[Arubalisa]

IF this is the location I am thinking of, it is at Fontein, situated between the Fontein Cave and the ocean, south of Boca Prins bar. http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=12.492...16&l=0&m=a&v=2

This is just a beautiful spot, smack dab in the middle of Arikok National Park. Albeit overgrown now.

From my 2001 trip report...
"On our circuit around the island, while in Arikok National Park, we were able to stop at Fontein for the first time and that was REALLY cool. There is a museum, Fontein (fountain) and a cave. This is the only fresh water spring on the island. There were Chinese farmers who used this water to grow vegetables in the arid area surrounding Fontein. You enter through a museum, which houses some older Aruba photos, artifacts, furniture and native creatures. We even got "rattled" by an Aruban rattlesnake! There are folks there who will show you around. [now I know that they were Arikok National Park Rangers] The four of us ended up with our own private guided tour, don't know why he picked us...but it was terrific.

The gentleman took us through the small museum, out to Fontein. Here he fed the turtles sunning themselves on the rocks and explained the history of the Tilapia which are found in the pond. The Chinese raised them for food. The water then drains off of the pond and flows down a small stream or channel. As the months go along, the Park plans on clearing more of vegetation to the path of the stream can be followed...to the sea?

Along the way our guide spoke of some of the local customs, culture, flora and fauna."

So what happened? On our visit Guadirikiri Cave this past Christmas I had the opportunity to ask our Arikok Ranger guide what happened to Fontein. The parking lot had been closed off for the years following our visit in 2001 and the place looked abandoned.

The ranger/guide explained that the people who had donated the land at Fontein to Arikok National Park, had "taken it back" for development. He gave us a "tip" as to how to get a look and we took advantage of his knowledge. I just wanted to get some photos of the spring which you see above. We did not see any fish or turtles left.

I am not an Aruban, I have no say in the island's development, but aren't there plenty of hotels and other assorted lodgings already? Green, eco friendly purple or orange, this area is surrounded by Arikok National Park and imho, should stay just that way. The Aruban government should really find a way to purchase this land from the owners and keep it part of the island's history. <<stepping off my soap box now, I have no say, but do have a choice to spend my vacation dollar where I like. Btw when is the dophinarium opening? >>

Fontein click on thumbnail to enlarge