Guisi Lighthouse: Historical and Sightseeing Spot in Guimaras

Guisi Lighthouse was the first destination in my solo day trip in Guimaras. According to my driver, it is the farthest spot in my itinerary so we decided to visit it first while the rest of the places to be visited on the way back. The first half of the drive to Guisi was smooth while offering some nice countryside view of Guimaras. The second half was bumpy and sloppy due to bad road conditions. This gave me an impression that Guisi Lighthouse is still off the radar of most tourists.

View of Guisi Beach at the top of the old lighthouse

Guisi Lighthouse is a ruin of an 18th century Spanish parola located at the Guisi Point of Barangay Dolores in Nueva Valencia. Known as Faro de Punta Luzaran, it is the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines. Upon arrival, I was accompanied by my driver who also served as my tour guide inside the property. A "Welcome" sign written on a fish-shaped board at the entrance greeted us. Entrance fee is P10 per person only.

I immediately noticed the ruins of an old Spanish settlement and the tower from afar. I was excited so I went straight ahead to the lighthouse. From outside the old lighthouse looked dilapidated and there was even a sign that prohibits anyone from climbing the rusty tower. I knew beforehand that a few people have climbed and have taken photos from the top of the lighthouse. I felt discouraged when I saw the sign but my tour guide insisted that it's safe to climb.







Upon his permission, I slowly and carefully climbed the spiral staircase. At the top of the lighthouse, I was blown away by the breathtaking panoramic view of Guimaras strait. The old lighthouse was built by the Spanish government in 1894 -1896 that used to serve as a navigational aid to the fishermen and sailors cruising this strait.

On the right side, one can see the view of Guisi beach. I have earlier seen how inviting the crystal clear water was on this beach as it was visible on the way to the lighthouse. I was taken by surprise by the sight of this amazing beach that I was already thinking of not leaving Guisi without exploring it - whether or not my tricycle driver will allow me. To my delight, he told me it was actually part of our itinerary! :-)







After a few minutes of feeling the cool breeze, enjoying the magnificent view and taking photos at the top of the tower, I went down to explore more of the ruins. I could easily say that these Spanish-built structures seemed strong enough to have stood for a long time. Trees and plants have grown within and on the walls of the ruins. No wonder this place has become a favorite spot for photo shoot like wedding and pre-nuptial. I was the only visitor at that time so I have the whole place to myself. :-)

Another prominent feature in the ruins is the newer lighthouse (white) which replaced the old one. It's currently functional and really looks modern. Actually there is another tower a few meters from the first one, but is also not working.





The new lighthouse looks modern



The newer and modern lighthouse








Although I'm not a history buff, I was amazed by this historical site. It feels enriching that just close to where I used to live, discovering this Spanish structure made me learn new significant historical insights about Guimaras that I had not known all those years ago.

After paying the entrance fee to the caretaker, I left the place feeling fulfilled and started walking down to Guisi beach. It's time to hit the beach! :-)


Read more about my Guimaras escapade:

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30 comments:

Edmaration said...

Oh no. It is quite old. Sana ayusin para magamit uli ng matino. Anyway, though it is the farthest sa iti, mukang sulit naman ah. Ang ganda kasi ng view, breath taking!

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

I'm interested to see it restored too but don't know if that's possible. Meron naman kasing bago at modern pa. :-)

michisolee said...

just came back from guimaras, on our way to guisi, naflat yung gulong nung trike namin. :(

Pink MagaLine said...

The ruins are photographic. So beautiful! I wanna visit a lighthouse one day too! Visiting here from FB!! :)

travelonashoestring said...

This is what Marcus has been telling me about - the old lighthouse in Guimaras! I like your photos Gabz! I hope the local government of Guimaras restore them to its old glory.

Blanca said...

This is beautiful. The ruins added some charm to your photos.:)

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Aww, sorry to hear that. Hope you had fun in your trip though. :-)

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Thanks! Yes, the place looks charming. It's a favorite spot for pre-nuptial shoot. :-)

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Thanks Cha! I'm not sure if they are going to restore it. Meron na kasing bago eh. :-)

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Agreed. Thanks! :-)

anne said...

W-O-W!!!

Sony Fugaban said...

I am in awe with your photos and you for the story.

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Thanks! :-)

rockstarmomma said...

Lovely photos! Ganda ng Guimaras. I wish I can go there soon

Lorenzo Caballes said...

Breathtaking view indeed!

KC Canlas said...

The lighthouse looks like it has witnessed a lot with its appearance. It may be lucky that it has been there for quite some time. I'm a bit curious how it will look like once they rebuild or restore it.

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Thanks! Hope you can visit Guimaras soon. :)

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

:-)

kurapengpeng said...

pano mo nagagawa yun? yung kitang kita ang ilalim ng dagat? sobrang linaw. ang galing ng camera mo. saludo na talaga ako. pati yung mga coron pictures mo. naiinis ako pg nakikita ko outcome sa camera ko. parang kulang =( gusto ko yung halos, nandun na rin ako. hihihi! mukang kailangan ko na ng SLR

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Yes, it has witnessed a lot nga. Not sure if they will restore it since they built a more modern one.

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Sobrang linaw lang talaga yung tubig kaya kita yung mga corals. :)

Stacy said...

but safe pa yung tower though it looks unstable

Francis Balgos said...

nice view from above!

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

It's breathtaking! :)

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Yeah, it seems safe. I was confident dahil siguro ako lang mag-isa umakyat. Pero kung marami sabay-sabay umakyat siguro katakot din. Hehe. :)

ian | going places said...

The color of the water from viewtop is very cerulean, my favorite shade of blue. The climb to the lighthouse is worthy with this scenic views to see.

Karen said...

,,awesome, shots, perfect gateaway!!,,keep it up!!!

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Yes, it's really worth it! The views took my breath away. :)

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Thanks! :)

Kai Brillantes said...

I climbed also the top of Guisi Lighthouse and the view was amazing. It was breathtaking witnessing the overview of Guisi beach. :D
http://kaibril.com/

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