Conquer Corregidor

Barracks used by the soldiers who fought during World War 2

One of the lessons I learned during this trip is that although Corregidor is geographically near Bataan, it is politically part of Cavite. And so the address   is Corregidor Island, Cavite.

This tadpole-shaped island located at the entrance of Manila Bay served as a focal point for the naval defenses and was vital to the defense of Manila during the World War II. But nowadays because of its significance in Philippine history, it's included in the list of main tourist destinations in the country. 

Along with my sister Cha, we decided to spend a day in this historical island and joined the group tour organized by Suncruises. Because we made reservations prior to the trip, we had no problems getting our seats when we arrived in the docking area near CCP Complex on that clear Sunday morning. There were a handful of foreign and local tourists who joined us in this trip.  We left Manila Bay at around 8 a.m and reached Corregidor after about an hour and 15 minutes of ferry ride. Cars that resembles a tram were waiting for us in the docking area.  These were also the same tourist cars that we used exploring the whole island. We were brought to a hall where our lunch was served. And after the buffet lunch, we started the tour. 


We visited some of Corregidor's historical treasures, such as: 

Malinta Tunnel - This tunnel which was completed in 1922 was formerly an arsenal and underground hospital. Located under the Malinta hill, it served as bomb-proof headquarters for Fil-American troops during World War II.

Entrance of Malinta Tunnel. Inside, we watched a light and sound show where simulations of the bombings during the war were depicted.

Lighthouse - The original lighthouse was established in 1853 to guide ships to their entrance to Manila Bay.  Because of the damage it sustained during World War 2, it was rebuilt in 1950 using some of the original stones from the ruins. The lantern was replaced in the 1990s with a solar powered light and the base now houses a souvenir shop for tourists. It offers a great view of Manila Bay, the South China Sea, and the rest of the island. It is located at Topside and is 628 feet above sea level.

The lighthouse in Corregidor. 

Topside and Middleside - Topside and Middleside has the remains of soldiers' and officers' barracks like the Mile-Long Barracks, and many artillery batteries.

barracks

ruins

artelliries used during the war

General Douglas MacArthur Park - A statue of the General stands at the Lorcha Dock ruins at Bottomside where he boarded a boat to Mindanao on March 11, 1942. He then sailed to Australia where he sent his famous message: "I shall return."

Gen. Douglas MacArthur Shrine

Japanese Garden of Peace Park - The park features a 10-foot stone Buddha, a Shinto Shrine, and various Japanese soldier memorial shrines and anti-aircraft weapon relics. 

10-foot stone Buddha

For Reservations:


Reservations Office
Fernando Ma. Guerrero corner Paseo Palisoc, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. 
Tel. Nos. (632) 831-8140,(632) 834-6857 to 58
Fax No. (632) 834-1523
E-mail: suncruises@magsaysay.com.ph

Sales Office
21st Floor Times Plaza Bldg., Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (632) 527-5555 local 4511 and 4512
Fax No. (632) 527-5555 local 4513
E-mail: sales@suncruises.com.ph

the tram-like car used while touring the island

Corregidor Inn
Corregidor Island, Cavite 
Mobile: 0917-5276350
E-mail: corregidor_inn@suncruises.com.ph

Itinerary: 
7:00 AM- Check-in time
7:30 AM- Boarding time
8:00 AM- ETD Manila
9:15 AM- ETA Corregidor (Guided tour with Lunch)
2:30 PM- ETD Corregidor
3:45 PM- ETA Manila 

CORREGIDOR ISLAND (Suncruises)


A. Day Tour Package: Daily
Inclusions: Roundtrip ferry transfers; shrine, entrance and terminal fees; guided island tour and buffet lunch


Day Tour with Buffet Lunch (Adult) - Php2,200.00 per person 
Day Tour with Buffet Lunch (Child 3-11 y/o) - Php1,250.00 per person


B. Overnight Room Rate (On top of the day tour package)


Twin/ Double with Breakfast for two - Php2,000.00
Extra Person with Breakfast - Php750.00


C. Corregidor Historical Walking Tour
Inclusions: Roundtrip ferry transfers; shrine, entrance and terminal fees; guided walking tour, packed lunch and tour kit - Php1,688.00/person


Optional Activities in Corregidor:


Lights and Sound Show at Malinta Tunnel - Php150/person
The Rocket (Zipline) - Php150/person
Outdoor Activities - Sunset viewing, Night Lateral, Sunrise Viewing, Easy Hiking - Php250/person
Kayaking - Php500 per hr.
ATVs (All-terrain vehicle) - 500.00/hr. 


Sources: http://www.travelph.com/day_tours/suncruises/index.htm and http://www.corregidorphilippines.com/

Cha and Che conquered Corregidor (Nov. 21, 2009)