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Bagatao Island Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇵🇭Eastern Philippines, PHOperational

Location & Light Range

About Bagatao Island Lighthouse

Completed in 1904, the lighthouse stands 29 meters tall with a focal height of 41 meters. Its white iron tower is cylindrical and situated on a rocky headland at the western end of Bagatao Island. The light emits a single white flash every 6 seconds, visible for a geographic range of 17 nautical miles. This structure has been operational since its initial lighting in 1904.

Why it matters: The light marks the entrance to Sorsogon Bay and assists vessels navigating around Ticao Island toward San Bernardino Strait.

Background
Bagatao Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Bagatao Island on the eastern side of the entrance to Sorsogon Bay, in the province of Sorsogon in the Philippines. The 29-foot (8.8 m) white cylindrical iron tower is situated on the rocky headland that forms the southern point in the western end of the Island, giving the total light elevation of 135 feet (41 m). The light not only marks the entrance to the bay, but also assists ships in navigating the bend around Ticao Island of Masbate province as they head to San Bernardino Strait and exit to the Pacific Ocean. Bagatao Island is under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Magallanes, Sorsogon. Barangays Biga and Behia which administer the island are two of the 34 barangays of the said municipality.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 6s
Focal Height
41m
Geographic Range
17NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1904

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
F2536
NGA No.
14164
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q4841466 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
29m

Location

City
Eastern Philippines
Country
🇵🇭PH
Latitude
12.8321°
Longitude
123.7918°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Bagatao Island Lighthouse at night?+
Bagatao Island displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Bagatao Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Bagatao Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Legaspi Apt, Luzon at 18.2 NM to the N. Other ports served include Legazpi (18.9 NM N), Sorsogon/Legaspi (19.2 NM N), MATNOG (23 NM SE), Masbate (29.6 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Bagatao Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Bagatao Island Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Bagatao Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Bagatao Island Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.