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local Wednesday 27 september 2023
Today is going to be a good day

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