Canggu, a village on Bali’s southwest coast, has rapidly transformed from a quiet spot into a popular hub for expats, digital nomads, and tourists. Between 2018 and 2024, real estate developments fueled its rise as a hotspot for lifestyle tourism and long-term stays.
Below, we explore how satellite images reveal the key development trends that reshaped Canggu's landscape and real estate market.
The Early Phase of Canggu: 2018-2019
In 2018, Canggu was still a rural and agricultural landscape. The satellite image of this era shows great expanses of rice paddies and open green areas, with building activity confined to a few clumps of traditional houses and villas. The beaches, though attracting a sprinkling of surfers and tourists, were still undeveloped in comparison with other areas nearby, such as Seminyak.
Key Trends 2018-2019:
- Boutique villas and eco-type accommodations expand, catering to the tourist demand for a quiet retreat.
- Commercially, it is still a very limited business, with the local business mainly comprising locally-owned warungs and restaurants catering to the emerging expatriate community and setup.
- Starting to provide basic infrastructure, especially in road development since the beginning of its connection with other parts of Bali.
This 2019 satellite image shows the first major developments in Canggu, with new roads built to improve access as more projects aimed to attract tourists and investors through better connectivity.
Some interesting places in Canggu that were built between 2018 and 2019 are The Lawn Canggu Beach Club, Finns VIP Beach Club in Berawa, Bali Bowls & Smoothies Tropical Café, Tamora Gallery Shopping and Community Hub in Berawa, and The Shady Shack Vegetarian Café.
These places reflect Canggu’s rapid growth and evolving culture during this period, catering to tourists, expat, and locals with a variety of experiences, from food to entertainment
Booming Development in 2020-2021
By 2020, satellite imagery already tended to show a marked decrease in green space, as residential and commercial buildings started to replace all the agricultural lands.
At this point, Canggu had become one of the favorite destinations for digital nomads and long-term visitors alike, lured by the laid-back atmosphere, surf culture, and coworking spaces starting to spring up
Key Trends 2020-2021:
- The fast development of new villas, cafes, restaurants, and wellness centers, generally around Batu Bolong and Berawa.
- International businesses opening for foreigners in Canggu also include luxury villas, international food places, and yoga retreats.
- Infrastructure improvements are in the way of actually developing larger roads, and improving better facilities to support the increase in volume in the traffic of everyday vehicles and residents.
This transition has not yet been fully realized, and the 2021 satellite image makes this quite clear, with large swathes of what had once been rice paddies now converted into residential areas. The thin coastal strip has sprouted more accommodations to meet an increasingly potent demand for beachfront property.
Additionally, some notable places built in the Canggu area between 2020 and 2021 that reflect the ongoing evolution of Canggu as a destination for food, entertainment, and luxury living include the Mason Elephant Park & Lodge Expansion, Vault Bali Nightclub in Berawa, the La Brisa Expansion in Echo Beach, the Avocado Factory Bars in Batu Bolong, and Amantra Private Villas.
Peak of Urbanization: 2022-2023
By 2022, Canggu had finally assumed identity as one of the most popular lifestyle destinations in Bali. Satellite images of the time show this via the high density of urbanization that had little greenery remaining on the coastline or even alongside major highways.
Key Trends 2022-2023:
- Real estate was thus in a position to boom given the high demand from expatriates and investors, many of whom sought prime beach locations.
- Canggu has transformed into an international community with a mix of high-value property development, including luxury villas and privileged resorts.
- New business centers to accommodate a high-class population of expats and tourists about dining, shopping, and wellness.
This urban expansion is even further underlined in the 2023 satellite image. The traditional Balinese landscape has continued to shrink and give way to modern developments and commercial enterprises serving an ever-growing international crowd.
Moreover, some interesting places that represent Canggu's dynamic growth during 2022 and 2023, featuring a mix of entertainment, culture, fitness, and co-working spaces that reflect the evolving needs of both locals and expats, include Atlas Beach Fest, Samsara Living Museum, Wanderlust Fitness Village, Cinta Café in Berawa, Desa Potato Head Creative Village Canggu Extension, and Madu House Boutique Co-working Space and Café.
Canggu Today: 2024
In 2024, Canggu has concentrated itself as one of the prime destinations for tourists, expatriates, and digital nomads. Satellite imagery this year reflects a more urbanized environment with very little greenery as compared to 2018.
Key Trends 2024:
- Prices in real estate continued to surge because it had been among the most expensive places to invest in one house within Bali.
- Investors from all over the world have gotten themselves into Canggu, which has further facilitated development.
- The new Leisure developments dominate the market, from expensive villas to private estates, and beachfront properties for rich clients.
- Its infrastructure has kept pace with demand: new roads and facilities support the influx of residents and visitors alike.
While 2024 is still unfolding, there are a few noteworthy places in Canggu that are set to open or be completed by the end of 2024. These projects, such as The Loop Bali Working Space and Boutique, Ovolo Bali International Working Spaces, Wild Lotus Eco Village, The Sanctuary at Echo Beach, and Berawa Market Hall, continue to enhance Canggu’s reputation as a vibrant, trendy destination.
Between 2018 and 2024, Canggu underwent a rapid transformation due to foreign investment, booming tourism, and a growing expatriate community. Once a quiet village, it is now a bustling hub of luxury real estate and modern infrastructure.
The ongoing development raises concerns about balancing growth with the preservation of Bali's heritage, as satellite images show the shift from agricultural land to dense urbanization, highlighting both its appeal and the challenges ahead.
Thinking of relocating to Bali? Canggu offers the perfect blend of lifestyle and opportunity. Contact Betterplace to find the stunning villa in Canggu or learn more about living in Bali!
