Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Manifests a Tale of the Spanish Colonial Period
Sitting on top of a hill overlooking the large waves of the West Philippine Sea is Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
The almost 60 foot-tall stone tower sitting in a small hill called Vigia de Nagparitan
Located 43 kilometers away from the City of Laoag, the lighthouse in Burgos lies close to the coastline where it served as a guide for cargo vessels, ships and local fishermen against the gigantic waves and rocks of the coastline. It was built during the Spanish Colonial period.
The lighthouse was used as a guide for ships and local fishermen against the gigantic waves and rocks of the coastline
Also known as Faro de Cabo Bojeador, the almost 60 foot-tall stone tower sitting in a small hill called Vigia de Nagparitan, was first lighted on 1892 with over 100 meters focal point of the light above sea level. Just like any other lighthouses, aside from the tower, it also has a living pavilion turned museum and an enclosed courtyard.
The lighthouse also has a living pavilion turned museum and an enclosed courtyard
On the lowest level, you will find an old well and a courtyard where the keepers can stay. An old brick staircase leads to the second level where the living pavilion turned museum is located. It holds some old apparatus used before such as the light pressure vessel and the locally made bricks used to build the tower.
The museum has informative panels that explain the history of the apparatus and the equipment displayed.
An old apparatus called the light pressure vessel
Locally-made bricks used for the tower
The main highlight of the lighthouse is the tower holding the lantern and cupola. The bronze cupola is surrounded by glass panes. The lens of the lantern partially collapsed after an earthquake but was retained for historical purposes. The lighthouse was declared as a National Historic Landmark and National Cultural Treasure in 2004 and 2005.
The lighthouse was declared as a National Historic Landmark and National Cultural Treasure in 2004 and 2005.
Tip: Since the lighthouse is sitting on top of a hill, cars can park on the ground of the hill and you can hike up or ride a tricycle from there to get to the top. Bring at least Php 50/person for the entrance fee and tricycle ride!
How to get here:
- By car: From Burgos Municipal Hall, take the M. Perucho St and turn right to Pres. Ignacio St then left to Pan-Philippine Highway. After about 7km, turn left to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Rd.
General Information:
Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: Bring at least Php 50 per person for the entrance fee and the tricycle ride going up to the lighthouse.
This first appeared in Philippine Primer’s Japanese magazine March 2019 issue.
Written by Denisse Tenorio
