Canggu Turns into a Tourism Village

In Bali's Badung Regency, officials are currently considering designating Canggu as a tourism village. This initiative aims to safeguard the area's cultural and scenic qualities in light of significant tourism growth over the past seven years.

The former governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika, supports this initiative to formally recognize Canggu's Traditional Village as a tourism village, which would improve its management. This designation would allow local authorities to access more resources to protect the area’s cultural and natural landscapes.

Pastika, along with I Wayan Suarsana, leader of the Canggu Traditional Village, and Ni Kadek Dwi Indah Paramita, Director of the Baga Utsaha Padruwen Traditional Village, have noted the positive impact of tourism on Canggu. They emphasize the need for sustainable practices and enhanced living conditions for locals.

Pastika highlighted the importance of managing the region’s resources effectively to potentially generate substantial revenue for the provincial government. He also stressed the necessity of preserving the rice fields around Canggu, which are crucial for food production and help balance tourism development.

Paramita mentioned that BUPDA Traditional Village has made significant profits through village taxes from local businesses since its establishment in 2022.

Waste management was a key topic, with Suarsana discussing the search for suitable land for a major waste processing site and the initiation of a waste bank by local communities.

He explained the challenge of securing appropriate land for waste processing and the possibility of using land owned by the Bali Provincial Government. He also detailed the financial health of the Village Credit Institution (LPD) in Canggu, which supports seven local hamlets and 1,200 families, holding significant assets and generating considerable annual revenue.

Suarsana expressed a goal to boost the annual income of the traditional village to further improve economic welfare for residents.

The transformation of Canggu from a quiet fishing village into a bustling tourist hub, marked by attractions like the world's largest beach club, Atlas Beach Club, highlights this dynamic change. Despite challenges, Canggu continues to be a top destination for luxury beachside experiences, reflecting Bali’s commitment to sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism.

Recent improvements at Bali's international airport with automated gates also enhance the visitor experience.

The vibrant tourism industry in Canggu is having a substantial impact on Bali’s property market, particularly increasing the demand for villas. This surge is linked to Canggu’s emergence as a major tourist destination, attracting both short-term and long-term visitors.

The attractiveness of villas in Canggu to investors and homebuyers is driving up property values. Villa rentals offer a steady income for property owners and contribute to the vibrancy of the local real estate market.

As Bali continues to upgrade its infrastructure in response to tourism growth, the real estate market is expected to offer more sophisticated and sustainable living options. The developments in Canggu showcase how tourism can actively shape local real estate markets while balancing growth with the preservation of cultural and natural integrity.