Dream Jungle Tattoo

Got my first tattoo here a few days ago and the experience for a n00b like me was about as good as it gets. I booked it way back in November and my artist, Manila, was great at keeping in touch about the appointment for the past few months.
I got a tattoo in baybayin and he had a lot of ideas for character styles that we went over to make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. The owner, Aleks, talked to me briefly about how one of the characters was going to be done (just in case someone tried to argue it wasn’t a precise translation), which I appreciated. The tattoo process itself went as smooth as possible. I told Manila it was my first one and that I was nervous, so he was attentive to my comfort levels and always asked if I needed to take a break between different stages of the tattoo.
I’m happy I came here– I’m so pleased with how it came out, particularly the little brushstroke details I asked for, and how chill the place is. Definitely coming back for more.

I’ve been going to Aleks for just over 5 years now a couple times at the Long Beach studio and a few tattoo tours he’s done in the Pacific Northwest. His art is like nothing else that’s out there right now. Always ahead of the game and creating a community on the love of Filipino tribal, art, and tattoos.
I’ve always let him have full reign on design and I’ve always walked away happy!!!
Not just a tattooist but a true tattoo artist! Can’t wait to finish up my sleeves!
Thank you Aleks and Dream Jungle Tattoos for the ongoing experience and amazingly good vibes!!!

Dream Jungle Tattoo is amazing. My son is currently having his tribal tattoo done, and though it’s a process and not fully complete, every person that has seen his tattoo has complimented on how great it looks. Aleks is a very talented artist, and we are honored that he is tattooing our family. His skills and talent shows in his work. I highly recommend Dream Jungle Tattoo, you will NOT be disappointed! It is a definite 5 Stars in my book!

Got matching tattoos from Ben and Gus. These guys are amazing! Very friendly and great artist!

I’ve been tattooed by Aleks twice. Once before he opened this shop and once after.
The first time was much better for me IMO. He charged a lot less, and made me feel comfortable getting my first tattoo. His specialties fell perfect with what I wanted. Simple, all black filipino tattoos.
The second time wasn’t much different besides that now he has an actual shop and charged more. He hand drew my tattoo which was added on to the original. Again pretty basic all black filipino style. When he finished he told me to come back in a couple weeks when it heals so he could add some more finishing details. Cool.
When I returned he really made me feel kinda dumb to be honest, saying the tattoo was done, didn’t remember saying anything about finishing it, and made it clear that it was all done. I wasn’t upset because I liked what I had done, but still kinda annoyed for having said he wasn’t done and flip flopping. So now I’m always questioning whether it’s COMPLETEY done with all the details it COULD have.
Since then I’ve ALWAYS been asked «when are you finishing that?» One part of my tattoo is a palm tree, the palm tree is literally just an outline, no further details only the outline which looks like a silhouette. Again I like it, just makes me wonder if detail could still be added or not.
Now on to my next tattoo! So I spent some time thinking of what I wanted and returned to dream jungle after a couple years. Aleks didn’t seem to remember me at all, fine lots of customers ok I get it, but like someone else stated in another review I was talked down to, seemed like I was unimportant, I told him what I was trying to get and he basically just said he was all booked for months and brushed me off. He didn’t even listen to what I said really, because he offered me another artist to tattoo me in the exact style I just told him I didn’t want! Then started talking about leaving $ 100 deposit. No thanks.
I don’t mind waiting as long as I get what I want but like someone else mentioned, there’s a «I’m too cool for you» and much more of «this is a business» vibe.
I’ve since found another artist who listens and is much more worth my time and money. Sucks because the guy I remember from my first tattoo was much different. Maybe he just needs to remember this is for the art and not the money.

My review for this place is serious lack of email response. Not good method of communication it looks for them. That is pretty much a turn off for me, honestly i really dont mind going into any shop but i don’t like no communication, communication is key

Found Dream Jungle Tattoo while researching a tattoo for my wife. Basis the many positive Unilocal reviews we went to the studio and met with Aleks. This was our first time in a tattoo studio and it did not fit what I was originally expecting. Dream Jungle has an asian/​zen vibe that is really laid back, warm and non intimidating. We enjoyed our discussion with Aleks and went home knowing we had found the right place.
As it turned out I ended up getting a tattoo instead of my wife as I liked what I saw at Dream Jungle, liked the work I had seen of Aleks and also had my own ideas of what I wanted.
The day of my tattoo arrived and Aleks had prepared a sketch of my tattoo basis the pictures I had sent him and it looked really cool. He was able to incorporate all of the aspects I was looking for into my tattoo. I was pleased with the tattoo process as Aleks was very professional, gave me a break when I needed, and although it’s not a pain free process, it was definitely tolerable. During the process you get to know Aleks a little and he is a really cool dude. I would describe Aleks as a «Good Soul».
Would recommend Aleks and Dream Jungle to anyone. This was my first time and definitely made an excellent choice.

