This editorial policy sets out the standards behind every page on Tattoo Malaysia. It covers how we pick the studios we list, where our prices come from, how we handle health and religious topics, and what happens when we get something wrong. If a page falls short of these standards, please tell us.
Who writes the guides
Every guide is written and reviewed by the Tattoo Malaysia Editorial Team. We start with first-hand sources, such as studio sites, clinic pages and government sites. After that, we cross-check against press coverage and community discussion. Because one person's experience is not a rule, we never base a claim on a single anonymous forum post.
How we verify studios, artists and clinics
- Two independent sourcesEach studio, artist or clinic must appear in at least two independent sources. Usually that means its own website or social account plus a map listing, a press feature or a reputable directory.
- Proof it is still operatingWe look for recent work, recent reviews or recent articles. If we cannot find activity from the last 12 to 18 months, we leave the business out.
- Published facts onlyAddresses, opening hours, styles and prices come from what the business publishes. If a detail is unclear, we say so on the page instead of guessing.
- Regular re-checksWe review city guides and price ranges at least twice a year. Each page shows its "Last updated" date at the top.
Our editorial policy on rankings and money
No business can pay for a listing, a higher position or a change to what we write. In addition, we do not accept free tattoos, free treatments or gifts in exchange for coverage. Every "best of" list states its selection criteria at the top, so you can judge our choices for yourself. Typically, we weigh portfolio quality, hygiene, reputation, longevity and range. You can see these criteria at work in our top tattoo shops in Malaysia.
If we ever introduce advertising or affiliate links, they will be clearly labelled, kept separate from editorial choices and disclosed on this page first.
Prices
We publish prices as ranges in Malaysian ringgit, never as single fixed figures. Our ranges come from studio price lists, clinic price lists and press reports, as our tattoo price guide shows. We also explain the factors that move a price up or down. Even so, prices change often, so we always recommend getting a written quote before you book.
Health, safety and medical topics
Our aftercare and removal guides use skin doctors' and health bodies' advice. These include the American Academy of Dermatology, DermNet and the Ministry of Health Malaysia. However, our guides are general information, not medical advice. Where a symptom could signal infection or an allergic reaction, we tell readers to see a doctor.
Religion, culture and law
Malaysians hold many sincere views on tattoos. When we write about religion, we report what official bodies and scholars have said and present it neutrally. Likewise, when we write about Indigenous Bornean tattooing, we rely on Dayak voices, academic research and cultural bodies, and we explain the meaning behind motifs so readers can approach them with respect. Legal information is general guidance, so check with the relevant authority for your situation.
Images
Photographs on this site come from free-to-use libraries such as Unsplash and Pexels, or are original illustrations made for Tattoo Malaysia. Unless a caption says otherwise, photos are illustrative and do not show work by the studios named on the page.
Corrections
When we find or receive a factual error, we correct it promptly and update the page date. For significant corrections, such as a wrong price range or a studio that has closed, we also note the change at the end of the page. To report a problem, email hello@tattoomalaysia.com with the page link and a source if you have one. Learn more about the team on our about page.