Not straight away. Keep your new tattoo out of the sea, pools and surf until it has healed — usually around two weeks. A fresh tattoo is an open wound, and soaking it slows healing and can affect how the ink settles.
Plan the tattoo around your trip
- Get tattooed towards the end of your stay if you want beach days first
- Or get it early and plan the first two weeks around cafés, temples and rice fields
- Large pieces take longer to heal than small ones — ask your artist when you book
While it heals
- No swimming in the sea or pools
- Keep it out of direct sun; cover it with loose clothing
- Wash and moisturise 2–3 times a day
- Don't pick or scratch flaking skin
After it has healed
You can get back in the water once the tattoo is fully healed. Use a high-SPF sunscreen on it every day — Bali's sun fades tattoos faster than almost anything else.
Not sure if yours is ready? Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we'll take a look. If it needs a touch-up after healing, one free touch-up within 3 months is included.
