Looking for the best accommodations for Corregidor Island? Corregidor Island is a rugged, forested island around 30 miles from Manila, and is perhaps the Philippines’ most important World War II site. General Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters until 1942, Corregidor was occupied by Japanese forces until January 1945, and most visits focus on WWII-era relics rather than natural attractions. There is something for any visitor to the island; its rich with World War II history, it has pristine nature trails, it has wildlife, it has its own beach and let’s not forget the mysterious tales of ghosts and the supernatural in the island.
So how do you get to Corregidor Island? Corregidor Island ferries leave from the Esplanade Seaside Terminal, around 4 miles (7 kilometers) from downtown Makati. The ferry terminal is tricky to reach by public transport, so most opt either to take a taxi or to book a Corregidor tour that includes the convenience of door-to-door round-trip private transfers. You can visit the Most Beautiful Islands in the Philippines here or on Pinterest.
Best Time to Visit Corregidor Island
The best time to visit the island of on Corregidor in the Philippines is from January until June and October until December, when you’ll find warm temperatures and limited rainfall. February is the best month to travel here, as it will be pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. February temperatures average in the 80s during the day, with very occasional rain.The highest average temperature in on Corregidor Island is 90°F in April and the lowest is 84°F in January.
Corregidor Island is at its busiest around Christmas and Easter. It is also popular on weekends, so visiting during the week is recommended. Typhoons can impact travel to Corregidor, as to any part of the Philippines, during typhoon season, which peaks in August.
Corregidor Island’s South Beach
Located at the bottom of the island, opposite the South Dock is South Beach. A small sandy cove for swimming or sunbathing. Don’t expect anything spectacular though, this is no Boracay, the sand is not as fine and definitely not white. One cool thing about this beach are the blood stones found on the shore. These are rocks that look like they’ve been splattered with blood. The water is quite clean here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must for history buffs, Corregidor Island is also great for kids, and child-centered tours are available.
- Corregidor Island is over 2 square miles in area. Consider an open-sided tram tour if seeing much of the island is important to you.
- Corregidor’s terrain can be rugged in places. If taking a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a refillable water container and fill it up from containers around the island. Snacks will come in handy if traveling with kids.
Best Corregidor Island/Manila Tours & Activities
Corregidor Day Trip from Manila
Visit Corregidor Island, located about 30 miles (48 km) west of Manila at the entrance to Manila Bay, on this 8-hour tour with hotel pickup and drop-off by private vehicle. You’ll take a ferry ride across the bay to reach Corregidor, where you’ll see historical landmarks and learn about the island’s role as a coastal defense during World War II. Lunch is included. Book Your Corregidor Day Trip from Manila Here
Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle – Ecotours
When you’re exploring a district as historic as Manila’s Intramuros, it pays to choose a traditional form of transport. Soak up the sights, discover the history, and even ride along the walls on this small-group bicycle tour with a difference: bamboo bikes. After choosing a style and size that suits you, tour sites including Fort Santiago, Plaza Roma, and the Puerta del Parian gate, then finish with some Filipino snacks. Book Your Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle Here
4 Days at Banaue Heritage Tour
The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of the Cordilleras by the Ifugaos. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Have a close encounter with the village folks in Banaue, and a glimpse of their way of life. Private Tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers. Book Your 4 Days at Banaue Heritage Tour Here
Banaue & Batad UNESCO 3days 2 nights Tour
The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of the Cordilleras by the Ifugaos. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This Private Tour is limited to a maximum 6 persons Only. Book Your Banaue & Bated UNESCO Tour Here
Full Day City and Museum Tour
Manila is a massive city, but getting around and seeing the top sights is easy on this tour. Visit must-see attractions like the Mall of Asia, the colonial-era walled city of Intramuros, and important museums. Relax while you’re transported around the city by air-conditioned coach and your English-speaking guide tells you about Manila’s long history. Book Your Full Day City and Museum Tour Here
Corregidor Island Restaurants
La Playa Restaurant
Food: Filipino, International Dishes Address: Corregidor Inn, Brgy. San Jose Telephone: (0917) 527-6350
McCarthur’s Cafe
Food: Filipino Address: South Beach, Corregidor Island Telephone: (0907) 508-7831 | (0918) 358-0856
Pirate’s Cove Cafe
Food: Filipino Cafe Address: South Beach, Corregidor Island Telephone: (0907) 508-7831 | (0918) 358-0856
This is the kind of information I was looking for about Corregidor island. Thanks for taking the time to talk about the best places for accommodation here. I have been looking for such detailed info but haven’t gotten it until I got here. I am going to evaluate what each place offers and see what will fit my budget well. Plus, your website is awesome and a helpful resource for travelers like me. 🙂
Thank you Dave, I am glad you are enjoying your visits to beach travel destinations. Please let me know if you have any questions for me.
