Functional-based vegetation planning for coastal tourism area design: A case study of Pukan Beach, Bangka Regency

Pukan Beach in Merawang District, Bangka Regency, holds significant potential for development as a coastal recreational tourism area. However, the lack of systematic vegetation management means that ecological and visual functions, such as providing shade, wayfinding circulation, absorbing pollutants, and shaping the area's aesthetics are not performing optimally, thereby affecting visitor comfort and the quality of the tourism environment. Consequently, vegetation planning is a crucial aspect of creating a sustainable tourism area while simultaneously enhancing the quality of the tourist experience. This study aims to identify vegetation species suited to coastal environmental characteristics and to formulate a vegetation layout concept based on ecological and aesthetic functions. The analysis is grounded in a literature review regarding coastal vegetation characteristics and principles of recreational tourism area development. A qualitative descriptive research method was employed, utilizing field observations, documentation, interviews with local residents, and the collection of supporting data. The results indicate that implementing a vegetation layout concept using Indian Almond tree for shade function, Beach she-oak for wayfinding function, Weeping fig tree for environmental improvement function, Coconut palm and Bougainvillea for visual function can improve thermal comfort, clarify circulation patterns, enhance air quality, and strengthen Pukan Beach's visual identity as a coastal tourism destination.