Getting a Tattoo Near Ubud: How to Plan Your Ink From Bali’s Cultural Heart

Quick answer: If you’re staying in Ubud and want a tattoo, note that Mason’s Ink doesn’t have a studio in Ubud. Mason’s Ink partner studios are in Kerobokan (in the Seminyak area) and Seminyak itself, usually around 1 to 1.5 hours from Ubud by car, depending on traffic. See our Seminyak tattoo shop page for both addresses. Many guests collect design ideas in Ubud, then book ahead on WhatsApp and visit us on a day trip or when they move on to the coast. Ubud is the perfect place to find inspiration, from Barong masks and temple carvings to lotus ponds and rice terraces.

Ubud is where many people fall in love with Balinese culture: the dance performances, the carvings, the temples and the rice fields. It’s no wonder it inspires so many tattoos. Here’s how to turn that inspiration into a design, and how to plan your tattoo from Ubud.

Why Ubud inspires so many tattoos

Spend a few days in Ubud and you’ll see design ideas everywhere:

• Barong and Rangda masks in the craft shops and at evening dance performances
• Temple carvings and Karang Boma faces above the gateways
• Lotus ponds at temples and palaces
• Rice terraces in Tegallalang and the surrounding hills
• Offerings of frangipani and other flowers on every doorstep
• Wayang shadow puppet figures and traditional paintings

Take photos of the carvings and details you love. They make perfect references for your artist. Then read our guide to Balinese tattoo designs and their meanings.

Tattoo ideas inspired by Ubud

• A Barong mask in black and grey or colour. See our Barong tattoo meaning guide
• A lotus rising from water
• Rice terrace lines as a minimalist fine line piece
• A Karang Boma guardian face for protection
• A frangipani with Balinese patra ornament
• A monkey inspired by the Sacred Monkey Forest
• A Hanuman or other wayang figure

Studios in Ubud vs Seminyak

Ubud has some local tattoo artists of its own. Many people staying there still make the trip to Seminyak because:

• More artists under one roof. We have 15+ artists covering Barong and Balinese work, realism, black and grey, fine line, Japanese and more.
• Artist matching to your chosen style
• An established track record: a 5.0 rating from 4,100+ Google reviews
• A full day out. Pair your tattoo with shopping, cafés and a sunset in Seminyak.

Whoever you choose, check for sealed single-use needles opened in front of you, fresh gloves, covered equipment, a real portfolio and a clear quote.

Getting from Ubud to our studio

Pick the studio that suits where you’re heading next:

• Kerobokan studio (main): Jl. Raya Kerobokan No.120, Kerobokan Kelod. Open daily, 9 AM to 10 PM.
• Raya Taman studio: Jl. Raya Taman No.11, Seminyak.

• Ride-hailing app or taxi: around 1 to 1.5 hours each way to our Kerobokan studio (in the Seminyak area), depending on traffic
• Private driver for the day: the most comfortable option, and you can stop at cafés or shops on the way
• Scooter: only for confident riders. Cover a fresh tattoo on the ride back to protect it from sun and dust.

Tip: book a morning appointment and leave Ubud early to avoid the heaviest traffic.

Traffic between Ubud and the south coast varies a lot through the day, so give yourself a generous buffer and leave early for a morning slot. If you ride a scooter back, cover the fresh tattoo with a loose shirt to keep off sun and dust.

Message us on WhatsApp to check artist availability before you set off.

Healing your tattoo in Ubud

Ubud is a great place to heal a new tattoo. It’s a little cooler than the coast, and there are no beaches to tempt you. A few tips:

• Skip pools and river swims until it’s fully healed, usually 2 to 4 weeks. That includes villa pools and waterfall dips.
• Avoid soaking in spa baths or flower baths. Massages away from the tattooed area are fine.
• Protect it from sun on rice terrace walks and treks.
• Keep it clean after sweaty hikes or Campuhan Ridge walks.

More in our Bali aftercare guide.

How to plan your Ubud-to-Seminyak tattoo day

1. Send us your idea and references on WhatsApp.
2. Get a quote and artist match before you travel.
3. Book with a 30% deposit so your slot and design are ready.
4. Travel down in the morning, get tattooed, then enjoy Seminyak.
5. Head back with a loose shirt covering your fresh tattoo.

Book your tattoo

Found your inspiration in Ubud? Send your photos and ideas to our team on WhatsApp and we’ll turn them into a design you’ll love.

FAQs

Are there tattoo studios in Ubud?

Yes, there are some local artists in Ubud. Mason’s Ink isn’t one of them: the Mason’s Ink partner studios are in Kerobokan and Seminyak, and many Ubud guests book a day trip to us.

Does Mason’s Ink have a studio in Ubud?

No. We have two studios: Jl. Raya Kerobokan No.120 in Kerobokan, and Raya Taman at Jl. Raya Taman No.11 in Seminyak.

How far is Ubud from Seminyak?

Usually about 1 to 1.5 hours by car to our Kerobokan studio (in the Seminyak area) or our Raya Taman studio in Seminyak, but it depends on traffic. Leave early for a morning appointment.

What tattoo designs are inspired by Ubud?

Barong masks, lotus flowers, rice terrace lines, temple guardians, frangipani, monkeys and wayang figures are all popular.

Can I swim in a waterfall after a tattoo?

Not until it’s fully healed, usually 2 to 4 weeks. River and waterfall water can carry bacteria.

Do I need to book ahead?

We recommend it, especially if you’re travelling from Ubud, so your artist and design are ready when you arrive.