The northern part of Samar is rich in Spanish history, with old churches, pavilions and other structures built during the Spanish occupation. One of the popular parts of northern Samar is Capul Island, which was originally called Acapulco Island in commemoration of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade in 1600s. This is also where the famous Capul Lighthouse is located.
Also known as the Faro de Isla Capul, the lighthouse was initially built by the Spaniards in 1896, and it wasn’t only until during the American occupation it was finished by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is said that the lighthouse was built to complement the other lighthouses of Isla de San Bernardino.
Photo by Self–sufficient Rhon
Standing at 143 feet above sea level, perching atop the lighthouse offers a scenic view of the place. Few of the notable sights while standing above the lighthouse include Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon and the Naranjos Islands of Masbate.
As it is located in the northern part of Samar, there is no high-end hotels in the island but only lodgings, inns and nearby beach resorts that offer basic housing options. Tourists can also contact the local government, specifically the Coast Guard assigned in the area, for arrangements to stay in the lighthouse. Pavilions are available nearby. Also, caretakers can accommodate visiting tourists.
The town surrounding the lighthouse is also worthy to tour around. You can get around the town by habal-habal or motorcycles taxis. With its quaint ambiance and fresh air, the place is also perfect for some soul-searching.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ROOM RATES:
- The Minangandao Beach Resort in Capul is the nearest resort to the lighthouse.
- Cottage – P500 (good for the entire day of stay)
- Tourists can bring their own tent and camp near the beach or the lighthouse.
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Corkage fee: None
- Contact numbers: 0915-353-74858/0928-228-8267 (Capul Municipal Tourism office)
- Email address: N/A
- Facebook Page: N/A
- Note: Electricity is only available from four in the afternoon up to 12 midnight.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Brgy. San Luis, Capul Island, Northern Samar
BY PLANE: If you wish to travel by plane, Northern Samar’s Catarman and Calbayog are the only cities that have airports and PAL Express being the only airline that offers flights from Manila and vice versa.
Once you’ve reached either Catarman or Cabalyog, tricycles are available that can take you to terminals bound to the town of Allen. Two ports are available in Allen that offer trips from mainland Samar to Capul Island – Looc and Dapdap. From Looc, boats depart daily every 12 noon with an estimated fare of P50, and from Dapdap boats depart in the afternoon all week except Tuesdays and Thursdays which also costs about P50.
BY BUS: Thru San Bernardino Strait, buses from Manila to Matnog, Sorsogon can be taken with Philtranco, Eaglestar and other liners offering such routes. Once in Matnog, Sorsogon, ask around the locals about the boat that goes directly to Capul Island. Note that this boat is not located in the main ferry or RoRo terminal so tourists are encouraged to ask the locals about this and also, the boat departs once daily every 11 AM only.
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