Batag Island lighthouse, National Historical Landmark lighthouse in Laoang, Philippines.
The Batag Island lighthouse is a white cylindrical structure with two exterior balconies and a lantern room at its summit. It rises approximately 31 meters above Culipapa Hill and dominates the coastline of this remote island off northeastern Samar.
The structure was built in 1907 by American engineers using reinforced concrete and began operations in 1908 with equipment imported from Paris. It fell inactive in 2006 following damage caused by Typhoon Milenyo.
The lighthouse marks the northeastern point of Samar Island and guides international vessels through the San Bernardino Strait, a critical maritime route to Manila.
The lighthouse sits on a remote island and requires a boat trip from the mainland. Plan your visit during calm weather, as the crossing can be difficult in rough conditions.
The equipment emitted a white flash every 10 seconds with a visible range of about 25 nautical miles across the Philippine Sea. This great reach made it a crucial navigation aid for ships from around the world passing through the region.
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