ORANJESTAD (September 16, 2018) – Once a week, on Sundays I write about the most relevant and interesting happenings on the island in my weekly newsletter.
This weeks edition features the top news headlines in Aruba.
Subscribing to my newsletter is an ideal way to stay up to date with what’s going on in Aruba – whether you’re living on the island, miles away or your first visit!
If this is your first time reading my newsletter – welcome!
Fire on Bubali Plas Wetland
A fire broke out on the wetland area better known as Bubali Plas, close to the high rise hotel area (during midnight on September 10, 2018).
Local authorities were immediately dispatched to combat the fire.
Here’s a video by Aruba Birdlife Conservation of the fire.
Bubali Plas is an important part of wetland that covers 46 hectares.
This wetland has one of the highest amount of biodiversity of flora and fauna on Aruba. Birds of all kind, iguanas, snakes, lizards, insects, fish and other animals.
According to the local department of nature & environment, about 24% of the wetland was burned (which is about 11 hectares).
They are currently doing research to examine the ecological damages.
The day after the fire, volunteers found remains of lizards, iguanas, snakes, eggshells and insects.It’s also confirmed that the fire burned different trees like Fofoti, Kwihi, Hubada, Cadushi, Tuna and Bushisis. Various bird nests were also destroyed.
Local authorities have not released any information if the fire was intentional or a natural accident.
A few years ago the bubali plas was on fire already, but managed to grow again after that. I guess nature will have to restore the wetland again!
Hurricanes Are Menacing The Caribbean Region
The Caribbean region was threatened by several hurricanes this week.
Three different tropical storms originated at once: Florencee, Isaac & Helene.
Fortunately all of them are outside of Aruba’s path.
Hurricane season stops approximately around the end of November.
Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt and is known to escape direct hits by hurricane – which makes the island a favorable place for a beach getaway, even when it’s hurricane season in the Caribbean.
American & Delta Airlines Adds Winter Flights to Aruba From Miami
This upcoming winter clients from American Airlines will be able to enjoy more flight options to Aruba from Miami.
The airline company will be adding another flight to their schedule to the Caribbean (including Aruba). Flights will start from December 19, 2018 until March 31, 2019.
American is one of the airlines that is serving Aruba for over decades.
They offer double daily weekly flights to Aruba from Miami – 12 weekly flights from Charlotte and 5 flights from Philadelphia every week.
Delta Air Lines also announced that they will be offering additional flights from Boston to Aruba starting December 2018.
The flights are every Saturday from Boston Logan International Airport.
Did you plan your winter getaway to Aruba?
Price of Gasoline Reduced A Little
The minister of economy announced new prices for gasoline, which is important to know if you’re planning to rent a car.
As of September 12, 2018 the prices are now:
- Gasoline 2.16 Aruban florins per liter ( -1.2 cents) – $4.68 per gallon
- Diesel 1.85 Aruban florings per liter (+0.4 cents) – $4.00 per gallon
- 1.75 Aruban florins = $1.00 (USD)
Don’t have a car yet, but want to rent a car in Aruba? Ask for a price quote here.
Monarch Butterfly Season in Aruba
It’s monarch butterfly season in Aruba – the beautiful and well known orange butterfly with black stripes.
Trees near the beaches area are known to have these larves hanging upside down, until they transform into beautiful orange butterflies with black stripes.
These butterflies are usually found on trees alongside the beaches and inland called “Mata di Lechi” – you may know it as milkweed.
To see more beautiful species of butterflies I recommend going to the butterfly farm in Aruba.
Monarch butterfly in Aruba
California Lighthouse Temporarily Closed For Visitors
The california lighthouse will be temporarily closed for maintenance work.
This was announced by Aruba Monument, a local foundation that preserves Aruban monuments around the island.
After a decade of not being open to the public, the first inaugural climb to the lighthouse took place a few years ago (August 26, 2016).
California lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions on the island.
It’s located on the northwestern tip of the island and when you climb the stairs to the top of the tower you get one of the most spectacular views.
Aruba Monument will announce reopening of the lighthouse after maintenance work so you can soak in the views from this side of the island.
Buy Your Early Bird Tickets For Island Take Over
Early bird tickets for Aruba Island Takeover are on sale!
What is Aruba Island Takeover you ask?
It’s going to be one of the biggest beach parties on Aruba in November.
A four day consecutive festival filled with what Aruba knows best – beach, sun and fun!
Who’s going to be performing at the concerts?
- Jeon (local artist)
- J.Balvin
- Bad Bunny
- Alex Sensation
Aruba island takeover will take place November 1 – 4, 2018 at the Harbour Arena (located close to Oranjestad & Cruise Port).
Here’s the schedule for festival dates:
- November 1 – Welcome Party
- November 2 – Aruba Island Take Over Concert
- November 3 – Pool Party & Electric Festival Beach Party
- November 4 – Aruba Island Take Over Closing Event
Early bird tickets are available at:
- Citgo Boulevard
- Citgo Palm Beach
- Citgo Essoville
- Superfood (supermarket)
General tickets for the main concert are $50.00 per person.
VIP tickets are $143.00 per person and gives you access to all 4 days.
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