Camara Island: Discovering the Tiny Yet Majestic Wonders
Near Pundaquit in Zambales, two islands are calling to be explored. Camara Island, the closer one, sits just off Pundaquit’s shores and is easily reachable.
The Capones Lighthouse, also recognized as Faro de Punta Capones or Capones Island Lighthouse, stands proudly along the coastline of Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales, boasting a rich historical significance. Among the few remaining old Spanish lighthouses that still grace the Philippine archipelago, it remains a symbol of maritime heritage and is among the active lighthouses operating today.
The Capones Lighthouse, also recognized as Faro de Punta Capones or Capones Island Lighthouse, stands proudly along the coastline of Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales, boasting a rich historical significance. Among the few remaining old Spanish lighthouses that still grace the Philippine archipelago, it remains a symbol of maritime heritage and is among the active lighthouses operating today.
The Capones Lighthouse, also recognized as Faro de Punta Capones or Capones Island Lighthouse, stands proudly along the coastline of Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales, boasting a rich historical significance. Among the few remaining old Spanish lighthouses that still grace the Philippine archipelago, it remains a symbol of maritime heritage and is among the active lighthouses operating today.
ABOVE: Capones Island presents a mix of reddish soil and cliffs, with pebbles scattered across its beach, and clear, sparkling water. Travelers trek up the hill using pathways, some paved with cement while others are more rugged, providing a varied adventure to experience the island’s natural beauty.
ABOVE: Capones Island presents a mix of reddish soil and cliffs, with pebbles scattered across its beach, and clear, sparkling water. Travelers trek up the hill using pathways, some paved with cement while others are more rugged, providing a varied adventure to experience the island’s natural beauty.
Positioned atop a grassy hill on the island, it offers an encompassing view of its surroundings, making it a favored destination for tourists exploring the picturesque coves of Pundaquit. With its panoramic vistas, the lighthouse has captured the imagination of both adventure enthusiasts and those passionate about preserving cultural landmarks.
ABOVE: As you trek towards the Lighthouse, a stunning view awaits, rewarding your hike with its breathtaking beauty. Down by the pebble beach, you’ll spot waiting bancas, adding a touch of anticipation for tourists eager to explore further.
ABOVE: As you trek towards the Lighthouse, a stunning view awaits, rewarding your hike with its breathtaking beauty. Down by the pebble beach, you’ll spot waiting bancas, adding a touch of anticipation for tourists eager to explore further.
Travelers can reach the Capones Lighthouse by following the stone markers that lead along the eastern shoreline of the island, navigating through the rocky terrain. At first glance, the initial impression of the lighthouse may suggest it is not in use, primarily due to its weather-beaten facade. The Tower house, originally constructed to accommodate the torreros or tower keepers along with their families, exhibits signs of aging, including worn walls, peeling paint, and crumbling bricks. Despite its worn appearance, it retains its historical charm.
ABOVE: As you stroll along the trail, the lighthouse gradually comes into view, catching your attention and directing your way forward. Standing tall, the gate is made of beautifully designed wrought iron.
ABOVE: As you stroll along the trail, the lighthouse gradually comes into view, catching your attention and directing your way forward. Standing tall, the gate is made of beautifully designed wrought iron.
However, only the tower itself has undergone refurbishment. Retaining its original square tower structure, complete with a double balcony and lantern, the lighthouse stands out with its white exterior. This decision was made in recognition of the structure’s maritime significance and as part of efforts to enhance maritime safety. The lighthouse continues to serve its purpose, guiding seafarers with its solar-powered bulb.
Proudly towering at a height of 65.0 feet, with a focal height reaching 230.0 feet (70.1 m), the Capones Lighthouse casts its guiding light across a vast radius of up to 25 nautical miles (46 km; 29 mi). This historic structure, dating back to the late 1800s, has withstood the tests of time. Originally erected with the purpose of guiding vessels navigating from the north to northwest, its beacon safely directed ships entering and departing Subic Bay. Additionally, it provided essential guidance for ships traveling from the north toward Manila Bay, while also serving as a warning signal, alerting passing vessels to the rocks surrounding the island.
