Guisi Point Lighthouse: The Oldest Lighthouse in Guimaras, Philippines

Guisi Point Lighthouse, also known as Faro de Punta Luzaran, Punta Luzaran, and Lusaran Point is an 18th century Spanish Colonial parola (light house) built atop the hill near Guisi beach in Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. Guisi Point Lighthouse was built to guide naval vehicles crossing the Iloilo Strait.

Guisi Point Lighthouse

I went here at around 11:40 a.m. on August 31, 2013 with my friends Chenie and Lindsay. This was during my first time in Guimaras, the 25th province on my list.

Entrance to Guisi Point Lighthouse Station

Guisi Point Lighthouse is considered as the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines but according to Wikipedia, Faro de Punta Luzaran first lit in 1984, indeed making it on of the oldest but much younger than the claim. According to kuya Cherald, our witty tour guide, Guisi means napunit, which, from the accounts of the locals, is where a Spanish galleon torn its sail.

It was built by the Spanish government as part of the Master Plan for the lighting of the Maritime Coasts of the Philippines. The plan was aimed at lighting the Philippine Seas and channels to guide ships in and through the most important sea channels to the ports of Manila, Iloilo, and Cebu. Known as Faro de Punta Luzaran, the lighthouse served as a navigational aid to the fishermen and sailors cruising Panay Gulf. While the original lighthouse is no longer operational a new one has been .

Ruins at Guisi Point Lighthouse

There are actually three lighthouses at Guisi Point. The first is the original rusty lighthouse located nearest to the edge, the second one is located at the back of the ruins, while the third and newest lighthouse (built by the Philippine Coast Guard) is in between the two previously mentioned, erected inside the ruins.

The old lighthouse is a 17.5 m (58 ft) octagonal cylindrical tower. It appears similar to the Cabo Bojeador and Cabo Engaño lights. The lantern and the roof is gone from the rusty iron tower and the entire light station is in ruins. Entrance fee is P10 per person.

Guina dili-an ang pagsaka kay delikado

Guina dili-an ang pagsaka kay delikado.

Painted at the rusty metal lighthouse are words prohibiting visitors from climbing it because it is dangerous. I did not bother to try to climb and appreciate the view of Iloilo Strait.

New Lighthouse at Guisi Point

Gallery

: Guisi Point Lighthouse

: Ruins at Guisi Point Lighthouse

: Entrance to Guisi Point Lighthouse Station

: Lusaran Point

: Guina dili-an ang pagsaka kay delikado

: New Lighthouse at Guisi Point

How to go to Guisi Point Lighthouse

From Manila: The nearest airport is the Iloilo International Airport but you may also opt for the Bacolod-Silay International Airport. There are daily flights that are serviced from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Termnial 4 to both airports.

From Iloilo: Go to Ortiz Wharf in Barangay Ortiz, Iloilo City and get a 14 minute pump boat ride (P14) to Jordan Warf in Jordan, Guimaras. In Jordan Wharf arrival area, there is a Guest Assistance Center operated by the Department of Tourism and Guimaras Provincial Government that can help you arrange transportation to any destination in Guimaras. The prices are regulated to prevent opportunist drivers. Visitors are needed to register their names at the Guest Assistance Center.

From Jordan: Near the exit of Jordan Wharf is a jeepney loading/unloading station. Ride a jeepney bound for Nueva Valencia (Php 40), tell the driver to drop you off at the intersection going to Guisi Point in Barangay Dolores. Travel time is 30 minutes to about an hour. There are tricycles (2 to 4 people), multicabs (8 to 10 people), and vans (10 to 14 people) available.

Once alighting the jeepney, take a 15-minute uphill trek (passing La Pacita Resort) to the Guisi Point Lighthouse.