Decided to join our Canadian guest for a trip to the historical island of Corregidor. I have heard about some great feedback about the tour but never got the chance before. I am glad I did now.
We were at the CCP terminal of Sun Cruises as early as 6:30 AM.
We boarded the ferry at around 7:15 AM and left at 8:00 AM. Arrived at Corregidor Island shortly before 10:00 AM.
We boarded the tram assigned to our group. We had Mang Bobby as our tour guide. He was a funny, interesting guy. Not as intense as Carlos Celdran but he was interesting on his own right.
Malinta Tunnel
Mang Bobby introduced us to the tour by saying that this island was heavily fortified by the Americans from 1902 to 1932. It had hundreds of tunnels, many battery of guns and 5 regimens of American and Filipino soldiers.
Our first stop was at one of the main tunnels of the island that links the main island and the tail end. We also watched the lights and sounds show.
Corregidor Inn
Had an early buffet lunch at the only hotel on the island. It had a good view of the water and the island.
Middleside Barracks
Stopped by the ruins of the Middleside Barracks where a regimen of American soldiers lived during World War II.
Battery Way
First of the battery of guns that we visited.
Near the battery was the largest gun on the island.
Spanish Light House
This is the oldest light house in the country. It is the highest point of the island.
War Memorial
Before visiting the memorial, Mang Bobby took us to the edge of that area of the island to see the tail end of the island.
Here’s a view of the Eternal Flame (of freedom, I think) and the White Dome at the memorial.
Lorcha Dock
This is where MacArthur left the Philippines to go to Australia. He was actually in Australia when he said ‘I shall return.’
Japanese Memorial
Last stop of our tour. The Japanese government did not know about the Japanese cemetery until 1986.
It was a worthwhile trip. Great to know more about our history and how a lot of people sacrificed their lives for the country to get to where we are now.
We left the island at 2:30 PM and was back in Manila at 4:00 PM.
To book tours to the island, go to http://www.corregidorphilippines.com.
