Oranjestad, Aruba
This tiny island
off the coast of Venezuela has an exceptionally dry climate that
is considered one of the most desirable in the Carribean. Its
desert landscape, with divi-divi trees, cactus, and aloe vera
set against the backdrop of azure skies and the blue-green water
of the sea provides the perfect setting for a holiday of
relaxation and renewal of energy. The beaches are carpeted with
silky white sand, The cooling trade winds, low humidity, and an
average year round temperature of 82＜ complete the picture of a
tropical paradise.
Sun, friendly and
courteous service, modern and efficient amenities, golf and
tennis clubs, casinos, fabulous beaches, duty-free shopping, and
remarkably varied cuisine are all factors that help fill Aruba's
many hotel rooms. The island's distinctive beauty lies in its
countryside, with its rocky deserts, native trees, cactus
jungles filled with the chattering of wild parakeets, secluded
coves, and crashing waves.
Nearly every night
there are theme parties, treasure hunts, beachside barbecues,
and fish fries with steel bands and limbo or Carnival dancers.
Divers and snorkelers love the warm, clear waters whose
visibility extends up to 100 ft. Although tourism has resulted
in the construction of many luxury resorts on the island, there
are still undeveloped areas on the northern coast, and much of
the interior is uninhabited except for a few herds of goats and
donkeys.
With more than a
dozen resort hotels populating its once uninhabited beaches,
Aruba is now one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations. A
recent moratorium on hotel construction, however, has halted the
building of newer resorts--so for now, Aruba remains safe from
the problems associated with over development. Arikok National
Park, encompassing approximately 18 percent of the island, was
first designated as being of significant national importance in
the early 1980s. It is an area of unique scenic beauty, flora
and fauna, geological formations and cultural resources. The
highest points in Aruba are located in the park and include
Arikok and Jamanota hilltops.
The Arikok National
Park land area encompasses the three primary geological
formations that shape the island of Aruba: the Aruba lava
formation; a quartz diorite formation; and a limestone formation
extending inward from the coastline. The rock outcrops, boulders
and crevices between the various formations create micro-
climactic conditions that support unique examples of indigenous
flora and fauna. As a result, the park is the habitat of several
animal species found only in Aruba. Hiking trails allow visitors
access to its scenic beauty.
Fishing is popular
along the shore in Savaneta or off the rocks at Malmok. Visitors
enjoy watching the fishing fleet returning at noon or late in
the afternoon when it arrives at the Bali pier. Small wooden
boats at Fisherman's Huts arrive heavy with their catch of the
day.
Adults and children
love to run and play on the clean white sands of
Aruba and to
enjoy the balmy breezes and freedom from every day
responsibilities. Windsurfing lessons are available for children
and adults. Or you can fly a kite with the help of Aruba's
tropical breezes. They make kite flying successful from anywhere
on the island. A visit to the north shore will provide a glimpse
of wildlife such as wild donkeys, rabbits, goats, iguanas and
lizards. There will also be pelicans and parrots of all colors.
Looking for the way back to the hotel? Remember, all those bent
over divi divi trees were shaped by the winds to point toward
the area of the island where most of the hotels are.
The major
industries of Aruba are tourism, transshipment facilities, oil
refining, offshore banking and phosphates. Aruba's major trading
partners are the USA, the EU, the Netherlands and Japan.
The climate,
ambience, and beauty of Aruba attract vacationers from all over
the world. To visit Aruba once is to make it a permanent part of
your family's list of favorite holiday destinations. It is a
place to visit many times, and a place in which to find
something new and even more enjoyable with each return visit.
Population:
90,000 (approx.) Visitors annually: approx. 900,000
Capital city:
Oranjestad (pop 20,500)
Language:
Dutch, Papiamento (a mix of Spanish, Dutch, English, French, and
Portuguese), English and Spanish
Religion:
Roman Catholic (82%), Protestant, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim
Government:
Autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Location:
Aruba is an island in the Carribean Sea 20 miles from the
northern coast of Venezuela.
Size:
70 - 75 square miles
Elevation:
Highest peak is 617 ft.
