Deftones, Dotwork, and Zero Drama: Inside Raksaksa Tattoo & Gallery
What exactly are you looking at here?
A tattoo parlour? A gallery? A cool space to vibe and hang out? The perfect backdrop for your next IG post?
It’s quite frankly all of the above.
Welcome to Raksaksa Tattoo & Gallery, where the visual appeal is only outshone by the art-making magic happening inside. This is where skate mag meets tattoo altar. Let me give you a somewhat virtual tour of the space, one wonder at a time.
Let’s start with the aesthetics—because we all know that’s what you hipsters care about most.
As the name suggests, it’s also a gallery, which means the walls are lined with badass art and skate paraphernalia. It’s perfect if you’re someone who values ambiance while getting inked (or if you’re just here for a killer photo op—no judgment).
But don’t let the carefully curated decor fool you—this isn’t some Instagram-first kind of place. You won’t find any pastel neon signs spelling out generic inspirational quotes here. Instead, think raw, authentic energy that screams we do this because we love it, not because it’s trendy. Welcome, fellow misfit!
Oh, and the playlist? Immaculate. I walked in to Deftones blasting through the speakers, and I’m pretty sure my new back tattoo inked itself out of sheer vibe alignment. If you’re considering a session here, come ready to add a few new bangers to your playlist!
Finding the shop can be a bit of a mission. It’s tucked away in a super old hotel building… Which I say with zero disdain.
It’s actually quite intriguing—especially if you’re into all things edgy and vintage. Plus, it’s a great excuse to hit your 10k steps somewhere other than the mall. But trust me, tough it out, and you’ll find yourself rewarded with more than just bragging rights.
Enter Arnis Tunguia, the main tattooist. He’ll greet you with a warm, humble smile, because he’s just casually the coolest person ever and probably doesn’t even realise it (which, as we all know, makes him even cooler).
This guy’s range is insane. He’s a master of blackwork, geometric patterns, tribal tattoos with Polynesian ornamentation (personal fave), and even American traditional. Word on the street is that you just need to throw him an idea, and he’ll start rubbing his hands together like a plotting mosquito, ready to bring your vision to life.
Honestly, just look at him. He is the art he creates. Isn’t that the dream?
For those of you who care about astrological credentials, rest assured—Arnis is a Gemini, so you’re in safe hands. (I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t trust a Capricorn with a needle around me). JUICE always has your back.
Speaking of, let’s talk about my back tattoo. I’ll show you a photo, though I’m lowkey tempted to gatekeep it:
Yes, it’s a TOOL lyric. Yes, it’s totally Shakespearean in energy. Fine, you can copy the idea. 🙄
This was my first proper tat outside my left sleeve, and as much as I’d love to maintain my pain-is-vogue, fear-is-fuel image, I was a bit nervous. But between Arnis’s steady hand and a super comfy fluffy pillow wrapped in plastic, my woes didn’t stand a chance. So, if you were wondering—does the vibe match the skill? The answer is a resounding hell yes.
Pro tip: if you’re someone who likes to rush things and squeeze a tattoo into your lunch break, this isn’t the place for you. Arnis is a total perfectionist. I was already loving my design halfway through the first draft, but he kept refining, poking, and prodding until the text was flawlessly aligned. And honestly, I’m so glad he did.
If your tat requires extra time and care like mine did, you’ll want to sit down, shut up, and respect the craft. Go get a banana pancake or something. Good things take time! Those 10-minute conveyor-belt quick sketches? They’ll look good for exactly that long. 10 minutes.
And really, why would you want to rush out of a place that looks like this?
Here’s the thing about Raksaksa—it’s not trying to be cool. It just is.
It’s a vibe. It’s a home. It’s the kind of authentic creative space that feels effortless yet meticulously crafted. Even if you’re just here to deck out your IG feed rather than your skin, you’ll leave feeling inspired—and maybe a little cooler by association.
Oh, and speaking of cool, I’ve been trying to come up with a downside to this place to make this review feel balanced and genuine. If you’re someone who finds reviews more credible when they include at least one complaint…
Well, here’s one: the air-conditioning is way too cold. Think faux-mink-jacket-in-the-Arctic levels of cold. I later learned the owner spent some time living in Norway, so maybe it’s their quirky way of giving a nod to their roots.
Weak joke? Definitely. But that’s all I’ve got because I have no real complaints.
Wanna know more? Go check them out for yourself. No, seriously—get off your phone and head over. I’ve got a back tat to heal.
Raksaksa Tattoo KL
Opening Hours:
Friday–Thursday: 10 AM – 11 PM
Contact:
📞 011-6450 3396
Services:
3D photo-real tattoos, abstract tattoos, Celtic symbols, custom lettering, fine line, delicate dot work, memorial tattoos, Polynesian tribal tattoos, sleeve tattoos, tattoo cover-ups, aftercare, and much more.
📍 UNIT AR 18 GROUND FLOOR, 225, HOLIDAY PLACE, MEGAN AMBASSY, Jln Ampang, Taman U Thant, 50450 Ampang, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur