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local Thursday 5 OcTOber 2023
Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

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

Visit the historic museum at Fort Zoutman!

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