"Bon Bini" Aruba by Donna_in_India

Aruba Travel Guide: 871 reviews and 2,205 photos

Aruba lies 15 miles north of Venezuela, within sight of South America. The desert-like countryside is dotted with cacti, dunes, and unusual trees such as the divi-divi. The climate is hot and dry and there is little rainfall. It's turquoise colored sea and beaches attract honeymooners, cruisers, and a variety of other tourists.

The island itself is 20 miles long by 6 miles wide, divided into 6 districts. The eastern part of the island - where the (Baby) Natural Bridge is located - is rocky with rough seas and you won't find many people living on this part of the island.

Catholic is the main religion and each of the 6 districts has a church. The lovely Alto Vista Church was the 1st Catholic church on the island.

Although the official language is Dutch, locals speak Papiamento, derived from several other languages. Spanish, Portuguese, and English are all spoken as well.

Rocky, rough, eastern side of Aruba

Colorful buildings line the waterfront of its capital, Oranjestad, which means "orange city" in Aruba's native Dutch.

There is enough to keep you busy on the island. Rent a car and explore on your own or hire a driver to take you around. Shop, visit the casinos, or participate in various watersports including snorkeling, scuba diving, or windsurfing.

Visit the museums, California Lighthouse, Fort Zoutman & the King Willen III Tower, Alto Vista Chapel, Casibari Rock Formations, & the Donkey Sanctuary.

Last visit to Aruba: Nov 2010
Intro Updated Apr 16, 2012
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Reviews (17)

Arriving by Cruiseship Transportation (1)

Cruise ships dock in Oranjestad, Aruba's capital. Disembarkation takes you thorough one of three terminals where you... more travel advice

Souvenirs & Such Shopping (2)

The best place to shop for those t-shirts and magnets is in Oranjestad. On the waterside you'll find plenty of open... more travel advice

Aruba - Misc. Info Favorites (1)

N/A Aruba is considered one of the Caribbean's safest islands. Although pickpockets/thefts are rare, it's best to keep... more travel advice

One Stop For Designer Names Shopping (2)

The Royal Plaza Mall is located along the waterfront in Oranjestad. There are over 60 stores with retailers of apparel,... more travel advice

Things to Do (12)
See All The Old Dutch Windmill

Restaurants (1)
Great Place for Lunch And/Or Drinks

Travelogues (7)

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Comments (6)

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csordila Dec 28, 2011 at 7:11 AM

Donna! Fine photos you have here! Congratulations! L.
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starship Jan 5, 2011 at 6:02 AM

Back again for a longer look at this page! Your photos are nothing short of amazing!! I love the donkey sanctuary.So much has changed since the 80s for the better.
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mindcrime Dec 27, 2010 at 3:22 PM

interesting small page about a place I never heard of :)
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easterntrekker Dec 27, 2010 at 11:39 AM

Nice pages on Aruba .We were there many years ago and I really loved it. Love Kasha's new picture..
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SLLiew Dec 13, 2010 at 5:11 AM

Cool tips of A-ru-ba. Thanks for sharing. From an tropical island - Penang, SL :)
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balhannah Dec 10, 2010 at 6:55 PM

Lovely page & photo's Donna! This sounds and looks like a real nice Port. I love the signs, and the Donkey's, they are so cute! I bet Kasha had a good time there.