Conquering Corregidor

A day tour to Corregidor is a little expensive, costing around 2, 000 pesos via Sun Cruises. But the ferry ride to the island was inviting. It’s not everyday that I get to ride one! Although not a swimmer, still, I’m a fan of the sea. Just inhaling the cool sea breeze relaxes my mind and my nerves. The water couldn’t sound more wonderful when it kisses the shore or its waves slap over boulders of rocks and brave sea vessels. Yeah, I love the sound of the sea. That’s why, I couldn’t resist the trip to Corregidor!

Since the island was a military reservation during World War II, Corregidor is a favorite destination among war veterans, Filipinos and Americans alike. It is also frequented by students, teachers, foreign visitors, and Pinoy travelers, too. Like myself.

Going to Corregidor is more or less an hour’s ferry ride from Manila. The ferry leaves CCP terminal at around eight o’clock in the morning. As the boat traverse the sea, you are free to go around; buy some snacks, take pictures, or you may go to the second deck where you’ll be able to enjoy the panorama of the ocean, the islands and mountains from afar and even the diminishing view of the city you left behind. When the ferry finally docks in Corregidor, tourist guides, tranvias and their drivers await the visitors at the port, ready to take them around the island.

In the tranvia, the tour guide gives an overview of the island, explains why its geographical location made it a perfect site for an army reservation camp, and introduces the structures around and the various military installations in the whole island. The tranvia stops at some points — for the tourist to explore and take a closer look.

Points of Interests in Corregidor:

1. The Mile-Long Barracks - Ruins of a three-story structure that measures around 1, 500 feet long and housed an estimated 2,000 American soldiers. Gen. Douglas McArthur’s headquarters was also located in this building. It became popular worldwide as the longest military barracks.

2. Batteries - Batteries are scattered in the island; strategically placed to protect Manila from outside forces. Twenty batteries were installed in Corregidor and some of the most well-known are: Battery Way, which has four 12-inch mortars capable of firing in any direction (360 degrees); Battery Geary, whose six 13-ton, 12-inch guns are the most effective; Battery Crocket, which has two seacoast mortars; and Battery Hearn, which has the longest seacoast gun capable of firing up to a distance of 17 miles.

3. Spanish Lighthouse - From the top of the lighthouse, one can enjoy a breathtaking view of Manila Bay, South China Sea and even the rest of the island.

4. Pacific War Memorial - Built by the American government in honor of the Filipinos and American soldiers who fought during thr second World War. Highlight of the memorial is a dome with an open ceiling, where, on the 6th of May (the fall of Corregidor), the rays of the sun directly shines on the marble altar in the middle.

5. Filipino Heroes Memorial - Dedicated to the Filipino heroes who fought for freedom. The memorial has 14 murals depicting the battle of Filipinos from the Spanish era up to EDSA People Power. From here, you can see Caballo Island, which is very near Corregidor.

6. Malinta Tunnel (Light-and-Sound Show) - A tour in Corregidor will not be complete without experiencing the 30-minute light-and-sound show inside the Malinta Tunnel. The show presents the many functions of the tunnel during the war: a hospital for the soldiers, fuel storage, weaponry, headquarters, and how it became the home and office of President Quezon’s government. The presentation ends with the Philippine national anthem and raising of the Philippine flag.

Tags: Corregidor, island, Philippines, tour, war, WWII