Sabtang Lighthouse

Sabtang Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in Sabtang Island, Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines. It is one of the three main lighthouses in Batanes, along with Basco and Tayid lighthouses. It was built in 2003 by the Philippine Coast Guard to guide the ships passing through the turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea.

The lighthouse stands on a hill overlooking the Sabtang Port, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and the nearby Mt. Iraya, a dormant volcano. The lighthouse has an octagonal tower that is 18 meters tall and painted white with red trim. The tower has a balcony and a lantern that emits a white light every 10 seconds. The lighthouse also has a dwelling that resembles the traditional Ivatan houses made of stone or rubble masonry.

The lighthouse is easily accessible by boat from Ivana Port in Batan Island, the main island of Batanes. You can board a traditional Ivatan boat called faluwa to San Vicente Port in Sabtang Island. The boat ride usually takes around 30 minutes and costs P100 per person. From San Vicente Port, you can hire a tricycle or join a tour that will take you around the island and make a stop at the lighthouse. The tour usually costs P1000 per tricycle (good for 2 persons) and lasts for about 4 hours.

The best time to visit the lighthouse is during the summer season, from March to May, when there is less rainfall and more sunshine. You can also catch a spectacular sunset from the lighthouse, as it faces west. You can enjoy walking on the hills, taking photos of the scenery, or visiting other attractions on Sabtang Island, such as Morong Beach, Chavayan Village, and Tinyan Viewpoint.

Sabtang Lighthouse is not only a guide for the local fisherfolk, but also a symbol of the history and culture of Batanes. The site where the lighthouse stands was once a small community for pre-colonial Ivatans and home of the late Chieftain Boyas. It was also the site of the American period telegraph facilities that connected Batanes with the central government until it was destroyed by the Japanese Imperial Army bombings at the start of World War II.