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Post by darthdract on Mar 19, 2015 22:02:54 GMT 8
Good day to all, Coregidor.org members and contributors I appreciate that I have been accepted in the forums.
I have been "The Rock" before wayback April 2011, it was before I joined the forums and got interested in the intricate history of the whole Island. I joined the day tour it was fun but exhausting because of the phase not enough time in each site to reflect the brutality of War.
Now me and my fiancee are planning another trip this time we are thinking of getting the overnight package but it seems it is over priced and from what I have heard not all suncruises tour guides are meticulous about the HISTORY. It also seems the overnight tours is just the same as the high Phased day tour this time its for two days.
Its like being in amazing race,
So I wonder if there are other ways to get to corregidor and get a better tour group and visit some more interesting sites (Not that the sites included in the day tour not interesting )
I am sorry if these kind of posts is somewhat not appropriate in these Website.
Thank you, Jamie IVX
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Post by Registrar on Mar 20, 2015 8:10:30 GMT 8
Jamie,
Sun Cruises have pretty much closed out the island when it comes to getting there. So, since when is there any pressure on a monopoly to charge reasonable prices? There is also a price-fixing cartel of banca owners on Bataan which has raised the prices beyond all measures of reasonableness, because they figure that all foreigners - even ex-pats - are the most wonderful victims for their price fixing hold-up prices, so there is not much point in using them unless there are several in the group.
Sun Cruises attitude is well reflected in them charging 500 peso for a ride to Topside. It used to be a courtesy. There is no courtesy any more. The friendliness is gone also, except for the few staff who have been continually there for ten years. They bring in managers now who have little affinity with the island - it's just a job to them now.
As you have been following the forum a while, you can probably consider yourself more knowledgable than most of the guides.
Are you sure you want your fiance there with you? It's dangerous for her to find out how much of a nut-case you may be, just like most of us? I love my wife dearly, but won't but won't be bringing her to Corregidor again.
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Post by fots2 on Mar 20, 2015 10:22:12 GMT 8
Hi Jamie,
A cheaper option would be to book the ferry ride only from Sun Cruises and stay at MacArthur’s Café. (actually it is called something else now, the name was just changed). You would not get the regular day tour or buffet lunch but you don’t want anyway. I think Sun Cruises also collects the Corregidor Landing Fee. You two could do your own touring around at your own pace.
A second option for a room is the Stockade area Row Houses which are again cheaper that either the Corregidor Inn or MacArthur’s Café. A third option is camping on the south side of Bottomside.
If Karl reads this then perhaps he can tell you the current costs and give you cellphone contact numbers for whatever option you choose. He has been there more recently than me so knows what is accurate.
Note: I do not know exactly when but the Sun Cruises Manila Ferry Terminal is moving from CCP to the Mall of Asia.
Have a great trip!
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Post by darthdract on Mar 20, 2015 22:46:40 GMT 8
Hello Fots2 and Registrar.. Thank you for the reply
Oh what a bummer so they are moving from CCP.. to mall asia? I am just 15mins away from CCP.Anyway it seems I have only a few options with regards to getting to the Island I might consider the Mac Arthur Cafe thing. Hopefully one of these days I could join you guys when you go on your hikes on the rock.
As a travel consultant I am really frustrated I could not take care of my travel arrangements my GF is also a travel consultant we have been to the Rock before and almost applied as tour guide for Sun Cruises several years ago. I think my GF will love it she enjoyed the first time and she loves guns well I told her now you are going to see bigger Guns!!.
I am starting to get worried that the real historical significance of Corregidor will be lost to the next generation of Filipinos. As a Filipino I am worried that the new Generation of Filipinos will have no appreciation of history I am just 32 years old not to many people my age are interested in history hopefully when my generation gets older in couple of decades we get more conscious about history.
Thank you for the suggestions.
Jamie IVX
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Post by okla on Mar 21, 2015 9:42:02 GMT 8
Hey Darth....I am elated that you, at 22 years of age, are hooked by the history bug. I am, at the same time, disappointed that the majority of American 22 year olds, in my view, like the Filipinos that you speak of, are also not too enamored with History. Methinks, that this trend is the norm and will continue to worsen. Glad to see you are still in there "pitching". Cheers.
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Post by Karl Welteke on Mar 22, 2015 9:57:14 GMT 8
There is no cheap way to visit Corregidor
If you book with Sun Cruises for the ferry trip only, it is 1200 peso and it includes the round trip and the Corregidor entrance fee of 200 peso per person. It may up to 200 pesos more, in the past there was an additional fuel surcharge.
If you bring your tent there is a 50 peso charge to the Corregidor Foundation Inc. (CFI).
CFI has rooms available for 700 peso (that should the room rate) and you get the bedding and a fan. They are located at the Stockade level in a long Rowhouse.
The ex MacArthur Café establishment is available and is not much cheaper than the hotel. It may possible to negotiate a price. This place is certainly recommended to buy your food and drink, they are cheaper than in the hotel
From Cabcaben the Boat Coop. and Villa Carmen offer a round trip to Corregidor for 3000 peso (per boat). They drop you off and wait for you there. Passengers are for 6 to 8 people, size of the people may be a factor.
CFI has a larger boat for large groups, maybe 25 people or more for 3500 peso. They pick you up and drop you off at Camaya Point, that is a good deal. Camaya Point is about half way between Cabcaben and Mariveles.
Then the next problem is getting around, CFI offers a jeepney for 800 peso. That ride is only 2 hours long. So the rest of the time you got to rely on your feet.
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Post by xray on Apr 6, 2015 16:53:01 GMT 8
Out of curiosity, what would 1200 peso be in USD ?
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Post by darthdract on Apr 6, 2015 21:53:40 GMT 8
Out of curiosity, what would 1200 peso be in USD ? That would be like $25 I bailed out for this summer I went to Baguio instead and visited the Japanese tunnels at the Botanical garden. Although I still plan to go back to Corregidor at some point, depends on my financial status by December I might make a trip by November or December or even January.
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Post by batteryboy on Apr 12, 2015 9:29:14 GMT 8
Just came from island. Follow the advise of Karl. I was able to get a good rate from Suncruises. Room and ferry transfers for two with breakfast. Meals you can either take in the Hotel or at MacArthur's. Hotel food is reasonable now but for drinks MacArthur's still takes the cake.
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Post by darthdract on Apr 26, 2015 23:21:02 GMT 8
Just came from island. Follow the advise of Karl. I was able to get a good rate from Suncruises. Room and ferry transfers for two with breakfast. Meals you can either take in the Hotel or at MacArthur's. Hotel food is reasonable now but for drinks MacArthur's still takes the cake. Thank you Batteryboy for your insights I guess I just need to save up more if I want to visit The Rock for an extended period, I want to look around, but first I think I need to do a lot more reading not only here on the proboards what I mean real books from different authors about Fort Mills, I have to buy some books : )
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