ABOUT ARUBA
ARUBA
As said in Papiamento our native language ‘“Bon Bini” Welcome to Aruba! A little bit about Mi Dushi Aruba “Dushi” means Sweet in English. Aruba is an Island of magic, contrasts and surprises and you are about to discover it for yourself. It can be a serene place of sun, sand and sea, or an exciting and exhilarating adventure…it’s for you to decide. This unique island is an action packed and a sparkling cosmopolitan city, but also an unexplored land dotted with intriguing natural wonders. It has a rich culture revealed through its art, music, traditions, cuisine and architecture, but it also boasts world-class shopping, fabulous restaurants, and sizzling nightlife. Choose high energy adventures and off the road exploration or Spa pampering, beach relaxation and sunset gazing. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of deep sea fishing, beach tennis, mountain biking, windsurfing, kite surfing and all other watersports or mellow pastimes such as yoga, kayaking, and snorkeling. No matter what your energy level or your mood, you will find your niche on this ONE HAPPY ISLAND. In Aruba no matter where you go, you will be met with smiles and warm Island hospitality.
Geography
Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, which means we are luckily located south of the hurricane belt.
Aruba is an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and has a population of +/- 110.000 inhabitants. The official language is Papiamento and Dutch but English and Spanish are also very much spoken. The Island is 21 miles long (33km) and 6 miles wide (9km) and has an area of about 75 square miles (193 square km).
North coast of Aruba is rugged terrain with all kinds of vegetation and some sand dunes. The ocean currents are much stronger than the west coast and south coast, NOT recommended to swim on this side of the Island. Aruba’s most visited sites are California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins, Natural Bridge and the Natural Pool can also be found along the north coast. West Coast is where you find “Oranjestad” Aruba’s Capital and is named after the Dutch Royal House of Orange. On the west coast you can also find long stretches of white sand beaches and most of the Low rise and High rise hotels and the world’s famous Eagle Beach.
On the East Coast you will find National Park Arikok In our Parke Arikok as locals call it you can find Indian drawings, sand dunes and beaches to rough hills of volcanic lava, rock formation and the natural pool. The park also showcases a wide range of flora and fauna.
South Coast, is home to the oldest town in Aruba and San Nicolas. San Nicolas is the second largest city in Aruba where you can find the most loving people and Baby beach and Rogers beach.
Currency
The Aruban Florin or Aruban Guilder is the currency of Aruba. It is subdivided into 100 cents, the florin was introduced in 1986, replacing the Netherlands antillean guilder at par. The Aruba currency exchange rate for U.S. dollars is AFl. 1.77 for cash and most restaurants and retail shops Afl. 1.80. U.S dollars is accepted everywhere on the Island.
Aruban Drinking Water
Aruba’s tap water is pure and refreshing, meeting the highest standards of quality of the World Health Organization. Since Aruba does not have any significant natural sources of fresh water, the water is distilled in a saltwater desalination plant.