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LOCAL Saturday 25 November 2023

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

(Oranjestad)—Amongst enter. You would have to no suitable for swimming),
the countless beaches sur- purchase a day pass, and the pool itself is very calm.
rounding the island that are receive a wristband as It’s also relatively deep,
well-known and frequently proof of payment. Once and you can climb up the
visited, there are an addi- you’ve completed that, rocks and jump in!
tional two “hidden” natural you are set!
pools that are situated in Cave Pool
the northern coast of the is- If you decide to hike from This relatively new pool ap-
land, two ideal stops in your the entrance of the Arikok peared just a few years
tour itinerary. National Park, this is also ago, when a part of the
possible: do bring plenty dried up coral floor broke
Conchi (Natural Pool) of protective clothing and off and created a partition
For many years, Conchi enough water and food—it between the ocean and This spot has also become ner. To get there, you have
was the only natural pool could take you up to three what is now the natural a regular stop for touring to climb down some stairs.
that we had on the island. hours to hike there! pool that is hidden there. visitors. Be careful when climbing
Located in the Arikok Na- Because it’s still so new, down and follow the in-
tional Park, near Boca Keto However, when you even- there is no official name for When you get there, may- structions of your tour guide
and the Daimari Ranch, tually do get there, you it, but most people just call be you won’t be able to if you have one.
Conchi—also known “Cura will be greeted with crystal it the cave pool. spot the pool immediately,
di Turtuga (Turtle’s Cove) or blue water surrounded by because you will probably And just like Conchi, this
just Natural Pool—is reach- a natural rock formation Just like the Conchi, the notice the moon-shaped pool also has a jumping
able with any 4x4 vehicle that protects you from the new natural pool is situated lagoon where wild northern spot, and a rope to climb
or by foot if you’re up for a wild waves on the other on the northern coast of waves crash into each oth- back up the boulder.q
long hike. However, since it side. Though the pool is lo- Aruba. However, this pool is er. Sounds scary, but if you
is part of the National Park, cated on the northern side much easier to reach with look down on your right, Picture of cave pool is cred-
you must first get permission of the island (where the sea any type of vehicle, and you’ll see a calm, crystal ited to RockaBeach Tours
from park management to is largely rough and largely there is no hiking needed. blue little pool in the cor-

Visit the historic museum at Fort Zoutman!

(Oranjestad)—Located in have survived eras of war That’s right, the iconic 5-sto- man had a more tumul- seum it currently is.
the middle of downtown and attempted disman- ry, squared tower was not tuous past, including the Despite its small size, The
Oranjestad, situated right tling. part of the original structure on-and-off reception of Historic Museum guards a
next to the government of the fort, and is actually unwanted members of the rich depository of the com-
building “Cocolishi”, is one When anyone refers to Fort called “Willem III Toren”. English military several times mercial, military and social
of the oldest buildings of Zoutman, they are actu- Constructed in 1867, this (The Netherlands was at history of Oranjestad, offer-
Aruba: Fort Zoutman. First ally referring to two sepa- tower was named after the constant war with England ing a glance into how the
constructed in 1796, this rate buildings that, over the then-reigning king of The back in the colonial era). social culture of the town
site has been used (or left years, have been merged: Netherlands, Willem III. Wil- Over the years, both the came to be. If you are in-
unused) in many ways and the fort and the tower. lem III Toren was originally fort and the tower had terested in history and want
a light tower, but after a re- functioned as different to learn more about Aruba,
quest from Lieutenant Gov- government center points, then Fort Zoutman should
ernor Jan Helenus in 1866, it including a tax and stamps definitely be included into
also became a bell tower. office. For some time these your itinerary.
The fort itself was originally two buildings also housed The museum is open Mon-
constructed to protect a police precinct and jail, day to Friday from 9am-
the commerce bay of and even experienced 6pm, and Saturday from
Paardenbaai from pirates abandonment until the Cul- 10am-2pm.q
and other disreputable tural Center Aruba Founda-
characters roaming the tion (CCA) petitioned for its Source: The Old Fort of Aruba
Caribbean Sea. Unlike the renovation in 1964, turning by Jan Hartog.
Willem III Toren, Fort Zout- the site into the Historic Mu-