The Punta Cruz Watchtower stands on a headland 15 km north of Tagbilaran near the town of Maribojoc, jutting into the Bohol Strait. It is one of the best-preserved Spanish-era watchtowers in the Philippines — a triangular stone structure on the very tip of a small peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides.
The setting alone makes it worth the detour: the tower overlooks the strait, and on a clear day you can see Cebu across the water. A small park surrounds the base with benches under shade trees. The tower is not open to climb inside, but you can walk right to the shoreline below it and appreciate the strategic placement. The road from Tagbilaran passes through pleasant countryside and riverside villages that are appealing in themselves.