Tattoo artist on the Gili Islands
Off Lombok, east of Bali, the three Gili islands (Trawangan, Air and Meno) have no cars or scooters: you get around by bike, on foot or by horse cart. Describe your project in 2 minutes: we send it to Bali tattoo artists who work in your style, and they contact you with a quote. Free, no commitment.
Updated on · Written by the Tattoocontact team
- Spots to know: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Gili Meno.
- Typical price: IDR 500k to 1.5M (about $30 to $95) for a small piece.
- No ocean, surfing or pool for 2 to 3 weeks after your session.
- From Denpasar airport: 1.5 to 3 h by fast boat from Bali, depending on the port and the sea.
Getting tattooed in Gili
Gili Trawangan is the liveliest of the three, with nightlife and several tattoo studios; Gili Air is calmer and Gili Meno the quietest. The islands draw backpackers, divers and couples, here for the turtles, snorkelling and sunsets.
Life on the Gilis revolves around the sea: getting tattooed there means no swimming for the rest of your stay. Many travellers save it for the end of their trip, or do it on their last day before leaving.
Spots to know
- Gili Trawangan
- Gili Air
- Gili Meno
Tattoocontact tip On the Gilis, be as strict about hygiene as anywhere: needles opened in front of you, ink poured into a disposable cap, and no tattoo after a night out.
Tattoo ideas in Gili
Turtles, very common around the Gilis, are one of travellers' favourite designs. A simple black design ages better in the sun than a very fine colour gradient.
What to do in Gili while it heals
No ocean, pool or direct sun for 2 to 3 weeks, but plenty to enjoy:
- Cycling around Gili Trawangan, in about an hour.
- Sunsets on the west coast, facing Bali's Mount Agung.
- Beach swings and shaded beachfront cafés.
- Night markets and grilled fish restaurants.
Getting around Gili
No cars or scooters on the Gilis: you get around by bike, on foot or by cidomo (horse cart). The islands are reached from Bali by fast boat (Padang Bai, Serangan or Amed), in 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the port and the sea.
How much does a tattoo cost in Bali?
| Project | Typical price | In dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Small piece | IDR 500k to 1.5M | about $30 to $95 |
| Medium piece | IDR 1.5M to 4M | about $95 to $250 |
| Large piece | IDR 4M to 10M | about $250 to $635 |
| Full sleeve | IDR 12M and up | about $690 and up |
Ranges gathered from Bali studios in 2026; prices vary a lot by artist and area. Most studios have a minimum of IDR 500k to 1.5M.
Hygiene, choosing an artist and tropical aftercare: everything is in our guide to getting tattooed in Bali.
How it works
Describe your project
Style, placement, size, budget and travel dates. Two minutes, add a photo if you have one.
We send it to the right artists
Bali tattoo artists who work in your style receive your project.
They contact you
You compare their offers and choose freely.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a tattoo on Gili Trawangan?
Yes, several studios are based there. Pick one that opens needles in front of you and shows healed tattoos, and do it at the end of your stay: no swimming for 2 to 3 weeks.
Should I get tattooed on the Gilis or in Bali?
Both work. There's more choice in Bali; if you pick the Gilis, do it at the end of your stay so you enjoy the sea first.
Can I take the boat with a fresh tattoo?
Yes, if you protect it from spray and sun with clothing or a suitable dressing, and stay off the deck.
How much does a tattoo cost in Bali?
Usually IDR 500k to 1.5M (about $30 to $95) for a small piece, IDR 1.5M to 4M for a medium one and over IDR 4M for a large piece. Prices vary a lot by artist and area.
Is it safe to get a tattoo in Bali?
Yes in a professional studio that opens single-use needles in front of you, pours ink into a disposable cap and shows healed tattoos. Quality and hygiene vary a lot between places.
When should I get tattooed during my trip?
Near the end: you need to avoid the ocean, pools, surfing and direct sun for 2 to 3 weeks.