The natural serenity of Corregidor Island betrays its recent past, an island staunchly defended by Filipino and American fighters during World War II. One can only imagine the terror that must have pervaded this beautiful island, 40 kms south-west of Manila, during the difficult times of World War II, as the invading Japanese forces launched attack after attack on the island.
A day tour to Corregidor Island starts with a ferry ride from Esplanade Seaside Terminal in Manila to Corregidor Island, a trip of one hour and 15 minutes. Upon arriving to the island you are greeted by tourist trolley buses that will take you around the island. Heading up the hill, your first stop will be the monument commemorating various wars in which Filipinos have been involved, from the Battle of Mactan in 1521, the Dagohoy Revolt (1744 to 1829), the Filipino-American War of 1899, and, of course, the battle for Corregidor Island. Close by, in the beautiful gardens, you will see statues of the Filipino President Manuel Luis Quezon and a statue honoring Filipino Women.
Continuing your drive, you will then stop to see the canons used in defending the island during World War II. Notice the many bullet holes in the cannons and think of the fear that the soldiers must have felt as they aimed their weapons towards the advancing enemy, knowing that they too were being targeted.
Your next stop will be the fascinating Malinta Tunnel. The tunnel, completed in 1932, was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and served as a bomb shelter and personnel bunker during the war. It was later converted into a hospital. There are various smaller tunnels that branch off on either side of the main tunnel. These are now used as areas in which to display exhibits associated with the war. One of the tunnels was used as the Headquarters for General MacArthur during World War II. Take your time as you walk through the tunnel, sometimes in complete darkness when the tour leader turns off the lights, to feel the sense of fear that the soldiers much have felt during World War II. In one of the smaller side tunnels you will notice a display of typewriters and other fittings that have remained untouched from the days of the war.
Heading back onto the trolley-bus you will drive past the bomb-destroyed barracks used by the soldiers, before stopping to explore Battery Way. Here you will see the large cannons used to defend the island, as well as seeing the holes left in the roof of the compound from the artillery that landed at the site. Take time to reflect on the beauty of the current location and the beautiful views over towards Manila Bay, but also consider the horrible circumstances that existed during World War II when people were fighting for their lives from this exact location.
Soon it will be time for lunch. What I suggest you do is have lunch as quickly as possible and then take the chance to explore the island a little further while the other visitors are finishing their lunch. We explored the Corregidor Island Lighthouse, the highest point on the island. It was completed in 1853 and served to guide ships into Manila Bay. It was destroyed during World War II but was rebuilt in a slightly different design in the 1950s, using stones from the original lighthouse. Make sure to climb the stairs to the top for a much better view over Corregidor Island and into Manila Bay.
After lunch it was back onto the trolley-bus for the short drive to more destroyed buildings. By this time it was getting really hot and people just sat on the bus while others explored the buildings. A further stop to explore a large cannon and an open bomb crater and it was time to head to the museum. Take some time to wander around the gardens and explore the statues, particularly the ‘Brothers in Arms’ statue. Reflect on the lives lost on Corregidor Island as you read the sign that says “In these hallowed surroundings where heroes sleep, may their ashes scatter with the wind and live in the hearts of those who were left behind. They died for freedom’s right and in Heaven’s sight, theirs was a noble cause”. Afterwards, head inside to the museum and explore further exhibits on the history of the island.
Before heading down to the ferry for the ride back to Manila, find the rotunda and reflect on the sign that reads “Sleep My Sons, Your Duty Done … For Freedom’s Light Has Come. Sleep in the Silent Depths of the Sea, or in Your Bed of Hallowed Sod, until you Hear at Dawn the Low, Clear Reveille of God”. As you reach the bottom of the hill once again you will see the statue of General MacArthur with his famous words “I Shall Return”.
As may make your way back to Manila, consider the loss of life that took place on Corregidor Island and the braves souls who gave their lives to defend the freedoms that we all hold so dear. I highly recommend this day tour to Corregidor Island, allowing all visitors the chance to reflect on the evils of war and the sacrifices that so many of us, in today’s world, would be reluctant to make ourselves.
If you would like to book this day tour then please consider doing so through Viator by clicking on this link here or through Klook by clicking on this link here.
When we visited Manila, we stayed at the lovely Manila Hotel. If you would like to do the same you may wish to start your booking by clicking here. Our review of The Manila Hotel may be found here.
Our other posts on the Philippines may be found here.
(Visited March 2017)