Considered as one major grandiose sight in the barangay of Punta Cruz in the municipality of Maribojoc, this structure with Baroque features once served as a lookout for incoming pirates for the townspeople. This tower is composed of ground and upper floors that offer a breathtaking view of the sea facing the provinces of Cebu, Siquijor and Mindanao.
Maribojoc Watchtower - Punta Cruz
As one enters the ground floor of the watchtower, one is welcomed with the image of St. Vincent Ferrer, the patron saint of the people of Maribojoc. Two stairs—one on the right side and one on the left side—lead the visitors to the upper floor to have a good view of the Bohol Sea. In the upper floor, one can have three different angles through three different openings on the sides when viewing not only the sea but also the surroundings below the tower. Besides the tower itself, one can see a wooden cross that stands in front of the tower on a rock lip that sticks out into the sea. Mysteriously, this wooden cross is believed by the townsfolk to work miraculously with the watchtower when protecting the people from the invasion of cruel Moro pirates. Legend has it that whenever pirates attempt to attack the people, a glaring light emanates from the wooden cross causing the pirates to have difficulties in sighting the land. Hence, they will retreat from their attempt in docking their ship on the shore of Punta Cruz fearing that something strange and harmful is occurring at such point.
As for its name, the watchtower became associated with the wooden cross on which the area where it was erected as a favourite place for young people to pass the time away during daytime. So whenever the elders ask them on where they are going to, their immediate response would be “Punta kami sa cruz!” (“We’ll go to the cross”). Thus, the watchtower ended up being called Punta Cruz Watchtower because of its association with the miraculous object.
At present, the tourism officers and the mayor of the town have transformed the surrounding area of the watchtower into a park to attract and orient local and foreign tourists to the majestic sight of this historical landmark.
Entrance Fee: Adult- Php 5.00 / Children & Students: Php 3.00
Parking Fee (Any type of vehicle): Php 15.00
Location: Maribojoc — 14 km from Tagbilaran City (city capital)