This fascinating offshore island fortress, 40 kilometres west of Manila, is a treasure trove of information for history buffs and is reached in one hour aboard a 150-seat ferry.
Here, a handful of Filipino and American patriots resisted the fury of a Japanese onslaught aimed at conquering the country during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. The Battle of Corregidor was the culmination of the Japanese conquest of the Philippines, and the island's network of tunnels and strong defences proved difficult to conquer. It was only when the Japanese Army brought heavy artillery to the southern end of Bataan and proceeded to block Corregidor from any sources of food and fresh water that remaining American and Filipino forces had to surrender on 6 May 1942, with the island recaptured from the Japanese in February 1945.
An absorbing tour guides visitors through the features that made this island a formidable defence bastion: gigantic cannons across the island; a mile (0.6 kilometre) long barracks facility that housed thousands of fighting-fit soldiers; a Pacific War Memorial museum with war relics and photos; and a light and sound multivision presentation inside the darkened Malinta Tunnel where General Douglas MacArthur met with Philippine Commonwealth president Manuel L. Quezon, and from where they made their historic escape as Japanese forces invaded. The general had strongly pronounced the immortal words 'I shall return' just before making his top-secret rendezvous with a waiting submarine offshore.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Philippines specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Full day tour to Taal Lake & Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano and Taal Lake lie approximately 70 kilometres south of Manila. Once you reach the shore of the lake you will board an outrigger boat for the 30-minute trip across the lake to Taal Volcano Island, from where you'll trek uphill through the hardened black lava to the crater rim.
Half day bamboo bike tour of Manila
This is a unique way of getting to know about old Manila's history. You will ride through the streets on bamboo bikes, hand-made by village folk who make up Gawad Kalinga — a non-profit organisation whose mission is to end poverty in the Philippines.
Half day tour of Intramuros
Visit Intramuros, located along the southern bank of the Pasig River. The tour includes a wander through the cobbled streets, a visit to Casa Manila (a reproduction of a 19th century house) as well as the country's oldest stone church. There is also the option to ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
Manila City Tour
Highlights of the tour include Rizal Park, named after the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, and Intramuros (walled city) where you can see the remains of the Spanish conquistadores. You also go along the old cobbled streets to visit San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
