PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Beyond the dark sand beaches and curvy slopes, the dual-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago offers visitors a myriad of off-the-beaten path activities and extraordinary sights unique to the island.
From larger-than-life size statues to a natural ecological phenomenon, the island is teeming with a broad range of attractions. Among the most interesting are these five terrestrial and aquatic gems:
Unusual Attractions
Goat and Crab Racing – Goat racing is one of island’s most unusual and unique events. On race day, the goats are beautifully groomed. The jockey runs alongside each animal, guiding it with a rope and a whip, which is used for coaxing. On race day, it is also difficult to judge who is being judged for speed, the jockey or the goat. On a smaller scale, crab racing is also popular. Spectators bring cash, since brisk betting is all part of the fun. Goat and crab racing are usually part of a larger village fair at Easter. The best-known venue is in Buccoo village.
Wild and Wet Adventure
Argyle Waterfalls – The Argyle Waterfalls, a three-tiered waterfall with several plunge pools, is situated 45 minutes from Scarborough, Tobago, and is one of the island’s best cascades, since it can be enjoyed in both the wet and dry seasons. The Argyle Waterfalls also features nature trails sheltered by tall trees and bamboo groves perfect for viewing various species of birds. Certified tour guides are available to accompany visitors for one hour tours. For more information visit www.argylewaterfall.com.
Natural Wonder
The Pitch Lake – For centuries, this phenomenon, situated in the village of La Brea in southwest Trinidad, has seeped tons of asphalt from seemingly bottomless bowels. About 250 feet deep at its center, it is estimated to have reserves in excess of 6 million tons, from which approximately 180 tons of pitch are mined daily. On a good day, the output can reach 240 tons. Far from being water, the “lake” is 40 percent pitch, 30 percent water and 30 percent colloidal clay. The only liquid source is the self-replenishing center, known as “The Mother of the Lake.” A gift of a nature and a national treasure, The Pitch Lake provides the entire country, and many of the neighboring islands with pitch for building roads. The Pitch Lake is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Iconic Statue
Hanuman Murti – Standing a towering 85-feet tall, the red and pink-colored statue of the Hindu deity, epitome of wisdom, righteousness and strength, is said to be the largest such statue outside of India. Located in Carapichaima, in central Trinidad, the Hanuman Murti is a “must-see” religious site. The Hanuman Murti stands on the grounds of the Dattatreya Yoga Centre and Mandir and attracts devotees offering gifts and performing the ritual of pradakshina, or walking clockwise in a holy temple while uttering the sacred Hanuman mantra. The Hanuman Murti took two years to construct and was consecrated in 2003.
Local Art
Luise Kimme Sculpture Museum – Locally known as “The Castle,” the museum displays German-born Luise Kimme’s unique Caribbean wooden sculptures. Kimme lives below the village of Bethel, Tobago since 1979, where she has her studio and the Luise Kimme Sculpture Museum. When holidaying in Tobago, a Sunday visit to the museum is a must. There, visitors can admire or purchase the larger-than-life size sculptures made from local oak, cedar and cypress, depicting perfect portraits of the Tobago islanders. The museum is open on Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tobago, located in the southeastern region of the Caribbean, provides an ideal location for weddings & honeymoons, eco-adventure, scuba diving, and golf as well as unadulterated fun in the sun. With their careful approach to tourism, Tobago offers one of the last absolutely unspoiled Caribbean destinations. Sister island to Trinidad, Tobago is the quintessential Caribbean island with secluded beaches, quaint villages, charming hotels, and smart new resorts.
