Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos, Ilocos Norte

I have always been amazed of lighthouses.  When I went to the US in 2011, Dennis brought me to Kenosha, Wisconsin where I saw two lighthouses. I even attempted to climb the stairs in one of these two lighthouses just to have my pictures taken. When we went to Corregidor in 2012, I saw the old Spanish lighthouse which was located at the highest point of Corregidor Island. In 2013, I saw the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in Pattar, Bolinao, Pangasinan. All of these have their own significant historical backgrounds.

This time, I saw another Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. It is also known as the Burgos lighthouse.  This is one of the cultural heritage structures in Ilocos Norte. Actually, it is the main tourist attraction of the municipality of Burgos. The lighthouse stands on top of Vigia de Nagparitan Hill, overlooking Cape Bojeador. The cape used to be very busy as galleons used to pass by. It’s been more than 100 years since it was established and up to this time, it is still fully functional — a beacon signaling to ships that they have entered the Philippine Archipelago from the north. This lighthouse is one of the highest elevated Spanish colonial lighthouses in the Philippines.

We headed for the Cape Bojeador lighthouse going upwards through a winding road. We stopped at the small parking lot where vendors of souvenirs were lined on the side of the road. From the base, we had to climb a flight of steps. You have to be careful in going up as the steps are not in their best condition. However, in spite of this inconvenience, the view of the South China Sea on the way up was just so amazing. I haven't reached the gate yet but I couldn't help clicking my camera because of the very beautiful site in front of me. The lighthouse and the building in its antiquity, I have found it so attractive. It seemed to me that its height commanded authority in silence. It was very peaceful and very cinematic, as well.

Historical Marker of the Lighthouse

Climbing the stairs can leave you breathless but the fresh air compensates for your need of oxygen. It was very, very windy. However, avoid looking up, as you are climbing the steps because you could get dizzy. It could give you an illusion that the tower is about to fall down on you due to the movement of the clouds.

Brief History of Cape Bojeador

As you approach the entrance, it would lead you to a flight of stairs going up. It is currently undergoing renovation.  

The lighthouse tower is 65 feet tall and is octagonal. It is made with bricks crowned with a bronze cupola.The lighthouse was erected as part of Spain’s master plan of illuminating the Philippines. The initial design was by Magin Pers and Pers in 1887 but was completed by Guillermo Brockman’s Lighthouse Service.   On March 30, 1892, it was lit for the first time. 

As you enter the main building, you can see a small room on the left side which is dedicated as a small museum. It is not actually in its tip-top shape but in here, you can see some memorabilias about the lighthouse and its history.

I spent sometime inside the museum because I got caught up with the preserved old magazine cut-outs and pictures of the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. You could also see in a glass casing was the miniature copy of the lighthouse. I went out from the museum towards the lighthouse. There was a flight of steps going up to the entrance of the lighthouse however, we were not able to enter as there were men who were renovating it. We just contented ourselves taking pictures of it from the outside. It would have been best if, at that time that we went there, it was open.  I can just imagine how the view from the top of the lighthouse would look like.