I’m writing this post after checking out a few shops in the area. He’s a one trick pony. This guy can only do one thing and isn’t great at it. His body of work is a sorry sight. What I couldn’t stand was the standard tough guy «too cool for you» attitude. I saw how he spoke to casual walk-​ins as if they were flys to be waved off. When I showed him what I wanted, some simple line art that I had drawn, he thought that was an invitation to give me his personal opinion on what’s good and what’s not. I left. I’m so glad I didn’t let this guy tattoo me. Crappy attitude, crappy work. I don’t want that kind of energy going on to my body. I don’t like bullshit bully attitudes and when I see it I have no problem going home and writing a review about it. Dream Jungle Tattoo sucks.

A great experience. I am new to the area and found these guys right here on Unilocal.I got a simple three letter word inked on my ribs by Steve today and I love it! The shop is clean, Steve and Alex are both super friendly. I only have a few small tattoos and these guys did not make me feel intimidated at all for wanting something simple. The ribs are a bit tender and Steve did an awesome job, he was courteous and professional. I liked there wasn’t an «entourage» hanging out there which is especially great since they don’t have separate private stations (this is my only drawback but wasn’t a big deal). I was nervous about the rib areas being a bit painful and it was but not awful. Again, Steve did a great job and it was finished in no time at all. I already have my next two planned and I’ll definitely use these guys again!

Its been about a month, perfect healing and I am ready to review.
A perfect 5-​star experience.
I got to work with Aleks a little bit in terms of the design and he was superb! Professional, down to earth, knowledgeable, and understood exactly what I wanted. Something super simple but with a fair amount of detail. Appointment made, with Steve as my schedule was a bit of a pain.
Came back and had to wait around awhile listening to the buzz of both Steve and Aleks at work. Dream Jungle has a great vibe– really. Its such an oasis inside compared to the ick and blah of Anahiem (the street) and LB outside. Its relaxing and helps to get you into a calm place. Which is great for tattoo’s, imo.
At last (the wait wasn’t that long actually) Steve was ready for me. We talked again about the art that I wanted, got the sizing down which took a couple of tried to get right and I was really glad to have Steve’s assistance with this. left to my own devices it would have been oddly small. Steve was super clean and really great as well!
First off, he was really relaxed and carried on a great conversation with me the whole time he worked. This was really important for me, I have some adrenaline and nerve issues that make me not the ideal person to tattoo. Keeping my mind off of things while I was watching them through a good conversation really helped! Secondly, the work that he did was fantastic! I got a level of detail that I really did not think was going to be possible and I could not be happier about it! The lines are crisp and perfect.
Overall a great experience that makes me really want to go back for more work. I don’t have any immediate tattoo plans, but I sort of want to make some, just to give them my business again!

4 tattoos later and finally here I am! Haha. Took long enough. But my first tattoo was here and I was actually referred by my brother who got a tribal from Aleks.
As expected I was nervous but the environment is really relaxing and aleks was really great about the whole thing. It was over and done with in less than half an hour. I came back a couple of months later and another great experience. He made my other half and I feel very welcomed which is why I continued to come back.
Couple of months later (because tattoos are absolutely addicting) I come in looking for aleks and unfortunately he’s on vacation. These other 2 (now former) employees were working and I decided Hey why not? They seemed credible to me. But I was left with a crooked cross. I was crushed. I went somewhere else to get it fixed.
But, I couldn’t get myself to let go of dream jungle. It was just too great of an establishment. I decided to give it another try. I voiced my opinion to aleks and he was very understanding. He set my friend and I up with Steve.
Steve was very professional and clean just like aleks and took very good care of us. Some artists do great work but lack personality and can’t carry a conversation but that is never the case here. I’m so glad I gave this place another chance! I am so happy with the work Steve and aleks have done. Great quality and that’s why I will continue to be loyal. Thank you guys for the memorable session and I will be seeing you guys very soon!

We checked out a few places before coming here. The people here were fantastic, and they did a great job at making us comfortable. My partner got a tattoo here, and they did an excellent job. The guy was super professional, and nice, the place was clean, and he did an amazing job. If you look at the picture, he managed to get tiny islands in which other artists said they wouldn’t be able to do. He also did it in a was that wasn’t too painful. Now that i have seen his work, I will probably get some work done here as well.

