Get inked at a tattoo shop in the Philippines


Whether it’s your first time or the twentieth, getting permanent artwork on your skin should only be done by experts from reputable tattoo shops.

Good thing the Philippines has a surplus of skin ink artists, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of some you can visit when you feel the “itch” to get a tattoo.


1. Tattoo nebula – millennial & gen Z-friendly space in Parañaque


Tattoo Nebula artists usually design modern-minimalist styles that are really popular among the younger generation. They also guarantee the usage of cruelty-free ink that is vegan friendly and hasn’t been tested on animals, so you know you’re not contributing to inhumane practices.

tattoo shop - tattoo nebula
Tattoo Nebula Studio

Image credit: Tattoo Nebula

You can get inked the modern way with a tattoo gun or ask for traditional hand-poked skin art, and while there, you might as well try out a piercing or two. We recommend this shop for first-timers or those who want minimalist tattoos in the south of the metro.

tattoo nebula - manga tattoo
Manga panel tattoo

Image credit: Tattoo Nebula

Rates at Tattoo Nebula start at P2000 (~USD38.97) for a 2×2 inch piece, but prices vary depending on design, so consult with your artist first.

Address: 2/F 295 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque 1700
Operating hours: Tue–Sun 11AM-8PM | Closed Mon
Tattoo Nebula’s website | Facebook | Instagram


2. Vimana Tattoo – hyper-realistic tattoos in Tomas Morato


When you visit Vimana Tattoo in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, you’ll notice the Hindu-Buddhist elements that make up the place’s light and calming vibe, a significant contrast to the stereotypical dark and metal tattoo parlor aesthetic.

tattoo shop - vimana
Vimana Tattoo shop in Tomas Morato
Image credit: Vimana Tattoo

However, their shop is only a prelude to the tattoos you can get from their artists; which generally include intricate yet precise, crisp linework on single-needle styles and smooth shading on realistic designs. You should drop by their studio if you want to get a modern-looking tattoo.

moon snake tattoo vimana
Moon snake tattoo
Image credit: @vimanatattoostudio

Rates at Vimana Tattoo start at P3,000 (~USD58.40) for a 2×2 piece, but prices vary depending on design, so consult with your artist first.

Address: 3rd Floor, 186, 1103 Tomas Morato Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103
Operating hours: 11AM-11PM, Daily
Vimana’s Facebook | Instagram


3. Fiftyfive Tinta (55Tinta) – tattoo shop in La Union, Makati, and QC


Tattoo shop - 55tinta
Medusa head tattoo
Image credit: Fiftyfive Tinta Pilipinas

If you’re in La Union, Makati, or Quezon City, consider getting inked at Fiftyfive Tinta (55Tinta) since they have skilled and veteran artists who can translate different art styles onto your skin.

Before the delicate lines of single-needle tattoos became popular, people got tattoos with dark and bold lines that holdup great within a lifetime. You can get the same thing and more from 55tinta artists, just reach out to them for a consultation.

Address:
Urbiztondo, La Union
The Great Northwest Philippines, Travel Stop & Viewing Deck, MacArthur Hwy, San Juan, La Union
Maginhawa, Quezon City
Building 2, 2nd Floor, Luisa, 107 Maginhawa, Diliman, Quezon City
Poblacion, Makati
Unit R07 G/F Knightsbridge Residences, 4392 B. Valdez, Makati City
Operating hours: Wed–Mon 10AM-8PM | Closed Tuesdays
55Tinta’s Facebook | Instagram


4. Skink by Joseph Tadifa – solo tattoo artist in Baguio


hyperrealistic tattoo
Realistic polaroid pictures on an arm sleeve
Image credit: Joseph Tadifa

Skink is the brainchild of Baguio-based tattoo, graffiti, and visual artist, Joseph Tadifa. He primarily creates large-scale tattoos, hyperrealism, watercolor tattoos, and cover-ups.

If you’re traveling to Baguio and want to get inked with a distinct art in black and gray or vibrant color, schedule with Skink by Joseph Tadifa via email or Facebook Messenger.

