Getting inked while on holiday or traveling is something of a new normal, with people inspired by the places and people they meet on the road. Bali is no exception. Yep, not only is the Isle of the Gods a top tourist destination, known for its mystical Buddhist temples, epic surf breaks, and black-sand beaches, but it’s also risen to become one of Asia’s top tattoo destinations…
In fact, tattooing has been an integral part of the cultural tradition of the island for centuries. For many Balinese, even today, tattoos are a symbol of masculinity, so don’t be surprised to see lots of local males wearing them. Tattoos in Bali are also used to express religious beliefs, which means Hindu-inspired designs that include Barong, Mantra, or Sanskrit scripts, along with depictions of gods, demons and mandelas.
With a tattoo parlor down nearly every street on the isle, you won’t need to look far to find one. There are several top-rated tattoo parlors throughout Bali and many are manned by local artists who are just as incredible with pencil and paper as they are with their ink guns. Choose from an array of designs that include tribal motifs, portraits, calligraphy, and Hindu myths and legends, all with help from our list of the nine best tattoo parlors in Bali…
TNT Tattoo Bali
Priding themselves on the originality of their artwork and service, TNT Tattoo Bali is up there with the premier parlors in all of Indonesia. Led by Ricky TNT, an acclaimed creator who cut his teeth at the also-fantastic (and also-on-this-list) Two Guns Tattoo, the team consists of portrait tattoo maestro Goper and all-round design master Adrian Aye. That equates to a group of three of the hottest tattoo makers working on the Isle of the Gods right now.
The establishment adheres to all Australian health standards and uses the finest imported inks to bring their trademark style to the streets of Seminyak. Thanks to the diversity of artists working on site, you can expect pretty much any idea to come to full fruition, no matter if you’re after a full sleeve inspired by Hindu mythology or a simple geometric pattern in a small corner of skin. Mainly, though – it’s about the experience. Customers are made to feel welcome and comfortable, and the whole tattoo process is a joy from the moment the ink guns start buzzing.
- Best for: Realism tattoos
- Address: Jl. Raya Taman no. 8 Seminyak Kuta Bali
King Queen Tattoo
Located in the scenic region of Uluwatu, King Queen Tattoo is the first private tattoo studio in the region. Adrian Yonathan, the owner of the studio, has over 15 years of experience and is a specialist in free-hand tattoos. From originally drawing on paper and canvas, Adrian fell in love with the styles Japanese, Oriental, Realist, Ornamental, and patterns in Black, Grey, or Colour.
His mixed designs can be complicated to produce, as you need to ensure there is a common flow in the entire piece. With countless awards including the 2018 ‘ Best at Masberto Kingdom Award and the ‘Top Score’ at the 11th Anniversary Indonesian Subculture in 2015 as well as the ‘Best SOP’ at the Ubud Tattoo Show in 2016. Adrian truly wears the crown as one of Indonesia’s finest tattoo artists.
You can contact King Queen Tattoo via their website where they offer a free consultation to help bring to life the tattoo of your dreams.
- Best for: Freehand tattoos
- Address: King Queen Tattoo Uluwatu, Jalan Raya Uluwatu.99x, Pecatu, 80361, Indonesia
Two Guns Tattoo Bali
Australian-owned Two Guns Tattoo Bali is a top-of-the-line tattoo studio in Bali. They have world-class, award-winning tattoo artists and follow Australian Health Standards to the T. They use only the best USA imported inks and needles and have worked hard to establish a great reputation for customer satisfaction. Many of their tattoo artists are gifted in freestyle tattoo designs and styles.
Tattoos here aren’t cheap but there’s a reason for that. The quality of the workmanship, the high-quality equipment, and the hygiene practices (Two Guns is known for its sterile environment) are all part of the package. That’s what gives them the motto: “A good tattoo isn’t cheap, and a cheap tattoo isn’t good”.
All their tattooists are multi-award winners with over 52 years of working in the field between them. With this much experience, you know you’re in good hands, which is why folks love coming and coming back to Two Guns to get their designs realized. Talking of which… the artist’s designs are something to admire over and over again. Anything from black and white to full-blown color is available.
- Best for: Years of experience
- Address: No. 204 X, Jl. Patih Jelantik, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Seminyak Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing Studio
One of the best top-rated tattoo parlors in Bali is Seminyak Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing Studio. Located in Seminyak, this tattoo parlor has been established since 2007. They are dedicated to providing their customers with the highest level of workmanship and sterilization available. They are able to design any tattoo you wish from simple small pieces like love hearts, flowers, and meaning words or phrases, to full sleeve pieces.
One of their tattoo artists, Ableh, has been in the industry for over 12 years and loves to combine traditional and classic styles with his own designs. He is specialized in old-school oriental designs but over the years has developed a real contemporary approach to his tattoos.
- Best for: Oriental designs
- Address: Jl. Nakula Street Block No.8, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Bali Ant Tattoo Studio
Located in the heart of Seminyak this friendly and clean tattoo parlor is a favorite for many. Bali Ant Tattoo Studio brings your dream tattoos to life. Their talented artists are highly creative and will make sure that your piece is utterly unique. If any of your previous tattoos have not come out the way you hoped or you need one covered up with something better, then they are there for you. Some of their work is truly outstanding. Blonk and Adi are two of their best tattooists and have raving reviews from all their clients. The studio makes sure they use high quality equipment and will show you the brand new needle before getting tattooed so you know it’s not been used by anyone else.
