Getting a Tattoo on Holiday in Bali
This page is to inform anyone who is thinking of travelling to Bali to get tattoo work done or get a tattoo while on holiday in Bali. Bali has so much to offer when it comes to experience. It is a paradise. There are so many activities available from surfing or jet skiing to thrill-seeking pursuits like the famed Ubud swing. There are also many tourist attractions and its colourful culture, Bali has also become a hotspot for people looking to be spontaneous and get tattooed. Check out our Travel Information and Highlights page for more information.
Why get a tattoo in Bali?
Getting a tattoo in Bali is significantly cheaper than any other country in the world. Although it is relatively affordable, you can still get some high-quality tattoos. It can be cheaper to travel to Bali where you get to enjoy a holiday as well as get your dream tattoo. This of corse depends on where you are from and what tattoo you are planning on getting. For example, a full sleeve in Australia could cost around $7,000 but would be around half that in Bali. That leaves more than enough for a luxurious 1-2 week holiday including return airfares. Do the maths! You need to plan your holiday around your tattoo appointment as you can’t be going in the water or staying out in the sun after you get your tattoo. We recommend getting booking your appointment towards the end of your time in Bali so you can still enjoy everything Bali has to offer without the risk of damaging your fresh tattoo. We are happy to offer advice and work with you to plan your booking in advance.



Plan your tattoo and be sure about what you want!
It is important to plan your tattoo in advance. If you’re planning on getting a tattoo in Bali, it’s important to take the time to decide on a design that you’ll love for years to come. Start by researching different styles and to find one that matches your vision. We recommend you book a free consultation with Constant Ink Addiction. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your ideas with the artist and get their input on the design. To make the most of the consultation, be sure to bring in any reference material that you have and ask for their help in creating a design if needed. You can also get a quote and supply any reference material or sketches you have prior to your consultation via the form on our booking page to ensure we are prepared for your appointment and you have a suitable budget for the design you want. It’s also important to plan your booking at the end of your holiday, as you won’t be able to get the tattoo wet or go in the sun for a few weeks after getting it done. By following these tips, you can ensure that you get a beautiful tattoo that you’ll be proud to show off for years to come.



Hygiene and safety
Wherever you decide to get tattooed, there are always risks to your health and safety, and it’s up to you alone to make smart decisions that minimize your risks. Most tattoo parlors in Bali operate with high safety standards and quality equipment. They follow routine practices to ensure a hygienic environment for body art on par with studios in Australia, America and Europe. Constant Ink Addiction is a brand new studio with all new equipment so you can be sure that it is a safe and comfortable environment to get your dream tattoo.



How long do tattoos normally take?
There is no single answer for the length of time tattoos can take. You can be in and out with cling wrap and tape on your wrist within 30 minutes or you can spend the next week going through several 4-hour sessions. Size is a common misconception when it comes to this. The size of your tattoo does not equal to the amount of time it will take. The main factor is the details within the size of the tattoo. I have a huge shaded world map on my back which took me a few hours, but if I chose to separate each country and ocean, that would probably take about 6+ hours. Some tattoo styles, like realism, will take several sessions because of the tiny details that need to be added to make the tattoo look as real as possible. A friend of mine has a detailed full-sleeve (entire arm covered) on his right arm. His tattoo sessions totalled to 8 half-day sessions. On the other hand, Flash tattoos can usually take less than an hour. You will likely be more able to answer your own question directly by taking a good look at the size and details of your artwork. If it’s someone’s face or a huge intricate design, then expect to sit down for several hours. If the artwork is primarily lettering or symbols, then it shouldn’t more than a couple hours.



When should I get my tattoo?
This decision will ultimately depend on how you plan to spend your time in Bali. Will you be tanning on Kuta Beach? Scuba diving in the Amed? Or alternating between relaxing in your Bali villa and heading out for some nightlife? Tattoos need a few weeks to completely heal, and certain activities you may want to do in Bali can affect the healing process or even make you uncomfortable. Generally speaking, if you plan to have your tattoo placed in an area on your body that is seldomly covered, it is strongly advised that you get your tattoo closer to your departure. Like most places in Indonesia, Bali has an unforgiving, yet loving tropical climate. It is better for your tattoo to be completely covered if you do insist on getting a tattoo upon arrival to Bali. Activities like tanning, swimming, and scuba diving will have a negative affect on a fresh tattoo as well. But if you’re coming to Bali simply for therapeutic purposes and just want to unwind by the pool in your villa, then you can get your tattoo at any time you want as long as you follow tattoo aftercare procedures. Your artist can advise you on this and more information is available here.



Will Bali’s tropical climate affect my tattoo?
With or without tattoos, the sun is probably the worst thing for your skin. On one hand, too little sun can lead to Vitamin D deficiency. And on the other hand, too much sun can lead to permanent skin damage and even skin cancer. Having tattoos just adds another layer of risk to the equation. If you’re planning on spending most of your Bali holiday in the sun, then it is recommended that you keep your tattoo covered as much as you can (and also with post-tattoo skin care ointments.) As you may already know, the sun’s UV rays aren’t very friendly to fresh tattoos and can cause permanent damage during the healing process which may deform the final result. Using sunblock with SPF 30 or higher can protect your fresh tattoo from the scorching rays of the Bali sun. If you’re worried about the Bali heat making you sweat excessively and potentially ruining your tattoo, don’t worry. Sweating is normal in any climate. Even if your tattoo is still very fresh, sweating will not affect the quality of your tattoo. However, excessive sweating every day may sightly slow the pace of your healing process.



So basically…
Yes, getting a tattoo in Bali is a great way to save some money and enjoy an unforgettable holiday if it is done right. The most important advice we can give is to do your research and book an appointment well in advance. Make use of our free consultation service and if possible, do it in person at our studio to ensure you are comfortable with everything prior to your tattoo appointment. Make sure that you have a design, or at least a concept in mind before your appointment. Look after your tattoo once it’s done! If possible, try and get it done at the end of your visit to Bali, because you can’t swim for at least a few weeks after being inked. As you can see, there really isn’t anything to worry about when it comes to getting a tattoo in Bali. Most studios follow routine hygiene and safety practices that are similar to those in Australia and Europe, which means that you can rest easy with the knowledge that yes, you are safe to get a tattoo in Bali and Constant Ink Addiction is the perfect place to do it.