Time Zone:
The time in Aruba is Atlantic Standard Time. It is the same as
Eastern Daylight Savings time, but continues all year round.
Telephone:
The international dialing code for Aruba is 297. Area codes do
not exist in Aruba, all numbers start with 8 except for cellular
telephone numbers which start with 9.
Children:
Aruba is a great place for all ages. There are a number of
children's playgrounds and all sorts of activities that will
ensure that children won't want to leave!
Communications System:
Aruba has a modern telecommunications network. Long distance
calls can be placed from any telephone or from SETAR (Aruba's
Telecommunications organization) locations around Aruba. AT&T
customers can dial 800-8000 from special phones located at the
airport and at the cruise ship docking area. From other phones
dial 121 to contact the SETAR international operator to place a
collect or calling card call. Cellular phone rental is also
available (Call 297 820005)
Emergency numbers:
Police 100
Fire alarm/Hospital 115
Hospital & Ambulance 874300
Ambulance: Oranjstad 821234
San Nicholas 845050
Air Ambulance: Richard Rupert 829197
Fax 832791
Cellular 932329/930201
Medical Center 848833
Dept. for National Security 811911
Medical:
The main 280-bed hospital is well-equipped with staff and
equipment. Oxygen tanks and hemodialysis services are available.
Hotels have doctors and dentists on call and appointments can be
arranged. Several other medical clinics also exist on the
island.
Postal Rates:
Aruba has had its own postage stamps since 1986.
Room Tax:
There is a 6% government tax on rooms and 11% hotel service
charge on rooms, both of which will be shown on your hotel bill.
Banks:
Should you need banking services when you arrive you'll find a
bank at the airport. There are also five banks with several
branches at other convenient locations. ATM facilities exist at
some of these banks.
Credit Cards:
All major credit cards are accepted.
Currency:
Aruba's currency is the florin, denoted by the letters 'Afl.' ,
divided into 100 cents. Traveller's checks are widely accepted.
Note: The Dutch Antillean florin used on the nearby islands of
Bonaire and Curaçao isn't accepted on the island of Aruba.
Tax:
There is a 7% government tax on hotel rooms. Hotels add a 10-15%
service charge, plus other energy surcharges. Restaurant service
charges are also in the 10-15% range; there's no need to tip on
top of this except for superior service.
Customer Service:
Compliments and complaints regarding Aruba's tourism can be
voiced by calling the Customer Service Hotline on (297) 839000,
active Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. An answering machine
records calls outside these days and hours. The individuals
and/or establishments concerned will be informed.
Average Temperatures (in Fahrenheit):
| |
High |
Low |
| January - March |
81 |
79 |
| April - June |
83 |
81 |
| July - September |
84 |
83 |
| October - December |
84 |
80 |
The Caribbean climate is constant. The average year-round temperatures for
the region is 82＜F. . The extremes of temperature are 65＜F low,
95＜F high, but, the absence of high humidity and the presence of
tropical breezes, make this an ideal climate. Downtown shopping
areas feel hot at midday any time of the year, but
air-conditioning provides comfort inside the shops. Near
beaches, water and the trade winds keep things at just the right
temperature.
Hurricanes:
Aruba is below the hurricane belt, so the traveler will not be
able to experience a hurricane in Aruba.
Packing:
Women usually wear casual cottons, linens and lightweight
synthetics, hats for protection against the sun, flat heeled ,
sturdy shoes for walking and hiking. Shorts and slacks can be
worn on the streets of
Oranjestad. There is no need for formal
evening wear. A light sweater for the cooler evenings might come
in handy. Men might consider casual shirts and shorts. It is no
longer customary for men to wear ties at business appointments.
Sport coat for business is optional. Be sure to bring sun screen
and insect repellent.
National Holidays:
New Year's Day - January 1
Betico Croes' Birthday - January 25
Carnival Monday - Late February
National Anthem & Flag Day - March 18
Good Friday - March; April (varies)
Easter Monday - March; April (varies)
Queen's Day - April 30
Labor Day - May 1
Ascension Day - May (varies)
Christmas Day - December 25
Boxing Day - December 26
Drinking Water:
Aruba has the world's second largest desalination plant which
supplies the island with pure, fresh water. Imported bottled
water is also readily available.
