The Historic Taytay Fort: Fuerza de Santa Isabel

Photo by Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap

Taytay is a quiet town in the province of Palawan that still bears reminders from Spanish times, like the splendid Taytay Fort or the Fuerza de Santa Isabel, still standing and keeping a vigilant watch over the town.

Photo by Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap

The historic Taytay Fort or known as the Fuerza de Santa Isabel was built in 1667 under the Augustinian Recollect Fathers. The fort was used as a military station during that period and named in honor of Spain's Queen Isabela II in the 19th century. This famous remnant was completed on 1738. It was mainly used to defend against Muslim warrior-raiders in their colorful war boats while the Spanish soldiers fire at them with their huge cannons.

Photo by Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap

The fort's small chapel and cannons are still intact. Taytay Fort is now under the supervision of the National Museum. 

Photo by Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap

How to get there

Taytay can be reached from neighboring El Nido by bus or van. Chartered planes fly directly to El Nido and takes a little more than an hour.  Most local major airlines have daily flights to the provincial of Puerto Princessa, then travel over land by bus or van.  Ferry lines from Manila and other major ports to El Nido.