ABOVE:Â Perched atop Capones Island in San Antonio, Zambales, the Capones Island Lighthouse stands tall, beckoning both travelers and sea lovers. Its significance in history and the breathtaking surroundings make it a must-visit spot, offering a glimpse into the past amidst stunning scenery.
ABOVE:Â Perched atop Capones Island in San Antonio, Zambales, the Capones Island Lighthouse stands tall, beckoning both travelers and sea lovers. Its significance in history and the breathtaking surroundings make it a must-visit spot, offering a glimpse into the past amidst stunning scenery.
The construction of the tower utilized uncoated bricks, while the keepers’ housing featured roofs made of hierro galvanizado (galvanized iron). Officially inaugurated on July 15, 1890, equipped with first-order lenses, it marked the commencement of its service to maritime navigation. The lantern, boasting a diameter of 3.5 meters, was procured from the prestigious Company of the Messrs, Barbier in Paris and installed a year prior to the inaugural ceremony.
ABOVE:Â Capturing the details of the lighthouse, this close-up photo showcases its strikingly refurbished tower. The square structure stands out with its double balcony and lantern, all in a pristine white hue, preserving its timeless charm.
ABOVE:Â Capturing the details of the lighthouse, this close-up photo showcases its strikingly refurbished tower. The square structure stands out with its double balcony and lantern, all in a pristine white hue, preserving its timeless charm.
This lantern emitted prolonged flashes of white light at intervals of 30 seconds, interspersed with total eclipses, providing a beacon visible up to 25 miles away under standard atmospheric conditions.
ABOVE:Â From the edge of the cliff, this photo captures the famous Capones Island Lighthouse surrounded by its breathtaking scenery. Standing at this spot gives a wide view of the lighthouse and its surroundings, but it’s essential to be careful here because of the steep terrain.
ABOVE:Â From the edge of the cliff, this photo captures the famous Capones Island Lighthouse surrounded by its breathtaking scenery. Standing at this spot gives a wide view of the lighthouse and its surroundings, but it’s essential to be careful here because of the steep terrain.
ABOVE:Â In this series, I’ve snapped shots that capture the intriguing charm of the windows and doorways of this structure. What truly caught my attention were the aged and weathered textures. The red bricks, left uncoated, used in building it give off a timeless vibe, displaying the history and passage of time held within these walls.
ABOVE:Â In this series, I’ve snapped shots that capture the intriguing charm of the windows and doorways of this structure. What truly caught my attention were the aged and weathered textures. The red bricks, left uncoated, used in building it give off a timeless vibe, displaying the history and passage of time held within these walls.
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Near Pundaquit in Zambales, two islands are calling to be explored. Camara Island, the closer one, sits just off Pundaquit’s shores and is easily reachable.
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ABOVE: In this vibrant photo, you’ll spot local kids adding energy to the setting. They’re always around, sometimes joining visitors, mostly helping the boatmen or fishermen, having fun on their island. The weathered tower keepers’ houses contribute a charming rustic feel, adding character to the surroundings.
ABOVE: In this vibrant photo, you’ll spot local kids adding energy to the setting. They’re always around, sometimes joining visitors, mostly helping the boatmen or fishermen, having fun on their island. The weathered tower keepers’ houses contribute a charming rustic feel, adding character to the surroundings.
Today, as people admire its tall structure and storied past, the lighthouse still does its job, guiding ships and inspiring awe. It reminds us of the skilled workers who built it and the importance of maritime safety. As its light shines out, it not only helps ships find their way but also lights up our hearts with its beauty. The Capones Lighthouse is a timeless symbol of strength, guiding both ships and people through the ups and downs of history.
ABOVE: Scale the lighthouse tower and ascend its captivating spiral staircase adorned with mesmerizing designs. At the summit, enjoy a sweeping view that spans the entire area in all directions. The top showcases the stunning scenery, creating an enduring experience for everyone who makes the journey upwards.
ABOVE: Scale the lighthouse tower and ascend its captivating spiral staircase adorned with mesmerizing designs. At the summit, enjoy a sweeping view that spans the entire area in all directions. The top showcases the stunning scenery, creating an enduring experience for everyone who makes the journey upwards.
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