MANILA, Philippines - Adventure lovers and history buffs alike have something exciting to look forward to in historic Corregidor Island with the opening of its newest tourist attraction — the zip line.
Stretching from Corregidor Inn to the South Beach, the 40-foot-high, 300-meter-long free-fall cable ride is operated by Sun Cruises Inc., the leading lifestyle and leisure service provider on the island. The new attraction is named “The ROCKet Zip Line,” after Corregidor’s moniker, “The Rock” and the rocket-like speed of the zip line ride.
Consisting of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline, a zip line enables a user, propelled by gravity, to traverse the length of the inclined cable by holding on to the freely moving pulley.
“With this new development, tourists and adventurers alike now have more reasons to go to Corregidor. The zip line, which is designed for first-timers, will hopefully get people initiated to the activity,” enthuses Sun Cruises Inc. general manager Roland Portes.
He adds that in addition to being a historical treasure, the firm is promoting the island as a nature and adventure destination with activities such as triathlons, trail hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, tunnel exploration, and water sports like sailing and kayaking.
One of the island’s popular adventure activities is the Lateral Tour of the Malinta Tunnel, which explores the hidden tunnels the World War II-era headquarters of the Philippine Commonwealth government. Escorted by Corregidor’s trained tour guides, guests are transported to wartime experience as they listen to hair-raising stories and enter the hidden nooks and crevices of Malinta.
Situated at the mouth of Manila Bay between Cavite and Bataan, Corregidor is a three-mile-long tadpole-shaped island which can be reached by a one-hour Sun Cruises fast craft ride from the CCP Complex Ferry Terminal.
Maintained and managed by Corregidor Foundation Inc., the island evokes an old-world charm ideal for themed events, wedding receptions, and fashion pictorials.
It is also an emerging venue for corporate activities, team-building activities, outdoor sports and special events.
Built by the Spaniards as a naval checkpoint, it served as the country’s last bastion of defense against the Japanese Army in 1942. Retaken by the Allied Forces in 1945, it is the most preserved World War II memorial in the world.
Sun Cruises offers daily guided tours at P1,999 adults and P1,118 children, inclusive of roundtrip ferry transfer and buffet lunch. It also has overnight packages for a total island experience. Special student group rates apply to educational field trips.
Bookings and payments can be made online through www.corregidorphilippines.com. For details, call 527-5555 or 834-6857 to 58 or e-mail corregidortours@suncruises.com.ph.