Name and Location

Apo Reef Lighthouse, also known as Apo Island Lighthouse or Apo Reef Light, is a major sea-light located on the northwestern approaches to Sablayan Bay on Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. Its official name is Apo Reef Lighthouse.

2. Construction and History

The exact construction date and architect of the lighthouse are scarce. The use of aluminum and the tower's modern appearance suggest a mid-to-late 20th-century prefabricated installation, most likely erected or substantially refurbished during a Coast Guard lighthouse modernization program in the 1970s–1980s.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a slender cylindrical tower made of aluminum, standing at 35 meters above its concrete foundation. The building material is also aluminum.

4. Light and Navigation

Apo Reef Lighthouse serves as a key navigational aid, guiding vessels through the Verde Island Passage and out into the South China Sea. Its light characteristic is single white flash every 10 seconds, with a range of 17 nautical miles. The light color is white, and it is operated automatically without resident keepers.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visits to the lighthouse are highly restricted and possible only by private vessel under calm-sea conditions with prior permission from the Philippine Coast Guard. There is no access jetty or landing stage, making on-site facilities non-existent. No visitor center or guided tours are available.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

Apo Reef Lighthouse stands on an exposed reef surrounded by extensive coral gardens and deep channels. The nearest port and settlement is Sablayan, some 40 km to the east on Mindoro Island. The area is renowned for its biodiversity, vibrant reefs, and pelagic species.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Local fisherfolk respect the lighthouse as a "watchtower" that guards against shipwrecks on the reef. No specific folklore tied to the lighthouse has been recorded, but it is known that Apo Reef is famed for large hammerhead shark sightings, migrating whale sharks, and nesting sea turtles.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority of the lighthouse is the Philippine Coast Guard, San Jose Station. The lighthouse is listed in the US NGA Publication 112 (2009) as F2574. There are no shore-based AIS or radar installations reported.