The Malabrigo Point Lighthouse. The Faro de Punta de Malabrigo
In the center of the coastal town of Lobo, Batangas, lies the spectacular Faro de Punta Malabrigo, also known as Malabrigo Point Lighthouse. It is perched on a steep cliff that is accessible to tourists and offers scenic views of the Verde Island Passage and Mindoro Island.
This distinguished lighthouse proudly stands as one of the enduring Spanish-era treasures in the Philippines. Imagine this: a brilliant Spanish engineer named Guillermo Brockman decided to create something truly extraordinary. The Faro de Punta de Malabrigo, a lighthouse that's as majestic as they come, took shape in 1891 and finally lit up in 1896.
It's not a forgotten relic; it's a piece of history that's still shining bright, well-preserved, and fully operational. The credit for this goes to the Olympian swimmer and Lieutenant Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), Akiko Thompson, along with the local group the "Friends of Malabrigo." They've wholeheartedly taken the lighthouse under their wing, ensuring it remains a symbol of resilience and a legacy for generations to come.
The Lighthouse’s Luminous Legacy
Getting to the lighthouse isn't a marathon hike, however, that hill can be a bit of a steep challenge for some. The good news is, that you can always opt for a tricycle ride to make things a tad easier. As you make your way to the lighthouse, you'll be surrounded by towering trees, the cheerful chirping of birds, and those warm sunbeams filtering through the leafy canopy.
When you finally arrive at the lighthouse, prepare to be genuinely taken aback by its sheer beauty. It's an eye-popper, and it's been lovingly maintained. The lighthouse is snugly tucked amid a friendly crowd of trees, and above, the sky shows off its clearest, bluest hue. If you decide to take a stroll towards the cliff (just be careful), you're in for a spectacular sea view that'll leave you in awe.
Here’s a secret, once there was a secret entrance on top of the cliff near the lighthouse going down to the stone-studded beach of Malabrigo. However, since this article has been written, the secret passageway down to the beach is no longer regarded as safe and operational. Yet, for those lucky few who've ventured down that secret way, will keep the memory with them always in their hearts.
So, what are you waiting for?
Plan your visit to Malabrigo Point Lighthouse, Lobo, Batangas. Let its captivating beauty and rich history wash over you. It's an adventure you won't soon forget.
How to Get to the Lighthouse from Manila?
Hop on a Batangas City-bound bus departing from Cubao, Pasay, or Alabang, and disembark at the Batangas City Integrated Terminal. Then, board a jeepney heading to SM City Batangas and get off at the Lobo Jeepney Terminal. From there, secure a ride to Lobo town proper and cap off your journey with a tricycle ride to reach the beautiful Malabrigo.