Overview
Faro de Punta de Malabrigo is one of the 24 lighthouses erected in the Philippines during the course of the Spanish Colonial period.
The century-old lighthouse can be spotted on the top of a cliff in the town of Lobo, Batangas. It is overlooking Verde Island and Mindoro from afar. By private car, it is around three and half hours' drive to get to this historical landmark.
During the Spanish colonization, an order was made to construct lighthouses in key maritime routes throughout the Philippines. Its foremost purpose is to safeguard the growth of maritime traffic the Philippines was then experiencing.
Faro de Punta de Malabrigo was built by Jose Garcia and designed by Guillermo Brockman. Construction was finished in 1896. Its architecture was Victorian inspired, with tower, pavilions, and service buildings incorporated to accommodate the lights as well as the caretakers who would operate the lighthouse.
Although the upper part of the tower has been renovated, it still uses the old round brick tower as its base. At the same time, the original lantern and lens were replenished with halogen light and now uses solar power. It stands at 56 feet and comparable to the Calatagan Lighthouse. A steel spiral staircase is at hand to reach the topmost part of the tower.
The pavilions were built using bricks while hardwood like narra and molave was used for the beams, trusses, doors, and floors. Attractive metal grills surround the fence, balconies and windows and iron sheets were used as roofing.
Since February 2004, the Thomson Family has adopted and preserved the lighthouse with an arrangement with the Philippine Coast Guard. Unfortunately, in 2006, an unauthorized crew filming a movie did some damage to the lighthouse.
Sometimes called Cape Malabrigo, Malabrigo Lighthouse is a suitable place for photography sessions. Need a charming seascape photo and test your SLR Nikon or Canon camera? There is a concrete stairway which leads you to the seashore. There, you can shoot some lovely seascape and high-wave images.
Accommodation
- Seascape Resort
Location : Bauan, Batangas, Batangas, Philippines
- The Alpa Hotel and Restaurant
Location : Brgy. Kumintang Ibaba, , Batangas, Batangas, Philippines
- SM Travelodge Hotel & Restaurant
Location : Barangay Tingga Labac, Batangas, Batangas, Philippines 4200
- Rosemund Beach Resort
Location : Bauan, Batangas, Batangas, Philippines
- Anilao Beach Club
Location : San Jose, Mabini, Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
How to Get There
Lobo is one of the municipalities of Batangas and lies on the Southeastern coast. It is around 150 kilometers from Manila. From there, drive along South Luzon Tollway up to the south end and take the Star Tollway/Batangas Expressway all the way to Lipa.
From Lipa, drive to the town of Rosario, and then drive straight ahead through the town until you reach Taysan Town. Turn left at the T junction of the town going to Lobo. When you reach the National Road, turn left and drive to Dagatan and Lobo.