This large mangrove area, with its vast tidal mud-flat area, is unique in Java. though not particularly rich in different species, the area holds some rare species in considerable numbers.
Key species
Lesser Adjutant, Milky Stork, Javan Coucal, Ruddy and Stork-billed Kingfishers, Long-billed Spiderhunter, Copper-throated Sunbird.
Other Wildlife
Silvered Leaf Monkey, Long-tailed Macaque, Otters are often encountered along remote creeks; freswater dolphins and dugongs have been reprted but seem to have disappeared with the siltation of the estuaries.
Getting there
from Kalipucang, east of Pangandaran, there are passenger ferries to Cilacap (4 hrs, IDR 5,000 at 7.00 am, 8.00 am, 12.00 pm and 1.00 pm, although boats are sometimes cancelled. a car ferry is also planned, starting from Majingkak. there are bus connections from Cilacap to the major towns of Central Java.
Accommodation/Dining
there is no accommodation inside the area, except for some huts and shelters owned by the forestry department, and private houses in the villages. if you stay overnight in Cilacap (it is not somewhere to hang around) there is accommodation ranging from $3-50.
source: Birding Indonesia. Periplus Publishing. Singapore