Burgos Travel Guide

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In was only on our second trip to Burgos that we were able to go to the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. They call it Kapurpurawan, which in Ilocano (the local dialect) means “Kaputian” or whiteness.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a hill of white limestone rock, an awesome work of nature, a geological formation caused by the powerful forces of the wind and the waves. The rock formation rises from the sea, with a wave-like surface that looks like a pile of white sand. I tread slowly on its surface, afraid that my feet would sink, but it was solid rock so I could walk freely...well, not really as freely as I wanted because the surface was slippery in some parts.

We had wanted to take sunset shots there, but weather didn’t cooperate with us. Dark clouds loomed and covered the sun, and after a long and tedious walk and climb, it suddenly rained ;( Fortunately, I was able to take a few shots of the place :D

Once a well-kept secret among photographers and adventurists, Kapurpurawan is now fast becoming a favorite tourist spot in Ilocos Norte, rivaling attention given to the centuries-old churches, delectable cuisine and beautiful beaches.

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Located approximately 35 kilometers north of the Laoag City is Cape Bojeador. On top of a hill named Vigia de Nagparitan is the centuries old Burgos Lighthouse standing majestically overlooking the South China Sea. This lighthouse was established in Burgos way back to the Spanish regime, built and first lighted in 1892. It is said to be the highest lighthouse in the Philippines above sea level. It is also the most accessible of all lighthouses in Northern Luzon.

Our guide said that among the Philippine Spanish Lighthouses, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is the most visited because of its fame as the protector of one of the more treacherous bends of the vast Philippine coastline (It guides vessels sailing between the South China Sea and the Babuyan Channel), and because it is a National Heritage Landmark and Cultural Heritage Site. Many also go there to admire its architectural details and see the panoramic view of the rugged shoreline of Burgos from the hill and lighthouse tower.

The main entrance has ornate ironwork connected to the fence enclosing the whole lighthouse compound. The lighthouse's design is considered an engineering and architectural wonder, its concrete structure built without steel reinforcements. The tower is said to have 1.5-m. thick walls at the base, tapering upward from the second to the fourth level. The tower is accessible through a narrow spiral staircase. With proper arrangements, the light keeper can allow groups to go up in batches of 5 to go up and see its lantern. I was able to climb up the tower, but just when I was almost at the dome that housed the lantern, I felt dizzy so I didn’t go up any further. According to hubby and my niece, the panoramic view of the South China Sea and the rugged coastline from the top of the beacon is breath-taking. Hubby also admired the dome’s original spherical exhaust which drew out heat from the old gaslights. Sadly, I missed all that...maybe next time I'll gather enough strength to climb again.

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Part two of my Cape Bojeador lighthouse tips, this is more of the old pictures of the lightlhouse since you are just allowed 5 photos a tip. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was built in 1892 and is still functioning to date, serving ships passing by the northern part of South China Sea. This is one of the famouse historical landmark in the province of Ilocos Norte. It is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines above sea level on top of a hill named Vigia de Nagparitan and the views are are really spectacular!

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Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is about 40 kilomoters northeast of Laoag City. the lighthouse is the most accessible of all lighthouses in the north of the Island of Luzon. It was built in 1892 and is still functioning to date, serving ships passing by the northern part of South China Sea. This is one of the famouse historical landmark in the province of Ilocos Norte. It is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines above sea level on top of a hill named Vigia de Nagparitan and the views are are really spectacular!

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If you're going inside the lighthouse, prepare yourself for the 60 steps on the spiral staircase and another 9 & 7 steps on the stairs until you reach the top but i'd say it is definitely worth it for it is overlooking the South China Sea.

Mang jun, the third-generation caretaker (his grandfather & great grandfather used to be caretaker here) is very accommodating and also knows how to get a good shot ;)
(he volunteered to have our picture taken).

By the way there is no entrance fee here, you can just give donation and if you like, you can write your name on the logbook.

Since we were a group of 11, we decided to rent a van, a Toyota MB100. The driver fetched us from Pagudpud, then brought us to Burgos. We got it for P2,000/day + actual cost of fuel. Driver's food were on his account, but as goodwill, we also gave him food. If you go there as a group, it would be worthwhile renting a van for convenience. You can ask your resort to help you, or research before your trip so you get a van at a cheaper cost. Just make sure the driver understands and accepts your demands for time, and check if the air-conditioning unit is functioning well.

The trek towards Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is quite dangerous. It isn’t anything life threatening, but it is quite difficult to traverse the slippery field that looked like hardened seabed composed of sharp-edged dead corals. There are several deep crevices and pools across the field, and some small crabs, too. This indicates that the vast expanse is underwater during high tide, making the surface very slippery. Always look for a safe surface to step on, lest you hurt yourself. No Need to hurry, take your time. Hubby saw a lady run fast when it began to shower. She slipped and almost hurt her head, if not for her alert companion who supported her shoulders just in time. If a downpour occurs and you don't have an umbrella or rain jacket, have a presence of mind and walk slowly but surely. Better to be wet with rain than with blood!