I Recommend an Adventure in Corregidor
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If
you are fond of history coupled with a little bit of adventure, then I
recommend a visit to Corregidor. This is definitely an outdoor with a bit of indoor type of adventure.
Corregidor, A Bit of History
Corregidor is a rocky, tadpole- shaped island in the Philippines. It is strategically located at the entrance of Manila Bay and served as the headquarters of the Allied Forces as well as the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government during World War II.
Corregidor is also known as “The Rock” because of its rocky features. But the name “Corregidor” actually has Spanish origin as it comes from the word “corregir” which means to correct. The strategic location of the island made it an ideal ‘correcting’ point where identity and position of vessels entering Manila Bay are checked.
During World War II, Philippine and American forces held out at Corregidor for almost a month before they were forced to surrender to the Japanese Imperial Army. By that time however, Philippine President, Manuel L. Quezon, and Gen. Douglas MacArthur of the American forces, had already left for Australia through secret tunnels in the island. These tunnels are now some of the major attractions in this island.
Adventure in Corregidor
What can one do in Corregidor? Well, you can either take a day tour or an overnight tour.
a) Day tour
After you dock at the pier of Corregidor, you will be taken around the island on a tramvia, an open type of bus.
Stops include the following:
- Ruins of barracks and officers quarters – remains of ruined buildings are all over the place
- Artillery batteries - the guns and mortars of various sizes are still here. This includes Battery Hearn’s seacoast gun which has a firing range of 17 miles
- Parade grounds at various levels
- Malinta Tunnel with its Lights and Sound Show
- Pacific War Memorial and Museum – this is found at the highest point of the island and has a magnificent view of tail end of the tadpole shaped island. The Eternal Flame sculpture is also a landmark of the place.
- Spanish Lighthouse – this used to serve as the checkpoint that alerted officers in Manila of approaching vessels. You can go up the lighthouse one and a time. There is also a small Spanish museum beside it.
- Filipino Heroes Memorial – this is marked by murals that depict some of the country’s historic battles including the People Power Revolution of 1986. There is also a small museum in this site.
- Japanese Memorial garden – this is just near the Filipino Heroes Memorial. It has a beautiful view of the coastline and there is a sculpture and small Japanese garden
b) Night Tour
If you want more adventure however, you should stay overnight and join the night tour as well as the sunrise tour.
If you stay overnight, you are free to do whatever you like after lunch. The night tour begins at sunset where you will be able to enjoy a fantastic view of the sunset over the island. Then you will tour some of the ruins at night.
The night gives the tour an eerie feel because you are in hospital ruins as well as massacre sites. So if you have a kind of sixth sense, you might feel some definite changes in the atmosphere as well as see some unusual light.
In my picture of the night tour for example, I don’t know where that red glow at the right side came from.
The high point of the night tour is a tour through the Malinta Tunnel once again. This time however, the focus is not on the main tunnel and the light and sound show but rather on the lateral tunnels of which there are many. You will also need to wear helmets and carry flashlights because you have to pass through some very low and narrow channels. You have to practically crawl through some of the tunnels and you will also be shown the escape route of Quezon and MacArthur.
To add drama to the whole tour, all the lights in the tunnels are turned off and you have to rely only on flashlights which you share with 4 other people. If the batteries in your flashlight give up (as what happened to us), you have to call out to your guide to help you along.
This lateral tunnel tour is fun especially if you are the type who gets some thrills from being scared. There was even a point during our tour when one lady let out a blood curdling cry when she accidentally touched somebody standing beside a wall as she was groping in the dark. I think the person was just standing silently because it was pitched dark but this lady probably tried to reach for the wall and touched a person instead. So if you have a heart condition, then just wait for the others at the main tunnel. This part of the tour is not for you.
Your stay in Corregidor is not complete if you don’t join a “catch the sunrise tour”. This will bring you again to the topmost part of the island where you can appreciate all the glory of God’s creation as the sun slowly breaks out from the horizon.
For the even more adventurous souls, a short hiking tour through steep trails and dense tropical forest is part of the morning tour. You can however opt not to join the group if you do not have strong arms and legs for this kind of activity.
More Adventures in Corregidor
After the early morning guided tour, you are on your own to explore the island at leisure. The boat back to Manila is still after lunch.
Some activities you can do while waiting for the trip back are:
- Discover where some paths lead to
- Visit the chapel
- Explore the beach
- Use the swimming pool
- Explore some shops for souvenirs
- Go fishing
By the way, there is only one hotel in the island. However, if you want more island type adventure, there is a camping ground where you can pitch tent and do some barbecue.
Ok, have I convinced you enough to give Corregidor a try?
CommentsLoading...
The sunrise tour sounds the most inviting! Oh to see the world :) That last photo is a kicker Jill!
Hi Paul - It's good to see you! hey you are first on here. Thank you very much!
Yes, isn't it neat - not burning anything and yet have an eternal flame?
Thanks again for the visit and lovely comment!