- Best for: Creative & unique designs
- Address: Jl. Kunti I No.7A, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Canggu Tattoo Studio
Founded in 2016 Canggu Tattoo Studio is an international custom tattoo parlor. They specialize in international, modern tattoos as well as ethnic Bali tattoos. Some of their most common designs include Rangda, Barong, Tapel or Mask and even silhouettes. Canggu Tattoo Studio’s philosophy is simple – they are here to give you the best tattoo experience around. Whether it’s your very first one or you’re a seasoned pro, they are here to help you every step of the way. They will help you create your design, decide on where to place the tattoo, what size the tattoo should be, as well as what style might be best. They are here to make sure the process is as smooth as possible and your satisfaction and safety are their main priority.
- Best for: Fineline and realistic tattoos
- Address: Jl. Nelayan No.5, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Charlie Rose Tattoo Studio
Charlie Rose Tattoo Studio was created to encapsulate the owners adage of love, truth, and family. Kim and Yulia Angel opened their studio in 2018 and name it after their daughter as they were inspired by a love of quality tattooing and their daughter. They have 9 tattoo artists in their studio and they source the most creative artists they can find, both locally and internationally. Most of their tattooists have between 5 and 10 years of experience as professional tattooists.
They have created their studio to feel welcoming and unlike any other tattoo studio, you have been to. With white walls and open spaces, you will feel right at home and like you are in the best hands. They import all their equipment and inks and follow western standards of hygiene. Charlie Rose Tattoo Studio wants you to feel like an integral part of the process from start to finish as they know it’s a memory that will stick with you for a lifetime. They allow time in your appointment to design your tattoo there and then with you present as they believe this is more organic and personal especially if it’s your very first one. Their artists also won’t start any work until you are completely satisfied and happy with your design.
- Best for: First time tattoos
- Address: Jalan Raya Semat No.30 Canggu, Tibubeneng, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Tattoo Hut
Aussie-run Tattoo Hut delivers all kinds of freehand styles from Balinese to oriental designs in highly detailed shades and vivid colors. It has maintained its high hygiene standards since 2014. They use a new disposable needle with every customer and use only high-quality imported American inks. Their resident and award-winning tattoo artist Jony is known for his epic freehand designs and his work with color. Depending on the size, style, placement, detail, color, and length of the session will determine the price of your tattoo.
- Best for: Color tattoos
- Address: No, Jl. Sunset Road No.27x, Kerobokan, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Paradise Ink Tattoo
Located down a peaceful and quiet alley in the heart of Kuta, Paradise Ink Tattoo offers customers a clean, professional, and friendly environment to get their works of art added to their body’s. They have the utmost care and respect for their clients and follow western standards of hygiene. All their tattoo artists are proud of their work and are always happy to work with you to create your tattoo design. Bring your own design or choose from the array of books they have available or work with your tattooist and design a unique design from scratch because after all getting a tattoo is a very personal thing.
- Best for: Unique designs
- Address: Jl. Raya Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
How much do tattoos cost in Bali?
The price of a tattoo is dependant on a few factors like size, placement, detail, whether there is color involved, which tattoo studio you go to, and the experience of the tattoo artist. Expect to pay more for a highly trained tattooist. Prices tend to stick around the $6-8M IDR for a half sleeve and $10 – 15M IDR for a full sleeve. Other prices are listed below:
| Small tattoo 5 x 5 cm | Ranges from $30 USD to $85 USD |
| Medium tattoo 10 x 10 cm | Ranges from $80 USD to $190 USD |
| Large tattoo 15 x 10 cm | Ranges from $295 USD to $850 USD |
| Half sleeve arm tattoo | Ranges from $600 USD to $1.450 USD |
| Full sleeve arm tattoo | Ranges from $1.200 USD to $3.000 USD |
| Full leg tattoo | Ranges from $2.000 USD to $4.000 USD |
| Full back tattoo | Ranges from $2.150 USD to $4.500 USD |
| Full chest tattoo | Ranges from $600 USD to $1.400 USD |
Is it safe to get a tattoo in Bali?
Generally speaking, yes it is safe to get a tattoo in Bali. But a bit of common sense will also need to be applied. Although there have been many horror stories of people getting a bad tattoo or worse, contracting Hep B or Hep C, it is still considered relatively safe to get one. There are several steps you take to make sure your experience is a good one, these include:
- Thoroughly researching the tattoo parlor you want to use.
- Make sure they are a reputable company.
- Make sure you read reviews from others.
- If you walk in and the place doesn’t look clean, tidy, and the equipment looks rusty or in poor condition, walk away. It’s not likely to go well if you stick around.
- Make sure to look at their portfolio of completed work, this allows you to see the standard of their artists.
What is the legal age to get a tattoo in Bali?
The general age to get a tattoo in most countries is 18 years of age and in some cases 16 years of age when they have parental consent. Bali however, has a minimum age requirement of just 15 years old, but bear in mind that each tattoo parlor has its own rules and restrictions, so it’s always best to check with them directly first before paying a deposit or getting a tattoo booked in.
