10 top Kuching tattoo studios to check out in 2023
As evident by the number of tattoo studios in Kuching, there is some appreciation for these fascinating permanent works of art in Sarawak.
This is because tattoos have been an important part of Sarawakian tribal culture throughout history. These roots can still be seen today as many tattoo studios in Kuching offer traditional tribal tattoos.
I’ve recently been interested in this beauty form of art, so I’ve compiled a list of Kuching’s top tattoo studios and whether their art style leans towards more masculine or feminine, so you’ll have a better idea of which studio to pick.
And psst, if you’re new to tattoos, try checking out my first tattoo guide!
Feminine Kuching tattoo studios
Space Studio *Most popular
This is perhaps the most popular tattoo studio in Kuching among the youth for its minimalistic and pretty designs straight out of Instagram or Pinterest.
They specialise in delicate, fine line micro tattoos that cover anything from flowers to animals to geometric symbols to text.
Perhaps the best part of this studio is that they have a cat customer service representative named Butter! He’s sure to heal your anxious heart as you sit down for the needle.
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | +6011-3311 7211
Slash Studio
Run by a female tattoo artist named Barney, it is such a shame that I was only recently made aware of their fine artwork.
Slash Studio is a home-based studio that works well with fine line micro tattoos, especially those that are a little more abstract. They can also do lovely floral art as well as elegant dragons (inspired by Spirited Away no less)!
I’m very impressed with what this solo tattoo artist has to offer and hope to see more people visit her as she definitely deserves the attention.
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | +6014-699 5022
VL Tattoo and Beauty Studio
I have to apologise if I show bias towards feminine tattoos (I’m a woman after all), but you have to admit, their floral pieces are so gorgeous.
Other than that, this home-based studio can also do cute chibi style, oriental style, geometric, watercolour, and more.
What is interesting is that this tattoo studio also doubles as a beauty studio, so ladies can get facials and eyelash extensions.
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | +6013-810 4228
Masculine Kuching tattoo studios
71st Skinslavery
If you’re looking for big, bold, realistic pieces, try checking out 71st Skinslavery as their attention to detail is seriously impressive.
Just take a look at how real that phoenix looks, I’m seriously impressed. While they mostly work with black and grey, they can do the occasional pop of colour.
You’ll be in good hands here as the artist, Eric Kueh, has participated in the 2018 Great British Tattoo Show and walked away with Best of Convention, Sunday, and Black & Grey.
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | +6013-817 7227
Nam Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio
This tattoo studio seems to specialise solely in huge, oriental style tattoos that cover the entire back and even thighs and legs.
Really, their pieces look like they belong on an intimidating Yakuza boss just based on how fierce they look – it’s almost mesmerising.
So, if you’re interested in showing off your Chinese heritage with a cool back piece that will totally make your ancestors proud, this could be the tattoo studio for you.
Contact: Facebook | +6012-854 2229
Rakta Dhatu Tatu
The style that Rakta Dahtu Tatu specialises in reminds us greatly of the bright and bold colours of American traditional tattoos.
I can already imagine the cool and stylish pieces they can create if you simply give them a subject matter to work with.
While they also do realistic and geometric tribal-style tattoos, it is the American traditional ones that really draw us to their Instagram feed.
Kuching Tattoo Studios which can do both
Blackout Tattoo Studio
Blackout Tattoo Studio is home to many tattoo artists with their own signature styles ranging from realism to tribal to floral and more.
Take a look at the intricate floral art in this porcelain-inspired piece. The contrast of blue against pale skin really makes the tattoo pop.
If you’re interested in checking out Blackout Tattoo Studio, just go on their Instagram as they’ve got Insta Stories of designs from each artist.
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | +6016-872 9325
Nelson Ten Tattoo
Nelson Ten calls himself an all-rounder tattooer, and I can’t help but be in awe at the level of skill he has in the various tattoo styles.
Just scrolling through his Instagram feed, I can see floral, American traditional, tribal, oriental, realistic, and more.
Unfortunately, Nelson has a few rules when it comes to tattooing, as he won’t do tattoos on Muslims, Africans, Indians, those with dark or black skin, and those with skin disease.
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | +6016-864 1164
Inkzation Tattoo Studio
Located in Kota Samarahan, on the outskirts of Kuching, you might need to drive a bit to get to Inkzation Tattoo Studio, but the results might be well worth it.
They mainly do a lot of tribal tattoos, but also do geometric pieces. It seems like many women go to them for sternum tattoos, which I won’t be showing here.
Still, I am very impressed by the level of detail in their sternum tattoos. It’s no wonder that this is a popular place for them.
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | +6013-279 4922
Ming Tattoo
Ming Tattoo is one of those places who work with almost any style and colour, as they have done realistic pieces, geometric tribal-style tattoos, as well as oriental art.
I’m really into how these two tattoos differ from one another, with one being so realistic and surreal, and the other showing elegance and colour.
No matter what style you bring to Ming Tattoo, I’m almost certain that they can execute it with great skill.
Contact: Facebook | +6016-705 4389
Featured image: raktadhatu & spacestudio.tt
