Page 50 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles

oto Lake - Flamingos are probably bit more up north there is a trail that takes
G Bonaire’s best known trade­mark. The
flamingo colony can hold nearly 20,000 at
one time. One spot where you almost have
a “flamingo guarantee” is the Goto Lake.
This land-locked salt water lake is a habi-
tat for many bird species, and it gives you
breathtaking views towards Washington
Slagbaai National Park.
R incon - From Goto Lake you will enter
the village of Rincon which was estab-
lished by the Spanish in the 16th­century
and acted as the island’s main commercial
center for years. Today Rincon is a quiet and home for many flora and fauna species, is
peaceful village.
T he central region of the island is semi
arid and dominated by cacti and the
divi-divi tree. For the real explorer, there
are many natural beauties to discover.
The area south of Washikemba is a breed-
ing place for the wild terns while the feral
donkeys give the area its own unique feel. A
here are almost 200 species of birds,
you along the eastern coastline of Bonaire
and brings you to several caves and Indian
inscriptions. The caves are populated by
bats that play an important role in the eco-
system on Bonaire.
T he major portion of the northern region
of the island is made up of the Wash-
ington-Slagbaai National Park. Originally
a plantation, the park was sold to the gov-
ernment for a symbolic amount under the
condition that it would become a nature
reserve. The landscaping is more hilly and
rich in vegetation than the other parts of
the island. The size of this natural habitat,
over 19 square miles (5,000 hectares), and
it is blessed with a wide variety of eco-sys-
tems. From sand dunes to mangroves, and
from beach areas to salinas and dry forest.
A vacation to Bonaire is not complete with-
out a half or full­day trip to this exceptional at the airport or can be arranged by your
national park.
T including the flamingo and the lora
and, although you might not encounter
abundant tall coconut palm trees, Bonaire
boasts over 300 flora species. The datu,
kadushi,divi-divi tree, mangrove trees, and
the prickly pear are probably the ones you
will notice the most. Other above-water
fauna include the hermit crabs, iguanas, liz-
ards, and of course, the donkeys and herds
of goats that roam the island.
W hile Dutch and Papiamento are the
official languages, English is widely
spoken by the majority on the island. The
official currency is the US Dollar, which is
accepted in shops, bars, restaurants, and
hotels. There is no public transportation
system on the island and renting a car is
highly recommended. Taxis are available
hotel as well.