At the mouth of Manila Bay, some distance to the west of Manila, sits the tadpole-shaped island of Corregidor.
Taking A Closer Look At The Iconic Corregidor Island
Even before the Hispanic people settled on the island, which was formerly called San Jose, many parties made use of its prime location to ambush ships approaching Manila Bay.
Under Spanish Rule
Later, it returned to serving more honorable duties, serving as a sentry post to warn against intruders, a welcoming light for galleons returning home, and a lighthouse point to direct ships to safety under the control of the Spanish and then the American governments.
American Period
The Philippine Scouts, who made up the majority of Corregidor's military garrison, were the ones that allowed the island to blossom into a well-planned settlement under American rule.
As part of a larger plan to strengthen the harbor defenses and turn Corregidor into one of the U.S.'s key military outposts, the U.S. Army station was strengthened during the beginning of the 20th century.
The groundwork had been laid for the erstwhile little fishing town to play a crucial part in the Second World War and cement its position in history.
Japanese Period
Corregidor served as the headquarters of the Allies and the Philippine government after the
Philippines were conquered by the Japanese in December 1941.
It also served as the focal point for General Douglas McArthur's final struggle against the Japanese on behalf of the US military.
The Allied men valiantly defended the fort for the whole 27 days before Bataan was surrendered against General Douglas McArthur's orders.
It was a decision that ultimately led to the Bataan Death March.
The final significant Allied stronghold in the Philippines to fall to the Axis powers was Corregidor, which was recaptured by the same General McArthur who kept his word to return and free it, and which was still proudly recalled nearly three years later.
Remnants of the Past
The Corregidor cannons and grounds, which once witnessed one of the Second World War's deadliest battles, are now silent, and the only vestiges of that conflict are found in the recollections of the living servicemen and the tales of bravery they pass on to future generations.
There are
numerous attractions on the island for visitors, including a lighthouse, memorial parks, batteries, and fortification remains.
For a slightly higher admission fee, the brave traveler can explore the Malinta Tunnel's side.
The very last fortress on the island to be conquered by the Japanese was the Malinta Tunnel, which is now the location of an audio-visual display recounting the events of the final battle on Corregidor.
The Pacific War Memorial, which can be seen to the left of the island, the Filipino War Memorial, which features murals showing scenes from Filipino battles dating back to the 15th century, and the historic lighthouse are all notable locations that vividly recall the carnage and history that these areas have seen in the past.
The entire island pauses for a moment of silence on May 6 at 12 o'clock every year to mark the precise time the island finally surrendered to the Japanese attackers.
Getting To Corregidor Island
Sun Cruises controls all transportation to and from the island, and the most straightforward method to get to the Corregidor Island is by ferry from Esplanade Seaside, close to SM Mall of Asia.
Their terminal is located nearby the SM Mall of Asia Complex at Esplanade Seaside.
Over To You
Moreover, this
hotel in Manila enjoys a picturesque backdrop of sunsets over Manila Bay, where Corregidor stands watch, while being conveniently close to all of the city's major thoroughfares and transportation hubs.
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Have you been to Corregidor Island? How was your experience in the island?
