked heels or the patch of hard skin on the soles of your feet.

“The fish are specially brought in from Turkey and they work quickly and effectively. Every customer has been amazed and delighted at the result,” says Anna Cheong Wailing, sales manager of the Singapore division of Kenko Reflexology and Spa. Located a stone’s throw away from the Singapore Flyer, Kenko gets “between 30-40” customers a day of which “at least 18 to 20” opt for the fish spa. Like Bridgette Graham from Australia who braved the rain on a Sunday morning to pamper herself. “I simply had to experience the treatment. A friend of mine had a serious case of eczema cured through regular fish spa treatment,” smiled Bridgette, squealing with delight every time she spied a Garra Rufa pry off a piece of dead skin from her feet. A good nibble from a Garra Rufa also promotes blood circulation, eases psoriasis, lightens minor scars and is acknowledged as a stress reliever. Now you know why it is also called “little dermatologist”!

The Garra Rufa treatment may be a rage in Southeast Asia — there are 15 outlets of Kenko in Singapore alone and the treatment is even available at Sentosa Island’s Underwater World — but India still remains deprived. However, it may not be for long. “ We are looking at the possibility of expanding our operations to various countries in Asia and India is definitely an option,” says Wailing of Kenko.

Garra Rufa to that!