Cavite Adventure: Corregidor Island

Our adventure today takes us 48 kilometers west of kilometer 0 in Manila. Corregidor Island is a strategically located island at the mouth of Manila Bay. Its name came from the Spanish word corregir which means to correct. 

Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island details

The Spanish require all ships to stop and have their documents checked and corrected on this island, much like what the Bureau of Customs does today. Corregidor was garrisoned by the Spanish and later by the American forces.

Corregidor Island as seen from a distance

The tadpole-shaped island of Corregidor is popularly called "the Rock" by the Americans and Filipinos who defended it during the Second World War.

The island became the last defensive position of the American and Filipino defenders after Bataan fell into Japanese hands during World War II. After 27 days of valiantly defending the island, the sick and hungry defenders finally surrendered on May 6, 1942. The island was retaken by the Americans two years later, but the once-proud island fortress and its big guns would lay in ruins and would be until the present day.

Welcome to The Rock!

My first visit to Corregidor was sponsored by the fathers of my students from the school that I'm working at. The trip included a guided tour around the island and a night ghost hunting adventure inside the Malinta Tunnel.

The Rock has a rocky beach.

Although the place is an island, it is not designed for beach lovers. Corregidor Island lacks resorts and beachfront amenities that will cater to the needs of beachgoers. There was once a resort located near a former concentration camp but it did not fare well and was forced to close down. (I think tourists found it distasteful to enjoy near a place of agony.)

Check out these modified tranvia replicas

I wonder if Vin Diesel would drive one of these...

The island is perfect for those who want to see for themselves the horror and devastation of the war in the country. Overall, the Corregidor Island tour helps you improve your historical knowledge and your love for your country.

Places to see in Corregidor:

Middleside Barracks 60th CA (AA) EM

Battery Hearn

Battery Way

Battery Grubbs

Mile-Long Barracks

Eternal Flame of Freedom

Cine Corregidor

Corregidor Island Lighthouse

Pacific War Memorial

Lorcha Dock

Corregidor Beach Resort

Kindley Airfield

Malinta Tunnel

Pacific War Memorial Museum

Old Corregidor Flagpole

Japanese Tunnel

Senior Officer's Family Quarters

Fort Mills Post Headquarters and Chapel

Japanese Memorial Garden

Filipino Heroes Memorial

South Dock

San Jose Church

Ordnance Repair Shop

Corregidor Hotel

Some of the other batteries that were set up in Corregidor included: Wheeler, Ramsay, Morrison, James, Smith, Cheney, Monja, Kysor, Hamilton, Cushing, Sunset, Hanna, Keyes, Rockpoint, Wright, Rose, and Crockett.

Corregidor Island Day Tour Itinerary

7:00AM - Check-in and boarding time in Manila Bay
7:30AM - Estimated time of departure
9:15AM - Arrival in Corregidor Island, north pier
9:30 - 12:00NN - Tour of the top and middle parts of the Island
12:30 - 1:30PM - Lunch in Corregidor Inn: A buffet lunch at the island’s hotel is included in the tour.
1:30 - 2:30PM - Tour of the bottom and tail parts of Corregidor
3:45PM - Estimated time of arrival in Manila

Estimated Budget:*

The biggest chunk of your budget would be for transportation from Manila to Corregidor Island. Unlike our other adventures, where we have other options regarding transportation, we only have one choice, which is Sun Cruises, and that's where we'll focus.

*Update: This information may be outdated.

A. Day Tour Package: Daily

Inclusions: Round-trip ferry transfers; shrine and entrance fees; guided island tour and buffet lunch
 
Day Tour Weekday Adult Rate - Php2,200.00/person
Day Tour Weekend* Adult Rate - Php2,399.00/person
Day Tour Child Rate (3-11 yo) - Php1,350.00/person
*Weekend rate applies to Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday trips

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

Single with Breakfast - Php1,500.00
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 and entrance fees; guided walking tour - Php1,650.00/person

D. Corregidor Adventure

Inclusions: Roundtrip ferry transfers; shrine and entrance fees; packed lunch; Corregidor Adventure (Race) - Php1,999.00/person

