Pangandaran is a coastal area located at the southern part of Kabupaten Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia. It is located at at 108035’ 108041’ T and 7040’10” – 7040’20” S. The nature is dominated by flat beach, karst, clear water rivers, hills rising at 200-700 meter above sea level, forest, villages, terrace rice fields, and river mouths. Pangandaran is bordered by two large bays, which are Parigi bay and Pangandaran Bay. Climate is mild (for tropical country!) with temperature between 250C – 350C and humidity level at 80 – 90 %.

Easily reached by land from other main cities in Java, it is highly popular for tourist especially domestic tourists. Pangandaran is famous amongst beach lovers – its long stripe beach provides perfect setting to admire the horizon of Hindia Ocean, feel the sensation of sea breeze, and enjoy both the fascinating sunset and the beautiful sunrise. For nature lovers, Pangandaran offers the exquisite Nature Recreation Park for people to enjoy the tropical flora and fauna in their natural setting.

About 38,000 people live in Pangandaran and surrounding villages (Pangandaran, Cikembulan, Wonoharjo, Pananjung, and Babakan, 2007). Mostly are farmers and fisherman, but many of them also work in relation to tourism. A glimpse of fisherman community shows various ways of fishing and processing, as well as celebration. Visit to the village exposes farmer daily life, home industries, and enchanted local art. People of Pangandaran are largely formed by Sundanese and Javanese. Mixture of Sundanese and Javanese culture adds a rich flavor to tourism experiences in Pangandaran.

Conservation Area

Conservation area in Pangandaran is located at Pananjung peninsula, which is administratively divided into Terrestrial Nature Reserve, Marine Nature Reserve, and Nature Recreation Park.

Coral Reef

Coral reef in Pangandaran is fringing reef type, which is dominated by Acropora at West Beach and Monticora at East Beach.

Forest

Forest ecosystem in Pangandaran consists of beach forest, low land forest, and plantation forest.

Birds

There are about 50-60 bird species found or visible, including 2 species of hornbills ;which are oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) dan wreathed hornbill (Aceros undulatus).

Mammals

Mammals which can be easily found at Nature Recreation Park are macaque, deer, ebony leaf-monkey (Trachypithecus auratus), flying lemur (Cynocephalus variegata), and flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus).