Page 11 - AHATA

A8 LOCAL
Friday 1 March 2024

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

ST. CRUZ — The national Tern (Sternula antillarum) Papiamento. This unusual forbidden to drive on the vehicle. Treasure our island
park Arikok comprises al- keeps a strict eye on a very looking bird forages in shal- sand dunes in the Northern to enjoy it like you do: as a
most 18 % of the island. Its special event taking place low muddy water while part of the island and all tropical and natural para-
rugged terrain, desert-like below on the beach: a sweeping its flattened bill beaches in Aruba are for- dise. We truly appreciate it!
hills filled with tall cacti, majestic Leatherback (Der- from side to side to catch bidden for any motorized
breathtaking coastline and mochelys coriacea) heads small fish, crustaeceans
protected local flora and back to sea after laying and other aquatic inverte-
fauna welcome you to be her eggs, while another brates. The Roseate Spoon-
explored. There is numer- nest laid 2 months ago by bill remains an uncommon
ous wildlife to discover like the same female hatches. sight as they are vulnerable
for example the sea turtle A very rare occurrence to degradation of feeding
who lays his eggs on the of daytime nesting and and nesting habitats (Wet-
park’s beaches. There are hatching. Sea turtles pre- lands). (Source: arikok na-
more places on the island fer nesting in the cool and tional park)
that are a preserved area dark hours of the night. And
like the Bubali Plas which is hatchlings usually wait for The aforementioned is just
a bird sanctuary. the cue of cooling surface a part of what Aruba’s na-
sand before emerging. ture has to offer. We can-
The national park Arikok not stress enough to go, see
takes you on a memorable Bubali Magic for yourself. The island has
journey of the islands past This beautiful close-up im- the most beautiful beach-
offering unique geological, age of the pink bird is cour- es but it is also worthwhile
cultural and historical sites. tesy of Michiel Overstee- to go beyond this and get
These can all be enjoyed gen of the Aruba Birdlife an idea of our entire island.
and explored either on Conservation. This impor- Lately there is a discussion
your own or during guided tant foundation showcases going on about the effect
tours. A wide variety of ed- and builds awareness of certain activities have on
ucational and informative Aruba’s birds and other na- our nature, for example the
programs and fun activities tive flora and fauna. You ATV vehicles cause a lot of
is available. may have seen a ‘pink dust, noise and leave tire
cloud’ lately at the Bubali tracks. Animals live in these
Did you know that four of or Spanish Lagoon Wet- areas where the vehicles
the in total seven species lands areas? It’s most likely run, often with high speed
of sea turtle lay their eggs to be Roseate Spoonbills and with detrimental con-
on Aruba's beaches? In (Ajaia ajaja) or ‘Chucharon sequences to flora and fau-
the national park, a Least Cora’ as they are known in na. Motorized vehicles are

Helpful tips for your stay on Aruba

(Oranjestad)—When traveling to another coun- Electrical power though, most supermarkets are open from 8am
try, especially for the first time, it is always better Aruba generally operates on 110V to 127V sup- to 9 or 10pm, Monday through Saturday. On
to be over-prepared than under-prepared. That ply voltage and 60Hz. There are also three types Sundays, supermarkets generally close earlier;
is why we have a list of basic—but important— of outlets used on the island: type A with two flat mostly around 2pm.
information that we think may come in handy to prongs; type B with two flat and one grounding
Aruba’s visitors. prong, and on occasion, type F with two round Taxis
prong and two earth clips on the side. Howev- Prices for taxi fair are set by the Department
Emergency services er, Type A is most commonly found in homes of Public Traffic and are based on destination
Even though most people don’t even want to and establishments. rather than mileage. Most taxis can take up to
think about having to contact emergency ser- five passengers, but this may vary depending
vices—especially not while on their vacation, it Drinking water on the vehicle. Taxis are pretty much always
is still important to know what number to dial The water that flows through the sinks of every available and you can ever hire one for $50 an
in case of the unlikely event of an accident or house, hotels and other establishments is dis- hour.
severe incident. tilled and perfectly safe to drink. Aruba’s drink-
ing water exceeds WHO’s international stan- Safety
Police: 100 dards for water quality, so there is no need to Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbe-
Police Tipline: 11141 buy bottled water from the store. an, and many tourist that visit have often told us
Ambulance: 911 how they feel safe to explore the island or walk
Fire Dept: 115 Supermarket hours around at night. However, rare incidents do oc-
Oranjestad: HOH hospital: +297-527-4000 Supermarket hours may vary depending on curs, so keep yourself and your belongings safe.
San Nicolas: ImSan: +297-527-8833 where you are staying on the island. Generally