The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Tattoo Done in Bali

Getting a tattoo can be both exciting and scary at the same time. This is because the decision to get a permanent piece of art etched on your body is irreversible. Okay, well, it is kind of reversible. But people say that getting a permanent tattoo removed is much more painful than getting it! 

Whether it is a minimalistic design, a simple quote, or a full-sleeve tattoo, getting yourself inked can be a big deal for some people.

By the title of this blog post, you must be wondering, ‘why would one get a tattoo in Bali when it is easily available in pretty much every country?’ You can get a tattoo in any country, even your home country, for that matter. But getting a tattoo on your solo trip is an exciting adventure! The tattoo on your body will remind you of the beautiful time you spent on the ‘island of Gods.’ 

This post is all about getting a tattoo on your solo trip to Bali. If you are interested to know more, then keep on reading!

Is it safe to get a tattoo in Bali?

Well, this is one of the many questions that run through every traveller’s mind when they consider getting a tattoo in a foreign destination. And yes, it is a valid question, and you deserve to know whether it’s going to be safe or not.

Speaking from experience, it is quite safe. The tattoo studios in Bali are some of the best you can find around the world.

When I had visited the island on my solo trip, I had no plans of getting a tattoo or whatsoever. But while exploring the island, I came across quite a few tattoo studios and was curious to check them out. And just like that, I decided to get a tiny tattoo on my waist! Yes, I usually do not make such impromptu plans, and that is why I decided to get a small one. Honestly speaking, it turned out to be a safe and memorable tattoo experience for me!

So, in short, yes, getting a tattoo in Bali is safe! However, make sure that you thoroughly research the reputation of the tattoo studio and the type of tattoo you want to get because tattoos are permanent!

Check out my blog on Is Bali Safe for Solo Female Travellers? 

How much does it cost to get a tattoo in Bali?

You must have heard of the saying that goes like “good tattoos are not cheap and cheap tattoos are not good.” And it is true, no matter where you decide to get a tattoo.

Now, in Bali, you will come across a wide range of prices at every tattoo studio. You might also even come across some tempting offers that will have you thinking, “why is this studio in Kuta charging me $50 whereas the same tattoo is around $200 in Canggu?”. 

Well, it all depends on the reputation of the tattoo artist, the studio location, and the tattoo you plan on getting!

These are the average prices for a tattoo based on its size.

Best Tattoo Studios in Bali

To help you decide which tattoo studio to go for in Bali, here are some of my top recommendations:

Mason’s Ink Studio

Mason’s Ink is one of the best tattoo studios in Bali and has two outlets, one in Seminyak and another in Jalan Legian. The owner is an Australian tattoo artist who has several years of experience. The ink studio has a hospital-grade setup, so you need not worry about cleanliness! They have a wide variety of tattoo designs and coloured inks for you to choose from. 

Bali Tattoo Studio

Bali Tattoo Studio, located in Legian, has named themselves Gods of Ink! The tattoo artists are experienced and offer you a wide variety of designs and inks to choose from. The studio is famous for the international quality equipment and inks the artist uses!

Charlie Rose Tattoo Studio

Located in Canggu, Charlie Rose Tattoo Studio is one of the best tattoo studios in Bali. In addition to being the best and offering professional tattoo services, the studio is also famous for its beautiful interiors and exteriors. Honestly, if you look at the studio, you would not be able to figure out if it’s a tattoo studio. Again, the artists are very experienced and good at what they do. They also make sure to listen to their customers very well!

Tattoo Hut

Run by Australian professional artists, Tattoo Hut is quite a famous tattoo studio in Bali. It is located in Kuta, and the studio maintains high levels of hygiene and cleanliness. The artists use inks imported from the US, and they make sure to keep the customers informed of the needle used in the procedure. The price at Tattoo Hut depends on the design, size, placement, style, and ink used for the tattoo!

Kamikaze

Kamikaze has professional tattoo artists from all around the world. They are all well experienced and always listen to their customers to provide them with the design and style as expected. Generally, this tattoo studio is famous for full-sleeve and portrait tattoo styles. If you already have multiple tattoos and are looking to get something unique, like a full-sleeve one, then Kamikaze would be the perfect option for you!

Fox Mulder Studio

If you have a specific tattoo design in your mind, then Fox Mulder Studio in Kuta is the best option out there! The tattoo artists show no objections to design suggestions from customers and try their best to deliver excellent outputs. While other tattoo studios may also take in custom tattoo design suggestions, Fox Mulder Studio is particularly famous for it. The tattoo studio has both international and local tattoo artists. Additionally, Fox Mulder Studio is famous for piercings too.

