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LOCAL Monday 1 deceMber 2025

Today is going to be a good day

(Oranjestad)—Here’s why: Aruba Today col- the island’s indigenous roots. The guided tours
lected some things to do BEYOND the beach. are even free of charge. If you are not up to
Yes, we know. Aruba, located 15 miles north walking, you can drive through the park, one
of Venezuela in the warm waters of the south- way or another this park is a great place to
ern Caribbean, is home to beautiful white-sand spend an entire day. Cruising through the land-
beaches, 82-degree days, and thus ideal for scape you end up at some of the most stunning most known highlights in Aruba and many re-
the perfect beach day. But we are also blessed beaches like Dos Playa or Daimara Beach. In peated guests most probably took the ride up-
with some of the warmest people in the world Total the park consists of 7907 acres protected hill already. But, there is a significant change to
and our island is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles nature with a richness of animals living in it. The this tower. Since September 2016 you can climb
across, with a total area of 70 square miles. Bit Aruban whiptail lizard (cododo), Aruban cat the top. In 2015 Stichting Monumentenfonds
more to discover than the white stretch on the eye snake (santanero) and endangered rattle started the restoration of the California Light-
coastline we say. Let’s mention some of these snake (cascabel) are just some of them, you house. The project finished in September 2016
hidden gems. can also admire these close in the park’s Visi- and the Lighthouse is now open for visitors to
tors’ Center. enjoy the beautiful view from the top. The con-
struction of the California Lighthouse started in
For more information, visit the website www.acf. 1915. The name ‘California’ came from a vessel
aw of the West India Company and Pacific Steam-
ship Co. called ‘California’ that shipwrecked in
the area in 1891. Therefore they came up with
the idea of building a lighthouse that could in-
dicate the island’s eastern tip to ships with its
light.

Kayak in the Mangroves
Mangel Halto at Savaneta is definitely a place
not to miss out on. The beautiful beach with the
natural mangroves is simply a beauty, but if you
are into a more active way to enjoy the nature:
Nature Calls take a kayak. While you are doing some work-
The Arikok National park is worth the ride. We out—as it might get a little windy and rough—
love the hikes that are guided by the park’s you will see the island from a different perspec-
rangers whose job is to maintain trails and pro- The Lighthouse tive. You can even make a stop to do some
tect natural resources. The flora and fauna are No, you would not think of this as a hidden gem. snorkeling at the reef. It’s fun, it’s healthy and
beautiful and the historical sites tell you about The California Lighthouse is actually one of the for sure something else.q

Dining in? Try making some local favorites!

How to make “pan bati”

(Oranjestad)—If you’re ever up for an Aruban snack, try making another brown. When your pan bati is ready, place on a plate and cover with a
Aruban classic appetizer called Pan Bati. Similar to a pancake both in clean kitchen towel.
appearance and cooking, this is a super easy meal that adults and chil-
dren will both enjoy. Here’s how to make it! Traditionally, pan bati is cut in triangle pieces, and is often eaten as a
side dish with soup, fried fish or stews. However, it is also casually enjoyed
Ingredients: with some butter and cheese on top!q
2 cups of all purpose flour
1 cup grams of fine cornmeal
2 tbsp baking powder
1 1/3 cup of milk
1 pinch of salt
2 tbsp of granulated sugar
Oil for cooking

Instructions:
Add all the dry ingredients in a bowl first, and stir until well mixed. Then
add the milk and beat until reached a pancake-like consistency. If more
moister is needed, add some water until reached desired consistency.

In a hot pan with oil, pour in enough batter to cover the bottom of the
pan. Just like pancakes, flip the pan bati when one side turns golden