Doro Bcera Savanna

The Magical Charm of Doro Bcera Savanna: A Piece of African Heaven in Dompu Land

Dompu Regency in West Nusa Tenggara is often known as the "Land Below Mount Tambora's Foot". Behind the grandeur of this ancient volcano, lies a hidden natural gem offering a dramatic and exotic landscape: Doro Bcera Savanna. This area is not just an ordinary grassland; it is a manifestation of harmony between a steppe ecosystem, volcanic hills, and still pristine wildlife.

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Topography and Visual Characteristics

Doro Bcera Savanna is located in an area administratively part of the buffer zone of Tambora National Park. The name "Doro Bcera" itself comes from the local Mbojo language, where Doro means mountain or hill, and Bcera refers to the specific characteristics of the location. Visually, this destination presents a vast expanse of rolling grasslands, following the contours of low hills scattered across the horizon.

Its soil, which tends to be dry yet fertile, is a result of volcanic deposits from past Tambora eruptions. This creates a unique soil texture, where wild grasses grow lushly, covering the earth's surface like a giant carpet. In the distance, the silhouette of Mount Tambora stands tall as a majestic backdrop, providing an extraordinary scale contrast between the flat grasslands and the towering mountain peak.

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Unique Ecosystem and Biodiversity

One of the main attractions that distinguishes Doro Bcera Savanna from other savanna destinations in Indonesia is the presence of free-roaming wildlife. Visitors can witness herds of wild horses (Kuda Dompu) running freely in the grasslands. These horses possess extraordinary physical endurance and are a cultural symbol for the local community.

Besides horses, Doro Bcera Savanna is also home to herds of mud buffaloes and cattle released by local residents through a traditional grazing system. The interaction between these animals and their surroundings creates a balanced ecosystem. In terms of flora, besides being dominated by various types of short grasses, there are also sporadic jujube trees (Ziziphus mauritiana) and kesambi trees, providing spots of shade amidst the savanna's heat.

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Outdoor Activities and Tourist Experience

Doro Bcera Savanna offers a variety of sensory-pleasing experiences for nature lovers:

1. Landscape and Wildlife Photography: With dramatic sunlight, this place is a photographer's paradise. The moment wild horses run with dust flying in the background during sunset creates visual compositions rarely found elsewhere.

2. Off-Road and Motor Trail: The rolling terrain and vastness make Doro Bcera a favorite location for automotive adventure communities. Exploring the savanna with a four-wheeled vehicle or a motor trail provides a sensation of absolute freedom.

3. Camping Under the Galaxy Sky: Due to its location far from urban light pollution, Doro Bcera is a perfect stargazing spot. Camping here allows visitors to see the Milky Way with the naked eye on a clear night.

4. Enjoying the Golden Hour: Waiting for sunrise or sunset is a must-do activity. At dusk, the savanna's colors change from golden yellow to reddish-orange, creating a calm, melancholic atmosphere.

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Seasonal Variations: Two Faces of Doro Bcera

The time of visit greatly determines the experience one will have at Doro Bcera Savanna. This destination has two drastically different "faces":

• Dry Season (May - October): This is the best time to experience the "Africa van Dompu" atmosphere. The grasses will dry out and turn yellowish-brown. The air tends to be hot but dry, and road access is very easy. This is when the contrast between the blue sky and the dry plains is sharpest.
• Rainy Season (December - March): The entire area will turn lush green. The savanna will look like the hills of New Zealand or Switzerland. The air feels cooler and fresher, but visitors must be aware of some road sections that may become muddy.

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Accessibility and Facilities

Reaching Doro Bcera Savanna requires an adventurous spirit. From the center of Dompu City, the journey can be made in about 2 to 3 hours using a private vehicle. The route to the location passes through asphalt roads that later turn into dirt roads as you approach the savanna area. It is highly recommended to use a vehicle with high ground clearance.

Facilities within the area are still very limited due to its status as an open natural area. There are no permanent kiosks or luxury accommodations at the main savanna points. Visitors are advised to bring sufficient drinking water and food supplies, and to ensure their vehicle's fuel is full before entering the area.

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Conservation and Environmental Preservation

As part of the Mount Tambora foothills ecosystem, the preservation of Doro Bcera Savanna is crucial. The local government and nature enthusiast communities continuously promote the "Clean Trip" campaign. Visitors are required to bring back their trash and not disturb wildlife.

Protection of the wild horse population is also a major concern, as their presence is an indicator of the savanna ecosystem's health. With Tambora's status as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Doro Bcera Savanna is now receiving more attention in terms of geological and biological conservation, ensuring that this beauty can be enjoyed by future generations without damaging the existing natural order.

Doro Bcera Savanna is not just a tourist destination; it is a space where humans can feel their insignificance in the face of the vastness of nature. A visit to this place will provide a new perspective on the biodiversity of West Nusa Tenggara, which is not limited to the beauty of its beaches, but also the grandeur of its endless steppes.