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Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇵🇭Northern Philippines, PHOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

Construction of the cylindrical stone tower at Cape Bolinao was completed in 1905, with the light first activated that same year. The structure reaches a height of 30.78 meters, with its light positioned 90 meters above sea level. It emits an isophase white, red, and green light on a 6-second cycle. Originally fitted with British optics and a French lantern, its apparatus was later replaced with a replica by Filipino engineers. Power for the light transitioned from kerosene to the electrical grid in the 1980s.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is the second highest in the Philippines.

Background
The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse in Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines. It was built in 1905 by a trio of American, British and Filipino engineers. Situated at an elevation of 107 meters (351 ft) above sea level, it is the second highest lighthouse in the Philippines next to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. The lighthouse tower itself stands 30.78 meters (101.0 ft) high. The original third order equipment of the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse was made in England with the lantern sourced from France. The apparatus of the lighthouse was replaced by a close replica by Filipino mechanics. Until the 1980s, The lighthouse apparatus ran on kerosene until the 1980s, when it was connected to the power grid operated by the Pangasinan Electric Cooperative. The Philippine Coast Guard became the sole owner of the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse under the Adopt-a-Lighthouse Program.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Iso.W.R.G. period 6s
Focal Height
90m

Construction & History

Year Built
1905

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
N3750
NGA No.
14392
ARLHS No.
GRE-106
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q30016819 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
101m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
stone

Location

City
Northern Philippines
Country
🇵🇭PH
Latitude
16.3069°
Longitude
119.7859°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape Bolinao Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Bolinao 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 Cape Bolinao Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sual at 23.2 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Bauang (33.1 NM ENE), Santa Cruz/Sual (33.8 NM S), Poro/San Fernando (35.2 NM ENE), Pagudpud, Luzon (35.8 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Bolinao Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Bolinao 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 Bolinao Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Bolinao 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.