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LOCAL Saturday 28 OctOber 2023

Enjoy one of the best views on Aruba at the top of the Hooiberg Hill

(Oranjestad)—If you are a regu-
lar hiker, or maybe want to spice
up your morning work out session,
then you might enjoy one of the
most popular climbing sites on the
island: The Hooiberg Hill. Accom-
panied with a 600-step staircase,
this hill overlooks a great part of
the island, the Caribbean sea, and
sometimes even the Santa Anna
mountain located in the coastal
state of Falcon in Venezuela, pro-
viding one of the best views you
can get on Aruba.

located at the center district of the
island, Santa Cruz, the Hooiberg
Hill is the second highest point on
the island at 165 meters above sea
level (or about 540 feet above sea
level). The highest point is Jamano-
ta Hill at 189 meters (620 feet), lo- ment decided to renovate these resting stop is also a sight to see.
cated in the Arikok National Park. stairs in 1991. This new project de-
The staircase that run on the side of livered the newer staircase with The best time to climb the hill would
the hill was first built in 1951, when only 587 steps. However, don’t be be early in the morning or right be-
Mr. Eduardo Tromp constructed it. fooled—it may still be a work out to fore sunset, as it may not be as hot.
At that time, the staircase consist- get on top. In addition, there is now However, the hill is of course open
ed of 900 steps. Over time, as the a gazebo placed halfway up the all day, every day.q
steps faced erosion, the govern- stair for a little rest. The view at this

Blackstone Beach

So, if you feel up for something dif- curi Beach. There, you can park
ferent—or if it’s opposite day, visit your car and take a 1km hike to-
the Blackstone Beach. wards Blackstone Beach.

Blackstone Beach shows the more This beach forms part of the Arikok
natural side of Aruba: the stones National Park and is therefore a
that cover the beaches and the site that is preserved. This is why it is
shape of it has been crafted for also relatively untouched by com-
thousand years via volcanic erup- mercial influences. Despite being
tions, coral reef movements and called a beach, do note that it is
wave activity of the rural northern not advised to swim in the water,
part of the island. as the current is very strong and
can easily stray you further in the
Located further east to the Natu- wild ocean. However, you can still
(Oranjestad)—Named after its has black sand and is covered in ral Bridge and Andicuri Beach, the enjoy a spectacular view of the
most recognizable feature, the black smooth stones. Secondly, it Blackstone Beach is relatively easy stones and the northern ocean
Blackstone Beach almost rep- lies on the northern side of the is- to access. Once you get passed that stretches out in front of the
resents the opposite of the typi- land, away from the white sandy the Ayo Rock Formation, take the beach and take a picture with
cal Aruban beaches. For one, it beaches of in the southern region. Andicuri road leading up to Andi- your friends or family!q