Electricity:
Same as in North America, i.e. 110Volts AC at 60 cycles.
Store Hours:
Most stores open from 9am to noon or 1pm and from 2pm to 6:30pm,
although some remain open between noon and 2pm. Shops are open
from Monday to Saturday. Hotel stores have varying open hours so
check at your hotel for these. The Alahambra bazaar is open
between 5pm and midnight. Mall store hours are 10am until 6pm.
Special Facilities:
Limited facilities for disabled persons are available. Some
hotels have rooms that can completely accommodate disabled
people while others have more limited facilities with ground
floor rooms and wider doors to enable use of wheelchairs.
Equivalent Weights And Measures:
1 cm - 0.39 inches
1 meter - 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards
1 km - 0.62 miles
1 liter - 0.26 gallons
1 inch - 2.54 cm
1 foot - 0.39 meters
1 yard - 0.91 meters
1 mile - 1.60 km
1 gallon - 3.78 liters
Passports & Visas:
U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport or a birth
certificate with a raised seal and a government-issued photo ID.
Visitors from the member countries of the European Union must
also carry their European Union Travel Card, as well as a
passport. All other nationalities must have a valid passport.
Arriving & Departing:
By Air
Flights leave daily to Aruba's Reina Beatrix International
Airport (AUA) (AUA, 297/8-24800) from New York area airports and
Miami International Airport, with easy connections from most
American cities. Flights to Aruba take 21/2 hours from Miami and
4 hours from New York.
Transfers Between the Airport and Town:
By Taxi:
A taxi from the airport to most hotels takes about 20 minutes.
It will cost about $16 to get to Eagle Beach; $18 to the
high-rise hotels on Palm Beach; and $9 to the hotels downtown.
There is a taxi stand right outside the baggage claim area of
the airport.
Getting Around:
Buses run hourly trips between the beach hotels and the capital,
Oranjestad for around $1. Buses run from Oranjestad to San
Nicolas for the same fare.
Ferries:
Ferries run between the islands., and also offer cruises.
Bicycles and Mopeds:
Rentals are available. These forms of transportation are ideal
because of the compact size of Aruba.
Horse-Drawn Carriages:
Horse drawn carriages offer tours of the capital.
Cars:
Island roads can be very steep and winding, and are in poor
condition. Children and livestock walk in the road as there are
no sidewalks. The automobile is not the preferred mode of
transportation.
Butterfly Farm
Located at Palm Beach across from the Aruba Phoenix and Wyndham
Hotels. Open all year from 9:00 -4:30
Step into a tropical garden filled with colorful butterflies
from around the world. Observe the life cycle from egg to
caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. Tour guides offer
commentary on butterfly habits. Arrive early and watch new
butterflies emerging from their chrysalis and taking their first
flight. The butterfly farm is a rare opportunity for photography
and a delight to visitors of all ages.
Oranjestad
Aruba's sunny, pastel-colored capital is on the island's
southern leeward coast, just southeast of the main resort area.
The bustling city has a very Caribbean flavor, with
part-Spanish, part-Dutch architecture The main thoroughfare,
Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard, cuts in from the airport along the
waterfront and on to Palm Beach, changing its name along the way
to J. E. Irausquin Boulevard. Most tourists visit to shop in its
boutiques and duty-free shops, but it has three small museums
that explore the island's history.
Historical
Museum
Fort Zoutman/Willem III Tower
Oranjestad.
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There is an entrance fee.
Situated in the oldest building in Aruba, Fort Zoutman and
Willem III Tower, the historical museum offers a collection of
articles from the island's earliest times through early Spanish
and Dutch periods, up to the present.
Numismatic
Museum
Zuidstraat 27, Oranjestad
Monday - Friday 7:30 - noon and 1 - 4
30,000 historic coins from Aruba and around the world.
Archaeological
Museum
Zoutmanstraat 1, Oranjestad.
Monday - Friday 8 - noon and 1 -4
Located on Zoutmanstraat diagonally across from the bus stop in
Oranjestad, this museum's five rooms exhibit giant earthen jars
of which a few contain the remains of Aruba's original
inhabitants. Also displayed in glass boxes with descriptions are
ancient artifacts, pottery tools and art.
