Bonaire - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 162

Washington-Slagbaai National Park
The national park covers the entire northwestern tip of Bonaire, approxi-
mately 13,500 acres, and encompasses dive sites, hiking trails, a driving
tour, salt pans, a landlocked lake, and scenic hillsides. Before it became a
park, the land was two privately owned plantations or farms ( kunuku in
Papiamento) called Washington and Slagbaai. Each kunuku grew divi-
divi trees (the pods were processed into tannin for use in tanning animal
hides) and aloe (used in laxatives and cosmetics), produced charcoal from
mesquite trees, and raised cattle and goats.
In 1969, the Washington Plantation became a public park. Ten years later,
the Slagbaai property was added. Today, visitors spend the day touring the
preserve, climbing the rocky hills, picnicking, and swimming in calm
water off the western shore.
Two driving routes wind through the park: Yellow , covering 21 miles
along the northern coast; Green , covering the west and mid-sections. Pick
up a map at the entrance and follow the dirt road that interests you most.
If you have time, the yellow route is best, but it takes a full day to complete
at a sightseeing pace. The terrain is natural, rugged, and wear covered in
desert scrub and cactus. Be sure to have water, snacks and sunscreen, and
closed-toe shoes with you so you can stop to hike in particularly interesting
areas. Bring along a swimsuit and snorkel equipment so you can cool off
with a dip in the sea.
Highlights of the park include:
Brandaris Hill (Subi Brandaris), the highest point on the is-
land at 784 feet. A trail leads from a parking lot up the ridge to
the top (allow about two hours to make the round-trip), where
there are fabulous views of the coast, countryside, and Carib-
bean Sea. On a particularly clear day, it's possible to see
Curaçao to the west. Follow the rocks marked with yellow paint
to stay on the trail.
TIP: A wide cactus-lined cement road allows motor-
ists and bikers to get to the top more quickly.
Salina Matijs , a scenic viewing point just inside the park en-
trance. If there is water in the salt pan, birds will be congregat-
ing in the area.
Boca Chikitu , a sand dune area around a sandy cove. Stick to
the shore; a strong riptide makes swimming dangerous.
Seru Grandi , a geographically interesting stretch of terraced
land that reveals the island's formation through several millen-