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Cavite Chasing Wonders Corregidor Heritage

Corregidor Island | Historical Spots, Accommodation, Tour Rates, Getting Around

Corregidor Island is a tadpole-shaped island situated at the entrance of Manila Bay in the Philippines. It is known for its historical contribution to the defense of Manila because of its strategic location.

Corregidor may be a small island but this 48-kilometer long island stands as a memorial for the courage and heroism of our Filipino forefathers and American defenders who fought the Japanese during World War II.

Where is Corregidor located?

Majority of the people I meet, if asked where is Corregidor located, they would insist it’s part of the Bataan peninsula. Years before, I would personally insist on this as well but after researching (and this trip as a proof), Corregidor Island is part ofCavite.

I think Corregidor Island is mostly known to be part of Bataan because it is linked to the Death March that happened in Bataan. But, yes! Corregidor is actually part of Cavite City, Cavite.

Related Post: Bataan Travel Guide: What To Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay & Itinerary

Photo by Wikipedia

How to get to Corregidor Island?

The most popular way to get to Corregidor Island is through the only accredited agency, Sun Cruises. 

Sun Cruises provides one internationally-classed vessel/fast ferry to cater the round trip transfers to and from Corregidor Island.

Sun Cruiser II can accommodate a maximum of 280 passengers per ride which totals to 560 passengers in a day.

Sea Side Terminal | Sun Cruises

You may book through their website at corregidorphilippines.com or their partner agency, travelbook.ph.

But if you are one of those who have their own vessels, (yes, ikaw na! Pa-experience, please!) you may coordinate directly with Sun Cruises for the tour packages and special arrangements.

Inside Sun Cruises vessel going to Corregidor Island.
Lovely morning <3

ESPLANADE SEASIDE TERMINAL
Sun Cruises
Seaside Boulevard, SM MOA Complex

What to see in Corregidor Island?

Before we start, I just wanna say that I had so much admiration to the government bodies, third-party organizations, partners, and especially to the Corregidor Foundation, which has been in the works for several years already to protect the island, promote full restoration, and conserve the history and its contribution to the Philippines.

Upon arrival in Corregidor’s port, we were immediately welcomed by some refreshing drinks and this pretty tram!

Below are just some of the remnants of the past that can still be seen in Corregidor. I urge each and every one of you reading this to visit and explore Corregidor.

1. Malinta Tunnel

Where did the name ‘Malinta’ come from? ‘Malinta’ is derived from the word ‘leech’ because during the old times, Malinta Hills, is full of leeches or ‘linta’ in tagalog, hence, Ma-linta.

Related: Malinta Tunnel Expedition

The Malinta Tunnel was built by the American soldiers for storage and bunker but was later equipped with 1000 hospital beds.

During the war, it was said that there were 2,000 Japanese soldiers who committed suicide when the US began bombing the tunnel resulting in the blockage of the entrance in 1945.

Back in the days, I have heard and read stories about the Malinta Tunnel so I know the place has a very tragic past. That’s why I was so nervous while entering the tunnel’s doors.

I can still remember the loud pound of my heart. Haha! This is during our day tour, by the way. Wait for our night lateral tour!

2. Corregidor Hospital Ruins

It was a creepy visit, honestly. The area was so quiet and I can only just imagine what had happened in the past – the bombings, the shouts and cries of the wounded soldiers, the doctors and nurses running..

Corregidor’s Hospital was shaped like a cross for the reason that in the event of a conflict, it will be spared. But apparently, the Japanese didn’t mind this cross-shaped hospital and was bombed all out.

On to this day, there are a number of creepy drawings and writings in the walls of the hospital. I really thought we were going to visit the hospital in the evening — good thing we didn’t. We were there from 5PM to 6PM, I guess.

After the hospital was totally devastated, they transferred to some of the laterals of the Malinta Tunnel, hence, the 1,000 hospital bed.

3. Middleside Barracks 

Middle Side Barracks was built by the Americans in 1915 and was used as quarters of the 60th Coast Artillery anti-aircraft regiment, United States Regular Army, and the Philippines Scouts.

The Middle Side Barracks was bombed by the Japanese in the year 1941.

During my research about the middle side barracks, I found something interesting that was not mentioned in our tour. Check it here.

3. Filipino Hero Memorial (FHM)

One of the newest installations, this memorial is for the Filipino people who helped in the battle of Corregidor.

Located at the tail-end of the island, this site honors every soldier, leader, doctors, nurses who fought and died to protect the island of Corregidor during World War II.

4. Crater of a Dead Volcano

Unknown to many, Corregidor has a dead volcano. It was said that the four islands near Corregidor were formed due to the eruption of the volcano years ago.

5. The Filipino Woman Park

Near the Filipino Hero Memorial park is The Filipino Woman Park. This is a site symbolizing courage and bravery during the war.

6. Mile Long Barracks

7. Japanese Garden of Peace

As mentioned by our tour guide, in 1986, a group of Japanese gathered around 40 socks of bones in the area out of 4,000 Japanese soldiers who died in Corregidor.

