About El Faro De Islote Capitancillo
Mystical, historical, simply beautiful - these adjectives best describe the tiny coral Islet of Capitancillo located 10 kilometers southeast of mainland Bogo City, Province of Cebu.
The island was named after Capitan Basillo, an ill-fated Spanish Captain during the Galleon Trade era. According to local legend, the captain disrespected Datu Bugtopasan, one of the earliest Chieftains of Mactan and known to have magical powers. The Captain cowardly left the island on his galleon but the Datu hunted him down riding on his magical horse over the strong waves and cursed the the Captain. Following the roaring thunder and bolts of lightning, the galleon transformed into this island, hence naming it Islet of Capitancillo.
Now the island is one of the major attraction in Cebu Province, being one of the best diving spot in the region and marine sanctuary. Locals and tourists frequent the island to visit one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines, the El Faro De Islote Capitancillo.
The island was named after Capitan Basillo, an ill-fated Spanish Captain during the Galleon Trade era. According to local legend, the captain disrespected Datu Bugtopasan, one of the earliest Chieftains of Mactan and known to have magical powers. The Captain cowardly left the island on his galleon but the Datu hunted him down riding on his magical horse over the strong waves and cursed the the Captain. Following the roaring thunder and bolts of lightning, the galleon transformed into this island, hence naming it Islet of Capitancillo.
Now the island is one of the major attraction in Cebu Province, being one of the best diving spot in the region and marine sanctuary. Locals and tourists frequent the island to visit one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines, the El Faro De Islote Capitancillo.
Constructed in 1905, El Faro De Islote Capitancillo is one of the oldest lighthouses in Cebu province. It was built to guide ships heading towards the Port of Cebu. The original tower, which is a tourelle, was replaced by a modern aluminum tower which uses solar power to operate the light. Nothing remains of the original lighthouse, a cast iron tourelle. It was replaced by the current white steel tower dating from the 1950s. The lighthouse is managed and operated by the Philippine Coast Guard.
How I Got There
I was able to communicate with Ms. Joy Tan, Bogo City's DOT Officer, few days before my planned trip to Capitancillo Island. Following her instructions, from Cebu City North Bus Terminal, I took the Ceres Bus going to Bogo City (bus fare - Php165). When in Bogo City proper, I was met and later on accompanied by Ms. Joy and her staff to the Bantay Dagat headquarters where I will take the patrol boat to the island. I had to pay for the gasoline and boat rental which I paid for Php1500. It took 30 minutes to reach the Capitancillo Islet.
I was able to communicate with Ms. Joy Tan, Bogo City's DOT Officer, few days before my planned trip to Capitancillo Island. Following her instructions, from Cebu City North Bus Terminal, I took the Ceres Bus going to Bogo City (bus fare - Php165). When in Bogo City proper, I was met and later on accompanied by Ms. Joy and her staff to the Bantay Dagat headquarters where I will take the patrol boat to the island. I had to pay for the gasoline and boat rental which I paid for Php1500. It took 30 minutes to reach the Capitancillo Islet.
What To See In Bogo City
Bogo City is a small city in Cebu Province and can be easily explored within a day. There are fewer accommodation options and tourists usually consider making a quick stop here before heading to Bantayn Island, which is more popular for its beaches.
Bogo City is a small city in Cebu Province and can be easily explored within a day. There are fewer accommodation options and tourists usually consider making a quick stop here before heading to Bantayn Island, which is more popular for its beaches.
Before heading to the lighthouse, Ms. Joy generously invited me for lunch at the city market and persuaded me try their local delicacy, the ginataang igat.
We dropped by Our Lady Of Remedios Church at the nearby nearby city proper before our scheduled boat ride to Capitancillo Islet.
I also took some time visiting the 200 concrete houses built by SM for Yolanda survivors located in Barangay Polambato.
As I leave Capitancillo Islet, I can't help but to look back and admire the spectacular view of the tiny island. It was indeed a fulfilling experience worth visiting again and again.
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