A VISIT to Corregidor is on the bucket list of virtually every Filipino, and while interest in the island as a tourist destination has never actually waned, there are more reasons than ever to visit today.
Corregidor was the site of one of the most heroic and crucial battles in World War II between the allied US and Filipino forces against Japanese invasion forces. The battle lasted for three months, when against all odds, American and Filipino troops held back the Japanese from entering Manila Bay. Decades later, the island continues to hold special significance to all Filipinos, especially so close to our Independence Day, June 12.
The years have been kind to Corregidor, once just a historical tourism destination. The island has evolved into a multi-faceted destination that combines history, eco-tourism, and leisure opportunities. It is a family-friendly place that showcases meaningful heritage, heroic history, and natural beauty to visitors.
Corregidor offers beautiful, refreshing beaches and sandy coves, perfect for just chilling on the sand and surf, going for refreshing swims, and bonding with family and friends.
Corregidor is also a good place for hiking, biking, adventure races, team building, and other outdoor activities. For those who wish to spend the night, they can even do some ghost hunting—if they are brave enough to do so.
More leisurely and special occasions, of course, are also possible. Some visitors go to Corregidor to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and they can even hold weddings there.
Corregidor is a place where visitors can virtually walk through history as they drop by and reflect at various historical spots in the island.
There’s the Pacific War Memorial that has a museum and a dome-shaped shrine and park. It was opened in 1968 as a tribute to the heroes of the Pacific side of World War II.
Close by is The Eternal Flame of Freedom, a steel sculpture dedicated to freedom and how all human beings come together to defend it.
There’s also the Japanese Garden of Peace built to honor the Japanese soldiers who fought and died in World War II.
Then there’s the Filipino Heroes Memorial that represents the Filipinos’ heroic battles in their fight for freedom since the 15th century against various colonizers.
Visitors should not miss historical attractions on the island like the Malinta Tunnel tour and audio-visual presentation.
Thanks to the efforts of the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board and the Corregidor Foundation, the island is experiencing a resurgence of interest and importance. Corregidor tells us that the way to peace and freedom is not simply a matter of taking up arms, but more importantly, linking hands in compassion, respect and cooperation.