Deep Sea Fishing
Numerous boats and crews are available at the docks. In the
temperate waters around Aruba, a variety of Atlantic game fish
can be caught year-round. Sailfish, white and blue marlin,
wahoo, shark, barracuda, amberjack, kingfish, bonito, and
blackfin and yellowfin tuna are abundant. The captain and
his/her first mate will help the vacationing fishing enthusiast
bring in any fish, even if they have little previous experience.
Many restaurants will even cook and serve your catch of the day
You can sail for either a full day or a half-day on many of the
fishing boats. Excursions can be arranged through your hotel
activity desk or De Palm Tours, or directly with the captain of
the boat of your choice.
Schooner Harbor
In this harbor are moored many fishing boats and schooners ,some
from Venezuela.. Nearly all newcomers to Aruba like to
photograph the Colorful boats dock along the quay, and boat
owners display their wares in open stalls. Fresh fish are sold
at the market nearby.
Wilhelmina Park
This park, named after Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, is
also on the sea side of Oranjestad. It features a tropical
garden along the water and a sculpture of the Queen Mother.
Outside the City
A popular pastime is a drive into the cunucu, which in
Papiamento means "the countryside." Here Arubans live in modest,
colorful, pastel-washed houses, decorated with tropical plants
that require expensive desalinated water.
Hooiberg
Caya G. F. Croes (7A) toward Santa Cruz. Hooiberg, also known as
"The Haystack." It is Aruba's highest landmark. Those with
energy to spare can scramble up the steps of this 541-foot-high
hill and be rewarded with a view, on a clear day, of Venezuela.
Casibari
Open daily from 9 - 5, with no admission charge
Aruba is studded with massive boulders. The most impressive ones
at Ayo and Casibari, northeast of Hooiberg. Diorite boulders
stack up as high as city office buildings. The rocks weigh
several thousand tons and puzzle geologists. Ancient Amerindian
drawings appear on the rocks at Ayo. At Casibari, you can climb
to the top for a panoramic view of the island or a close look at
rocks that nature has carved into seats or prehistoric birds and
animals.. The lodge at Casibari sells souvenirs, snacks, soft
drinks, and beer.
Caves of
Canashito
South of Hooiberg
Tours available. Inquire at your hotel.
Guides can point out drawings on the walls and ceiling of these
unusual caves. There are giant green parakeets in the area as
well.
Natural Bridge
Aruba's natural coral bridge that had been formed over millions
of years by surf eating away at a portion of the coral
formations on the rocky northern shore, collapsed in mid-2005.
A slightly shorter coral bridge survives the erosion, and
remains a popular tourist attraction. The site, reached by
traveling down a gravel road, is a perfect place for a picnic.
Andicuri Beach, a short stroll over the bridge, is a popular
boogie-boarding location for competent swimmers.
Arikok National
Park
297/8-28001
The park is a desert like ecological preserve that covers 18% of
the island's area, starting on the east coast and jutting inland
almost to the west coast. The island's rich crust makes it one
of the rare places in the world with geological origins
traceable with the naked eye. Hiking trails make it easy to
explore the preserve's unusual terrain and diverse flora and
fauna. Iguanas and many species of migratory.
This park encompasses a significant area of land in the interior
and a long stretch of the northern windward coast. The park
contains traces of nearly all the significant forces that have
impacted on Aruba's history, including Arawak petroglyphs in the
Fontein Cave, the remains of Dutch peasant settlements at
Masiduri, plantation houses in the Prins Valley and the ruins of
an old gold mining operation at Miralamar. The park covers 620
sq. ft.
The Aruban government is working on a 10-year ecotourism plan to
preserve the resources of the park. The park is topped by
Aruba's second-highest mountain, 577-ft Mt. Arikok, so climbing
is also a possibility.
Mount Jamanota
Aruba's highest hill. There's a road running through the park,
and some interesting hiking trails.
