Basco Lighthouse

About this place

Basco Lighthouse stands in Basco, capital of Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, on Naidi Hills in Barangay San Antonio, about 1 km from the town centre in a straight line. It can be reached on a 1.2 km walk from the Port of Basco. The lighthouse was completed in 2003, the first of three planned for Batanes as working lighthouses that could also draw visitors; the others are in Sabtang and Mahatao. It was built on the site of Basco's first lighthouse. Beside it stands a house in the local vernacular style, as traditional Ivatan houses are built of stone. The white, 20-metre tower has six storeys and a red-domed lantern, with a viewing gallery on the fifth floor. From there you can see the whole of Batan Island end to end, including Mount Iraya, as well as Sabtang Island to the south and Itbayat to the north. Soft green grassy hills surround the lighthouse and roll down to the open sea. Visitors come especially at sunset, when the sky colours over the sea. A colourful Batanes sign by the yard is a favourite photo spot, and a café occupies some of the old buildings. The wind on the hills is often strong, so bring a jacket.