Hello Green Lotus - The sunrise tour is really great!
I held my breath as the sun's ray slowly lighted the sky and give just enough light for me to take a silhouette shot. Then when the sun was finally out, we had fun taking fantasy shots.
Yes, I enjoyed taking that photo of my son trying to do a high 5 with the statue of MacArthur. He had to do several jumps before I was able to get a perfect shot.
Jill,
I just love your work! this brings back memories. I visited Corrigador just last April. We did the day tour, but I thought how neat it would be to spend the night on the island..I would have enjoyed the sunrise tour. As usaul your photos are splendid! thanks for the hub -
Hi Coffeesnob,
I always look forward to your visits 'cause you always make me feel good about my hubs.
So you have visited Corregidor, that's great! I'm glad that you enjoyed your visit there. It's a pity I only joined Hubpages in May of last year, so we did not know each other then. Otherwise, I would have convinced you to stay overnight for the sunrise tour.
I really loved that part - waiting for the break of dawn and just feel the stillness of the morning and God's glory! Just made my heart sing!
I've been to Corregidor (day tour only) and I can't believe the number of sites that one can see in such a small island. It's really a wonderful experience to see a major part of our history in one place. Thanks for featuring Corregidor in your hub jill.
The night tour sounds interesting and scary, particularly the laternal tunnel tour. Nice pictures and clear, engaging explainaton. Would love to visit it someday. Thanks for the lovely hub.
Hi Emie,
You are right, there is so much to see in the island. However, I suggest you go back to try the night and sunrise tours, they are really worth it.
By the way, did you see the monkeys along the way? They were partially covered by leaves so I could not get a good shot.
It's nice to see you again!
Hello anglnwu,
Yes, if you ever get a chance to come to the Philippines, do visit Corregidor.
Many tourist just go for the day tour. They don't know that they are missing the best parts of the tour - the night and sunrise tours. Of course if you go there for just the historical bit, then the day tour is enough. However, for those who want more adventure, then I really suggest those two other tours.
The atmosphere is totally different at night. And the lateral tunnels - I couldn't believe that they are that extensive! Some are so narrow, you have to almost crawl, but the others are so wide - they served as quarters and hospitals.
Yes, hospital, not just a simple clinic!
Thanks for the visit and wonderful comment! I do hope you can come someday.
The eternal flame sculpture is amazing. If I'm ever lucky enough to visit the sunrise and sunset would be my priorities as they seem to have a different quality when viewed from an island. A very informative hub about a place I didn't know existed. Thank you for sharing.
Amber
Hi Amber,
I hope that can indeed come for a visit.
You are right, the quality of sunsets and sunrises are different when viewed from an island. Really something to experience.
Thank you for dropping by and leaving a beautiful comment.
Wow! Excellent hub, made me want to visit the place.
Beautiful landscape, great history, adventures and a dash of scary thing in the night tour. Wonderful!
How much would cost these tours?
Hi mochileiro,
Thanks for dropping by and leaving an upbeat comment.
Yes, it's a nice adventure - with a little bit of everything.
Rates change and sometimes there are promos. When we went there last year they had a 50% discount on rates.
You can contact their email - corregidortours@suncruises.com.ph or suncruises@magsaysay.com.ph
Good luck and hope you do visit.
Sounds great! I can see why you would recommend such a place to visit! Excellent photography and well done hub, Jill!
Such a wonderful hub about a fascinating place - makes one want to go visit! As always, Jill, thanks for a great hub!
Sounds great. Thanks, Jill!
I visited the place few years ago with my photo clubbers as part of our group photo shot escapades on weekends. I was told that there is no boat going to the island anymore. Is this true? If yes, then what will be the other option to reach the place?
Hi Ann - Thanks very much! If you do get a chance, come and visit.
It's good to see you again!
Hello Shalini - Thank you very much!
As always, your words make me happy. If you ever get a chance, do visit.
All the best!
Hi Jacob - Thank you for dropping by and leaving a wonderful comment!
Hi Reymos - It's nice to see you here! This (Hubpages) is where I spend more time now. As you probably noticed, I have not been updating my photoblog regularly.
Yes, it's a nice place for photo adventure.
There is a boat that goes there everyday. The tour is now being managed by Sun Cruises. The docking area is at the marina of the CCP complex. I wrote the email address of Sun Cruises in one of my comments here.
I've been to Corregidor once - way back in college - and the place as I remember it reeks of nostalgia and romance (yes, romance! Haha). The trip to the tunnel gave me the creeps but in a good way. And the ruins and the remnants of war that scatter about are sights to behold. Great hub :D
Hi Cris - that's great! Romance? Well, you must have been with somebody you love then? Perfect setting for "love among the ruins"? Ha ha. Oh, don't mind me.
What I found more creepy really was the ruins where the massacre victims wrote their names. Somehow the atmosphere in that section was too eerie for me.
It's good to see you again! Thanks very much Cris.