Spaans Lagoen
Along the highway toward the island's southernmost section is
Spanish Lagoon, where pirates hid and waited to plunder rich
cargo ships in the Caribbean. Today it's an ideal place for
snorkeling and for having a picnic at the tables under the
mangrove trees.
Savaneta
To the east is an area called where some of the most ancient
traces of human habitation have been unearthed.
Lago Oil
Transport Company
You'll see here the first oil tanks that marked the position of
the the Exxon subsidiary around which the town of San Nicolas
developed. San Nicolas was a company town until 1985, when the
refinery curtailed operations. Twelve miles from Oranjestad, it
is now called the Aruba Sunrise Side, and tourism has become its
main economic endeavor.
Guadarikiri Cave
and Fontein Cave.
The Guadirikiri and Fontein caves are marked with ancient
drawings. Park rangers are available to offer explanations. Both
caves were used by native Indians centuries ago.
Huliba and
Tunnel of Love Caves
Baranca Sunu, the so-called Tunnel of Love, has a heart-shape
entrance and, within, naturally sculpted rocks that look like
the Madonna, Abe Lincoln, and even a jaguar At these caves,
guides show visitors the carvings and natural formations. The
Tunnel of Love cave requires some physical stamina to explore.
It is filled with steep climbs, and its steps are illuminated
only by hand-held lamps. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your step.
California
Lighthouse
The closed lighthouse stands at the island's far northern end.
It's surrounded by huge boulders and sand dunes tufted with
scrub.
Rock Formations
The massive boulders at Ayo and Casibari are said to be a
mystery since they don't match the island's geological makeup.
You can climb to the top of Casibari for fine views of the arid
countryside; the main path has steps and handrails, and you must
move through tunnels and on narrow steps and ledges to reach the
top. At Ayo you'll find ancient pictographs in a small cave.
Access to Casibari is via Tanki Highway 4A, to Ayo via Highway
6A; watch carefully for the turnoff signs near the center of the
island on the way to the windward side.
Scuba Diving And
Snorkeling
With visibility of up to 90 ft, Aruban waters are excellent for
snorkeling and diving. Certified divers can go wall or reef
diving or explore wrecks sunk during World War II. The German
freighter, Antilla, is popular with both divers and snorkelers.
Mangel Halto
Reef
(Also known as Pos Chiquito Reef or Bao Baranca)Mangel Halto
Reef is excellent for night diving.
Beaches
Beaches in Aruba
are legendary: white sand, turquoise waters, and virtually no
litter everyone takes the No littering signs ("No tira sushi")
signs are taken very seriously. The major beaches, which back up
to the hotels along the southwestern strip, are public and
crowded. Make sure you're well protected from the sun with
sunscreen or sunblock. Sunburns can happen quickly in the
intense sun and gentle breezes. On the island's northeastern
side, wind makes the waters too choppy for swimming, but the
views are magnificent, and the terrain is wonderful for
sunbathing and geological exploration.
Baby Beach
(Seroe Colorado)
On the island's eastern tip, this semicircular beach borders a
bay that's as placid and just about as deep as a wading pool.
Swimming Conditions: Excellent and a great spot for snorkeling.
White powder sand. Accessible by car or taxi.
Snack truck offers chicken legs, burgers, hot dogs, beer, and
soda.
Boca Grandi
Strong swimming skills are a must at this beach near Seagrape
Grove and the Aruba Golf Club toward the island's eastern tip.
Boca Prins
Near the Fontein Cave and Blue Lagoon, this beach is famous for
its backdrop of enormous sand dunes. No swimming. Ideal for a
picnic. Bring a beach blanket and sturdy footwear and climb down
the rocks that form steps to the water's edge. Accessible by
four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Boca Tabla
(Bachelor's Beach)
Swimming Conditions: Better suited for snorkeling and
windsurfing than swimming. White powder sand. No facilities.
Accessible by car or taxi.
Dos Playa
Swimming Conditions: Not recommended for swimming due to huge
waves and strong currents., but a beautiful spot for a picnic,
or to admire the view. Accessible by 4-wheel drive only.
Eagle Beach
On the southwestern coast , and recently designated one of the
10 best beaches in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine.
