Crystal clear blue water, taintless greenery and important fragments of history are what you will find on the other side of the island—Banda Abou. Banda Abou is the contrast of Willemstad and it’s recommendable taking 2 or 3 days to stay on that side. This guide to Banda Abou—consisting of the best sights—is doable in one day. Take the time to soak everything in, because the rural area of Banda Abou is where much of the living was done back in the days. It’s one of the few places where you will be able to see and feel the (past) culture of Curaçao strongly.

Sint Willibrordus Church

Start your tour in the early morning by visiting the Sint Willibrordus Church. Around 70% of the population in Curaçao is Catholic and in each neighborhood, you will always find a charming yellow church that locals religiously visit on Sundays. But, the church in Willibrordus is special though. This church has a different architecture than the other churches and especially the color will stand out. At Toko Williwood you can book a tour and hear the stories about this church and the neighborhood of Sint Willibrordus. After admiring this church drive towards Soto to Landhuis Groot Santa Martha

Landhuis Groot Santa Martha

Landhuis Groot Santa Martha is one of the oldest and largest country houses on Curaçao dating back to 1675. It’s a beautiful country house that is now used as a work place for people with a disability. Not only will you be able to view this country house during a tour, but you will also be able to see their creative products. After visiting Landhuis Groot Santa Martha drive towards Playa Grandi/Kenepa Grandi. Follow the signs that say Museo Tula.

Museo Tula

This little museum, at Landhuis Kenepa, is where one of the most important events in the history of Curaçao took place. At Landhuis Kenepa, a slave named Tula, started a brave revolt against a Dutch master which led to the abolition of slavery on Curaçao. This museum will give a small glimpse of how this event went down and how life in the time of slavery was. After you visit, go back towards Barber and then take that road towards Ascension. Stop at the sign that says, ‘Kas di Pal’i Maishi – Kunuku House, on your left. The house is just a couple of miles past Barber, but it's sometimes difficult to notice, so be attentive.

Kas di Pal’i Maishi

As you drive through Banda Abou you’ll notice some very particular type of houses. Some of them are abandoned and others reconstructed, but they all still have the same façade. These little houses, formerly slave huts, are called Kas di Pal’i Maishi. You can visit one of these huts at the Kas di Pal’i Maishi Museum where they show the customs and the traditional way of living during the old days in the rural part of Curaçao.