At the CCP Complex in Pasay City, visitors can proceed to the historic Corregidor Island 26 nautical miles across the sea via a ferryboat.  The 5.6-kilometer long island, also known as the “Rock” because of its huge limestone formations, played a significant role during World War II.

During the Spanish regime, all ships entering or leaving Manila Bay were required to stop at the island to have their documents checked.  Corregidor is the Spanish term for “corrector”.  Fortifications were later put up on Corregidor, until the island came to be known as a bastion of defense for the city of Manila.

During World War II, Corregidor served as the last stronghold of American and Filipino soldiers against the invading Japanese army.  The war left the island fortress in ruins, and until now, a tour of the island depicts the ravages of war.  However, many facilities built by American forces have been restored for the tourists.

A tour of the island starts at General Douglas MacArthur Park, which features a life-size bronze statue of the American general; Manuel L. Quezon Park, in honor of the president of the Philippine Commonwealth; the Malinta Tunnel, an 835 foot tunnel which served as headquarters of General MacArthur and President Quezon; and the Filipino Heroes Memorial, a 6,000-square meter complex with 14 murals of heroic battles from the 15^th century to World War II.

Then, there are the 2.2-hectare Japanese Garden of Peace, the smaller Filipino-American Friendship Park, a 3,000 square meter aviary, and the famous Middleside Barracks, composed of two three-storey buildings.

A continuation of the tour brings the visitor to Battery Way, which during the war was armed with four 12-inch mortars; the Battery Hearn, a 12-inch seacoast gun; the Mile Long Barracks, reputedly the world’s longest military barracks; the Pacific War Memorial built by the United States; the Eternal Flame of Freedom, a wing-shaped steel sculpture; Spanish Lighthouse; the Battery Geary; and the Battery Crocket.

Getting around is not a problem, as buses and jeepneys are available for tourists. 

You can choose between day and overnight packaged tours or make your own way around. There is much to see on Corregidor and it is best to make a weekend of it if you have the time. Visitors can also enjoy the crystal clear waters and fine sand to be found on the beaches of the island.  Accommodation ranges from cottages to hotel.