Page 13 - AHATA

A8
Friday 8 august 2025 LOcAL

Today is going to be a good day

(Oranjestad)—Here’s why: tect natural resources. The
Aruba Today collected flora and fauna are beau-
some things to do BEYOND tiful and the historical sites
the beach. Yes, we know. tell you about the island’s
Aruba, located 15 miles indigenous roots. Cruising
north of Venezuela in the through the landscape you
warm waters of the south- end up at some of the most
ern Caribbean, is home stunning beaches like Dos
to beautiful white-sand Playa or Daimara Beach.
beaches, 82-degree days, In Total the park consists of Philip’s Animal Garden. We
and thus ideal for the per- 7907 acres protected na- are not talking about a zoo built this shelter with his
fect beach day. But we ture with a richness of ani- here, this is actually a sanc- own efforts; building all the
are also blessed with some mals living in it. The Aruban tuary for all types of crea- cages from scratch, de-
of the warmest people in whiptail lizard (cododo), tures, from horses to pea- signing all structures and
the world and our island is Aruban cat eye snake (san- cocks, kangaroos to turtles, welding them with his own
19.6 miles long and 6 miles tanero) and endangered monkeys, goats, and many, bare hands. His goal is to
across, with a total area of rattle snake (cascabel) are many more different spe- upgrade the facilities to a
70 square miles. Bit more just some of them, you can cies. The place was found- world-class animal shelter
to discover than the white also admire these close in ed in 2009 and it is the only with veterinary care and
stretch on the coastline we the park’s Visitors’ Center. organization rescuing and round-the-clock staffs. With
say. Let’s mention some of For more information, visit rehabilitating exotic ani- the input from the Aruban
these hidden gems. the website www.acf.aw mals in Aruba, which has community and visitors different perspective. You
Philip’s Animal Garden resulted in an amazing col- they provide the best care
Nature Calls To stay with the animals, lection of these animals. for these animals. Please can even make a stop to
do some snorkeling at the
The Arikok National park is let’s hop to an amazing They provide a suitable liv- check out their website for reef. Its fun, it’s healthy and
worth the ride. We love the place. Something different ing environment for all the more information: www. for sure something else.
hikes that are guided by the to do, an experience that rescued animals. Up until philipsanimalgarden.com. There are several compa-
park’s rangers whose job is is to be enjoyed by people now the owner, Philip, has The Lighthouse nies that offer kayak tours,
to maintain trails and pro- of all ages. Welcome to No, you would not think
of this as a hidden gem. we had good experience
The California Lighthouse with The Shack Kayak Tours
is actually one of the most Aruba, find them on Face-
known highlights in Aruba book.
and many repeated guests Go for a shopping spree in
most probably took the ride the city center
uphill already. But, there Need a new bathing suit?
is a significant change to Head to the city center of
this tower. Since Septem- Oranjestad, where there
ber 2016 you can climb the is countless of different
top. In 2015 Stichting Mon- stores—both high end and
umentenfonds started the more affordable—that can
restoration of the Califor- offer you the service you
nia Lighthouse. The project deserve! Local shopping
finished in September 2016 stores often offer a more
and the Lighthouse is now affordable price, and have
open for visitors to enjoy a variety of clothes, shoes,
the beautiful view from the bathing suites, purses and
top. The construction of the more. Along the Royal
California Lighthouse start- Plaza strip, there are nu-
ed in 1915. The name ‘Cali- merous jewelry stores with
fornia’ came from a vessel great quality jewelry. In
of the West India Compa- the Renaissance mall, you
ny and Pacific Steamship can shop high-end luxury
Co. called ‘California’ that brands, like Dolce & Gab-
shipwrecked in the area in bana, Kate Spade, Louis
1891. Therefore they came Vuitton and more.
up with the idea of build- Around the high-rise hotel
ing a lighthouse that could area near Palm Beach, the
indicate the island’s east- Paseo Herencia Mall con-
ern tip to ships with its light. tain a variety of shopping
www.arubalighthouse. stores, restaurants, small
com will give you more in- food stands and even a
formation. movie theater! .q
Kayak in the Mangroves
Mangel Halto at Savaneta
is definitely a place not to
miss out on. The beauti-
ful beach with the natu-
ral mangroves is simply a
beauty, but if you are into
a more active way to enjoy
the nature: take a kayak.
While you are doing some
workout -as it might get a
little windy and rough-, you
will see the island from a