HISTORY AND ADVENTURE
at the mouth of Manila Bay to a summer destination where one can have fun adventures and nostalgic experiences, Corregidor remains a much-visited place for people of all ages.
The World War II fortifications and buildings remain as the island’s main tourist magnet and have been sought after by war veterans and their families as well as history buffs young and old.
But in recent years, new activities have been introduced that are attracting visitors looking for something more than a trip down memory lane.
Birdwatching, camping, fishing, rock balancing, sunrise/sunset viewing and even ghost hunting in certain parts of the island are some of the activities guaranteed to give island visitors an exhilarating and memorable time.
Sports enthusiasts can also try kayaking, biking, hiking, walking, jogging, swimming and playing basketball on the island. For large groups, there are team building activities that foster teamwork, cooperation and camaraderie.
Whether history or adventure, one name has been trusted for decades to give visitors the best experience in Corregidor: Sun Cruises.
Founded in 1988, Sun Cruises Inc. (SCI) is a Department of Tourism-accredited water transport operator, currently the sole transport and tour operator in Corregidor. It is part of the Magsaysay Shipping and Logistics Group, known for its leading role in shipping, logistics, seafarer training and cruise ship hospitality education.
As the sole transport and tour operator in Corregidor, SCI operates two vessels –
MV Sun Cruises II, which runs the daily Corregidor trips, and MV Spirit of Manila catering to patrons of the Sunset Manila Bay Dinner Cruise.
It also operates the only two lodgings in the island: the 31-room Corregidor Inn that also houses La Playa Restaurant and a conference room for up to 30 people; and the Corregidor Hostel, a fully air-conditioned dormitory for students and budget-conscious tourists.
To give visitors a convenient and comfortable tour of the island’s attractions, SCI operates 10 tranvia buses. The entire fleet can accommodate up to 280 tourists at any given time. The tour also includes the Topside Garden Lunch, which can accommodate up to 180 visitors.
This summer is the perfect time to book a Corregidor tour with Sun Cruises. The company is offering a number of tour packages that cater to visitors’ varied tastes for adventure, fun and relaxation. Choose from the Chill, Thrill, Learn and Cheers packages.
The Chill package includes a choice between an overnight stay at Corregidor Inn or beachside glamping. At the boutique hotel, enjoy swimming in an Olympicsize pool and pampering with a full massage at the spa after. Glamping includes a well-provided campsite by the beach, where you can watch an outdoor movie screening by a bonfire.
The Thrill package is guaranteed to give visitors an adrenaline rush as it includes The Rock Challenge adventure race, Island Pike XP (which includes hiking and a picnic), bike Corregidor, nature hike, an evening tour of the Lateral Tunnel, an Army Post hospital tour, a visit to Camp Adventure, rock balancing and kayaking. Buffet or packed lunch may be included in the package. A minimum of 10 persons is required to undergo the Rock Challenge adventure race.
World War II aficionados can avail of the Learn package. They can choose between a four-hour historical tour of the island’s Memorial War Zone aboard the island’s trams, a three-hour walking historical tour across forested trails or, for students and teachers, the Corregidor Educational Tour. Depending on the group’s needs, the package can also include team building activities, campouts, yoga classes, photography lessons and familiarization tours of SCI’s hotels and ferries.
For those who want to make Corregidor a venue for their life moments, the Cheers package is suited for them. It is open to visitors who want to hold their wedding, pre-nuptial events, birthdays or corporate events on the island.
If you want to stay overnight at Corregidor Inn, overnight packages are priced at P5,250 for a single room, P7,500 for a double sharing room, and P15,000 for a family room. All overnight packages are inclusive of round trip ferry transfers, entrances fees, full board meals and a day tour kit.