Cape Engano Lighthouse - Cagayan

Located in Palaui Island in the town of Sta. Ana in the province of Cagayan, Cape Engaño Lighthouse is one of the lighthouses built by the Spaniards in Northern Luzon.

Cape Engano Lighthouse

Cape Engano Lighthouse History

Also known as Faro de Cabo Engaño. Cape Engano Lighthouse was constructed on the 21st of September 1888 and was finished on the 31st of December 1892. It sits atop the summit of Mt. Kabo (it's a hill by the way) 92 meters above sea level. It has a 360-degree view of Bashi Channel, Pacific Ocean, and Engaño Cove.
Cape Engano Lighthouse - Palaui Island, Cagayan

Cape Engano Lighthouse as seen from the boat ride

Cape Engano Lighthouse NHI marker

Check out the picturesque view from Cape Engano Lighthouse

The Dos Hermanos Islands as seen from inside the tower

The lighthouse was initially designed by Engineer Magin Pers y Pers. He also designed the lighthouse in Cape Bojeador and Capones Island.

We visited the lighthouse as part of our Palaui Island tour. It's the only man-made structure that you'd see when you're on the boat heading to Engaño Cove.
The Cape Engano Lighthouse tower

Another angle of the tower.

From Engaño Cove you can reach the lighthouse by trekking Mt. Kabo. it would only take you 10-15 minutes from the base up. However, it took us almost an hour to reach the lighthouse. The reason was that, the higher we get, the more beautiful the view becomes. Halfway to the top, you'd already get a panoramic view of the island. You'd surely stop to take pictures. (Hence, it's really a time killer.)
These steps lead you halfway to Mt. Kabo.

Once you get to the lighthouse, it would remind you of the ruins in Corregidor Island. I was amazed to find out that the lighthouse is still in service amidst the deteriorating interior. The guide said that it was refitted with solar panels and a caretaker frequently visits and inspects the facility.

Inside Cape Engano Lighthouse

We had a fun time in the lighthouse compound

It's sad to note that the current state of the lighthouse makes it an eyesore to the beauty of Palaui Island.
The Backpack Adventures visits Cape Engano Lighthouse

Cape Engano Lighthouse Entrance Fee:

Visitors can enter Cape Engano Lighthouse for free but they need to rent a boat from San Vicente Port to reach it. The boat fare is 1800 pesos.

Why visit Cape Engano Lighthouse?

Cape Engano Lighthouse has one of the best views of the Cape Engano Cove and Dos Hermanos Islands. It is also one of the best places to camp when you decide to stay on the island overnight. For history buffs, you should never miss out on this historical landmark in the far north.

Getting to Cape Engano Lighthouse:


Ride a bus heading to Sta. Ana, Cagayan. from there, ride a tricycle to Port San Vicente. Rent a boat that would bring you to Engaño Cove. Then prepare to hike to the top of Mt. Kabo to reach the lighthouse. (Don't worry man-made steps are already constructed until halfway to the top.) 
Boat fare: 1800 pesos

 Ratings:
Crowd
Cleanliness
Overall rating
Location: Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Philippines

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 14, 2023 at 8:24 AM

    Great photos! It made me want to visit Cape Engano Lighthouse in the future!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

KLOOK Promos

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Zigzag Road - Quezon

Image
Zigzag Road  is one of the most popular roads in Southern Luzon. It is located within the Quezon National Forest Park in the municipalities of Atimonan, Pagbilao, and Padre Burgos. Zigzag Road Zigzag Road Details The Zigzag Road is the most famous landmark within   Quezon National Forest Park . It measures 5.7 kilometers from end-to-end.  Zigzag Road - Quezon Protected Landscape   Keep in mind that the priority are the vehicles going up the Zigzag Road Also known as Bitukang Manok or Eme Road , the Zigzag Road is considered by many drivers as a place to conquer to prove their driving skills. An old photo of the Zigzag Road taken during the American Colonial period One of the well-known parts of the Zigzag Road are what locals call the  siko  or the elbow. It is a part of the roadway that looks like a bent elbow. One mistake on this part could bring you to the afterlife. You'd see this before you go up the siko . Zigzag Road Urban Legends Hundre
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Quituinan Hills - Albay

Image
Located at Barangay Tinago, Camalig in the province of Albay, Quituinan Hills is one of the most beautiful yet least known tourist destinations of the town.  Quituinan Hills Quituinan Hills Details For those who have visited Quituinan Hills on a clear day, I bet they'd agree with me when I say that this place is among the top places in the province to view Mayon Volcano. Aside from that, the best way to describe Quituinan Hills is that it has a ranch-like feel. Well, that's probably due to the fact that the developed part of the hill is really a ranch named Quituinan Ranch .  Road to Quituinan Hills Welcome to Quituinan Hills This place is a great location for picnics with friends and family. You can either rent a cottage (small P100; big P500) or bring and pitch a tent (P100 space rental) in one of the allowable areas of the hill. Other activities offered here are horseback riding (P60 per 15 minutes) and ATV rental (P200 per 15 minutes). You can also explore
Keep reading

