Talking about history, oftentimes Intramuros, Manila always comes to our mind. But did you know that an rustic island near Manila is just waiting for you too? It’s screaming of the past events and it can fill your history-loving selves just by a day tour. This place is also perfect for your day tour budget getaways. Let’s sail away, “Kaja let’s go to Corregidor!”.
Funny how Corregidor is part of Cavite when it’s near Bataan. As per Wikipedia, the islands is one of the most important historic & tourist site we shouldn’t miss here in the Philippines. Due to it’s strategic location, Corregidor served as a fortress during war times against Japanese forces, and you’ll be amazed how strong the structures are built since there are ruins left despite the heavy bombarding it experienced.
I did a research on it’s neighboring fort / islands – Fort Drum or El Fraile Island is the island that literally looks like a heavily armed drum, you can see this as well if you get to visit the Marine Base Camp at Ternate, Cavite or what they call Boracay de Cavite beach. There’s Caballo Island / Fort Hughes but it’s under the Philippine Navy so tourists are not allowed. Last one is the Carabao Island / Fort Frank, it’s a small island with features somewhat similar to Batanes as they say and it’s near Maragondon, Cavite too. Go search the internet for the islands’s photos and it looks inviting too. Then again, the island is under Philippine Navy so I guess we’d have to say goodbye to our planned tours here. 😦
Getting there
Sun Cruises Philippines is the well-known carrier from Manila to Corregidor island. Aside from ferry transfers, you can also arrange the whole island tour & accommodation. You may visit their website to know more about their rates and other offers. Docking area is at Esplanade Seaside Terminal, they have free parking but if the slots went out, you can use Mall of Asia’s pay parking, it’s Php 30.00 flat rate already. The travel time from Manila to the island is around 1 to 2 hours but you won’t get bored since the ferry ride is relaxing and the ferry’s well air-conditioned. But if you want to go outside and savor the view, why not. The crew will just also approach you when it’s time to sit inside due to safety precautions that they follow while sailing.
Corregidor Island Day Tour
Itinerary
Check-in time & Boarding time 7:00 AM
ETD Manila 8:00 AM
ETA Corregidor (Guided tour with Lunch) 9:15 AM
ETD Corregidor 2:30 PM
ETA Manila 3:45 PM
I would like to commend their tour management and tour guides for the strategically-timed itinerary. And when they post that schedule, they really mean it haha, we really followed the given times and we felt not so tired after the day tour. It’s just a perfect fit for the whole day stay.
Basically, it’s more like a hop-on hop-off tour wherein you’ll ride this cute bus that looks like a tram too. Well it’s hot on the island and the weather can be unpredictable too, but the bus is open so you’ll get to feel the cool winds when it’s moving. I don’t think the tour is good for our senior citizens though, since they might find difficulties in getting on and off the bus.
The tour starts with the low-lying spots, then driving to the uphill spots. There will be a 1 hour lunch break at the La Playa Restaurant located in Corregidor Inn (where you’ll be staying in case you booked for overnight stay).
Sun Cruises Corregidor day tour is fair enough for the experience and price. If we will return to this island, we would like to avail their overnight package, just to experience the quiet island to ourselves, we saw the clean beaches and clear water & it’s inviting.Though there are some coves where you’ll see lots of trash 😦 that came from neighboring islands like Manila, Cavite, Bataan. But don’t worry they have zones wherein swimming is allowed and not allowed.
Corregidor is famous for being creepy and spooky especially at night, so it’s another point to consider for adventurous wanderers hehe. The islands’s rustic charm will never end and will invite locals and more foreigners to experience it’s beauty, serenity and history-filled place.
That’s about it and please rate this post. Thanks!
Kaja let's go! 