Middleside Barracks Ruins - Cavite

Middleside Barracks Ruins is probably the first of the many ruins that you'll encounter once you avail the day tour package to Corregidor. It is located in the Middleside sector in Corregidor Island in the province of Cavite, Philippines.  

Middleside Barracks Ruins

Middleside Barracks Ruins Details

Built in 1915, Middleside Barracks is a historic military structure located in the Middleside sector of Corregidor Island, Cavite, Philippines. This impressive complex consists of two three-story buildings that once served as living quarters for the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment and the 91st Philippine Scout Coast Artillery Regiment. The barracks derived its name from its strategic location at the “Middleside” area of the island, positioned between the Topside and Bottomside sectors.

Middleside Barracks Ruins - Cavite, Philippines

During its time, Middleside Barracks stood as one of the largest and most important facilities in Corregidor, showcasing early 20th-century American military architecture. Its sturdy design, made with cement reportedly imported from Japan, reflected the island’s role as a key defense outpost of Manila Bay. Today, the ruins of Middleside Barracks serve as a haunting yet fascinating reminder of Corregidor’s wartime history and are among the first landmarks visitors encounter on a Corregidor Island day tour.

Photos of the Middleside Barracks Ruins

The Backpack Adventures visits the Middleside Barracks Ruins

You can see the bullet damage on the building

An NHI marker is installed near the road.

... it reads...

The facade of the building

This damage was actually done by a typhoon

It is said that the cement used to construct the building was imported from Japan. Ironically, years later, it was Japan’s own forces that would heavily bombard Corregidor Island—including the Middleside Barracks—with thousands of bombs during World War II.

The barracks once served as home to the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment and the 91st Philippine Scout Coast Artillery Regiment. It was also briefly occupied by elements of the 4th Marine Regiment upon their arrival in Corregidor in December 1941, during the early stages of World War II.

Old photos of Middleside Barracks Ruins

Today, the ruins of Middleside Barracks can only be viewed safely from the road in front of it. For safety reasons, visitors are not allowed to approach the fragile remains, as the structure continues to deteriorate with time. From a distance, however, you can still admire the remnants of its walls—some of which have survived the war but are now slowly being reclaimed by nature. According to our tour guide, a portion of the barracks collapsed after a recent typhoon, prompting the installation of steel braces to help “prolong” the life of this historic structure and preserve it for future generations.

Middleside Barracks Ruins Admission Fee

You can't enter the Middleside Barracks Ruins. However, you can view it from the road. It's FREE or it's included in your tranvia tour.

Middleside Barracks Ruins Operating Hours

Middleside Barracks Ruins is open 24/7. However, the area is not well-lit, so visit only in the morning.

Why visit Middleside Barracks Ruins?

Visiting Middleside Barracks offers a powerful glimpse into the island’s wartime past and the sacrifices made by Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. Standing before its weathered ruins, visitors can imagine the once-bustling life of the troops who called it home and the fierce battles that left it in ruins.

Aside from its historical significance, the site provides a striking contrast between nature and history, where moss, vines, and trees now embrace the remnants of concrete walls. It’s a must-see stop on any Corregidor Island tour, especially for history enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the Philippines’ role in the Pacific War.

Getting to the Middleside Barracks Ruins:

Update: This information may be outdated.

Unless you charter a private yacht—which can be quite expensive—or travel to Bataan to rent a fishing boat to reach the island (a tiring option if you’re coming from Manila), the most convenient way to visit Corregidor Island used to be through Sun Cruises.

For many years, Sun Cruises dominated Corregidor’s tourism scene, offering convenient daily ferry trips from Manila to Corregidor. The ferry departed once a day from the Sun Cruise Terminal located at the Esplanade Seaside Terminal, Esplanade Seaside Park, Seaside Blvd., MOA Complex, Pasay City. Boarding time was at 7:00 AM, with departure at 7:30 AM, and the return trip to Manila was scheduled at 3:00 PM (boarding at 2:30 PM in Corregidor).

Contact (historical reference):

📍 Esplanade Seaside Terminal, Seaside Blvd., MOA Complex, Pasay City
📞 (02) 8628-9751

(Note: As of recent years, Sun Cruises has reportedly ceased operations, and alternative tour operators or ferry services may now handle Corregidor tours. Please verify the latest travel arrangements before planning your visit.)

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