I spent nearly 5 years researching the best place to go for a neo-​tribal Filipino tattoo. My research kept leading to the same person and place: Aleks at Dream Jungle. It seemed like a good adventure to fly down from Seattle to Long Beach for the tattoo so I went ahead and made an appointment online and sent in a deposit.
It was my first time to be inked. Aleks was professional throughout the whole process. The day of my appointment was great — Aleks walked me through everything. I did not have anything in particular in mind but instead I just asked Aleks to create a nice piece. He spent the rest of the day drawing free hand on my forearm and inking the piece. The tattoo turned out beautifully. I get compliments on it nearly every day. It is bold with a word inked down the middle in a beautiful Baybayin script. Aleks gave me simple and specific healing instructions and everything worked out just fine.
The environment in the shop is calm, relaxing and most importantly clean. Aleks’ demeanor was professional and upbeat and he was open to suggestions. I give Aleks and Dream Jungle my highest recommendation. In fact, I hope to have my other forearm inked the next time Aleks is in Seattle.

After a lot of research… I came across Dream Jungle Tattoo. I was immediately drawn to Aleks and his profile. I had a piece of Japanese Art I wanted in memory of a lost friend. This piece has a great deal of sentimental value to me so I wanted to be sure I chose the right artist. I DID!!!
Aleks has such a great eye for detail. He is very professional and patient. He adjusted the size and positioning of the piece to perfection. He is such a pleasure to be in company with that you feel very relaxed. It takes a very special person to make something so painful… feel so pleasurable.
I HIGHLY recommend Dream Jungle Tattoo. To have a piece that means so much to me topped off with the greatest experience… Who could ask for more.
Perfecto Aleks
Lori B.

I received an email from owner Alex F. regarding my tattoo experience at Dream Jungle asking me to call him, and so I did.
During our conversation Alex was dismissive and defensive. He told told me how getting finger tattoos was a bad idea and anything below the wrist is essentially ‘gangster’ (I was a 50yo straight laced business executive!) and that his shop no longer does finger tattoos. When I questioned the gang reference, he changed his tune and started talking about skin sloughing and epidermis layers. He could not and would not explain why the shop placed the tattoo there on my finger after I asked about suitability of placement. essentially, he made it clear that the placement was my fault. He also told me it is was wrong of me to write a bad review for his business when the artist he employed was at fault, again, refusing to take responsibility for the fact that he, as a business owner is culpable for the work that the people in his employment produce under his business brand.
When we discussed the $ 250 cost and the fact that I felt ripped off, since I have since learned that some of the best artists in the industry charge $ 150 to $ 250 an hour, he refused to acknowledge his shop’s business practices were shady; he also went on to tell me that the person who did my tattoo is no longer employed by his shop, and that the 7 letter tattoo that took his no longer employed ‘artist’ less than 15 minutes to complete was justifiably worth the $ 250 expense.
I’m sorry. My take is that I am at fault because I was ignorant of costs at the time I had the work done, but I’m far more informed now. I now know that that the artist, and by way of their employment of him, Dream Jungle, took advantage of me and I paid more because of my age and probably because of my sex. Essentially, I suspect that I paid for a couple of hours of work on one of their regulars. (C’mon: you know its true.)
And as is my right as a consumer on this forum, I chose to share that learning with all of you and to warn you: DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I MADE. Unless you are tat-​savvy and have four or five quotes, and especially if you are outside the regular demographic that this shop caters to, don’t take a risk and be taken advantage of, because the management at Dream Land will not take responsibility. If anything, I am even more disgusted with Dream Jungle than I was at the time I wrote my initial review.,

After deciding I wanted a tattoo of both of my parents last names in Baybayin, I was referred to Dream Jungle Tattoo from one of my cousins. I found the place in Cambodia Town In Long Beach. Walking into their shop they had the coolest atmosphere and it was soothing/​incredibly comfortable. Aleks introduced himself to me and I told him what I wanted and showed him the design. Automatically he corrected the Alibata (baybayin) to suit the way my names were actually pronounced then showed me how it looked like. He was incredibly friendly and patient. We talked about the ideas and I set up an appointment.
I showed up a week later to my appointment and the look on his face was that he forgot. He touched up some lady before my appointment, spoke to a couple of people interested in getting tattoo’d and then finally attended to me. The wait was fine though, because it gave me a chance to rethink my tattoo. After going in the back and telling him my last minute change of plans (that he was completely okay with) he took a good amount of time perfecting the Alibata on my back and suggesting ideas so it would fit better. He worked with my curvy body to make sure it was straight and let me go to my boyfriend/​sister to make sure they liked it. After countless minutes perfecting the art, standing incredibly still and small talk I finally got on the chair for the tattoo. It was my first tattoo and I wanted my sister to be there with me but unfortunately the new law prohibits people in the back so they had to cheer me on from far away. He reassured me that I’d be fine. The first few minutes of the tattoo were hell. I cried and I felt like the needles went in a good inch. But after a while the pain became numbing. He said I was doing good, and joked that I was going to take a lot longer. After a good 30 minutes (he worked pretty fast for how crispy the alibata looks) I was done. He had me get up and check it out. After letting me show it to my family he brought me back and thoroughly explained what I should do to take care of my tattoo then took a picture of it with a polaroid camera. He then had my sign my name and where I came from which was cool because he had a box full of his clients photos and their tattoos. He offered to touch up my tattoo later on if there are flaws and he gave me a really good price so I tipped him well. It was worth the pain ! The staff was incredibly nice, the shop was nicely furnished, and for my first tattoo I’m so glad that I got him ! Not to mention how skilled he is in his work and how skeptical my family was that he was «legit». But I’m glad I went to him !!