The site was built to honor all soldier, may it be Americans, Filipinos, or Japanese, who died and fought in the island.

7. Pacific War Memorial and Museum

8. Battery Grubbs

Glad we ended our day here at the Battery Grubbs just so ready with the sunset.

9. Eternal Flame

We went here to experience the sun rise.

10. Battery Way

11. Japanese Tunnel

12. San Jose Chapel

Sample Corregidor 2-Day Tour Itinerary

  • Check-in at the terminal – 6:30AM
  • Boarding – 7:00AM
  • Estimated Time of Departure (Manila) – 7:30AM
  • Estimated Time of Arrival (Corregidor) – 9:00AM
  • Guided Tour – 9:10AM
  • Night lateral tour – 5:00PM
  • Morning tour – 6:00AM
  • Estimated Time of Departure (Corregidor) – 2:30PM
  • Estimated Time of Arrival (Manila) – 4:00PM

Tour Rates and Packages

Corregidor Historical Tram Tour

AdultChild Rate (3-11y/o)
Weekday RateP3,358P1,944
Weekend RateP3,629P1,944

Inclusions
– Roundtrip ferry transfers (Manila-Corregidor-Manila)
– Guided island tour
– Shrine and Island entrance fees
– Buffet lunch with drinks
– Day tour kit

Corregidor Overnight Rate Package

Rate
Room Rate – SingleP5,250
Room Rate – Twin/DoubleP7,500
Extra BedP3,500
Family Room (5 pax)P15,000

Inclusions
– Complimentary Roundtrip ferry transfers (Manila-Corregidor-Manila)
– Overnight Accommodation at Corregidor Inn
– Shrine and Island entrance fees
– Full board meals
– Day tour kit

Corregidor Adventure Game (The Rock Challenge)

Rate per pax
Weekday/WeekendP3,500

Note: Minimum 15 pax

Inclusions
– Roundtrip ferry transfers (Manila-Corregidor-Manila)
– Corregidor adventure game
– Shrine and Island entrance fees
– Buffet lunch with drinks
– Complimentary historical tour
– Day tour kit

Corregidor Historical Walking Tour

Rate per pax
Weekday/WeekendP2,100

Note: Minimum 5 pax

Inclusions
– Roundtrip ferry transfers (Manila-Corregidor-Manila)
– Walking Tour
– Shrine and Island entrance fees
– Buffet lunch with drinks
– Complimentary historical tour
– Day tour kit

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Joining Tour – P650 per pax
Outdoor Activities – P550 per pax
(sunset and sunrise viewing, hospital tour, easy hike)
Kayak – P500 per hour

Where to stay in Corregidor?

Corregidor Island has only one accommodation in the area – Corregidor Inn. This newly-renovated inn has 31 rooms good for couples, families, and barkada.

Inclusions
– Complimentary Roundtrip ferry transfers (Manila-Corregidor-Manila)
– Overnight Accommodation at Corregidor Inn
– Shrine and Island entrance fees
– Full board meals
– Day tour kit

We stayed in their twin room!

Corregidor Overnight Rate PackagRate
Room Rate – SingleP5,250
Room Rate – Twin/DoubleP7,500
Extra BedP3,500
Family Room (5 pax)P15,000

Where to eat in Corregidor?

Days before our scheduled trip to Corregidor, I browsed about the place and read that previous guests where not that happy with the food.

So, when we arrived at the place, I was surprised that their food tasted great! As in, promise. One of my highlights here were the food.

Corregidor Tour Packages

  1. Chill
  2. Thrill
  3. Learn
  4. Cheers

Chill Package

  • Corregidor Inn (Boutique Hotel)
  • Glamping
  • Swimming
  • Spa and massage
  • Sunset and Sunrise viewing
  • Movie by the beach with bonfire

The Rock Challenge (Adventure Race)

  • Exciting team building challenge of mental and physical tasks in exchange for clues hidden in several historical landmarks on Corregidor Island
  • Discover the more interesteing and mysterious side of Corregidor
  • Runs for about 2 to 3 hours depending on speed of play
  • Minimim of 10 players
  • Includes buffet or packed lunch

Thrill Package

  • The Rock Challenge (Adventure Race)
  • Island Pike XP (Picnic + Hike Experience)
  • Bike Corregidor
  • Nature Hike
  • Night Lateral Tunnel Tour
  • Army Post Hospital Tour
  • Camp Adventure
  • Rock Balancing
  • Kayaking

Learn

  • Historical Walking Tour
  • Historical Tram Tour
  • Photographer’s Package
  • Educational Trips
  • Hotel and Vessel Familiarization
  • Yoga Class

Cheers

  • Wedding Package
  • Pre-Nuptial Package
  • Birthday Package
  • Corporate events

Other Corregior Island Photos


Pia’s Thoughts

After this trip, every time friends and family ask me where should they travel next, I always tell them to never skip Corregidor. I don’t know if it’s only me but I left Corregidor with a heavy heart. I felt like I have had a deeper connection to the island.

Knowing its infamous history, being with the very buildings that were used before, being and knowing the people who are running Corregidor and making sure Corregidor won’t be forgotten made me love the place instantly.