Redskin Tattoo Studio

Located in Kuta, Redskin Tattoo Studio is quite famous among both locals and tourists. The tattoo artists are professionals with certified training, and they always make sure to use only imported quality inks and needles from America. Also, the tattoo procedure is done with international standard equipment to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.

Two Guns Tattoo

The owner of Two Guns Tattoo studio is a professional tattoo artist from Australia. The best part about this tattoo studio is that you can ask the tattoo artist for a cover-up or even fix bad tattoos on your body! Furthermore, you can also get restorations for your faded or old tattoos. Two Guns Tattoo studio is recognised by the Professional Tattoo Association of Australia as well!

Should you get a tattoo at the beginning or end of your solo trip?

Well, this depends on how you plan your solo trip to Bali. Tattoos need at least a few weeks to heal completely. Because of this, certain activities you do in Bali can affect the healing process of your tattoo. 

If you have plans of going to the beaches and sunbathing or trying out adventurous activities, I would suggest that you get the tattoo at the end of your solo trip. This way, you will be able to enjoy your solo trip thoroughly without having to worry about the tattoo.

It is essential to keep the tattoo covered throughout the healing period. If you are sure about keeping your tattoo covered and letting it heal throughout the trip, you can get it in the beginning.

And, if you are visiting Bali for a therapeutic solo trip and have plans of spending your time at yoga or meditation retreats, then you can get your tattoo at any time. However, just make sure you let it heal completely before exposing it to the tropical climate of Bali!

Safety Tips to Follow Before Getting a Tattoo in Bali

It is important that you take safety precautions before getting a tattoo on your solo trip to Bali. Usually, you may not experience any side effects. But it would not hurt to follow preventive measures regardless. Here are some tips that can be helpful when you get a tattoo.

Do plenty of research

This is extremely important when it comes to getting a tattoo. Going to a licensed studio and getting your tattoo done by an experienced artist are a must. These two things will minimise your risk of developing infections (if any) to a great extent. Also, in case you have a custom tattoo request, make sure that the tattoo studio caters to that option too. 

Discuss your concerns with the tattoo artist

If you are getting a tattoo for the first time, it is important to speak with your tattoo artist. He/She may give you plenty of tips too. You can ask the artist to explain the process of getting a tattoo well in advance. This way, you will not feel nervous or anxious when the time comes. You can also ask the tattoo artist about what precautions you may have to take once the procedure is over!

Eat a full meal

Regardless of whether you are highly tolerant of the pain or not, it is important that you eat well before going to the tattoo studio. The reason behind this is that when you go under the tattoo needle, your body starts to tense up. This leads to the burning of more calories than usual. A few people may have the feeling of lightheadedness during the process of getting a tattoo.

If possible, start eating well from the beginning of the week leading up to your appointment. This will prepare your body for the big day!

Dress appropriately

This is a must while getting a tattoo done. You should wear something comfortable and loose. Let’s say that you plan on getting a tattoo done on your waist. In that case, I would recommend that you wear a crop top or low-waist jeans that expose your waist well. Or, if you plan on getting a tattoo on your back, you can wear a backless top. This will make the whole process of getting the tattoo much easier!

Also, make sure that you do not wear any tight or clingy clothes. The thing is, you might sweat a little during the process (even in an air-conditioned room), and tight clothes can be uncomfortable!

Read my guide on what to wear on your solo trip to Bali.

Do not drink alcohol 

Alcohol thins your blood. When you get your tattoo done, there will be slight bleeding. And alcohol consumption a few hours or days before getting a tattoo may lead to excessive bleeding. It can also make it difficult for the tattoo artist to use the Ink on your body. Or worse, your tattoo may look disoriented once the procedure is over! 

Alcohol can also interfere with the healing process, and your tattoo may take longer to heal. So avoid alcohol for a few days before the big day! You might also have to avoid alcohol for a few days after you get the tattoo. You can discuss these concerns with your tattoo artist well in advance.

So, are you all set to get a tattoo done on your solo trip to Bali?

Getting a tattoo is a big decision! You will literally be inking your body permanently with a piece of art or text. So it is important that you think well before making the decision. Also, I would suggest that you avoid getting a tattoo after getting drunk. You may or may not like the design once you sober up, and tattoo removal is an extremely painful process!

But if you are sure about the tattoo, go ahead and get it done. Because every time you look at it, it will remind you of the wonderful time you spent in Bali!

If you found this blog helpful, do let me know in the comment section below. I would love to know about your experience of getting a tattoo on your solo trip to Bali!