Bali tattoo ideas and what they mean
Bali is one of the most popular places in the world to get a tattoo, and most people want something that means more than a souvenir. These are the designs we are asked about most, what they mean to the Balinese, and how to wear them respectfully. Every one of them can be tried as a two-week temporary tattoo before you commit to the real thing.
Frangipani (jepun)
The five-petalled frangipani is everywhere in Bali. It goes into the daily canang sari offerings, it is tucked behind ears at ceremonies, and it grows in almost every temple courtyard. As a tattoo it stands for devotion, beauty and the island itself. It works small, on the wrist, ankle or behind the ear. See our Frangipani design.
Gunung Agung
Bali's highest volcano is its most sacred place. Pura Besakih, the island's mother temple, sits on its slopes, and Balinese homes and temples are traditionally oriented towards it. A simple mountain outline is a popular way to carry Bali with you without using a religious symbol directly. See our Gunung Agung design.
Om (Ongkara)
The sacred syllable Om, written in Balinese script as Ongkara, appears at the top of temple gates and offerings. It is one of the most meaningful symbols you can wear, so treat it with care: keep it above the waist, never on the feet, and cover it when you enter a temple. See our religious designs.
Lotus (teratai)
In Balinese Hinduism the lotus is the seat of the gods, and its eight petals point to the eight directions guarded by different deities. For most visitors it stands for growth and calm, which is why it is the most requested design among people on yoga retreats in Ubud. See our flower designs.
Snake and naga
Naga, the serpent dragons that guard temple stairways across Bali, stand for protection and the balance between earth and water. A simple snake winding along the forearm or ankle borrows that energy without copying a temple carving. See our Ular Snake design.
Barong
The Barong is a lion-like protector spirit who battles the witch Rangda in one of Bali's most famous dances. Their fight never ends, because good and evil are meant to stay in balance. Barong faces are detailed, so they work best as larger pieces on the upper arm, back or thigh. Ask us for a custom print if you are considering one.
Gecko
You will hear the tokek gecko calling at night before you see one. Many Balinese consider a gecko in the house to be good luck, and a small gecko is one of the most popular first tattoos on the island. See our animal designs.
Waves
For surfers, a wave is the obvious Bali tattoo, whether it is a nod to Uluwatu, Padang Padang or the beach breaks of Canggu. Fine-line waves suit the inner forearm, ankle or ribs. See our Uluwatu Wave design.
Sun and moon
Surya, the sun, is honoured in Balinese temples, and the moon decides the dates of ceremonies on the island's lunar calendar. Together they make a small, balanced pair that suits two people sharing a trip. See our sun and moon designs.
Names in Balinese script
Aksara Bali, the island's traditional script, makes a beautiful tattoo, but it is easy to get wrong. Letters change shape depending on the sounds around them, and a mistake can turn a name into a different word. Have the spelling checked by a Balinese speaker, then try it as a temporary print before it goes on for good.
Small Bali tattoo ideas
If you want something subtle, the designs that work best under 5 cm are a single frangipani, a crescent moon, a tiny wave, a gecko, or a mountain outline. Small designs suit fingers, wrists, ankles and behind the ear, and they are the easiest way to test placement. See all small designs.
Wearing Balinese symbols respectfully
- The head is the most sacred part of the body in Bali and the feet the least. Keep religious symbols above the waist.
- Cover religious tattoos with your sarong or sleeves when you visit a temple.
- Avoid copying a specific temple's carvings or a family's shrine design.
- If in doubt, ask. Most Balinese people are happy to explain what a symbol means.
Try it before you ink it
A real tattoo is permanent, and laser removal costs far more than the tattoo did. Our tattoos use plant-based jagua ink that looks like a fresh tattoo and lasts up to two weeks, long enough to know whether you still love the design, the size and the placement. Choose one from our designs, or send us your own artwork on WhatsApp and we will print it at the exact size your artist quoted.