My highlights for this trip, aside from the food (haha!), were the night lateral tour at the Manila Tunnel, fun night with the bloggers and Sun Cruise General Manager (learned so much from her!), and the hospital tour.

I highly suggest you guys explore Corregidor!

Corregidor Travel Series

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Categories
Batangas Chasing Wonders Heritage Lipa

Casa De Segunda: Exploring The Home of Rizal’s First Love

Casa De Segunda, situated in the busy streets of Lipa, Batangas, is now a 136-year old ancestral house. This is not the typical ancestral house as this is where Jose Rizal’s first love, Segunda Solis Katigbak, lived.

Note: This is our second stop for our two-day CALABARZON culinary tour after a hearty breakfast at Asiong’s of Cavite in Silang, Cavite.

After an hour drive from my newly claimed happy place, Asiongs in Silang, Cavite, this quaint ancestral house greeted us.

  • Address: 198 Rizal Street, Lipa City, Batangas
  • Casa De Segunda Entrance Fee: P60 ($1.2)

I was all the more fascinated when I learned that before going inside, guests should ring the old bell to enter the casa! Being a city girl who is not used to seeing something like this in the metro, I felt I was transported to the 1880s era.

Hello, Casa De Segunda!

We entered an old gate and a number of Balete trees welcomed us. It was not that creepy for me as old houses always fascinate me – minus the infamous things that happened there, of course. This has been home to some Japanese as well when they forced Filipino to surrender their homes to them. Thinking about it, ilan na kaya ang namatay sa bahay na ‘to?

Stairway going to the second floor of the building

The old fountain at the center of the front yard caught my attention first. Its design made me think of how creative the people were before. And mind you, it’s still intact and working.

After a while, I saw an old woman now present and mingling with the team. Found out that she is the granddaughter of Segunda Katigbak.

The History of Casa De Segunda

Casa De Segunda is named after Jose Rizal’s first love, Segunda Solis Katigbak. The house is built in 1860s by Don Norberto Calao Katigbak, a gobernadorcillo, from 1862 to 1863, and was given to his daughter, Doña Segunda Solis Katigbak, Dr. Jose Rizal’s first love.

The house has been repaired in the year 1956 by Paz-Luz Dimayuga and eventually declared as one of the national heritage houses in the Philippines by the National Historic Institute.

Now, Casa De Segunda has been opened to the public as a museum for 20 years already.

A Tour Inside Casa De Segunda

Lola Lilet Malabanan, the granddaughter of Segunda Katigbak (she calls her Lola Unday), has been the tour guide of the casa for over 20 years already.

She started to tour us around the first floor of the house. As she was looking back, she noted about how the Katigbak Family were so prominent before, how the Japanese invaded the big houses of Lipa, and how Lipa has been one of the richest towns before because it was once the sole coffee maker/exporter worldwide.

The first floor now looks like a receiving area with a big painting of Segunda Katigbak, old sala set, and some old pots and ornaments.

_Upon entrance, you will see this big portrait of Segunda Katigbak like her way of welcoming you to her house.

After checking out the living room, we went straight to their dining area. Plates and glasses used by the Katigbak’s were still there and intact together with the cooking wares.

While Lola Milet was talking about their dining area, I was actually thinking I hope our family also tried to keep some of the old things and bauls of our great-great grandparents. What we only have now is the aparador of our Lola. Hope our Lolo’s baul is still in our ancestral house in Masbate.

Anyway, going back, after touring around the first floor, we were guided to the second floor of Casa De Segunda. I was amazed by how grand the casa is. Naisip ko, anu-ano kaya ang mga nangyari dito noon?

And then a strong wind blew us while Lola’s still touring us around. Medyo creepy. I can feel something heavy. Hehe.

Living Room at the second floor

They went to the rooms while I was still enjoying the fresh air of Lipa.

I love how well-ventilated the place is. Every where I look, I see windows. Nakakatuwa.

We went to the bedrooms of the house as well and it’s a bit creepy for me. Hehe.

Casa De Segunda Balcony
Casa De Segunda Balcony
Casa De Segunda Balcony

Pia’s Thoughts

I don’t know but the makabayan in me is proud that there’s a house that was spared in wars because this tells so much about the past.

Ever since I went to Corregidor and Bataan, I’m glad that my trips are all connected with history. I am not really interested before with history even in my highschool and college years, but everything has changed after my trip to Corregidor. Its like really going back to your roots and knowing what really happened then.

First floor living room

If you are around Lipa and would like to have a sidetrip at Casa De Segunda, please see below details.

This is the second stop of our two-day CALABARZON Culinary Tour. Warmest thanks to the Department of Tourism Region IV-A and to QuePATTA (Quezon Province Association of Travel and Tour Agencies).

Check out our CALABARZON Culinary Tour Travel Series:

  1. CALABARZON Culinary Tour: 2-Day Food Crawl in the South
  2. Asiong’s of Cavite | A Taste of Authentic Caviteño Dishes
  3. Casa De Segunda: Exploring The Home of Rizal’s First Love

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