Before the pandemic hit, the little lady and I had the pleasure of spending a few days on Corregidor Island at the entrance of Manila Bay in the Philippines. It is situated about 40 nautical miles from Manila. We loved it and I want to make my next film there, starring Meryll Soriano, that is, whenever and if ever the lockdowns end.
The island is famous for the still standing WW II artillery embattlements, barracks and other related buildings (theater, PX, swimming pool) from World War II. There's even a lighthouse you can enter and souvenir stands and refreshments available.
We reserved a room in advance and opted for the walking tour with a guide. The cost for the walking tour was 1950 pesos (or about $40 at the time). The price has increased so if you're planning, seek the best deals.
The room ran us about $30 a night. We got the haunted room. More on that later. Anyway, the price of a room decreases the longer you stay and it depends on your package. We opted to go it alone without an agency package and saved money. We're not fond of people telling us what to do and where to go, much less for how long. Keep that in mind when making your plans. Oh, and there is little to no Internet connectivity so be forewarned.
We left on a once daily morning boat ride aboard the Sun Cruise ferry, a one hour and 15-minute exhilarating trip from Manila Bay to the island. The fee was around $7 each (400 pesos or so) so it's very inexpensive.
We arrived at an aging pier. Some say it was where the US Navy also docked but I am not certain of that. It's certainly possible. Our guide met us, while the rest of the boat's passengers took the tram tour which returns to Manila at 3 p.m. Not cool. Too rushed.
He drove us to the hotel where we checked in and quickly began the tour. Be sure to take water. The heat will beat you down. The artillery pieces remain in place since the war. Bomb craters surround some of the huge guns. It is amazing. Eventually, you are transported back in time, an awesome experience.
If you opt for the walking tour, you can take your time an really explore, the tram, only minutes. Monkeys and other small wildlife are everywhere but are harmless.
Took this shot of an old barracks through a hole where some type of explosive round hit. You can also see where Filipino and American soldiers carved their names in the walls.
It's a joke but I am not one for too many restrictive rules.
There's a pretty cool museum there where various war artifacts and history are there for you to take in. It's rather awesome.
As a veteran paratrooper/infantryman, I found the museum to be top-notch. It features a considerable amount of information about the battles that took place on Corregidor.
Below is a small monument revealing the unit I served in was there fighting before I was born.
There's only one bathtub on the island. It belonged to General Douglas MacArthur. I just had to sit in it. I did opt for a fake shower later.
When entering buildings you must be careful, as some are still crumbling. Some are totally off limits.
For a pretty spooky experience, be sure to enter the Malinta Tunnel for a night tour. And yes, if you look carefully, you will spot human bone remains. No kidding.
This is where General MacArthur and troops hid from the intense Japanese bombing. There are many original artifacts inside. Bring a flashlight or you will bounce off the narrow walls. It's so dark you can't see an inch in front of you.
Several other tours are available, such as a romantic sunset. There is also a place to swim and there's a pretty fun zip line. A lunch comes with your tour and the food is average at best. Yes, beer is available.
One final thought about the haunted room. It was the only one left but we wanted it. It's eerily silent and there is no TV in the room.
As the little lady sat on the bed after a shower we heard noises and voices. I found it humorous but she didn't. Then, as we were about to sleep, the light in the CR (bathroom) turned on by itself. I have to admit that freaked me out. I had to get up and physically turn the switch off.
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