Cape Santiago Lighthouse (Faro de Cabo de Santiago), or simply known as Calatagan Lighthouse, is one of the two historical lighthouses built in Batangas during the Spanish period, named after Don Santiago Zobel, the one who donated the land where it stands. Constructed in the town of Calatagan in 1890, it is considered one of the oldest lighthouses in the country, and has been maintained to be very functional until now. The project was initiated by Engineer Margin Pers y Pers, and continued by Guillermo Brockman up to its completion.

Batangas has an international sea port that is one of the busiest in the country, and the main gateway to Southern Luzon region. Along with Malabrigo Lighthouse in Lobo, Calatagan Lighthouse helps in the navigation of marine vessels traveling to and from Manila Bay and Balayan Bay, and through the Verde Island Passage and San Bernardino Strait.

The lighthouse stands bold at 51 feet tall, made of white and red bricks forming a cylindrical structure that truly stands out in the area. There is also an annex building that is within the complex that was used as transient spaces for guests in the past. Built on top of a 40-ft hill, the tower no doubt gives a very good viewpoint of the surrounding landscapes and Calatagan Bay.

How to Get There

To get to Calatagan Lighthouse, you make take a bus bound for Calatagan form Metro Manila. Get off at Calatagan Town Proper, where you can hire a tricycle to take you to the lighthouse.

If you are bringing your own car, from SLEX, exit in Sta. Rosa. When you reach Tagaytay, take the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road until you arrive in Batangas-Cavite boundary. Then head to Nasugbu direction and turn left when you reach Palico intersection. From there just stay on the freeway to Calatagan.