MIRI INTERNATIONAL TATTOO FESTIVAL
31 Oct', 1, 2 Nov' 2025
Indoor Stadium Miri, Sarawak - Malaysia
About
MITE 2025
This year, we are proud to host the Miri International Tattoo Festival at a larger venue (70 Electric Booth + 14 Traditional Booth), thanks to the overwhelming number of participants from around the world. Please check the venue layout. Dear artists, vendors, and food and beverage (outdoor stall) operators: reserve your spot now!
Event Date & Venue
31 Oct', 1, 2 Nov' 2025
Indoor Stadium Miri, Sarawak - Malaysia View Maps
A Journey Through Ink and Culture
"Kenarau," an Iban term that translates to "one who bears many tattoos," embodies a rich cultural heritage and artistic expression. The Kenarau initiative, which began in 2012, has become a significant movement in Malaysia and Borneo, celebrating the art of tattooing and fostering community engagement through various initiatives.
KENARAU TATTOO COMMUNITY
The journey of Kenarau commenced with the launch of the first-ever tattoo magazine in the Iban language, founded by Sylvester Juli. This groundbreaking publication, initially under the auspices of Pustaka Kenyalang, aimed to promote tattoo culture and artistry within the Iban community and beyond. The magazine garnered support from notable figures such as Jaya Ramba, Freddiel Medan, Peter Jamba, and esteemed writer Johnny Chuat from the Pegari magazine. Over its run, the magazine released seven editions, reaching audiences across Borneo and parts of Peninsular Malaysia, thus laying the groundwork for a vibrant tattoo community.
In 2013, Kenarau took a significant step forward by collaborating with the Sarawak Body Arts Association to host international tattoo events. This partnership continued until 2017, bringing together artists and enthusiasts from various backgrounds to celebrate the art of tattooing. By the end of 2018, Kenarau established its own office in Desa Bahagia Shop Lot, Miri, Sarawak, marking a new chapter in its evolution.
In 2019, Kenarau was officially registered under the Malaysian Registry of Societies as Persatuan Pengukir Seni Tradisional Kenarau Miri. The organization began with nine dedicated members, all passionate about promoting traditional tattoo artistry and engaging in charitable work within the community.
The year 2020 marked a significant milestone for Kenarau as it opened its second branch in Brunei, led by Frankie. This expansion continued until 2023, when Dexter Ulim took over the leadership. In October 2022, the Kuching branch was launched, spearheaded by Nicholas Jenta and Boy Skrang, further solidifying Kenarau's presence in the region. The Sabah branch was established in 2023 under the guidance of Limanuel and Cliff, showcasing the initiative's commitment to growth and outreach.
One of the hallmark events of the Kenarau initiative is the Miri Tatu Festival. The inaugural festival in 2022 attracted 80 artists from across Malaysia, celebrating the diversity and creativity of tattoo artistry. In 2023, the festival was elevated to an international level, drawing participants from 15 countries, showcasing the global appeal of tattoo culture. The event received support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, as well as local NGOs, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the initiative.
Today, Kenarau stands as a testament to the power of art, culture, and community. With 12 years of history and a formal registration dating back five years, Kenarau continues to thrive as a beacon of tattoo artistry in Malaysia and Borneo. Through its various branches, charitable initiatives, and vibrant events, Kenarau not only celebrates the beauty of tattoos but also fosters a sense of belonging and cultural pride among its members and the wider community. As it looks to the future, Kenarau remains committed to its mission of promoting traditional tattoo artistry and enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
Special Event - Tattoo Show
- BORNEO BACKPIECE TATTOO : black only, open to public and the prize will be for the owner of the tattoo.
- BORNEO LEG / ARM SLEEVE TATTOO : black only, open to public and the prize will be for the owner of the tattoo.
Day 1. - 31 Oct' 2025
- ASIAN BACKPIECE TATTOO : black or color, open to public and the prize will be for the owner of the tattoo.
- ASIAN LEG / ARM SLEEVE TATTOO : black or color, open to public and the prize will be for the owner of the tattoo.
Day 2. - 1 Nov' 2025
- FREESTYLE FULL BACKPIECE TATTOO : black or color, open to public and the prize will be for the owner of the tattoo.
- FREESTYLE FULL LEG/ARM TATTOO : black or color, open to public and the prize will be for the owner of the tattoo.
DAY 3. - 2 Nov' 2025
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- Tattoo Show categories open to everyone ( Public and participant )
- The prize will be 100% for the owner of the tattoo.
