Getting a Tattoo in Bali on Holiday: What You Need to Know

Updated August 2026 · Under Skin Tattoo Studio, Canggu

A tattoo is one of the most popular souvenirs from Bali — and one of the most personal. Done right, it is a memory you carry for life. Done carelessly, it can ruin part of your holiday. Here is how to get a safe, beautiful tattoo in Bali and still enjoy your trip.

Book Early, Not on the Last Day

The golden rule: schedule your tattoo in the first half of your holiday. That gives your skin time to settle and your aftercare routine time to become habit before you fly. It also means you can still enjoy Canggu's beach clubs, rice fields and sunsets — with a few small adjustments.

Choose the Studio Like You Would at Home

The same rules apply in Bali as anywhere: check for sterilized equipment and single-use needles, look at recent portfolio work, read reviews, and trust your instinct if a shop feels off. A clean, professional studio will happily answer hygiene questions — a good sign in itself.

What to Expect at a Canggu Studio

At Under Skin Tattoo Studio, every session starts with a consultation: we talk design, size, placement and price, then draw the piece around your idea. Small tattoos take around 30–60 minutes; medium custom work takes 1–3 hours. You leave with a printed aftercare plan written for Bali's climate.

The Beach Question

This is the part nobody likes: no swimming, soaking or heavy sweating for at least 2–3 weeks after your tattoo. Salt water and chlorine can irritate a healing tattoo and raise infection risk. Plan your beach days before your tattoo appointment, not after.

Aftercare in Heat and Humidity

Bali's tropical climate means extra sweat and sun exposure. Keep the tattoo clean and dry, wear loose clothing over it, and keep it out of direct sun. After it heals, sunscreen becomes your tattoo's best friend — the sun fades ink faster than anything else.