Page 13 - AHATA

A9
LOCAL Saturday 8 November 2025

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

The national park Arikok birds and other native flora yourself. The island has the
comprises almost 18 % of and fauna. You may have most beautiful beaches but
the island. Its rugged ter- seen a ‘pink cloud’ lately it is also worthwhile to go be-
rain, desert-like hills filled at the Bubali or Spanish La- yond this and get an idea
with tall cacti, breathtaking goon Wetlands areas? It’s of our entire island. Lately
coastline and protected lo- most likely to be Roseate there is a discussion going
cal flora and fauna welcome Spoonbills (Ajaia ajaja) or on about the effect certain
you to be explored. There is ‘Chucharon Cora’ as they activities have on our na-
numerous wildlife to discover are known in Papiamento. ture, for example the ATV
like for example the sea tur- This unusual looking bird for- vehicles cause a lot of dust,
tle who lays his eggs on the ages in shallow muddy water noise and leave tire tracks.
park’s beaches. There are while sweeping its flattened Animals live in these areas
more places on the island bill from side to side to catch where the vehicles run, of-
that are a preserved area small fish, crustaeceans and ten with high speed and with
like the Bubali Plas which is other aquatic invertebrates. detrimental consequences
a bird sanctuary. Leatherback (Dermochelys for the cue of cooling sur- The Roseate Spoonbill re- to flora and fauna. Motor-
coriacea) heads back to face sand before emerging. mains an uncommon sight ized vehicles are forbidden
Did you know that four of sea after laying her eggs, as they are vulnerable to to drive on the sand dunes
the in total seven species while another nest laid 2 Bubali Magic degradation of feeding in the Northern part of the
of sea turtle lay their eggs months ago by the same This beautiful close-up image and nesting habitats (Wet- island and all beaches in
on Aruba’s beaches? In the female hatches. A very rare of the pink bird is courtesy lands). (Source: arikok na- Aruba are forbidden for any
national park, a Least Tern occurrence of daytime nest- of Michiel Oversteegen of tional park) motorized vehicle. Treasure
(Sternula antillarum) keeps a ing and hatching. Sea turtles the Aruba Birdlife Con- The affore mentioned is just our island to enjoy it like you
strict eye on a very special prefer nesting in the cool servation. This important a part of what Aruba’s na- do: as a tropical and natural
event taking place below and dark hours of the night. foundation showcases and ture has to offer. We cannot paradise. We truly appreci-
on the beach: a majestic And hatchlings usually wait builds awareness of Aruba’s stress enough to go, see for ate it!q

The Bali Restaurant: a touristic hot spot and lost gem on the island

(Oranjestad)—Once located Javanese-inspired exterior in the year 1970—still under
in what is now the Renais- with its pointy, slanted roofs. the ownership of Schmand,
sance Marina, the Bali Res- However, the first version of when it got its iconic pointy
taurant was once both a Bali did not look like that at roofs. The restaurant was also
touristic and local hot spot, all but was still considered expanded to host a total of
and nowadays it’s consid- as one of the most popular 85 guests. This was “The New
ered a forgotten gem on the restaurants on the island at Bali”, who had its official (re)
island. the time. The restaurant saw opening in 1972.
three different owners during
Known as “the floating res- its existence, during which it After 1972, when Ronny
taurant”, Bali first opened in underwent various renova- Schmand took over, the res-
1955 by Willem “Bill” Strijland, tions and rebranding. taurant saw yet another ex-
who had experience in Ja- pansion; this time complete resulting in various leaks if you or any family member
vanese cuisine. At the time, In 1964, the restaurant was with a long bar and dance and overflowing of water of yours have a memory of
the restaurant was pretty ex- taken over by Karel “Carl” floor, where guests enjoyed into the restaurant. And as the Bali restaurant, whether
clusive—with space to host Schmand. Over the years, live music from legendary most great things come to it be a picture or just a story,
only 25 guests. Yet, 4 years the restaurant needed Aruban musician and com- an end, so did the survival share it with us! We would
later, it was named the best constant renovation and poser, Toti Arends. and maintenance of the love to see this legendary
restaurant in the Caribbean repair, mainly due to its vul- Bali Restaurant. However, hot spot through the lens of
by the Caribbean Tourist As- nerability to leaks and the After 1989, the restaurant folks today still reminisce its our visitors!
sociation. unstable pillars underneath was again handed over to legacy, and it’s now consid-
the foundation. However, other owners, and since then ered a lost monument. Source and pictures credit to:
The restaurant was prob- the biggest change made suffered from unstable pillars “De Kolibrie op de Rots (en
meer over de geschiedenis
ably most iconic for its to the restaurant happened underneath the foundation, Be apart of the conversation: van Aruba)” by Evert Bongers.