Discover Corregidor

Corregidor is a small rocky island approximately 48 kilometers west of Manila by a ferry ride. The island served as a military fortress to American and Filipino troops during World War II. However, the island fell to the Japanese forces when they invaded the Philippines in 1942. 

Although Corregidor is in close proximity to Manila, I never had the opportunity to visit this historical island. This year, we didn’t miss the chance to visit the island of Corregidor when we saw the deal in pakyaw.com.ph, Discover Corregidor: Sun Cruises Historical Day Tour with Malinta Light & Sound Show P2150 value for P998. Thanks to my friend Angel who told me about this deal. Erick booked our day tour tickets and called up Sun Cruises reservations office to schedule our tour. 

We decided to use our tickets last Sunday since it was a day before the Vday =)

Around 9am we were already in the ferry terminal and went around Harbor Square to kill time while waiting for our 11am departure. We finally arrived in Corregidor after more than an hour. We boarded the tranvia bus with an English speaking tour guide.

Touring via the Tranvia adds excitement to the Corregidor experience

First thing on our itinerary is lunch! After all, it was almost 1pm when we arrived in Corregidor. After our buffet lunch, we strolled along the South Dock. It’s been almost six months since I was out again in the beach. It felt good. The sun was bright and the cool breeze was very refreshing.

Such a lovely day to spend outside

There are lots of activities to do while in Corregidor, from hiking, biking, night lateral visit, camping, bird watching, rock balancing (which Erick wanted to try) and more. Of course, we did the easiest - sightseeing! Here are some of the highlights of our trip.

Go South

We spent almost half an hour along the South Dock before the proper tour started. We boarded the tranvia once more and went around the island. Too bad, we were only allowed by our tour guide to stay 5-10 minutes per spot because as he always told us we have to catch the Malinta Tunnel Light and Sound and Show at 4pm ;P

Middleside Barracks

The Middleside barracks houses one of the offices of the American and Filipino soldiers.

Rocky Corregidor beach

Corregidor has been called the Island of Rock, thus the rocky shoreline. It's a relatively small island; just three miles long and 1 1/2 miles at its widest.

One of the many batteries

There are 32 batteries in Corregidor but we visited only three. Seeing all the big guns and mortars made me wonder how of all these were transported to the island. The batteries were strategically positioned to defend the island fortress from potential attacks.

                      Pacific War Memorial

For me, the most important site in Corregidor is the Pacific War Memorial. In the complex, you can find the museum, the Eternal Flame Monument, and an altar which has an open circular ceiling. Every anniversary of the fall of Corregidor on May 6, the sun directly hits this open circular and the rays strike the altar. 

Eternal Flame of Freedom

Another spot that I loved is the Eternal Flame of Freedom Monument. It is made of red steel which appears to burn unceasingly when the sun shines on it. From where it stands, Manila Bay, Bataan peninsula, and Cavite coastline can be seen.

Malinta Tunnel

And of course don't miss the Malinta Tunnel Light and Sound Show where the four-year war history of Corregidor is narrated and presented in 30 minutes. There was even a simulated bomb explosion. Interesting!

Overall, our Corregidor experience was great and worth every penny!

contact information:

Pakyaw! - It's a Big Deal
www.pakyaw.com.ph

Sun Cruises
CCP Terminal A. CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (632) 831-8140,(632) 834-6857 to 58
Fax No. (632) 834-1523
suncruises@magsaysay.com.ph
www.corregidorphilippines.com

Day Tour: Daily
Inclusions: Roundtrip ferry transfers; shrine, entrance and terminal fees; guided island tour and buffet lunch
A. Day tour with buffet lunch - 1,999.00 Php /person
B. Day tour - Child rate (tour and transfers with kiddie meal) - 1,118.00 Php /person

Overnight
Inclusions: Roundtrip ferry transfers; shrine, entrance and terminal fees; Guided island tour, (1) buffet lunch on day 1 and overnight accomodation at Corregidor Inn

Single - 2,880.00 Php /person
Php /person Twin/ Double/ Triple - 1,999.00 Php + /person

Optional: Malinta Tunnel Lights and Sound Show - 150.00 Php