Barcelona Ruins Park - Sorsogon

Image
Located on the coastal area of the town Barcelona in the province of Sorsogon, Barcelona Ruins Park refers to the park where century-old ruins of Spanish colonial-era buildings are found. Barcelona Ruins Park Barcelona Ruins Park History Speaking of the ruins of Spanish Colonial-era buildings, there are two such ruins in Barcelona Ruins Park . The school building ruins at the southeastern tip of the park and the prominent Presidencia building ruins in the northwestern tip of the park.  The ruins of the Presidencia building as seen from across the street A closer look at the Presidencia Building The ruins of the school building at the far end of Barcelona Ruins Park The Presidencia building was once the office of the governadorcillo during the colonial period. If you're wondering why the building seems massive in size, well it's because it doubled as a fortress that guards the town against the pirates and Moro raider that once frequently attacks Spanish-cont
Keep reading

Fernbrook Gardens / Palazzo Verde - Las Pinas City

Image
Located along Daang Hari in the City of Las Piñas,  Fernbrook Gardens also known as Palazzo Verde   is one of the most popular wedding venues in the country. Fernbrooks Gardens / Palazzo Verde Most people would contest that Fernbrook Gardens should be included in the  Visita Iglesia   section of my blog because regular church services are conducted in its chapel which is also known as  Notre Dame de Vie Chapel . Fernbrook Gardens - Las Pinas City Inside the Notre Dame de Vie Chapel Fernbrook Gardens has its own chapel but the chapel is just a small part of its venue. Overall, this place is more of a venue, than a pilgrimage site.  The beautiful fountain as seen from the chapel The fountain as seen from the entrance Having fun with the trumpeters Issues aside, Fernbrook Gardens would surely captivate visitors with its fantasy-like ambiance. Its greenhouse-like structure shows a unique contemporary architectural design. Aside from that the overall theme of the
Keep reading

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

Image
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine . According to lo
Keep reading

List of Festivals in the Philippines: April

Image
Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of  April ?   Please check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this April . Rodeo Masbateno Festival Location:  Masbate City, Province of Masbate Details:  The festival is celebrated every 9th to 14th of April. Its highlights are the bull riding competition, lassoing, 2-4 carambola, and bulldogging. This festival showcases the "cowboy skills" of the Masbatenos. Kangayedan Festival Location:  Pagudpod, Province of Ilocos Norte Details:  The festival is celebrated every 22nd to the 26th of April. Its highlight is the parade of cultural dances. This festival's objective is to safeguard the ecological beauty from destruction and also to renew the vow of the townspeople to replenish and protect the environment.  Butanding Festival Location:  Donsol, Province of Sorsogon Details:  The festival is celebrated every 28th of April to t
Keep reading

Hidden Garden of Vigan - Ilocos Sur

Image
Located in 008 Katipunan Street,  Vigan City in the province of Ilocos Sur, the  Hidden Garden of Vigan is a place where nature, history, and food meet. It is also a place of love. You'd find out why as you continue reading. Hidden Garden of Vigan Hidden Garden of Vigan Details The Hidden Garden of Vigan , despite the name, is not really hidden. It is found in the heart of Vigan City and is frequented by locals and tourists alike. It probably got its name from the large backyard garden that is hidden from those who are walking in Katipunan Street in front of it.  Hidden Garden of Vigan - Vigan City, Ilocos Sur The renovated entrance as of 2017 Some souvenirs sold near the entrance Check out if your photo is included here I do hope I won't dig any holes here The plant collection of Hidden Garden of Vigan Different kinds of herbs (The colonel would surely be jealous) Bonsai Collection Hidden Garden of Vigan or simply Hidden Garden started
Keep reading

Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park - Cavite

Image
Located in the vicinity of Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon in the province of Cavite, Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park mark the supposed place where Andres Bonifacio and his brothers Procopio were executed in 1897. Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park History We learned from the previous post about Bonifacio Trial House the story of the trail leading up to the last days of Andres Bonifacio . Since I did not fully elaborate on his death, I think it is very relevant to talk about it now in relation to our featured destination - The Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park . Check out the images on the BAYANI Check out the images on the KKK A perfect angle to see the KKK and Bayani I'm wondering if that face is scared, shocked, or excited... The statue of Andres Bonifacio wearing a very fashionable camisa de chino Our local guide showed us the way to the peak of Mt. Nagpatong After his
Keep reading