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Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Fl (3) W 5s🇵🇭Northern Philippines, PHOperational

Also known as: Burgos Lighthouse

Constructed from brick, this lighthouse stands 20 meters tall and was first illuminated in 1892. Its focal plane reaches 118 meters above sea level, providing a geographic range of 20 nautical miles. The light emits three white flashes every 5 seconds. This structure, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is situated in the Northern Philippines overlooking Cape Bojeador. After more than a century, it continues to serve maritime traffic entering the Philippine archipelago from the north.

Why it matters: Designated a National Cultural Treasure, this lighthouse marks the northwesternmost point of Luzon, guiding vessels away from the dangerous rocky coastline.

Background
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, that was established during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. The lighthouse was first lit on March 30, 1892, and is set high on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador where early galleons used to sail by. After over 100 years, it still functions and serves ships that enter the Philippine archipelago from the north and guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town. The light marks the northwesternmost point in Luzon. The northeasternmost being Cape Engaño Lighthouse on Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan. The 66-foot-tall (20 m) octagonal stone tower, the most prominent structure in the vicinity, can be seen from as far away as Pasuquin town in the south and Bangui on the east on a clear day. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the highest-elevated nor tallest lighthouse in the Philippines but the highest-elevated still original and active Spanish era lighthouse in the country. Corregidor Lighthouse is higher at over 600 feet (180 m), and among the Spanish colonial lighthouses, the tower of Cape Melville Lighthouse is the tallest at 90 feet (27 m). In Mindoro Strait, the recently erected modern tower at the Apo Reef Light Station rises to a height of 110 feet (34 m).
Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl.(3)W. period 5s
Focal Height
118m
Geographic Range
20NM
Year Built
1892
Heritage Status
National Cultural Treasure
Admiralty No.
F2722
NGA No.
F 2722
Wikidata
Q5034595
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
Tower Height
20m
Material
brick
City
Northern Philippines
Country
🇵🇭PH
Latitude
18.5123°
Longitude
120.5978°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Cape Bojeador Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Bojeador displays the characteristic Fl (3) W 5s — 3 white flashes 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 Cape Bojeador Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Pasaleng, Luzon at 18.3 NM to the E. Other ports served include Laoag, Luzon (19.8 NM S), Claveria/Aparri (28.3 NM ENE), Currimao (30.6 NM SSW), Salomague (45 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Bojeador Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Bojeador 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 Cape Bojeador Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Bojeador 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.