For just one day with a rental vehicle we are trying to come up with a "game plan"of places we'd like to stop at. Anything we should add or skip?? Any beaches that are a "must see"??

Butterfly Farm
Alto Vista Chapel
Arikok National Park
Hooiberg/maybe the Ayo & Casibari rock formations??
Natural Pool/Natural Bridge
Baby Beach
Oranjestad

We will take any suggestions, ideas or insight!! Thank you all!!

Leaving in 10 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would take a bus or taxi into Oranjested on another day. Sounds like your day is already packed, and it's easy to get into Oranjested from the high rise/low rise areas, even without a car.

JMHO.

My thoughts....the California light house at sunset, Tierra del sol golf course and the new homes being built, and EATTING at Flying fishbone( cab there is about 60.00). ALso, the Balashi beer factory, the Aruba Aloe Factory.I would totally pass on the butterfly place. Just my opinion. When going downtown, park at the Renaissance Mall parking lot to avoid no spots downtown.

Cindyo
2009 is our 12th trip.
Renewing our vows April 2008, Divi Phoenix w/ Rev. Gibson at sunset....
Next Aruba trip in

I would do Oranjestad buy public bus.

BW

add the quadirikiki (sp) cave in the national park. don't need a flashlight.

I agree with some of the other comments and would skip the Butterfly farm (not much to see) and I would also save a trip into Oranjestad for another day (by public bus - cheaper/more convenient). Indeed, I would save the car for activties/sites that you will really need it for. I should also point out that if you are going to the Natural Bridge, you may as well stop at the Bushiribara ruins (it is very close to the Bridge).

You should also keep in mind that many companies offer tours of the island that offer similar stops to those mentioned in your "game plan". These tours are of the full day variety (i.e. 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) without a stop at the Butterfly farm/in Oranjestad. Hence, you may want to be careful that you do not pack too much into your day.

P.S. make sure that your rental vehicle is a 4X4 if you end up going to the Natural Pool (a compact rental car will not get you there).

Thanks all!! I think we may save the trip to Oranjestad for a different day, just from the responses I have gotten so far.....keep 'em coming though

I'd skip the butterfly farm. Also, I would skip the caves. We did the caves my very first time to Aruba, and I was never the same - they're uncivilized and bat infested. . My skin is crawling as I type and relive the memory. LOL

I'd keep everything else on the list. Your day will be packed, but you should be able to get it all done in one day. Agree with the Aloe Factory and the Balashi Beer Factory (you could have lunch there.

I agree with the other posters that you can do Oranjestad by local bus on another day. Also, if you really want to do the Butterfly Farm, it's on the bus route within walking distance from the Westin.

All of the other things you mention (including the Natural Bridge and Bushiribana ruins) could be done the day you rent your vehicle. Ayo rocks are interesting to see but it's a brief stop. We enjoy Casibari as you can walk through their gardens and climb to the top of the rock, if you are so inclined.

We love the other side of the island and always explore it during our visits. Enjoy!

Return to One Happy Island, January 7, 2009!

As long as you have the car, why not a stop at Charlie's Bar in San Nicolaas? It's on the way back from Baby Beach and perfect for a little refreshment.

Aruba's Novelist in Residence (sometimes)
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