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Cape Engaño Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇵🇭Northern Philippines, PHOperational

Also known as: Cabo Engaño Lighthouse

Construction of the Cape Engaño Lighthouse was completed in 1892, with its first illumination occurring in the same year. The structure is a white and red and grey concrete tower with a lantern room, standing 14 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 100 meters above sea level. The light emits a single white flash every 5 seconds, visible for 18 nautical miles. A dwelling with a red roof is also part of the complex. The lighthouse is accessible to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is designated as an Important Cultural Property in the Philippines.

Background
Cape Engaño Lighthouse, also known as Faro de Cabo Engaño (Filipino: Parola ng Tangos Engaño), is a historic lighthouse located at Cape Engaño on Palaui Island in the town of Santa Ana, the province of Cagayan, Philippines. Located at the northernmost part of Luzon Island and situated atop the summit of a hill, 92 meters above sea level, the lighthouse provides a 360-degree view of Babuyan Island and the Dos Hermanas Island (Two Sisters) on the North, Pacific Ocean on the West and Engaño cove on the East. Cape Engaño Lighthouse is now under the supervision of the Department of Transportation and Communications through the Philippine Coast Guard's lighthouse division.
Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 5s
Focal Height
100m
Geographic Range
18NM
Year Built
1892
Heritage Status
Important Cultural Property
Open to public
yes
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
lantern
Tower Color
white and red and grey
Material
concrete

Structure: Grey masonry tower, white lantern, dwelling, red roof; 46

City
Northern Philippines
Country
🇵🇭PH
Latitude
18.5794°
Longitude
122.1374°
Admiralty No.
F2732
NGA No.
F 2732
Wikidata
Q5034767
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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How do mariners identify Cape Engaño Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Engaño 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 Engaño Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Engaño Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Port Irene at 12.9 NM to the S. Other ports served include Amunitan/Aparri (16.5 NM SSW), Aparri, Luzon (31.4 NM WSW), Bolos Point/Aparri (31.4 NM WSW), Camiguin Island/Aparri (31.4 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Engaño Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Engaño 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 Engaño Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Engaño 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.