Travel Destinations In The Philippines – The Historic Island of Corregidor

The Philippines is an archipelago with 7,107 islands. Some of these islands are favorite Philippine travel destinations by tourists because of its unique setting and features. One of these is the island of Corregidor.

Corregidor Island is the setting of significant events in Philippine history. The Battle of Corregidor is a historical event which happened during World War II. It showed the gallantry of 12,000 men who fought steadily for 27 days against the Japanese armies who wants to invade the country. This grim battle ended the Japanese Empire’s desire and efforts to totally invade the Philippines. Corregidor being the last standing military camp of Filipino and American soldiers that the Japanese would like to seize is strategically located at the mouth of Manila Bay area and directly facing the China Sea.

The relics from World War II were carefully preserved for the education and appreciation of tourists. These include the barracks, the hospital, weaponry, cannons, personal belongings of soldiers, etc. But the most striking monumental structure of this historic travel destination in the Philippines is the Malinta Tunnel. It is a spacious tunnel from which branch out 21 minor tunnels. This served as the head quarter of Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur and the Philippine government when they were fighting against the Japanese. This tunnel which was built through solid rock in the span of 10 years was bombproof. It also served as hospital and storage area during the war.

Ask your Philippines-specialist travel agent to include the Malinta Tunnel Light and Sound Show in your travel package. There are two kinds of shows, the light and sound show for the day tour package and the light and sound show for the overnight tour package. The Malinta Tunnel Light and Sound Show for the day tour is a 30 minute of walk back in time. Trough a diorama featuring life size sculptures, the significant events that transpired in the tunnel during the war was simulated. Special lightings and sound effects are used for a more realistic effect. You can feel as if the life size figures of soldiers are really conversing and you can also hear the sounds of approaching bombs and gunshots. Preserved war footages are also featured in the show.

The Malinta Light and Sound Show for the overnight tour package is more effective and a bit eerie. The sub lateral tunnels are included in the tour where the hospital and offices were depicted.

Aside from its historical significance Corregidor is a beautiful and relaxing island. The island is mountainous with thick lush vegetation that makes it a rich natural habitat of birds and animals. You can see monkeys crossing the streets oblivious to the presence of tourists.

There are still many things that you can do in this famous Philippine travel destination which are camping, trekking, swimming or maybe you can just explore the whole island aboard a tramvia – a vintage bus which is open on both sides so that tourists can have a vantage view of the surroundings.