Melo Villareal
During our recent visit in Bohol courtesy of the Department of Tourism, one of the few heritage sites we visited was the Punta Cruz Watchtower in Maribohoc Bohol.
Punta Cruz Watchtower
The first time I lay my eyes on this watchtower, I was mesmerized by its beauty right away. Upon the enclosed park, I was taken back in time. I felt like I was transported back to the colonial days. Also, I noticed something engraved on its historical wall. It was a message written in Spanish.
Punta Cruz Watchtower Incription photo by Ric Obedencio via Wikipedia
The translation goes like this:
“Castillo De San Vicente Ferrer in this Punta Cruz, whose title and tree of the Holy Cross from the conquest of the Spaniards until now, is venerated in this town of Malabojoc, with the veneration of the Holy via crucis year 1796.”
Amazing right? I can’t believe that this tower is still standing after so many years.
Bohol prides itself with its natural beauty. In fact, it’s one of the most visited places in the Philippines. However, an unfortunate event damaged the beautiful island last year. It was hit by a devastating earthquake and many establishments are destroyed. As a result, a lot of people are discouraged to visit. They believe that the island has lost its natural beauty and all that’s left are memories of the tragedy. Well, they are wrong! In my recent trip to the island, I witnessed the beauty of this historical watchtower in Punta Cruz.
This are used to be underwater before the 2013 earthquake
The Punta Cruz Watchtower is one of a kind. It’s the only perfect isosceles triangle tower in the Philippines. It’s located in the western tip of Maribojoc, Bohol and it’s one of the most attractive historical structures of the country. Despite taking serious damage from the 2013 earthquake, this ancient watchtower has never lost its beauty.
According to the historians, this tower is built to defend the place from Moro pirates based in the south. In fact, the cross planted there was intended to scare them off. And when I checked the windows on top, I saw that it was indeed a look-out post. By looking at the windows, I can see Cebu, Siquijor and some islands in Mindanao.
Sunset from thePunta Cruz Watchtower Viewdeck
If you’re planning to go there, I suggest that you go to the Tagbilaran Integrated Bus Terminal and take the bus that goes to Tubigon. The bus will pass along Punta Cruz so just tell the driver to drop you off there. Once you reached Punta Cruz, you need to walk for about 500 meters to reach the watchtower.
Also, I recommend that you practice speaking Boholano. Although people in Maribojoc can understand English and Filipino, their primary language is Boholano. Learning a few basic phrases won’t hurt you right? In fact, it can make your trip easier.
I love visiting Watchtowers. And in all my travels, this watchtower is one of the most memorable places I’ve visited. If my schedule and budget allows me, I’ll definitely go there again.
