Batangas travel: Calatagan Lighthouse

Its geological location allows Batangas to be an efficient receiving port that can cater to hundreds of ships and ferries a day. But, unknown to many, these ferries and ships are constantly being guided to safety by the two light houses built at Batangas by the Spaniards more than one hundred years ago. One, is located at Cape Malabrigo Lobo, Batangas and the other one is located at Cape Santiago in Calatagan, Batangas.

It has been part of my to-do lists to visit lighthouses around the Philippines. I think they are important part of our history and every single one of them should be considered a National Treasure. So one Saturday morning, I woke my husband up and asked him if he wants to go to on a road trip to see a 120 year old lighthouse at Calatagan, Batangas.

Our reward below: The Punta de Santiago lighthouse

I've done a lot of research over the internet the night before but
wasn't sure if  we are getting the correct information. Many bloggers mentioned we'll be passing some rough roads and finding the way to the lighthouse after the long tiring drive will be very difficult. They also said that the gate sometimes is shut closed too so all those trouble of coming there will be put in waste and you'll not be able to get inside the compound (which happened to us - fortunately the lighthouse keeper showed up - thanks Mang Jun! ^_^). But, I still want to take on the challenge and just do it (as Nike said. ^_^). So without sleep, a promise that I will be the one to make the 3-hour drive, with extra clothes, chips, some sugary snacks and water bottles packed, me and my husband at 10:30AM the next morning, started our journey.

How we got there: 
From Alabang Daang hari, we took the Molino Road turning left towards Paliparan Road then proceeded driving towards Governor's drive. Reaching Dasmarinas, we turned left towards Tagaytay. Driving straight towards Nasugbu town. Before reaching the Nasugbu town proper, you'll see a fork in the road, landmark would be a Caltex Station. Turn left towards Lian town proper and just pass through the town till you get to another highway leading to Calatagan.

Arc of Municipality of Calatagan, Batangas

Arriving at Calatagan town proper. The landmark to watch out for is the Sto. Domingo Church -- it was being renovated when we got there so we weren't able to take some pictures. But, I think it was the only church along the main road of the town. Turn left from there, now, this will be the tricky part since you'll be going through a residential area so I can't really tell you any landmarks. This is actually where we got lost and have to ask for directions. We asked the tricycle drivers and used the term "parola" instead of lighthouse (they seem to be more familiar to the term). The kind gentlemen gave us directions on how to leave the town proper and towards the main highway that leads to much smaller barangays. It's still a long drive from there. But you can never grow tired of the scenery. I have never seen rice fields so green. It was so nice to see the countryside once in a while.

You'll start to see the coastline from afar after some more driving. Then you'll pass by a lot of Barangay Arcs. Landmarks are Lago De Oro resort and two Playa Calatagan signs. Just go straight till you reach Barangay Bagong Silang.

1st Playa Calatagan, Batangas

2nd Playa Calatagan sign, Batangas

in the middle of nowhere

Head on and look for the Smart and Globe tower on your left, a couple of feet you'll see the small sign showing the way towards the Lighthouse. Take a look at the funny picture below. I think whoever made the sign really mean well but it's just too small to see. Maybe it would be better if the "your tax is working for you" sign can be turned into a "this way to the lighthouse sign", don't you think?  ^_^

Calatagan Lighthouse sign, Batangas Philippines

watch for this sign

Across the sign, you'll see an off-road path that leads to a muddy road. I've took a picture of it for future visitors. Now prepare yourselves because this is where it gets rough. We we're just so happy it did not rain that day because I can see our car getting stuck in one of the muddy holes. Keep going till you get in the clearing with the two famous cows who have also tried to charge us with their horns.

off the road path leading to Calatagan Lighthouse

muddy road ahead

clearing after the dark and muddy road with the two cows

our muddy tire

If you get pass the cows, this is what awaits you at by the cliff, a stunning view of the coast. You can sit and watch while ships pass by.

   

Coral rocks formation gets hit by the wave at the bottom.

We went down the cliff seeing that there was a sandy beach on the right. We were also trying to find another way towards the lighthouse because the gate was shut close and we don't want to trespass.

entrance sign on the gate - No Entry without permission

View from below the shores

We went back up after seeing that there is no other way to the lighthouse but through the closed gate. Good thing, Mang Jun, the lighthouse caretaker already arrived so we were able to visit the compound inside. We also asked him if there's a good beach resort near the place so we can end the journey with a good swim. He pointed us to Caisip Compound beach resort.

Century year old manga tree inside the compound

Calatagan Lighthouse - Punta de Santiago - Calatagan, Batangas

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