Page 17 - AHATA

Friday 29 November 2024 LOCAL
A10

Visit the island’s popular cave sites!

Huliba Cave).

Through the pathways un-
derneath the Tunnel of
Love running up to the
Quadiriki cave, the two
love bird found each other,
and refused to let each
other go. Because of their
stubbornness, they both
died in the Quadiriki Cave,
their ascending spirits burn-
ing two holes in the ceiling
of the cave. This is why the
cave has two holes through
which sunlight passes
through to illuminate the
(Oranjestad)—Among the cient sites, there is always chamber.
endless sea of dark brown a folk legend that adds to
sand and cacti, there are the lore and mystery of the Though there have been
two caves hidden in the site. The Quadirikiri cave discoveries of Amerindian
outskirts of San Nicolas, in is no different. The most drawing on the wall, these The Huliba Cave/ Tunnel of closed for a few years now,
the north-eastern area of well-known legend behind have mostly been ruined Love as a way to preserve the
the island. These caves, the cave could be consid- by vandalism. However, The Huliba Cave, formerly bat population that lives
The Quadiriki cave and The ered as Aruba’s first love the Fontein Cave further known as the Tunnel of in the cave. These Long
Fontein Cave are open to story, as it tells the tale of up north, provides a better Love, was once open to Tongue Fruit Bats and In-
visitors of the Arikok Na- the undying love between glimpse in prehistoric Amer- the public, and was the sect Eater Bats are very im-
tional Park, so if you ever the chief’s daughter and indian paintings. biggest and most acces- portant to the ecosystem of
decide to take an “off- her beloved. As legend Fontein Cave sible of all three caves. This the island. Though this cave
road” tour in the park, be would have it, the chief cave had five chambers, is no longer accessible to
sure to visit these prehis- disapproved of his daugh- Longer than the Quadirikiri including one that is heart- the public, it surely is inter-
toric caves…and be sure to ter’s choice of lover, as Cave, the Fontein Cave shaped. esting to learn more about
bring a flashlight! he thought him unworthy. contains pathways that the history of these caves
Stubborn and filled with an- stretch to the limestone This cave had narrow stairs and the Awarak tribes that
Quadirikiri Cave ger, the daughter refused walls further down. Here that led to long pathways resided or utilized them.
Known for its two cham- to turn away her beloved. is also where prehistoric deep into the cave, with a
bers accompanied by a drawings can be seen. staircase leading to the exit Do note that these caves
skylight, the Quadikiri Cave So, the chief decided to Though this cave does not on the other side. In one of are very dark, humid, hot,
is the most popular cave lock her up in the Quadirikiri have its own legend, this the chambers, there used and are inhabited by
among locals and tourists, Cave, in hopes that she was speculated to have to be the carving of the Vir- bats. Do wear comfort-
as it is easy to walk through would soon calm down been occupied—or at gin Mary, put there for the able clothing and shoes,
and provides great lighting and turn away her lover. least used by prehistoric Ar- protection of the cave. as the pathways in these
for pictures. Her beloved, in turn, was awak settlers on the island caves may be rough and
locked away in the Tunnel However, the Huliba Cave bumpy, and don’t for-
As with all prehistoric or an- of Love (Now known as the for rituals and other spiritual has been permanently get to bring a flashlight!q
ceremonies.