Cape Melville lighthouse, Maritime beacon in Balabac Island, Philippines
Cape Melville lighthouse is an octagonal stone tower rising about 20 meters high on a hilltop on Balabac Island. It sits at approximately 90 meters elevation above sea level, positioned strategically to guide ships through the nearby strait.
The Spanish government built this lighthouse in 1892 to guide ships through the dangerous waters of Balabac Strait between the Philippines and Malaysia. It remains a reminder of Spanish colonial influence in the region.
The lighthouse represents a key chapter in Philippine maritime history and is protected as a National Historical Landmark. It stands as a reminder of the country's connection to the sea and its role in regional navigation.
Reaching the lighthouse requires traveling from Puerto Princesa and taking a boat across the Sulu Sea, a journey of around three hours. Visitors should be prepared for an isolated island setting with limited facilities.
The original clockwork mechanism from the Spanish construction period remains inside the tower. Today, maritime navigation duties are handled by a modern solar-powered aluminum structure instead.
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