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Getting around Bonaire: Comparing roads on Bonaire vs. Western Curacao
Bonaire Talk: Getting around Bonaire: Archives: Archives 2009: Comparing roads on Bonaire vs. Western Curacao
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Gilhousen (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - 10:26 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I just returned from a week in Bonaire. Last year, we vacationed at Westpunt on the sparsely populated west side of Curacao. Though Bonaire has much better snorkeling, wildlife, and food, one aspect of Bonaire bothered me: The condition of the roads.

The roads seem in better condition and are better marked in Curacao, which has similar topography, climate, and Dutch heritage. The roads on Bonaire often seemed too narrow for two vehicles and are often quite bumpy. I believe car rental prices are cheaper in Curacao, and I bet that the condition of the roads is a factor.

Also, I don't like the idea of looking at the pavement to see yield signs at major intersections. These pavement markings can be easily obscured by other cars or by standing water when it rains. A few stop signs wouldn't hurt either.

Do others agree? Is the government addressing this issue?

Thanks..

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ruth van Tilburg (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1073) on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 2:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi David
You're not going to find anyone to agree with you about Bonaire needing more STOP signs. I think everyone will agree that the roads are bumpy, and could be in better condition. And yes, they are a tad narrow, but still allow for two-way traffic (except for the one-way road after 1,000 Steps, and on the extreme southern end, where there are areas to pull over to allow cars to pass on the one-lane road). Is the government working on this? Yes, at their own pace. In the past 5 years long stretches of Kaya Korona and the waterfront roads were re-done, as well as the road from Casablanca to Plaza Resort. Bonaire has a kind of "common sense" driving attitude (stop at intersections, proceed when possible, etc.), and I think most people find this to be part of Bonaire's laid-back charm.

The price of rental cars in Curacao is because of basic supply and demand, not because of the roads. For example, Curacao has a much higher mortality rate from car accidents, vs Bonaire's usual zero to few/year. Curacao is an island of much greater wealth than Bonaire. With a pop. of 175,000, they can afford much more than Bonaire, with its pop. of appx 15,000.

I'm glad you noticed that Bonaire's snorkeling/under-water life is better, with easier access than Curacao's-this is where it's fair to judge us.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scot Ward (BonaireTalker - Post #28) on Saturday, August 22, 2009 - 3:26 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I was just in Curacao in March I have only made 2 Bonaire trips. I would say the roads are not all that different. If you made it to the other end of the Island on Curacao you would have found narrow not very well maintained roads. Curacao seemed to have more variety of resteraunts and they seemed more $$$. The roads in Bonaire are way better for getting to the dive sites just look for the Yellow Rock in Curacao they seemed hidden.

I like Bonaire better for a variety of reasons most of them have to do with the small town atmosphere and the excellent diving. The Driving is just an excellent adventure. No STOP LIGHTS (Except at the Pizza place).

 


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