Burgos

Understand

Originally called Nagpartian, literally a “place of slaughter” after an incident in which a Spanish missionary was killed by the natives he was trying to convert, it was renamed in 1913 in honor of Filipino and Ilocano priest Jose Burgos, who was also executed by the Spanish after being framed for rebellion. Its main attraction is Cape Bojeador, a promontory at the northwesternmost corner of Ilocos Norte facing the Babuyan Channel converges with the South China Sea and the coastline definitely makes a sharp turn to the south. This, along with the fact that the town is the nearest spot in the Luzon landmass towards mainland China, have led to the installation of strategic infrastructure in town, from the hilltop lighthouse placed by the Spanish over Cape Bojeador, to the nearby garrison used jointly by the Philippine and American militaries. Despite these, Burgos remains a small, quiet provincial town that attracts tourists for its beaches and of course, the old lighthouse. It is home to about 11,000 people (census, 1 July 2024)

Getting there

Burgos lies along along the Maharlika Highway (Route 1/AH26). It is served by buses running the Manila-Pagudpud and Laoag-Tuguegarao route.

By plane You can fly into Laoag, and then take a two-hour bus ride into Burgos .

Getting around

Tricycles are the main form of public transportation around town.

See

1 Burgos Wind Farm. The largest wind farm in the Philippines. It is operated by the EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation. (updated Jul 2017) 2 Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Burgos Lighthouse). A cultural heritage structure in Burgos established during Spanish colonial times. The lighthouse was first lit on March 30, 1892. (updated May 2026) 3 Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Rock formations created by forces of the ocean on the rocky coast of Burgos, located just a few minutes from the lighthouse (updated Jul 2017) Kaangrian Falls. A multi-tiered stair like formation with the water cascading on every step until it drops to a pool below. (updated Jul 2017) Avis Falls. (updated Jul 2017) 4 Military Park Cape Bojeador, Manila North Road, Bobon (in front of Camp Cape Bojeador). A small park in front of a military garrison that showcases some heavy weaponry and vehicles of the Philippine military (updated Apr 2026)

Buy

1 Burgos Public Market, Manila North Road, Poblacion. (updated Apr 2026)

Go next

Pagudpud is 27 km (17 mi) north-east of Burgos