Wow. I like to see the artillery up close. Thanks for this.
You are welcome borge! There are several of them in Corregidor. Do visit the place if you want to see more artillery up close.
Thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment.
I'm not a huge fisher but of all places this island sounds like a great place to try, I wonder if there is other wildlife there? Well written article.
Hello Ben,
Any island in the Philippines,(and we have 7000+ of them) is a fishing area. I did not try the fishing activity in Corregidor though, so I cannot say much about it. As to wildlife, we saw monkeys and bats during the guided tour. You can observe them but I think you cannot hunt.
Thank you for the visit and wonderful comment.
I heard that the Philippines has some of the biggest and most beautiful bats in the world! Monkeys too, I will bring my camera if I go!
Hi Ben,
Thanks for coming back.
Well, I don't know if I can call bats as beautiful, but we do have plenty of them here. And yes, monkeys too. You really have to bring your camera because you can never tell what you will encounter.
Thanks again!
All the best!
I am ashamed of myself... I have never been to Corrigedor.... it is only about 3 hours trip from Bulacan I think.....maybe next time when I come home I will definetly visit ....
Hi MM - yes, you should really try it next time you come home for a visit. It's really worth it.
Great read, my sister & her family visited the island when they last went to visit the Philippines.
I, unfortunately was unable to go there on our last trip, even though I really wanted to go. Anyway this article have convinced to go the next time I'm back there. Thanks for sharing.
Hello J@ps - thank you for dropping by and leaving a wonderful comment.
Oh, you should really visit the place when you get another chance. I assure you, it's worth it.
Beautiful hub! I enjoyed the tour!
Habee - thanks very much! I'm happy that you enjoyed the tour. If you do get a chance, the actual tour would be best!
See you around!
read your blog 2 nights before i set for corregidor island as a weekend getaway (which i haven't had in 3 years)-- you caught everything down to the last detail. Thanks for your insights-- I tried everything you suggested and made the trip not only worth the money spent but something to be remembered! :)
Hello docannemargaux,
Wow, this is the first time that somebody actually made a trip after I recommended it! That's very nice to know! I'm so happy if my hub helped to make your trip to Corregidor memorable.
Thanks very much for this positive feedback!
God bless!
This hub was a lot of fun to read. I spent some time in the Phillipines but never made it to Corregidor. Looks like I'll have to go back! Thanks for the hub.
Hello John Z,
Thanks for dropping by.
If that is the case, then you should really come back. It will be worth it, I assure you.
Thank you very much for you upbeat comment!
Great blog! Corregidor is indeed a very nice place. In fact, we're currently working on our thesis regarding the motivations of repeat visitors of Corregidor. We chose the island for our study because of its uniqueness. We're looking for people who have been to the island at least twice. Maybe, you could help us with this matter. We would really appreciate it. :)
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for dropping by. That's an interesting project. I have been to the island just once so I don't think I will fit in as respondent for your project. However, if you ask me what will make me go back to Corregidor - I have two answers: 1) somebody ask me to accompany them there and 2) I need to do some project/research related to Corregidor.
Maybe you can tell your friends about this hub. Maybe they will discover that they missed something after reading this, then they might be encouraged to go back there.
I hope I have been of help.
Good luck!
wow! I really want to go there! it's awesome!
Hi Syd,
Nice to see you!
Yes, you do that, visit that is. It's really worth the trip.
Thanks very much for your visit and wonderful comment.
God bless!
I love adventures! And this one is my new adventure to explore. Thanks for sharing your hub with us. You have got some shot of pictures that makes me to enjoy watching.
Hello Interest topic,
That's great to know! I'm happy that you enjoyed this hub!
Thanks very much for dropping by.
God bless!
Hi Jill of all trades!
My cousins and I are going to Corregidor this spring break. I would like to ask about prices of the tours you mentioned.
Sunrise tour
Sunset/Night tour/Ghost hunting tour
Hiking tour
And an estimate of food & drink prices and whatever else we need to pay for in the island?
I need to compute how much money we need to bring (and exchange) for an overnight trip. I doubt we could just whip out our debit cards to pay for everything.
Or better yet, do you remember if there's a foreign exchange or ATMs in the island?
Thanks!
Hello Ashleigh,
That's great! It's one tour that is really worth it!
There was a special promo when we went there last time so I'm sure the rates are different especially since that was a few years ago. However, you can check their site here: http://www.corregidorphilippines.com/packages.html
There is no ATM machine in the island but you can book online. The boarding area is in the marina area near the Cultural Center. I think there are ATM machines there. Hotel stay is part of the package.
The different tours that are separate from the actual island tour are very reasonably priced. They are all very affordable and worth it.
There are small restaurants outside the hotel where you can get food at very cheap prices. Hotel food is not that expensive either.
Good luck and have fun!!!
Tell me about it after!
Thanks for reading this hub!
God bless!
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paul_gibsons 23 months ago
an eternal flame without actually burning anything... now THAT I like :)