Overview
Description
From the Afobaka dam it is a 1½ hour trip by boat to Paradise Island. During the boat trip in a large korjaal (boat made from a hollow tree trunk – a sort of large canoe), you are able to enjoy the mountainous landscapes that surround the lake. Especially when you realize that you are above an area where at the end of the 19th century they started to build a railroad that would bring prosperity to the promising gold industry.
The first part of the track ranged from the Valliantsplein (Valliant Square) in Paramaribo to Kabel along the Suriname river. The river was spanned with a 300 meter long cable track. The railroad track continued on the other side of the river until Dam on the Sarakreek (Sara Creek). They started the construction in 1903, where mainly sailors from Curaçao were put to work. The first section, from Paramaribo to Republiek, was first commisioned in 1905. In January 1912 the 173 kilometers long section ending in the Dam station by the Sarakreek (Sara Creek) was completed. The remainder was never completed, because not much gold was transported, since too little gold was extracted. The gold rush was over by the time they started utilizing the railway in 1912. The only people that frequently used it were the residents along the railway, who brought their agricultural products to Paramaribo. The gold train was thereby unintentionally changed into a market train. In the sixties of the last century a large part of the section disappeared because of the creation of the lake. When you arrive by boat the sensations of peace and nature envelop you right away. The whole island is a recreational resort. Paradise Island is situated centrally in the lake, facilitating daytrips to other islands and to maroon villages on the Upper Suriname river. This makes you experience the maroon culture firsthand. The lake is a favorite for fanatical fishermen. Especially the Tucunari (Peacock bass) are often caught here. This fish is delicious and especially easy to fillet. You can relax on the island in or near the pool and the kids can also have their fun in the shallow pool.
In short Paradise Island is the perfect destination when you’re looking for nature, adventure, culture and rest.
From the Afobaka dam it is a 1½ hour trip by boat to Paradise Island. During the boat trip in a large korjaal (boat made from a hollow tree trunk – a sort of large canoe), you are able to enjoy the mountainous landscapes that surround the lake. Especially when you realize that you are above an area where at the end of the 19th century they started to build a railroad that would bring prosperity to the promising gold industry.
The first part of the track ranged from the Valliantsplein (Valliant Square) in Paramaribo to Kabel along the Suriname river. The river was spanned with a 300 meter long cable track. The railroad track continued on the other side of the river until Dam on the Sarakreek (Sara Creek). They started the construction in 1903, where mainly sailors from Curaçao were put to work. The first section, from Paramaribo to Republiek, was first commisioned in 1905. In January 1912 the 173 kilometers long section ending in the Dam station by the Sarakreek (Sara Creek) was completed. The remainder was never completed, because not much gold was transported, since too little gold was extracted. The gold rush was over by the time they started utilizing the railway in 1912. The only people that frequently used it were the residents along the railway, who brought their agricultural products to Paramaribo. The gold train was thereby unintentionally changed into a market train. In the sixties of the last century a large part of the section disappeared because of the creation of the lake. When you arrive by boat the sensations of peace and nature envelop you right away. The whole island is a recreational resort. Paradise Island is situated centrally in the lake, facilitating daytrips to other islands and to maroon villages on the Upper Suriname river. This makes you experience the maroon culture firsthand. The lake is a favorite for fanatical fishermen. Especially the Tucunari (Peacock bass) are often caught here. This fish is delicious and especially easy to fillet. You can relax on the island in or near the pool and the kids can also have their fun in the shallow pool.
In short Paradise Island is the perfect destination when you’re looking for nature, adventure, culture and rest.
Contact Details
van Sommelsdijkstraat no. 1
Paramaribo
Paramaribo
Suriname
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