April 19, 2009. We supposed to skip the plan to stop by The Cape Bojeador. We had tight schedule to compress all the wonderful destination in Ilocos but still we are mesmerized with its majestic giant structure. We were also able to reached the top of the lighthouse over view 360 of the Cape Bojeador and South China Sea. It was a breathtaking indeed while climbing the steep stair of the top, but guess what I can say is that "I made it!" Traveler should not it miss out!
Historic Information:
Burgos has a heritage structure called the Cape
Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse. It is the
highest-elevated lighthouse in the Philippines and the northwesternmost
in location (the northeasternmost being Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui
Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan). It was established on March 31, 1892 under
the Spanish government on a high hill overlooking the scenic Cape
Bojeador, where galleons passed by. 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, very much like the current " Coleman
lamp". In 2005 the old pressure vessels and wicks for the light could
still be found in the shed.
Access to the lighthouse is through a
two-lane narrow concrete road that starts at the north side of the
Maharlika Highway, just after passing a bridge. From there the road
winds and climbs up a steep hill. Upon arrival, visitors climb a flight
of concrete stairs to the perimeter wall, which offers a good view of
the Cape Bojeador and South China Sea. To enter, the caretaker should be
notified. 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 as far away as
Pasuquin town in the south and Bangui on the east on a clear day. The
octagonal stone tower, being the most prominent structure in the light
complex, is 65 feet (20 meters) high. It is recommended to visit in the
months of November to January, when the cold winds from winter China are
felt throughout the normally hot Ilocos Region.
After almost two hours here in Cape Bajeador, we need to rush going back to the hotel, pack our things. Great, almost missed our flight!
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