Fisherman's Hut
This beach is a windsurfer's heaven. Take a picnic lunch (tables
are available) and watch the purple, aqua, and orange sails of
the catamarans struggle in the wind.
Grapefield Beach
To the northeast of San Nicolas, this area of blinding white
sand in the shadow of cliffs and boulders is marked by the
statue of an anchor dedicated to all seamen. Swim at your own
risk; the waves can be rough.
Malmok Beach
This small beach is located on the northwestern shore. It is
also known as Boca Catalina, and borders shallow waters that
stretch 300 yards from shore. It is a perfect place to learn to
windsurf and is a favorite with divers and snorkelers. A major
diving attraction is the wreck of the German ship Antilla,
scuttled in 1940.
Manchebo Beach
(Formerly Punta Brabo Beach) In front of the Manchebo Beach
Resort, this wide stretch of white powder is a favorite spot for
top-free sunbathers.
Mangel Halto
(Savaneta)
Swimming Conditions: Shallow water.
White powder sand. This is a good spot for picnics, and is
accessible by car or taxi.
Natural Pool
Not a beach, but this hidden pool on the north coast offers
unique scenery and solitude. Accessible by 4-wheel drive or on
horseback.
Palm Beach
This beach is behind the Allegro Resort & Casino, Wyndham Aruba
Beach Resort and Casino, Aruba Grand Beach Resort & Casino, and
Holiday Inn hotels. It is at the center of Aruban tourism,
offering the best in swimming, sailing, and other water sports.
Rodger's Beach
Next to Baby Beach on the island's eastern tip, this is a
curving stretch of sand, unfortunately providing a view of the
oil refinery at the far side of the bay. A new snack bar serves
refreshments and hosts occasional live entertainment at the
water's edge. White powder sand. Accessible by car or taxi.
Swimming Conditions: Excellent.
Santo Largo
Swimming Conditions: Shallow water.
White powder sand. No facilities. Accessible by car or taxi.
Nightlife and
Entertainment
Casinos
A few casinos are open 24 hours a day. In most, the opening
hours are 11 a.m. for slots and 1 p.m. through early morning for
table games. Hours vary seasonally, so check before making
plans. No one under 18 is allowed in the casinos. The larger
casinos feature live first class entertainment imported from
other countries such as the United States and Latin America.
opens its games at 10:30am; it stays open until 1:30am.
Alhambra
J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 47
297/8-35000
10am till very early in the morning, usually 3am.
The Alhambra is a complex of buildings and courtyards designed
like an 18th-century Dutch village.. A busy casino operates on
the premises.
Cinema
Seaport Cinema
Seaport Market Place
297/8-30318
The complex has six theaters showing the latest American movies
in English.
Shows
The Cabaret Royale
(Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort and Casino, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 77,
Palm Beach, 297/8-64466) has an entertaining Cuban review (with
a bit of flesh) Tuesday through Saturday at 9 PM. Dinner
(seating at 7:30) and the show cost $34; $20 gets you two
cocktails (starting at 8:30) and admission to the show.
The Tropicana
Showroom (J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 250, 297/8-77000 ext. 731 or
727), the Royal Cabana Casino's cabaret theater and nightclub,
features first-class Las Vegas-style revues, usually showcasing
female impersonators, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at
9 PM and Wednesday and Friday at 10 PM; the cost is $35 per
person. Dinner/show combinations are available ($119 for two
people).
Twinklebone's
House Of Roast Beef (Noord 124, Noord, 297/8-26780) serves
succulent prime rib and the like, but it's best known for the
fun, impromptu cabaret of Carnival music put on by the staff
every night but Sunday. Some customers find it hokey; others eat
it up.
Bars
Iguana Joe's (Royal Plaza Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 94, Oranjestad,
297/8-39373) has a creative reptilian-theme decor and a color
scheme featuring such planter's punch colors as lime and grape.
Kukoo Kunuku
297/8-62010
a psychedelically painted '57 Chevy bus. Weeknights, as many as
40 passengers board to make the rounds of six local bars from
sundown to midnight, with a stop for dinner. Group and private
charter rates are available; these include hotel pick up and
drop off.