I was unfamiliar with Corregidor Island and had no idea that it was actually that close to Manila. This was a very informative read! I like that you provided all the history and backstory of this unique spot. I was just wondering what your overall thoughts on security and safety is for this island, as I’ve heard that off the beaten places in the Philippines can be dangerous. Thanks for your thoughts!
Yes, there are places in the Philippines that are really not safe to travel to. This is not one of them. I did not review any of the unsafe islands or areas, as really not a good travel destination when you have to worry about your safety!
Hello Leahrae
Great article! Very informative about Corregidor Island. The video was a nice inclusion in the article. Appreciate the information on best times to visit, things to know, and the different tours. I like World War II history so if I was ever in the Philippines I would definitely put this on the list of places to visit. If one were to do the Day Trip (8 hour tour) are there places to buy snacks and/or beverages? Or should one pack those things?
Thanks
Richard
Yes, there are places to get snacks and drinks 🙂
Yes A Beautiful Island! I would love to go there right about now! We just got 6 inches of snow here in the Midwest! When I finally get my blog monetized I’ll be looking you up! 🙂 Beautiful site and I love how your icons floated over to the side of it! I think I finally understand the RSS feed now as well, it’s for chatting?
Yes, it is for chatting 🙂 And snow, yuck! LOL I live in the sunshine state and do love it!
Aside going to nice places and see Beautiful scenery, one must have enough cash at hand find great accommodations which you have provided information for. I believe staying in Manila and taking the boat to Corregidor Island sounds amazing because of all the history. Thanks for sharing all of this, it is everything that will help me plan!
Great! Please let me know if you need any additional information. I would be glad to help!
I was reading a bit of history, and when the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century at the entrance of Manila Bay, they identified the Island of the Corrector as a strategic place for defense. I would like to visit the Island as a tourist and also to see firsthand many of the historical facts I have read about the island.
This island had a LOT of history. I decided to include it for that reason. Not a lot of other stuff like hotels or restaurants, but if you are heading to this area of the Philippines, it is definitely worth the stop. Glad you enjoyed.
One thing I have noticed is that there are a lot of islands near the Philippines. What makes this one different from the other islands? If I were to ask you for your top 5, would you put this island in your top 5? It seems like a pretty interesting place to visit
This would not be in my top 5. It is more of a historical stop. You won’t find a lot of services. But, I enjoy doing things besides just lounging at the beach and the history here is very interesting. Worth the visit for sure.
Hi Leahrae,
Best Accommodations For Corregidor Island, what a great posting. You’d done a terrific job here in presenting history of the island, how to get there, best time to visit and most important the things that traveler should know before embarking your journey.
I travel a lot and the most I hate is not knowing in advance what to expect and do in the area.
Thank you for your article, it will save me time and trouble once I decided to visit your beautiful Corregidor Island.
Cheers,
Al
You are very welcome Al, thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments. It’s a great stop for just the history alone.
Wow, I have never heard of Corregidor Island before, but I learned a lot about it through this article. It’s amazing that it’s only 30 miles from Manila, Philippines! My landlocked city has a perimeter / loop highway that goes around the metro area and it is more than 30 miles from one end to the other, so something 30 miles away seems very close!
Given that it’s so close to the big city, is this something that more locals visit, or is it more of a tourist destination?
It is more of a tourist destination for the history. Most who live in Manila are quite aware and it would be a one time visit at most. I think it is worth the visit. Especially if you are a history buff. Add a little flavor to your beach vacation.
I love this, I have always wanted to travel outside of the mainland! But it’s very overwhelming even trying to find a travel package. I’ve had acquaintances that have gotten ripped off by travel deals and it has made me very wary of travel packages. Your site looks very inviting and I feel like I could trust you to help with my travel plans and give me the best deals there are. I will be back when I am ready to plan. Thank you!
You are very welcome Teanna. I appreciate the nice comments and for taking the time to stop and leave them. Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you.