Jagged cliffs, red sand, and turbulent waters is not something that I envisioned when thinking about Aruba. I imagined postcard perfection beaches with still waters, fine sand and more sunny days than most islands in the Caribbean. However, to my delight there is a rough side of Aruba, once that is wild and untamed. I was eager to explore this side of Aruba which is located on the east coast, which I actually never knew existed prior to my visit. The Happy Island not only boasts beautiful sandy beaches with turquoise waters, as well as multi-lingual citizens, it also has a beautifully,
dry and arid desert like landscape.
To get to this other side of Aruba, I booked a tour with DePalm tours which had an office at my resort. I would have loved to rent a car to experience this side of Aruba by myself, however I was informed that the rental companies prohibit their rentals for travel to some parts of this unique part of the island. Since the next day was my last full day in Aruba, the only tour available at the spur of the moment was an off-road adventure in an open air jeep. The tour representative cautioned that if I had any kidney problems or was pregnant, this tour was not recommended. I had neither so I shrugged off the disclaimer as I
was just excited to go off on a new adventure.
The next morning, the open air jeep picked me up at 8AM and my tour began. During the ride to the other side of the Aruba, I was able to see where some of the locals live, as well as see Hooiberg, a small mountain that really stands out because most of Aruba is flat. This flat landscape however began to change and soon I understood why I was advised that it you had some health issues, this tour was not recommended! Our driver delighted in driving uphill and running over every rock and boulder in the process. The white sand that was so admired at Palm and Eagle Beach was replaced with red, rocky dirt. These red hills were also sprouting cacti! Our driver stopped a couple of times so we could admire the views from above, but soon it was back to not adhering to the actual road and taking every curve as fast as possible. In this moment, I actually believed I would indeed die in Aruba. The jeep was going to tip over and my skull would undoubtedly be crushed on a rock.
However, we made it safe and sound to our first stop, Conchi Natural Pool. The area around this pool is simply breathtaking. Jagged Black Rocks form a small pool that is gentle for swimming (although a life vest is required) I didn’t actually swim in the pool as I was so enchanted by the sight of huge waves crashing up against the rocks . I can’t remember how much time was spent here, but I know I spent my time taking endless photos, exploring and climbing. The next stop on the tour
was the Alto vista Chapel, a small lovely chapel that I learned was a very cherished religious landmark in Aruba.
The ride between the points of interest was beautiful and I was mesmerized by dramatic cliffs. The ocean which had been so calm on the other side of the island was now too treacherous for swimming. The blue water paired with the red landscape was a perfect contrast. After the chapel, we made our way to Aruba’s famed lighthouse, which unfortunately, you cannot enter.
A trip was also made to Aruba’s famed natural bridge which sadly collapsed years ago. This huge natural bridge used to be Aruba’s most visited natural wonder. Although this large bridge collapsed, a baby bridge is still intact.
Visiting Aruba’s dramatically different other side should not be missed. Set away from the big resorts and tourist zone, it was so refreshing to see a beautifully remote part of the island that is mostly unspoiled, wild and can be unforgiving if you get too close to an edge of a cliff. After I arrived back at my room at my resort, I glanced in the mirror surprised I had also developed a beautiful deep tan. Wait a minute.This was not a tan, but a fine layer of red dust on my face and in my hair! Dirty and grimy I smiled, for I was still filled with gratitude that I was able to witness the natural raw beauty of Aruba.
