TRAVEL WATCH: AUGUST 2, 1999 VOL. 154 NO. 4

M A N I L A   C I T Y   G U I D E Short Cuts Escape Manila's mayhem with a sidetrip to Corregidor, an hour west of the city. Known locally as "The Rock," this fortified island at the mouth of Manila Bay was a strategic military base from the Spanish era in the 1500s up to and beyond America's arrival in 1898. After operating from the Manila Hotel from 1935-41, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur relocated his headquarters to Corregidor's 255-m long Malinta Tunnel in a last-ditch effort to repel Japanese troops during World War II. Visitors can still see wartime relics like the underground barracks and hospital or spend the day hiking and exploring the grounds. Sun Cruises (tel. 632-831-8140) runs guided tours to the island for $40, or $30 for kids 12 and younger; an overnight package with a stay at the elegant Corregidor Hotel costs $49. The daily tours depart from Manila at 8 a.m. and return by 3:30 p.m., when you can drop by the Manila Hotel for a visit to its remodeled MacArthur Suite (the original was bombed in 1945)--or sleep there, for the commanding rate of $2,500 a night. Introduction Environment When to Go History Facts at a Glance Events Activities Attractions Off the Beaten Track Getting There & Away Getting Around Recommended Reading View a Map

Back to the Manila City Guide Home Click here for more information from Lonely Planet Hot Tip It's little wonder that Malate is known as the Greenwich Village or Left Bank of Manila Short Cuts Escape Manila's mayhem with a sidetrip to Corregidor Detour The island of Mindoro, four hours south of Manila, is a welcome and pleasant contrast to the congestion and chaos of the Philippine capital Web Crawling Manilenos share their tips for where to eat, drink and hang out Links To Manila websites