The 45,000-hectare wildlife reserve, classified as a lowland tropical rain forest, is the third-largest on the island. It is also noted for the still-operational Belimbing lighthouse, which was built in 1879 and which survived the Krakatau volcano eruption in 1883.
Tambling is an ideal habitat for many species of mammals, while its sandy beach makes perfect breeding ground for turtles. Some 170 families of about 500 people call the area their home and depend on the land for their livelihood. The local children are educated at the solitary elementary school in Pangekahan village.
