The sight of the lush foliage and tropical flowers of the island of Corregidor rising from the clear blue of the China Sea gives a sense of peace.  If it weren't for the large cement wharf and traffic from the bustling port of Manila, visitors would be reminded of the Blue Lagoon.

This peaceful setting is, in fact, a memorial to one of the legendary battlefields of World War II.  With an area of 1,735 acres, the island of Corregidor is the largest of four fortified islands in the mouth of Manila Bay that delayed the advancing Japanese by denying them access to one of the best natural ports in  Southeast Asia.

An island fortress from Spanish colonial times, Corregidor was called "the Rock" of the Far East with good reason.  The 628 foot granite hill that comprises most of the island is honeycombed with tunnels.  The largest, called Malinta tunnel, is 1,400 feet long and large enough to drive a bus through.  When General MacArthur abandoned the indefensible city of Manila, these tunnels became not only MacArthur's headquarters but also the headquarters of the Philippine government, a hospital and the Philippine treasury.

To truly grasp the trials and triumphs of the defense of the Philippines, a visit to Corregidor is a must.  Here are some tips on how to best capture the beauty and mystery of this island:

1.  Bring a camera.  Your friends won't believe half of what you tell them even with pictures.

2.  Stay overnight.  The sunsets are gorgeous, and the sea breezes give Corregidor more comfortable weather than sweltering Manila.  Besides, there are so many things to see and do.

3.  Bring protective water footgear.  So many things about Corregidor invite investigation, but don't forget your feet.  The water is beautiful, but the beaches are narrow.  Coral has overgrown many submerged relics and can cut unprotected feet to ribbons in a matter of seconds.

4.  Make sure your travel insurance covers your activities.  The tunnels are thrilling to discover, but not all of them are maintained.  Your travel insurance may consider this spelunking, and you may need to get a sports rider for your spelunking insurance.  If you intend to scuba dive for lost treasure, the travel insurance you purchase needs to cover that as well.  Silver is about the only thing the Philippine treasury left behind, and much of it is buried in deep water.

So on your next trip to Southeast Asia, consider visiting Corregidor and enjoying a sunset for me.