- Healed and fresh tattoo allowed to to be compete in all categories.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded for each tattoo category
- Competition registration will be between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm for all the categories
- Judging will start from 5 - 7 pm for all other categories.
Additional Information :
For queries please email us directly kenarau@gmail.com
Primary Event - Tattoo Competition
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- MODERN BORNEO FUSION : Borneo Themes the combination of any Borneo element/pattern.
- SMALL PIECE TATTOO : Tattoo must be the same size as or smaller than a piece of 4 X 4 inch. Color or Black/ Gray.
- MEDIUM PIECE TATTOO : Tattoo must be the same size as or bigger than a piece 4 X 4 inch and not bigger than A4 paper. Color or Black/ Gray.
- BEST FRESH OF THE DAY 1 : Tattoo must be started and completed at the convention on the same day. No pre-lining is allowed.
Day 1. - 31 Oct' 2025
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- BORNEO TRIBAL MACHINE WORK : Any size of classic Borneo Tribal done by machine.
- BLACK & GREY : Any size must contain black, gray and white only.
- COLOR: Any size must contain color work.
- BEST FRESH OF THE DAY 2 : Tattoo must be started and completed at the convention on the same day. No pre-lining is allowed.
Day 2. - 1 Nov' 2025
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- TRADITIONAL BORNEO TRIBAL : Any Size, Borneo Hand Tapping only.
- TRADITIONAL TATTOO : Any size of tattoo done by any traditional method ( Tebori, Bamboo, Mentawai, Kalinga, Moko, Hand Poke and etc. )
- FREESTYLE : Any size, any color, any method it up to you!
- BEST FRESH OF THE DAY 3 : Tattoo must be started and completed at the convention on the same day. No pre-lining is allowed.
- BEST OF SHOW : Tattoo must be started and completed at the convention on Day 1 - 3.
Day 3. - 2 Nov' 2025
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- For best fresh of the day categories tattoo must be started and completed at the convention on the same day.
- Healed and fresh tattoo allowed to be compete in all categories except for best of the day category.
- All tattoos entered for the contest must be created by attending by artists of Miri International Tattoo Festival 2025 except for TATTOO SHOW.
- TATTOO SHOW categories open to everyone ( Public and participant ) and the prize will be 100% for the owner of the tattoo. Dress up suitable to show your tattoo during the Tattoo Festival.
- One tattoo allowed to compete in 3 different categories.
- Competition registration will be between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm for all the categories.
- Judging will start from 5 - 7 pm for all other categories.
Competition Rules :
For queries please email us directly kenarau@gmail.com
Event
Featured Event
Competition
Multiple categories with amazing prizes. Best Traditional | Best Color | Best Black & Grey | Etc.
Event
Booth Information
SINGLE BOOTH DETAILS
Booth size : 9 X 6fts
MYR 1.000.00
- 1 Display Oblong Table 3fts X 6fts
- 1 Working Oblong Table 3fts X 6fts
- 2 Chairs
- 1 Power Point Socket
- 1 Artist Pass
- 1 Assistant pass or another artist
- 1 Offical Tshirt
- Sponsor item from tattoo suppliers
- The back wall for the display banner is 9 feet long by 8 feet high
TRADITIONAL ARTIST BOOTH
Booth size : 10 X 9fts
MYR 1.700.00
- 1 Display Oblong Table 3fts X 6fts
- 2 Chairs
- 1 Artist Pass
- 1 Assistant pass
- 1 Offical Tshirt
- 1 Power point socket
- Floor cover with disposable carpet
- Sponsor item from tattoo suppliers
- Strictly no machines allowed
- The back wall for the display banner is 9 feet long by 5 feet high
Additional Booth Information :
- The power points available are UK standard only. Please bring an extension cord if you need multiple outlets.
- Please bring your own table cover, or you may purchase a Sarawak-perished table cover.
- This event is organized to promote cultural heritage, so please wear your traditional attire.
- There will be 20 food and beverage stalls outside, selling both regular and traditional foods.
- Alcohol is allowed outside the venue, but not inside.
- There will be 8 vendors selling Borneo merchandise for souvenirs.
- Smoking and vaping are not allowed indoors. Designated smoking areas are located outside.
