Travel Guide | A Day Tour in the Historical Rock: Corregidor Island

This travel was truly remarkable for me because it happened three years ago plus it is my first out of town travel which motivates me to go back again in writing and blogging.

My sister invited me to have a day tour in Corregidor Island. I was excited because I am interested about the relevance of the place in our history as well with the fact that this was the first time that I will ride a ferry to reach a tourist destination.Within one day, we learned a lot of things about the history of our country by listening to the facts delivered by our tour guide and taking a glimpse of the structures that reflect in the heritage and historical past of our country in the historical rock.

Map of Corregidor

A trading vessel crossing the Manila Bay

Natural beauty of Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island is located 48 kilometers west of Manila and it is strategically found in the entrance of Manila Bay. As you can see, the shape of the island resembles to a tadpole and it is divided into four parts: Topside, Middleside, Bottomside and Tailside. Corregidor is the largest among the five islands in the Manila Bay.  Corregidor is part of Cavite City which is located ten miles away from the area.  However, Corregidor is located three miles from Bataan. The island is called as "The Rock" and American colonizers called it as "The Gibraltar of the East" because of its rocky landscapes and it stands as the memorial for heroes who fought during the Second World War against the Japanese invaders. In addition, Corregidor serves as a harbor defense for foreign invaders who came to our country and it is the headquarters of Philippine Commonwealth during the Japanese occupation.

Ruined barracks of Corregidor Island

Different weapons such as canyons and mortars in Corregidor Island.

Corregidor Island is popular for its ruined barracks which is located in different parts of the island, namely the Middleside Barracks, Topside Barracks and the Mile Long Barracks. These structures were built during the American period where the island was organized as military reservation. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasion after the Filipino American heroes held out the island on May 6, 1942. In addition, you can see battle weapons and batteries in different parts of the island. These weapons are used during the siege in Corregidor. These structures left untouched after their destruction that served as memories of the Second World War in the Philippines.

Pacific War Memorial, Filipino Heroes Memorial and Japanese Garden of Peace.

Spanish Lighthouse

The Pacific War Memorial is a park which commemorates the Filipino and American heroes during the Second World War in the Philippines. The place features the the major memorial structure which is a rotonda with circular altar. The rotonda was dedicated to the heroes who sacrificed their lives during the battle. There is also the Pacific War Museum where you can see archived photos and objects used during the war. Other structures found in the place are the statue called Brothers in Arms which symbolizes the unity between United States and the Philippines during the war and the monument called Eternal Flame of Freedom which commemorates the recapture of the Philippines from the Japanese invaders. There is also the Japanese Garden of Peace which is dedicated to the Japanese heroes who showed courage and bravery in the war. There is also the Filipino Heroes Memorial where you can see murals and tableaux of different historical events in the country as well with Philippine heroes and presidents. You can also take a bird's eye view of Corregidor and its neighboring islands through the Spanish Lighthouse and it is powered by solar energy.

Malinta Tunnel Lateral Walk

Lastly, the Malinta Tunnel is one of the interesting sites in Corregidor Island. It is the secret hideout of Filipino and American soldiers in the island during the midst of the siege. The tunnel served as a hospital, lateral and a government office of the Philippine Commonwealth during the Japanese invasion. You can experience the trek inside the tunnel visiting the different sites used during the war. In addition, experience the Lights and Sound Show inside the tunnel about the World War II in Corregidor for P150.00.

General Douglas MacArthur statue in Corregidor with his historical, quotable line "I shall return."

After the day tour at the historic Corregidor, we went back to Manila. I never forget this first travel experience because I appreciate the history of Corregidor which reflects the colorful past and heritage of our country and the courage and bravery of the Filipino and American heroes during the Second World War which show the love to our country.

You can also try other activities in the island such as the ROCKet Zipline, where you can experience a 30-second thrilling air glide with enjoyable scenic view of the Southbeach, hiking at Malinta Hill and camp adventure at the outdoors.

How to Get There: You can inquire at Sun Cruises at CCP Bay Terminal located at Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Manila. It provides two internationally-classed 145-seater fast ferries in order to cater tourists to Corregidor  Island. The Trams or "Tranvia Buses" are the major means of transportation in the island.

Date of Travel: March 13, 2010

Contacts:

SUN CRUISES PHILIPPINES

CCP Bay Terminal A, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

www.corregidorphilippines.com