The Island of the Gods is not only named well, but it also deserves it. Each street-corner, gateway to a temple, and daily mollow (canang sari) are imbued with spiritual meaning. Tattooing in Bali is the best reward for the traveller who goes to this magic Island to mark their attachment with the island.
Balinese art is, however, not only aesthetic; it is a language. The elaborate masks, waving filigree, and Sanskrit characters narrate the tales of protection, harmony, and cosmicity.
In SurfnInk Tattoo, Uluwatu, we are confident that the most meaningful souvenir one can have is one that is known. In case you are seeking an accurate guardian or a source of peace in your soul, in knowing the true name of the ink, it is important that your tattoo will be respectful, natural, and strong.
This is what you need to know about the secret meanings of traditional Balinese ink.
Who are the terrifying figures often seen in Balinese tattoos?
Probably you have noticed the two most recognizable Balinese mythological figures, namely, Barong and Rangda. Although they appear frightening if one is not a connoisseur, they are invaluable in terms of the philosophy of the Balinese people, Rwa Bhineda, the light and dark.
The Barong (The Protector)
In most cases, a lion-like animal with large eyes and full of jewellery, the Barong is the leadership of the spirits and the army of good. He represents an icon of safety, well-being, and prosperity. To acquire a Barong tattoo is considered a common way to ward off bad luck, and my tattooed a symbol of protection.
Rangda (The Chaos)
Rangda is the Queen of Demons , and she is usually depicted as a woman with a long tongue, hanging breasts, and wild hair. Although she is chaos and destruction, she is not evil in the Western context. Balinese Hinduism requires destruction through which a person can be reborn. She is the opposite of Barong. In her absence, there is no moderation.
The two of them represent together the unity of the universe. Light cannot exist without shadow.
What does the “Om” symbol (Ongkara) actually mean?
The most popular spiritual tattoo is the “Om” (or Ongkara in Balinese script), and it is the most sacred.
Balinese Hinduism symbolizes this as God (Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa) and the unity of the universe. Even the sound of its creation is it. The icon consists of three components, which indicate the Hindu Trinity ( Trimurti ).
- Ang: Brahma (The Creator)
- Ung: Vishnu (The Preserver)
- Mang: Shiva (The Destroyer)
By tattooing this symbol, you are inscribing yourself in the nature of the divine. It reminds me to get back on track, to be mindful, and to be conscious of the interrelation of all living things.
Is there a “right” or “wrong” place to put a Balinese tattoo?
Yes. And this is the most significant Balinese tattooing etiquette.
Balinese Hinduism adheres to a rigid body hierarchy. The body is a temple, which is segmented into three zones:
- Utama Angga (The Head): The most sacred part of the body, having the entrance of the soul.
- Madya Angga (The Body): The neutral position (chest, arms, torso).
- Nista Angga (The feet/Legs): The most unholy section of the body because it is the part that comes in contact with the ground.
The Rule: You should in no way set a sacred symbol (such as the Om, a deity, Barong, or Rangda) on your legs or feet. Stepping on a God is taken to be an extreme disrespect to the culture and the deity.
In SurfnInk Uluwatu, we have artists who understand the cultural etiquette. Should you ask us to draw something sacred, we shall instruct you as to where (on the upper part of your body -arms, back, chest, etc.) so that your tattoo shall be looked upon with reverence instead of contempt.
What are the intricate floral and geometric patterns?
Balinese tattoos do not necessarily have to be of gods and demons. Complex swirling floral designs in the form of Patra or Karang will often be observed.
These are not mere fillers, it is the movement of nature.
The Lotus(Padma)
This represents enlightenment and purity. Similar to how the lotus grows in muddy water to blossom beautifully, the soul emerges from the suffering on earth to spiritual enlightenment.
Mandala
Geometric patterns that signify the universe. They serve as aids to meditation and concentration of the mind. A mandala with a tattoo is a sign of your individual path to wholeness and tranquility.
How does SurfnInk respect the culture?
It is a lovely island where we are visitors. High Australian hygiene standards are imported by SurfnInk to Bali, though so is our respect for local traditions. Our Uluwatu studio respects the cultures of the ground on which we are located. We have made sure that all of our traditional designs, which we tattoo, are not only culturally correct and appropriately drawn, but also placed respectfully.
A Balinese tattoo is a permanent link to one of the most sacred spots on earth. It is like a protector on your skin and something to remind the balance one needs in life. But with a great responsibility comes the necessity of respect.
FAQs
Is it cultural appropriation for a foreigner to get a Hindu deity tattoo?
In general, the Balinese are magnificent and joyful in expressing their culture, albeit with respect. The only thing that makes it offensive is when the sacred symbols are disrespectfully put (e.g., on the feet) or are a joke. Assuming that you place the tattoo in the proper location on the upper part of the body and do so with the true understanding of the message and implication, it is considered a cultural appreciation, not appropriation.
What is the “Poleng” (Black and White Checkered) pattern?
This cloth is bound around trees and statues that are all over Bali. It is called Saput Poleng. The black and white checks signify Rwa Bhineda – the equilibrium of opposites (good/evil, joy/sorrow, night/day). That pattern of a tattoo reminds a person that life is a balance between good and bad, and both are needed to be in unison.
Do traditional tattoos have “magic” or spiritual power?
There is an intention to confer Taksu (spiritual charisma or magical power) into the mask and drawings in Bali, provided that the priest has consecrated it. A tattoo worked in a workshop is usually taken to be art, and no longer a sacred magic item. Nevertheless, it retains the power of that symbol since it represents sacred imagery. Some individuals have a feeling of safety and power when they tattoo Barong or Om because of the purpose they have towards it.
Marco Ventura is a globally award‑winning tattoo artist based in Australia, renowned for his expertise across diverse tattoo styles. As the founder of his own studio, he leads a talented team dedicated to turning personal stories into striking body art. Passionate and visionary, Marco helps clients worldwide bring their tattoo dreams to life. He also shares his thoughts about tattoos and how things can be better for the clients through engaging blog posts.
