Explored: Corregidor Island

My second trip for the year lead me to an Island, west of Manila Bay. It's proximity from the metro is pretty close as it is 75 mins fast craft travel from Manila Bay. Corregidor Island played a major role in history of the Philippines, most especially in World War II. The tadpole-shaped island is also known as the Rock. It has also a lot of things to offer in just one stop that can be enjoyed in a day trip. The coasts of Mariveles, Bataan is overlooking from the island and the mighty Mt Mariveles is clearly seen when the sky is clear. The other side of the dock has Caballos Island not far. Though it may be seemingly close to Bataan, Corregidor Island is part of the Province of Cavite. 

Run Corregidor recently concluded. It was also that same event when I tagged along with my friend to visit the Corregidor for a running event around the island. 

How to get to Corregidor Island

There are few ways getting to the island; ride a ferry from Manila Bay or hire a pump boat from the coast of Bataan. If you are in Metro Manila, then it is recommended to take the ferry like I did.

Via Ferry

Sun Cruise is the best and most convenient way to visit Corregidor Island. They currently dock at One Esplanade in SM Mall Of Asia. 

Daily Schedule:

Check-in time & Boarding time

ETD Manila

ETA Corregidor 

ETD Corregidor

ETA Manila

Boarding closes 30 minutes of departure. Make sure to be their on time. 

7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:15 AM
2:30 PM
3:45 PM

New location of Sun Cruise 

Inside the lower deck of Sun Cruise

Tramvias greets you once you off load from the ferry

Sun Cruise docks in Corregidor Island

How to get around Corregidor Island

Frankly, spending an overnight in Corregidor Island is what I likely to recommend so that you can maximize your stay on the island. Star Cruise offers tour packages with buffet lunch and if convenience is what you are for, you can avail for their services. But for those on the budget side and wants the full throttle Corregidor experience, then here is a treat for you.

Tramvias are the tram looking buses that roams around the island

The tour package would normally be for 3 hours around the island. If you like spending long walks, touring around the island is not an impossible thing to do. It may require time, a lot of time, but you will be able to see the island leisurely at your own pace. You make spend time walking around 4 hours around the topside and bottom side may take about 2 hours.  Biking around the island as well is one of the best ideas. You can bring your bicycle with you and tour the island on you own. 


What to see in a Corregidor Island

Aside from the convenience of touring the island, guided tour has a tour guide that tells you the history of the island and what had transpired in the past. 

Artillery Battery

Dilapidated Barracks 

Ammunition inside the Museum

the lighthouse and the highest peak in Corregidor Island

Pacific War Memorial

 

the famous Malinta Tunnel

Bottomside view from the Japanese Garden of Peac, overlooking Caballo Island

Where to stay in the island

There are known to be five accommodations in the island which as a price range of  350-3000 php. But if you are looking for the cheapest accommodation in the island yet being close to Mother Nature, it would be pitching a tent. The island has a camping ground near the beach side. There is a minimal camp fee you need to pay. Tent rental is also available.


Where to dine in the island

La playa restaurant has buffet meals offered. It is the island's only restaurant available in the area. Another option is the carinderia near the beach side. Eating in the carinderia is cheaper than in the resto. You may want to consider bringing packed lunch, some canned goods, water and pichi-pichis. 

Other activities:
Aside from the historical sites, optional activities can be enjoyed in the island. Swimming and snorkeling on the beach shouldn't be missed. The entire island is picturesque and it has one of the best places for photo shoots too. 

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

DIY Suggested Overnight Itinerary

Day 1
0800     ETD from Manila
0915     ETA in Corregidor, check inn, setting up the tent, lunch
1300     Explore the bottomside of the Island. 
             Malinta Tunnel, Japanese Garden of Peack, Docks and the Church
1700     Afternoon swimming and prep for Dinner-- free time ahead--

Day 2
0500   Jump start for the day, wait for the sunrise
0530   Start you trek up to the topside, it is roughly 10 km vice versa from the campsite
0630   Middleside: Ruins, Battery Way
0830   Topside: Old Barracks, Museum, Pacific War Memorial, Lighthouse
1100   Back to the campsite, lunch and bound home
1430   ETD from Corregior Island
1545   ETA in SM MOA One Eslplanade

DIY Suggested Overnight Expenses (camp out)

P 1700     ferry transfer with Sun Cruise, entrance fee
P 300       camp fee
P 500       tent rental (optional)
P 500       food & drinks*

*it is better to bring your own water so that don't need to buy one there. 1.5L to 2L would be enough for the overnight. There are souvenir shops around in the island. These shops sell some beverages.

Now, off to a new destination

I bet I will be back in this island. Surely, I will. There is still going to be Run Corregidor in 2017!