Bali authorities to investigate tourists tattooed under general anaesthetic

Bali authorities say they will investigate reports that tourists are receiving full-body tattoos under general anaesthetic, after an official said he had only recently learnt of the practice. The inquiry matters because the procedure combines prolonged anaesthesia with extensive tattooing, and officials have not yet established whether registered doctors and clinics are involved.

Reports say thousands of holidaymakers have travelled to Bali for sessions costing $9,000 to $16,000, including hospital and procedure fees. Up to nine tattoo artists may work at once during sessions lasting 10 to 20 hours, compressing work that usually takes months or years into one or two appointments. Tattoo artist Kian Forreal warned of medical risks and questioned the quality and personal meaning of work produced this way; foreigners make up at least 80 per cent of clients at Bali tattoo shops.