Heritage Site
Faro de Punta de Malabrigo
Posted by Potpot - 9153 Views
- January 12th, 2013
- in Destinations, Philippines
- 5 Comments
Like a firefly that flickers in the night, Cape Malabrigo in Lobo, Batangas has been guiding seafarers for 117 years now. Built on top of a solid cliff overlooking Verde Island and Mindoro, Faro de Punta de Malabrigo as it was originally called was first lit in 1896.
Designed by Guillermo Brockman and erected by Jose Garcia, this cylindrical brick tower stands at 56-feet in a Victorian-inspired architecture. It sits on a wide space with lush greens and set against the blue Batangas skies. Below the lighthouse is a narrow paved path that leads to the sea for a perfect afternoon dip. Today, it beacons on a solar-powered energy guiding travelers on the Verde Pass a safe voyage.
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The lighthouse complex has already been restored through the efforts of the Philippine government and private entities. It still keeps its old-world charm reminiscent of Spanish-era structures like the high doors made of hardwood, wooden window jealousies and ventanillas.
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Faro de Punta de Malabrigo is now under the management of the Philippine Coast Guard and is recognized by the National Historical Institute as a historical navigational landmark.
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Latitude ย ย : ย 13 95 59 N
Longitude ย : 121 15 39 E
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HOW TO GET THERE
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By Private Vehicle (the easiest & fastest way)
- From Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway connecting to Star Tollways.ย
- Take the Ibaan exit. Turn left at the junction. This will will lead you to a narrow highway to the town of Ibaan.
- Just after the church, turn right. The road will lead you to a junction. Turn left.
- After turning left, the road becomes even more narrow and winding. It will lead you to Barangay Catandala.
- After passing through Fortune Cement, take note of a sharp Right Turn after a steep climb. Make sure to yield before taking this pass.
- Upon reaching the top, you should be heading north already to the Town of Lobo.
- From there, follow the signage that will direct you to the lighthouse in Brgy. Malabrigo (about 10 kilometers away).
By Public Bus
- Take the Batangas Pier bound buses in their Buendia, Pasay terminal.ย
- Coordinate with the bus conductor to drop you off the Grand Terminal in Batangas.
- From there, take the Balagtas jeepney route. Drop off at the Lobo Jeepney Terminal.
- When in the town of Lobo, hire a tricyle that will bring you to Brgy. Malabrigo.
NOTES:
- The sun doesn’t set on the side of lighthouse, so do not wait for it to capture a sunset shot.
- Entry to the lighthouse may be denied as it is guarded. Make sure your make your intents clear to the guard on duty.
- The beach below is rocky. Recommended to wear aqua shoes when swimming.
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[…] of the Imperial Japanese Navy and its eventual surrender to the Americans in the mid-40s. ย ย Lighthouses in the Philippines are under the care and administration of the Philippine Coast Guard. They are in the forefront of […]