No expensive flats, no houses, a pristine coastline. It looks like a protected nature reserve.
Oostpunt is the easternmost point of Curaçao and is about an hour's drive from Willemstad. In our series about Curaçao we travel West point now to the other side of the island. It is a rugged, unspoilt coastline with beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and breathtaking views.
rental car
You can travel to Oostpunt in different ways, but the most popular option is with a rental car. Renting a car is easy and affordable in Curaçao, and it gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and stop wherever you want. Do not expect too much from the rental cars on Curacao because sun and bad roads are an attack on the paint and often the condition of the cars. And yet our car had more than 158.000 kilometers on the clock, but did not let us down.
ostriches
When you travel to Oostpunt you should not miss a special attraction: the ostrich farm Curacao Ostrich Farm. This farm is located in the green and quiet area of Santa Catharina, about 30 minutes drive from Willemstad. It's a fun and educational experience for all the family and a great way to learn more about these fascinating birds.
A highlight of visiting the ostrich farm is interacting with the animals. You can feed the ostriches and even sit on their eggs to experience how strong and resilient they are. In addition, there is also a gift shop on the farm where you can buy all kinds of products made from ostrich feathers and eggs.
On a tour of the farm you will see ostriches of all ages and sizes, from chicks to adults up to 2,5 meters high. You can see them up close and touch their feathers as a guide tells you more about the traits and characteristics of these fascinating birds.
When you are near Santa Catharina you should not miss the Aloe Vera Plantation visits. You do not need to make a reservation and admission is free. The Aloe Vera Plantation is a concept on Curacao and a real 'must see' for people with a 'feeling for nature'. A well-known product that comes from the aloe vera plantation is the skin care line CurAloe.
The aloe vera plant is harvested on site, the gel is processed in the factory on site and the end products are (among other things) sold on site. We work hard to achieve a beautiful natural end product. The plantation is one of the largest aloe vera plantations in the world.
Aloe Vera is known for its many health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, moisturizing the skin and aiding digestion. On the plantation you will learn how Aloe Vera is grown and processed into various products, such as lotions, shampoos and juices.
The plantation is located in a remote part of the island, but is easily accessible.
A visit to the Aloe Vera plantation is a great way to learn more about the many benefits of this medicinal plant. It's also a great opportunity to buy and support local products while enjoying Curacao's beautiful natural environment.
junkyard
When you follow the navigation, via the Road to Santa Catharina, it can happen that you are in the middle of the Scrapyard Sta. Catherine arrives. The dirt road goes straight through their scrap yard, which is a strange experience in itself. Left and right of the road are cars ready for demolition or already half demolished. Almost all parts of cars that drive around the island can be found there. Don't worry, you're on the right track and at the scrap yard friendly folks greet you and point you in the direction to follow.
As a tourist attraction, Sloperij Sta. Catherine isn't at the top of the list, but it's an interesting place to visit if you're interested in cars and recycling. The scrap yard is a large area full of car wrecks that are dismantled and sorted. Visitors can take a look at the process of removing parts and materials, such as glass, plastic, rubber and metal. If you are interested in technology and recycling, a visit to Sloperij Sta. Catherine well worth it.
Left and right of the road are cars ready for demolition or already half demolished.
Oostpunt is a geozone of Curaçao. It is located on the southeast tip of the island. Since the 1870s, the area has been privately owned by the Maal family and most of it is off limits, with the exception of the villages of Sint Joris and Santa Catharina. While Curaçao is hungry for land for housing, it remains difficult to start projects in Oostpunt. The Maal family have big plans for the eastern part of the island.
The Land of Mal
The Land van Maal Oostpunt, which has been owned by the Maal family for almost 140 years, can be developed. After 20 years of quarreling and negotiations between the island territory and the family, Mr. Willy Maal signed an agreement with deputy Anthony Godett in the middle of a hill on the much-discussed 'Land van Maal'.
Several conservation organizations, including Carmabi, Fundashon Pro Monumento (ProMo) and Fundashon Defensa Ambiental (FDA), appealed against the East Point revision. They fear that nature, the environment and the cultural-historical values in the Oostpunt area will be irreparably affected by the developments.
The development will have to take place within the boundaries of the national law of Curaçao and international environmental law. It is important that nature, the environment and any cultural-historical values in the area are taken into account. An environmental impact assessment is an important part of this.
The heirs regret that due to lawsuits from environmental organizations, an organization such as Atlantis Resort has deviated to the Bahamas and has grown into one of the best hotels in the world. Because the area is untouched, according to Willy Maal, spokesperson for the family, a lot of criminal activity takes place in the area. With human presence and activity, this too will come to an end.
