Page 10 - AHATA

a8 local
Saturday 30 November 2024

Today is going to be a good day

(Oranjestad)—Here’s why: Aruba park’s Visitors’ Center. For more in- a hidden gem. The California Light-
Today collected some things to do formation, visit the website www. house is actually one of the most
BEYOND the beach. Yes, we know. arubanationalpark.org known highlights in Aruba and
Aruba, located 15 miles north of many repeated guests most prob-
Venezuela in the warm waters of Philip's Animal Garden ably took the ride uphill already.
the southern Caribbean, is home But, there is a significant change to the natural pools, caves, rock for-
to beautiful white-sand beaches, this tower. Since September 2016 mations and gorgeous view of the
82-degree days, and thus ideal you can climb the top. In 2015 Atlantic Ocean. To access most of
for the perfect beach day. But we Stichting Monumentenfonds start- these sights, like the natural pool
are also blessed with some of the ed the restoration of the California (Conchi) and the Guadirikiri and
warmest people in the world and Lighthouse. The project finished Fontein caves, you must enter
our island is 19.6 miles long and 6 in September 2016 and the Light- through the Arikok National Park
miles across, with a total area of 70 house is now open for visitors to and buy a day pass. Then you drive
square miles. Bit more to discover enjoy the beautiful view from the up the rugged road that leads you
than the white stretch on the coast- top. The construction of the Califor- through the white dunes, caves
line we say. Let’s mention some of nia Lighthouse started in 1915. The and along the wind turbines. Other
these hidden gems. name ‘California’ came from a locations, like the Ayo and Casibari
To stay with the animals, let’s hop vessel of the West India Company Rock formation are situated more
Nature Calls to an amazing place. Something and Pacific Steamship Co. called in the center of the island, and are
different to do, an experience that ‘California’ that shipwrecked in the free for guests, 24 hours a day.
is to be enjoyed by people of all area in 1891. Therefore they came
ages. Welcome to Philip’s Animal up with the idea of building a light- Go for a shopping spree in the city
Garden. We are not talking about house that could indicate the is- center
a zoo here, this is actually a sanctu- land’s eastern tip to ships with its
ary for all types of creatures, from light. www.arubalighthouse.com
horses to peacocks, kangaroos to will give you more information.
turtles, monkeys, goats, and many,
many more different species. The Kayak in the Mangroves
place was founded in 2009 and it Mangel Halto at Savaneta is defi-
The Arikok National park is worth is the only organization rescuing nitely a place not to miss out on.
the ride. We love the hikes that and rehabilitating exotic animals The beautiful beach with the natu- Need a new bathing suit? Head
are guided by the park’s rangers in Aruba, which has resulted in an ral mangroves is simply a beauty, to the city center of Oranjestad,
whose job is to maintain trails and amazing collection of these ani- but if you are into a more active where there is countless of differ-
protect natural resources. The flora mals. They provide a suitable living way to enjoy the nature: take a ent stores—both high end and
and fauna are beautiful and the environment for all the rescued kayak. While you are doing some more affordable—that can offer
historical sites tell you about the animals. Up until now the owner, workout -as it might get a little you the service you deserve! Lo-
island’s indigenous roots. The guid- Philip, has built this shelter with his windy and rough-, you will see the cal shopping stores often offer a
ed tours are even free of charge. If own efforts; building all the cages island from a different perspective. more affordable price, and have
you are not up to walking, you can from scratch, designing all struc- You can even make a stop to do a variety of clothes, shoes, bath-
drive through the park, one way or tures and welding them with his some snorkeling at the reef. Its fun, ing suites, purses and more. Along
another this park is a great place own bare hands. His goal is to up- it’s healthy and for sure something the Royal Plaza strip, there are nu-
to spend an entire day. Cruising grade the facilities to a world-class else. There are several compa- merous jewelry stores with great
through the landscape you end animal shelter with veterinary care nies that offer kayak tours, we had quality jewelry. In the Renaissance
up at some of the most stunning and round-the-clock staffs. With good experience with The Shack mall, you can shop high-end luxury
beaches like Dos Playa or Daimara the input from the Aruban commu- Kayak Tours Aruba, find them on brands, like Dolce & Gabbana,
Beach. In Total the park consists of nity and visitors they provide the Facebook. Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton and
7907 acres protected nature with a best care for these animals. Please more.
richness of animals living in it. The check out their website for more Take an “off-road” sightseeing tour Around the high-rise hotel area
Aruban whiptail lizard (cododo), information: www.philipsanimal- A must-do activity on the island is near Palm Beach, the Paseo Her-
Aruban cat eye snake (santanero) garden.com. for sure taking an off-road sightsee- encia Mall contain a variety of
and endangered rattle snake (cas- ing tour. If you have a rented car, shopping stores, restaurants, small
cabel) are just some of them, you The Lighthouse you can drive through the north- food stands and even a movie the-
can also admire these close in the No, you would not think of this as eastern side of Aruba and explore ater! q