Page 7 - AHATA

a7
local Saturday 26 auguSt 2023
Today is going to be a good day

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

Take an “off-road” sight-
seeing tour
A must-do activity on the
island is for sure taking an
off-road sightseeing tour.
If you have a rented car,
you can drive through the
north-eastern side of Aruba
and explore the natural
pools, caves, rock forma-