Telephone: 917 659 0909
Joseph Tadifa’s Facebook | Instagram


5. Needlepoint Tattoo – traditional and cosmetic tattoos


hanya tattoo
Hanya tattoo

Image credit: Needlepoint Cebu Tattoo Studio

Aside from tattooing art on skin, Needlepoint Tattoo also offers cosmetic tattooing through scalp micro-pigmentation, which creates an illusion of having fuller hair or stubble for balding people.

scalp micro-pigmentation tattoo
Scalp micro-pigmentation tattoo
Image credit: Needlepoint Cebu Tattoo Studio

Their studio is right in the middle of uptown Cebu City, so you don’t have to worry about getting there when you’re in town. And you can also fill up a form there for a price quotation and design consultations.

Address: 107 Pres. Quezon St. Villa Aurora, Kasambagan Cebu City, Cebu
Operating hours:
Mon-Sat 1PM-6PM | Sundays by appointment only
Needle Point Tattoo’s website | Facebook | Instagram


6. Rad Tattoo Siargao – get inked before you leave Siargao


rad tattoo shop siargao
Inside Rad Tattoo Siargao

Image credit: Rad Tattoo Shop Siargao

As the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao attracts many tourists and surfers who are also looking for the best kind of souvenir to take home. Well, what’s more permanent than ink on your skin from Rad Tattoo Siargao?

sternum tattoo
Sternum tattoo

Image credit: Rad Tattoo Shop Siargao

They have great artists who can do any design but don’t forget to communicate with your artists to achieve your vision. It’s also best to drop by this tattoo shop at the end of your trip; since new tattoos create micro-abrasions, it’s not wise to swim after getting them because you can catch an infection from the open waters.

Address: Tourism road, General Luna, Siargao, Surigao del Norte
Operating hours:
9.30AM-9.30PM, Daily
Rad Tattoo Siargao’s Facebook | Instagram


7. InkDigger – surprise tattoo in Davao City


random tattoo
A mushroom micro tattoo from the surprise lot
Image credit: @inkdiggertattoo

Sometimes wanting to get a tattoo is hampered by choosing the design, but not every tattoo needs to be teeming with meaning. That’s why Ink Digger Tattoo offers surprise micro-tattoos for only P500 (~USD9.72), where you draw from a lot and have the design you randomly selected inked on you.

full-sleeve tattoo
Black and gray dragon full-sleeve
Image credit: @inkdiggertattoo

But you don’t have to worry because the artists at this tattoo shop in Davao make sure they only put high-quality art on every client’s skin. Visit Ink Digger Tattoo whenever you feel adventurous with your ink ideas.

Address: 2F Tristar Bldg., Buhangin, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Operating hours:
10AM-7PM, Daily
Ink Digger Tattoo’s Facebook | Instagram


8. Apo Whang-Od in Buscalan – ethnic hand-tapped tattoo


hand-tapped tattoo philippines
Apo Wang-Od hand tapping a tattoo
Image credit: Apo Whang Od

Although technically not a tattoo shop, Apo Whang-od in Buscalan village, Kalinga, is the home to the art of ethnic hand-tapped tattoos that historically signify the tribespeople’s prowess in battle.

For years, Apo Whang-od remained the last mamababatok (hand-tapped tattoo artist) from the Butbut tribe. Until recently, her nieces decided to learn the art thanks to the number of people wanting to get inked the traditional way.

Getting tattooed the mambabatok way merits its own article because it is a complete journey. But for now, all you have to know is to get one is to visit Kalinga and hike to Buscalan Village.

Address: Buscalan Village, Tinglayan, Kalinga, CAR
Apo Whang Od’s Facebook


Get inked at these tattoo shops in the Philippines


Thanks to the more modern societal view of tattoos, anyone can express their individuality through art on their skin.

Whether you’re getting inked to signify your most meaningful life events or just for the heck of it, visit only trusted tattoo shops in the Philippines for quality artwork.

Check out other activities to do in the Philippines:


Cover image adapted from: Tattoo Nebula, Joseph Tadifa &, Apo Whang Od

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