Mambo Jambos
2nd floor, Royal Plaza Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 94, Oranjestad
297/8-33632
Painted in sunset colors, with parrots painted on the ceiling.
It offers several house-specialty drinks and a gift shop.
Dance Clubs
Caf└ Bahia
Weststraat 7, Oranjestad
297/8-89982
An elegant spiral staircase leads up to a bar and dance floor
backed by a mural of colorful cacti against a blue,
cloud-smattered Aruban sky. Locals and tourists drink Balashi
cocktails and salsa to music provided by island bands.
E-Zone
(Bayside Mall, Weststraat 5, Oranjestad, 297/9-36784) has a huge
dance floor, walls decorated with hair-dryer tubes and slinkies,
bartenders in hard hats, and a cozy VIP lounge.
La Fiesta
(Aventura Mall, Plaza Daniel Leo, 297/8-35896), an upscale
indoor-outdoor space, serves cocktails and attracts a casual yet
classy crowd.
Havana Club
(L.G. Smith Blvd. 1, 297/8-80557) has purple walls adorned with
gold-framed mirrors, antique lanterns, and dried flowers. The
two oversize dance floors are often packed on weekends;
Wednesday Ladies' Night draws a crowd of about 3,000. The music
alternates between pop, rock, and international hits; local
bands sometimes play. Escape from the crowds by taking refuge on
a patio complete with a bar, a mini-swimming pool, and a private
stretch of beach.
Music Clubs
Cellar
(Klipstraat 2, Oranjestad, 297/8-28567) live bands perform
Monday and Thursday-Saturday; the music du jour might be blues,
jazz, funk, reggae, or rock.
Garufa Cocktail
Lounge
(Wilhelminastraat 63, Oranjestad, 297/8-27205 or 297/8-23677).
For jazz and local music try the This cozy cigar bar serves as a
comfortable lounge for customers awaiting a table at El Gaucho
Steakhouse ( 297/8-27205 or 297/8-23677), across the street
(you're issued a beeper so that the restaurant can notify you
when your table is ready).
Theme Nights
There are more than 30 theme nights offered during the course of
a week. Each one features a buffet dinner, entertainment
(usually of the limbo, steel-band, stilt-walking, variety), and
dancing. The top groups tend to rotate among the resorts.
Shopping
Aruba offers merchandise from six continents along the
half-mile-long Caya G. F. Betico Croes, Oranjestad's main
shopping street. Technically this is not a free port, but the
duty is so low that prices are attractive, and Aruba has no
sales tax. There are numerous Swiss watches; German and Japanese
cameras; jewelry; liquor; English bone china and porcelain;
Dutch, Swedish, and Danish silver and pewter; French perfume;
British woolens; Indonesian specialties; and Madeira embroidery.
Delft blue pottery is an especially good buy. Other good buys
include Dutch cheese (Edam and Gouda), Dutch chocolate, and
English cigarettes in the airport departure area. Philatelists
will love the wealth of colorful, artistic stamps issued in
honor of Aruba's changed governmental status. Major credit cards
are welcome virtually everywhere, U.S. dollars are accepted
almost as readily as local currency, and traveler's checks can
be cashed with proof of identity. Since there's no sales tax,
the price you see on the tag is what you pay. Don't try to
bargain. Arubans consider it rude.
Shopping Centers
& Malls
Most malls are in Oranjestad and are attractive gabled,
pastel-hue re-creations of Dutch colonial architecture.
Shopping
Neighborhoods
Oranjestad's Caya G.F. Betico Croes
This is Aruba's chief shopping street, lined with several
duty-free boutiques and jewelry stores noted for the
aggressiveness of their vendors on cruise-ship days.
Note: Be sure to
check out our list of Family Friendly Hotels. Child -centered
features vary among hotels on the island. Many, but not all,
have special programs and activities during the day for
children. Some offer child care services. Some have a kiddie
pool and supervised play area.
Neptalie
Henriquez Playground for Children
call (297) 821059 for information.
The Kibaima
Miniature Village Park
(297) 851830
This delightful park shows you some of Aruba's delights in
miniature. There is also a playground for children and
surroundings with ample flora and fauna
Indian Rock
Garden
The garden has a display of many tropical plants and exotic
birds. (297) 847366. Telephone for further information.
