Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
June 9, 2008
1892 built Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Following the northwestern coastal highway going up Ilocos Norte to reach Pagudpod, I stopped at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse standing on a hill overlooking the South China Sea. This is in the town of Burgos. The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is one of the must-see landmarks in Ilocos Norte.
The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is the highest elevated lighthouse in the whole Philippine. This was established in 1892 by the Spanish government to guide galleons that pass by Cape Bojeador. Its purpose is also to guide ships away from the rocky coasts of the town. It still continues to operate with new lenses run by solar panels. Originally the light was provided by pressurized kerosene lamps. In 2005 the old pressure vessels and wicks for the light could still be found in the shed.
highest lighthouse in the Philippines
The road that leads up to the hill where the lighthouse stands is a two-lane narrow road that starts on the right side of the Ilocos-Cagayan highway. Upon arrival, visitors climb a flight of concrete stairs to the perimeter wall, which offers a good view of the South China Sea. Upon entering the courtyard, one can see two antique buildings on both sides and two more on the foreground. Climbing the terrace of the first building, you will pass by a short dark corridor to get to the foot of the stairs leading to the tower. Another steep flight of stairs leads to the entrance/exit door of the tower. To climb to the lens room, where a certain number of people are only allowed to do so one at a time, you will climb an antique spiral staircase to the top.
The majestic lighthouse can also be seen from far away towns on a clear day. The octagonal stone tower, being the most prominent structure in the light complex, is 65 feet (20 meters) high.
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