2 weeks later, I think it’s about time I write an awesome review for this place! This was my FIRST TATTOO so this will be one of those FIRST TATTOO kind of reviews.
I came in one Saturday morning with a friend to check out local tattoo places in Long Beach. A lot of good friends referred me to this place and after doing a lot of researching ( Unilocal and other internet sources) directed me here.
I was really cool with the place: I didn’t get any of those creepy goosebumps, all the artists were really chill and welcoming, and the place was clean. It was small, but had this style about it that I appreciated. Plus, it wasn’t one of those places that felt like an oven so I knew I wouldn’t be sweating bullets at a place like this which made me feel comfortable getting my first tattoo.
I came in, checked out their portfolios (which were all extremely well done), and even got a chance to talk and meet with Aleks — his portfolio was the one that stood out to me the most (specifically because he does Filipino and Tribal Tattooing). He was funny, real chill, and I was able to set up my appointment via email. I knew he’d be busy since he had travelling gigs, but I was so set on having him do my tattoo because of his experience and his personality.
I finally went in. Aleks had the stencil ready and he was really patient with me. I initially wanted to get my piece on my back right shoulder, but my design was too large that it was hitting my shoulder blade so he suggested putting it in the center, right between the shoulder blades. I was hesitant at first and it took me more or less 30 minutes to decide, but he was really awesome in walking me through it and not rushing me or my time. Definitely worth the experience! It took about an hour and half to actually get everything inked, cleaned, and paid for!
My only downside experience I had with this place was that I had to reschedule my appointment for a different day after already coming in. I took off work to come into the shop on a Tuesday, and because Aleks had accidentally forgotten, he immediately and politely scheduled me for that following Saturday. Although I was bummed that it happened that way, I’m glad it did because it reaffirmed my interest in getting my first tattoo done.
Nevertheless, I’m coming back for Round 2 when I get my second tattoo done!

This review has been long overdue. Everyone here from the owner to his employees were very professional, friendly and helpful. Place is very clean and beautifully decorated.
I got my first tattoo here and I think it will always be my favorite piece for sentimental reasons, and simply because it is beautiful, to me, at least. Aleks was really patient with me. Yes, I tend to act «blonde» like my highlights sometimes and I didn’t get any eye-​rolling =) His reputation precedes him… he is very talented and meticulous, maybe even a perfectionist.
Something to expect if wanting a tattoo by Aleks is the LONG waitlist. In the end, it is worth it and you get what you pay for. This shop is highly recommended and people should have no hesitation to get something done here. The other artists are very talented as well. I would go back, if I weren’t so impatient… =)

Made good on my promise to Ben to return and he did a rather large ohm on my hip. He helped me pick the right size and answered the BAZILLION questions I had about pain thresh hold etc for me. He also fixed a little bit of the tat he did for me before (just a little fixing on the stroke) no problem.
He took breaks when I needed it and the other artists got me water when I requested it. Casual conversations to keep me distracted from the pain. Didn’t even charge me an arm and a leg for the tat.
Here is a photo of the finished product. Most places would charge over 120 but Ben worked with me and my budget before I paid & got the work done.
THANK YOU BEN!!! THANK YOU DREAM JUNGLE TATTOO! I am definitely coming back for my next one. The bitch drive is WORTH IT.
Namaste

So I have this ugly 20 year old daisy tattooed on my back that I have been thinking about getting turned into a peacock feather for years. But I never got around to it because I didn’t want to deal with the pain.
Yesterday morning I woke up and decided to look into it. I googled pictures of tattoos and then came to Unilocal to find a decent place to get it done. I was so impressed with the reviews for Dream Jungle that I decided to check them out. They didn’t open until 11 a.m. so I had to wait a while, but then I drove over there and just walked in with my pictures.
I was greeted by Gus who asked to see my tattoo and my ideas. He said he could do it no problem. He also said he could do it right then. I was so shocked. I wasn’t even sure I was going to go through with it but since he was available I decided to go for it.
He was nice, friendly, professional, and an amazing artist. It took a while and it hurt like a mofo, but I am soooo happy with my results. The tattoo is gorgeous and my old one is completely covered like it never existed.
Everyone in the shop was nice and I’m sure that any artist you get will make it a wonderful experience. But I would definitely recommend Gus as he did a fantastic job and didn’t get angry with me as I started losing steam at the end. That stuff really does hurt bad!