Some other activities
for older children are sailcarting, horseriding and miniature
golf. Adventure Golf
Sazakiweg z/n,
Aruba
Dutch Caribbean
Tel: (297) 876625
Fax: (297) 876645
Daily: 5:00pm - 12:00am.
Weekends 1:00pm -12:00am.
Billed as the world's largest Mini Golf course, there is fun
galore for the whole family. This includes the opportunity also
to take a romantic paddle boat ride in the lagoon, or have a
splash around in the bumper boat pool. The biggest game room on
the island is another feature. A souvenir shop, the Black Hog
Saloon and the family oriented Alfredo's Restaurant are also on
premises.
Other Sports
Tennis / Racquetball /
Squash
Tennis has always been popular on Aruba and most hotels have
excellently maintained courts as well as qualified pros to
assist visitors with their game or introduce new skills, to
novices and experts alike.
Aruba Racquet
Club
Tel. (297) 860215 Fax. (297) 860219
Bowling
Bowling is quite popular in Aruba with local teams competing
abroad regularly. Shoes, accessories as well as snacks and
drinks are available.
Eagle Bowling
Palace
Tel. (297) 835038 Fax. (297) 836310
Bon Bini
Festival
Near the clock tower on Zoutmanstraat, Oranjestad
297/8-22185
Small admission fee
This festival is held every Tuesday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in
the outdoor courtyard of the Ft. Zoutman Museum. Bon Bini is
Papiamento for "welcome," and this tourist event is the Aruba
Institute of Culture and Education's introduction to all things
Aruban. Stroll by the stands of island foods, drinks, and
crafts, or watch entertainers perform Antillean music and folk
dancing.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is welcomed with midnight fireworks to ward off
evil spirits, while wandering minstrels serenade houses and
hotels.
The Dande Stroll
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Groups of musicians known as
the Dande stroll from house to house singing good luck greetings
for the new year. The best Dande song receives a prize and is
sung by islanders during the next 12 months.
Carnival
Carnival means weeks of events that bring you colorfully
decorated floats, vibrant music, costumed groups of revelers of
all ages, King & Queen elections, electrifying jump ups and
torch light parades that wind their way through the streets at
night. There are the Children's Parades and finally the Grand
Parade.
Where else can you find Antillean "tumba" music, the Calypso and
steel bands of the English Caribbean, the salsa beat of Latin
countries plus marching bands and a smattering of Dutch
oom-pa-pa? The 2 month long celebration culminates with the all
day Grand Parade on Sunday, with everyone all decked out.
Just when you think it is all over, there's the Farewell Parade
and the burning of Momo, indicating the end of Carnival and the
beginning of Lent. Symbolically, Momo's ashes are used on Ash
Wednesday.
National Anthem
and Flag Day
March 18, an official holiday.
Summer Jam
End of April with a carnival and jazz bands.
Latin American
Film Festival
An exhibition of works by Latin American film makers, which
usually takes place during the last week in May. Most of the
films are in Spanish with English sub-titles. Some are in
English.
Hi-Winds Pro-Am
Windsurfing Competition
Held at Eagle Beach in June.
The Harvest
Festival of Dera Gai
In late June, there's the harvest festival of Dera Gai - it used
to involve the burying of a rooster, but in modern times a gourd
is substituted.
Jazz and Latin
Music Festival
For five nights each June, authentic jazz and Latin music is
performed at the outdoor arena next to the Aruba Sonesta Resorts
at Seaport Village.
Aruba Music
Festival
First week in June, annually. Concert series features top jazz,
rhythm and blues, and contemporary Latin performers.
International
Dance Festival
Each October, dance companies from the Carribean, the United
States and Europe conduct and participate in lectures,
demonstrations and exhibitions.
International
Theater Festival
Every other October, theater groups from around the world
perform 45-70 minute shows at the Cas di Cultura.
Sint Nicolaas
Day (5 December)
This is a Dutch tradition: Sint Nicolaas is a Santa Claus figure
who arrives with his helpers who assist him as he distributes
candy and gifts to children gathered in Oranjestad.
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