My Experience on the Pasig River Ferry
Who knew the only river water transport in Metro Manila could be one of the most fun (and fastest!) way across the city.
Previously, I used to drive to and from places in a car, but with Metro Manila traffic getting worse than ever, I started looking for non-road based alternatives to my daily commute. For reference: In 2020, my typical commute from CBD to my home was only 20 minutes flat; now, in 2024 it is no less than 40 minutes.
I first heard about the Pasig river ferry service when it was rehabilitated in 2014. Currently, the ferry service is operated as a collaboration between the MMDA and the Philippine Coast Guard. Over summer I got bored and decided to explore the old walled city of Intramuros with a friend, and we decided to finally try the ferry service. This article is a brief overview of our experience.
Pasig River Ferry Route and Stations (as of June 4, 2024)
- Pinagbuhatan (Eusebio Avenue, Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City) — Near the Coast Guard Station at C6 Bridge. [Google Maps]
- Kalawaan (R. Castillo St. Brgy. Kalawaan Pasig, Metro Manila) — Near the bridge. [Google Maps]
- San Joaquin (San Bernardo Street, San Joaquin Pasig) — Near Sumilang and Bambang Bridge [Google Maps]
- Maybunga (Dr. Sixto Avenue, Pasig) — Beside Maybunga Barangay Hall [Google Maps]
- Guadalupe (J.P. Rizal Extension, Makati City) — Near MRT Guadalupe Station [Google Maps]
- Hulo (Coronado Street, Hulo, Mandaluyong City) — Near Parish of our Lady of Abandoned [Google Maps]
- Valenzuela (A. Bonifacio Street, Valenzuela Makati City) — Near Bonaventure Garden Homes, Riverside Studios and LTO Makati District Office [Google Maps]
- Lambingan (F. Manalo Street, Punta Santa Ana, Manila) — In front of Tomas Earnshaw Elementary School [Google Maps]
- Sta. Ana (Pedro Gil Street, Sta. Ana, Manila City) — Near Sta. Ana Public Market and Liwasang F. Calde [Google Maps]
- PUP (Anonas Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila) — Beside the Philippine Coast Guard Station and Polytechnic University of the Philippines [Google Maps]
- Quinta (Carlos Palanca St., Quiapo, Manila) — Behind the Quinta Market, near the Quiapo Church [Google Maps]
- Lawton (Muelle Del Rio Street, Arroceros Manila) — Near the Quezon Bridge, Plaza Lawton and Post Office. Located across from Quinta station [Google Maps]
- Escolta (Muelle Del Rio Street, Intramuros, Manila City) —Near the Binondo Chinatown Arch and Intramuros [Google Maps]
There are stations planned to be opened in Bridgetowne and Eastwood as an extension of the Maybunga-Guadalupe line. The Plaza Mexico station was demolished in 2018 to make way for bridge construction —now that the bridge was completed, a replacement station is being created.
Boats typically leave at 1 hour intervals.
The Ride Experience
Using a car, travelling the same distance from Pasig to Escolta, Manila would probably take 3 hours during rush hour. Using the typical UV Express, and MRT-LRT train route, it would probably take 2 hours. Using the ferry service, this only takes anywhere between 1hr and 15 mins to 1hr and 30min. This makes the ferry service twice as fast in comparison to other modes of transport.
The riding experience is great. You are allowed to bring bikes and small cargo onboard, and get to choose your seats. The boat has a lot of safety gear such as life jackets onboard, and is usually manned by a coast guard officer with some MMDA staff to help manage. All stations across the route have radio communication, and boats can communicate with one another.
The ferry service operates different types of boats, and usually the ones with smaller capacity can travel much faster. In my experience, we are usually early in our arrival. The boats always stick to the schedule, and there are boats leaving stations every hour.
Boats have ample storage space for your bags, with typical economy-style seating of three abreast on each side. The ride is considerably smooth enough to use a laptop on, and you won’t get sea sick since there aren’t any high waves in the Pasig river anyway.
Overall, it feels like riding any other motorboat. Definitely much more relaxing than the clogged streets of Metro Manila. Less pollution also means you can breathe easy and relax during your commute.
Stations have priority seating and boarding for PWDs / Seniors, and there are snacks for sale in each one. Some stations are air-conditioned, while others are operated open-windowed. As of my knowledge, all stations have transit options available, and it is easy to hop on an MRT, jeepney, bus, UV express, or tricycle once you get off. In order to ride the ferry, all you have to do is present any valid ID, and sign your name, and intended destination on the manifest.
Each station is manned by a team of around 4–5 staff from the MMDA and Coast Guard to assist passengers.
Contrary to popular belief, the Pasig river actually doesn’t smell too bad. It is only in certain sections, such as those in Manila that have a pungent odor due to the densely populated areas in some districts, but other than that, everything is nice and breezy. Areas closer to Manila bay definitely smell more salty, whilst areas closer to Laguna de Bay smell more neutral.
In the 1990s, the Pasig river was declared biologically dead, but in 2024 we are already seeing good progress in terms of its rehabilitation. There are seagulls, flying fish, and birds of every type to be spotted along the river.
Interesting Sites to See
- Buildings of old Manila
- Skyscrapers of Makati
- Malacañang Palace (residence of the Philippine President)
- Bridges, such as the double-decker segment of Skyway Stage 3 or Guadalupe bridge
- Greens and trees
Security
The service is generally secure, as there are random K-9 inspections at any of the stations along the route. There are marshalls and coast guard officers on each ride.
The boat is packed with rescue gear and backup communication equipment such as CBs and sirens.
Overall Thoughts
The Pasig River ferry system is a great alternative means of transport for people travelling East-West or West-East around Metro Manila. It is currently the fastest way from Pasig to Manila (unless you own a helicopter of course), and a great way to skip all the city stress on your daily commute. Considering that rides are currently free and subsidized by the government, it is an excellent value option that saves you a lot of money.
Considering that just last year alone, 240000 people rode on the system, I certainly hope more investments would be provided for this method of transport. That means more boats, more stations, and possibly consider even extending the line to places like Laguna de Bay, Cavite, and all across the Marikina river so people in Quezon City (the most populated city in all of Metro Manila) can also benefit from the station.
Useful Links
Useful Things to Bring
- Earphones / Headphones
- Valid ID
- Light travel gear
