Samboan Watchtower & Belfry
A restored 1798 coral-stone Spanish-era watchtower and belfry overlooking the Tañon Strait in Samboan's town center.
The overview
About Samboan Watchtower & Belfry
The Samboan Watchtower and Belfry, locally known as the Campanario de Antigua, was built in 1798 out of coral stone blocks to serve a dual purpose: a bell tower for the adjacent church and a watchtower to spot Moro raiders approaching from the Tañon Strait. It stands on a plateau roughly 200 meters above sea level in the town center, and is regarded locally as the tallest and best-preserved watchtower of its kind on the island of Cebu. The structure remains largely intact more than two centuries after construction, its coral-block walls weathered but structurally sound. Visitors can climb to an upper level of the tower for a wide view over the Tañon Strait toward Negros Island. The watchtower forms part of a small heritage cluster in Samboan's town center, reached via the Escala de Jacob, a 147-step stone staircase built in 1878, alongside the old church. As a restored Spanish-era military and religious structure, it offers a compact but tangible look at how coastal southern Cebu defended itself during centuries of raids, without needing a full-day detour from the town's waterfalls and reef sites.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Built in 1798 from coral stone
- Tallest surviving watchtower in Cebu
- Views of Tañon Strait and Negros Island
- Reached via the 147-step Escala de Jacob
- Part of Samboan's town-center heritage cluster
- Dual use as belfry and lookout tower
- 1 Wear comfortable shoes for the Escala de Jacob stairway climb up to the tower. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better light over the strait. Combine with the adjacent old church while in the town center. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, take a southbound bus to Samboan town proper (around 3-4 hours). The watchtower and Escala de Jacob are within walking distance of the town plaza and church.
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Entrance Fee
Free (donations welcome)
Opening Hours
Daylight hours
Duration
30-45 minutes
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
Morning or late afternoon, year-round
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