E. Corregidor Ferry Transfers 

Inclusions: Round-trip ferry transfers; a shrine and entrance fees;
Ferry Transfers Weekday Rate - Php1,250.00/person
Ferry Transfers Weekend* Rate - Php1,350.00/person
*Weekend rate applies to Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday trips

Optional Activities:

Lights and Sound Show at Malinta Tunnel - Php200.00/person
The Rocket (Zipline) - Php100.00/person
Outdoor Activities (Sunset and Sunrise viewing, Tunnel Lateral Tour) - Php250.00/person
Kayaking - Php500.00/hr.
ATVs (All-terrain vehicle) - Php500.00/hr. 

Why visit Corregidor?

Corregidor Island is a perfect weekend getaway destination for those living in and around Manila. If you are a big fan of history (like I am), then you should visit this place at least once in your life. There are different tours that you might want to try out, like the hiking tour, walking tour, biking tour, and the Malinta Tunnel Night Lateral Tour. 

Getting to Corregidor Island:


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.)


Ratings


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Cleanliness

Overall ratings


Location: Corregidor, Cavite City, Philippines

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 4, 2019 at 5:52 AM

    Hello, I enjoy reading all of your post. I like to write a little comment to support
    you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. jawariaMarch 20, 2020 at 11:23 PM

    army baraks and green fields are so beautiful to visit. Iwill def. go there in vacations

    ReplyDelete
  3. D'ondraMarch 21, 2020 at 7:19 AM

    Nice! Another amazing article from you. As usual I learned something new from it. Thanks a bunch! 🙂"

    ReplyDelete
  4. mariah greenMarch 21, 2020 at 9:49 AM

    Nice! Another amazing article from you. As usual I learned something new from it. Thanks a bunch!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AtlasMarch 21, 2020 at 11:22 AM

    Beautiful, very well written indeed

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMarch 21, 2020 at 10:52 PM

    This looks beautiful! Thank you for showing the beauty of the Philippines.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AdminMarch 22, 2020 at 1:17 AM

    Really nice article written by you. Looking forward to your next article.

    ReplyDelete
  8. ktliangMarch 22, 2020 at 3:14 PM

    I like that you can travel so cheaply in the Philippines. This looks like a great place for a day trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 28, 2020 at 12:01 AM

      It is but I highly suggest the overnight trip. You'd surely love the Night Lateral Tour.

      Delete
  9. MonidipaMarch 22, 2020 at 4:47 PM

    The place looks so great. Such great captures I must say that and your description is lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jessica LMarch 22, 2020 at 5:31 PM

    Great post! I will definitely have to roll this into our summer plans, since we're living in Spain right now. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 27, 2020 at 9:36 PM

      Oh come visit the Philippines after this Pandemic
      :)

      Delete
  11. LoritaMarch 23, 2020 at 4:08 AM

    Nice! Another amazing article from you. As usual I learned something new from it. Thanks a bunch! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Life StyleMarch 23, 2020 at 8:03 AM

    this island is one of may favorite hope this year i will visit this place

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 27, 2020 at 12:21 PM

      Cool! I hope you could really visit Corregidor Island after this pamdemic.

      Delete
  13. SincerelyMissJMarch 23, 2020 at 9:24 PM

    Looks like a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  14. LilyMarch 24, 2020 at 2:15 PM

    What a nice little tour. I wish I could travel right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 26, 2020 at 5:58 PM

      Please do come visit Corregidor after this pandemic.

      Delete
  15. MeridianRavenMarch 24, 2020 at 8:50 PM

    Very helpful information for anyone hoping to travel there. What a stunning and interesting place! Thanks for sharing with us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 26, 2020 at 5:59 PM

      You're welcome. I'm happy you find Corregidor an interesting place.

      Delete
  16. aisasamiMarch 27, 2020 at 12:06 AM

    Wow, what a beautiful island with a lot of nature and things to do! Very awesome trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioApril 10, 2020 at 11:05 PM

      Please do visit this historic island when you have the time. :)

      Delete

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