TRADITIONAL ARTIST
- Belgium - Tribal Tides (Yanto Ribut)
- Canada / Malaysia - Orang Utan ( Cliff & Limanuel )
- Hawaii - Suluape Malama O Mataitoa ( Keone Nunes)
- Indonesia - Durga Tattoo (Aman Durga)
- Indonesia - Ti'ti Mentawai (Letcu)
- Japan - Horimyo
- Malaysia - Arararit Tattoo Studio Lawas (lanBeck)
- Malaysia - High Blood Ink (Felix D Pantek)
- Malaysia - Monkey Tattoo Studio Borneo (Jeremy Lo)
- Malaysia - Skrang Tattoo Studio Kuching (Boy Skolang)
- Malaysia - Tribal 12 Tattoo Studio Sibu (Manang Lupong & Mia)
- New Zealand - Te Rongo ō Te Whaowhao (Brent McCown)
MACHINE BOOTH
- Brunei - Combat Tattoo (Tilak Thapa Magar)
- Denmark - Larma Tattoo (Lars)
- Finland - Tattoo Ateljee (Tommi Dots)
- Indonesia - Indonesian Subculture (Ucha Cyberborg)
- Indonesia - Ma Tattoo Bali (Prima)
- Indonesia - Magic Ink Bali (Meki)
- Indonesia - Prim Ferry Tattoo Batam ( Prim Ferry)
- Indonesia - Sunset Ink Bali (Bayu Sastra & Chandra G)
- Indonesia - Sunset Ink Bali (Komang Reka & Rocky)
- Italy Travel Tattooer, (Pante)
- Italy / Vietnam - Alex Von Dutch
- Japan - Atelier Tattoo Ankh (Ken Tattoo)
- Japan - Tattoo Studio, Osaka (Yoshiko)
- Malaysia - 13th Tattoo Studio Miri Sarawak (Nikkie Niklaz & Rick Chang)
- Malaysia - Ary Tattoo Studio, Perak (Raymond)
- Malaysia - Bezhang Ink, Sarawak ( Darren & Ancora)
- Malaysia - Bezhang Ink, Sarawak ( Mike & Daisy)
- Malaysia - Black Peach Tattoo, Johor (Tanesh Kumar)
- Malaysia - Blackout Tattoo Studio, Sarawak ( Lido & )
- Malaysia - Blackout Tattoo Studio, Sarawak (Sean Ares & Baxx Jordan)
- Malaysia - Brother Ink, Mukah (Andrian)
- Malaysia - Brother Ink, Mukah (Pit & Patt)
- Malaysia - Clay & Rina
- Malaysia - Drastic Ink Tattoo Studio, Sabah (Kenny Chi & john v reducto)
- Malaysia - Freestyle Art Tattoo, Johor (QT Freestyle)
- Malaysia - Guntur Tattoo, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Darren Wen)
- Malaysia - Guntur Tattoo, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Lutha Terra)
- Malaysia - Heartless Tattoo (Xiao Qiang)
- Malaysia - Inkzation Tattoo Studio Kuching, (Nicholas Jenta)
- Malaysia - J.Ink Tattoo Studio (Jacky Cheah)
- Malaysia - JDNB Ink, Kuching (Johnny Desmond)
- Malaysia - JDNB Ink, Kuching (Johnny Desmond)
- Malaysia - Smok'Ink Monkey Tattoo, Sibu (F. Jugah & Dave Adhiadidas)
- Malaysia - Sullen Malaysia (Lydia)
- Malaysia - Taste of ink tattoo, Sarawak (Alex Simon)
- Malaysia - The Coven Tattoo, Perak (Ben)
- Malaysia - The Coven Tattoo, Perak (Sand)
- Malaysia - Ukir Anyam Tattoo Miri (Rocken Rock)
- Netherlands / Spain - Marco Bratt Tattoo (Santtana)
- Philippines - Ann Savage Tattoo Cebu (Ann Savage & Joe Black)
- Poland - Yarson Tattoo Studio (Karolina Klimczak)
- Singapore / Vietnam - Lion Ink (Cong Bui)
- Sri Lanka - Tattoo Babu Ngembo (Tony)
- Sweden - Endon Tattoo (Mimmi-Luna)
- Switzerland - Hellfire Tattoo (Dani)
- Thailand - Thaiart tattoo (Pui thai art & pepe thaiart)
- Thailand - Thaiart tattoo (Pui thai art & pepe thaiart)
- United Kingdom - Downtown Tattoo Co (Marcin Andrzejewski)
- Vietnam - Shogun Tattoo (Shogun & Jacky Cheah)
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