Best tattoo parlours in KL

This cosy studio in Subang is run by Taco Joe and Julian Oh – the former having a decade of tattooing experience under his belt. The parlour’s uncanny décor is reminiscent of a teenager’s room in the ’90s – framed tattoo art, a mural and decorative knick-knacks on the walls, and a bright red tool drawer beside the tattoo chair. Joe and Julian occasionally invite guest tattoo artists from around the world to drop by for inking sessions, such as Pepe Vicio (Spain), Daniel Di Mattia (Belgium), Kapitano (Netherlands) and more – you can make appointments for these particular sessions too. Visit their Facebook page for updates and announcements.

28-2 Jalan SS15/4, Subang Jaya (014 332 5616). Tue-Sun, 12noon-8pm.

For impressive tattoos inked by attentive artists, Kelana Jaya's The Tattoo Parlor is your studio. Founded in 2014, the four tattoo artists here see you as friends, not customers, so expect a friendly laidback vibe when you book an appointment with them. While you're free to browse through their massive portfolio of neo traditional, realistic, dot work and colour designs, it's best to come in with your own piece in mind. That said though, their thumping rock playlist featuring Guns N’ Roses, Breaking Benjamin and Alter Bridge might influence you to get a more daring tattoo.

31-1 Block C, Zenith Corporate Park, SS7 Kelana Jaya (016 353 4340). Daily, 11am-8pm.

This relatively new tattoo studio (it's only just over a year-old) in Sri Petaling may not command the same reverence of Borneo Ink or Pink Tattoos, but its stable of wildly creative and skilled artists make up for its short time in the scene. For fine lines and old- and new-school designs (think intricate, minimalistic art), Inktime Studio's Raice Wong is your go-to artist; she's got six years of inking under her belt. Or if you're inclined to sporting realistic black-and-grey ink, ask Telwin Thong for a consultation session, in which he’ll patiently work with you to come up with the tattoo of your dreams.

17-1, Jalan Radin Bagus 5, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling (03 9055 3156). Tue-Sun, 11.30am-8.30pm.

Think of getting inked, think Pink Tattoos. Lynda Chean’s Pink Tattoos, which turns six in September, is on (needle) point – with its boutique-y, hip location, the studio is clean and comfortable, festooned with framed artworks, owl figurines and everything else bright and beautiful.

20-A, Jalan Telawi, Bangsar (03 2201 7465). Tue-Sun, 12noon-8pm.

Home to siblings Eddie David, Simon David and Lina David, as well as apprentice-turned-artist Russell Lloyd, the award-winning Borneo Ink opened its doors in 1999. Today, it’s one of the most sought after studios in KL – especially if custom and traditional or tribal tattoos are up your alley.

8-3, Third Floor, Jalan 27/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas (03 2300 1151). Wed-Sun, 11am-7pm.

For over ten years, Bloody Ink Tattoo has existed in one form or another; in previous lives, they’ve taken on different alter egos, names and tattoo artists. Today, the studio specialises in dot works, geometric, Japanese, old school and tribal designs.

Lot F099, First Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza (03 2141 1543). Daily, 11.30am-8.30pm.