Situated on the top of Vigia de Nagparitan Hill, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was designed by Engineer Magin Pers and Pers in 1887 and was completed in 1890. The octagonal tower stands 20 meters high (65 feet) and for over a hundred years, it has been guiding ships along the rocky Ilocos coast. It was designated a cultural heritage structure in 2004.
The lighthouse celebrated its 120th year of establishment, having been first lit on March 30, 1892. That being said, it is no surprise that you will hear various ghost stories about the tower — all set during the time of the Spaniards. 😀
To get to the lighthouse, you will need to go up a flight of stone steps to a small courtyard. To the left is the entrance to the building going to the lighthouse. The structure looks a little dilapidated, but it houses a small museum detailing the history of the lighthouse. Go up another flight of stairs and the door right in front of you leads to the tower. On either side of the stairs is a deck which gives you a great view of South China Sea and the surrounding neighborhood.
Visitors can go up the tower, but it was locked when we were there so I was a little bummed out. 🙁
But more than the disappointment of not being able to get in the tower, I was more pissed when I saw vandalism on the tower walls. Seriously. The site is a historical landmark and not a guestbook. There is no need to leave your names on the walls and deface something that is part of our history. Who cares if “I wuz here on Dec 2010 wid mah honee”. The next one who carves his name on the bricks ought to be castrated.
This is part of the Pagudpud Southbound Tour, which includes the following:
- Kapurpurawan Rock Formations
- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
- Bangui Windmills
The tour costs P600 (for a maximum of 3 people). To book a tour with our friendly driver, Manong Vincent (tricycle #166), call or text 0921-983-6637 or 0926-273-5210.
