Coming from Malacanang of the North, we headed to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Also known as Burgos Lighthouse, this cultural heritage structure is located on top of a hill called Vigia de Nagpartian Hill in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. The 66-foot-tall (20 m) octagonal stone tower overlooks Cape Bojeador and the scenic West Philippine Sea.
Painted white
I was fascinated by Burgos Lighthouse the first time I set foot in here five years ago with my former office mates. It was a lean season so we had the old structure all by ourselves. It was a month of October, though sunny, the wind at the tower was so strong. Oh, I missed that moment where we were allowed to go up and experienced what is it like to be on top of a lighthouse.
accessible Burgos Lighthouse
As expected this Holy Week, this famous tourist destination was packed with visitors. At the entrance, we were advised by the police on duty to park our van near the highway because the parking lot at the base of the lighthouse was full. We boarded a tricycle (P100 two-way) and went up.
Going up the lighthouse was so accessible. We took the flight of stairs and presto we were at the courtyard mingling with the crowd.
To our dismay, the lighthouse was under renovation. We miss the adventure of getting inside the main tower because it was closed. What’s new this time? Exterior walls including the red-bricked wall and the tower had been re-painted, all in white. The miniature lighthouse, the only display item inside the museum was placed outside because renovation is still going on.
Gone its old-world charm that fascinated me much.
now white tower
Bumping here and there with the crowd was fun. We spent our time grasping the fresh wind and watching the breathtaking view of the sea at the pavilion.
i love window photo
The best time to visit Burgos Lighthouse is between the months of June to August because of less crowd and the monsoon was moderate. Not very wet and not very cold.
Note:
- No entrance fee.
- There are stores selling t-shirts, food, soft drinks, souvenir items, and bottled water.