Pasig River Ferry; Ideal Cheap Day Tour

Having buzzed over the Pasig River on the MRT Guadalope stop many times and noticing the large, new water taxi at the terminal, I wanted to give it a try. This past weekend, I finally did just that.

From wherever you are in Manila, you can take the MRT to Guadalope Station and walk down to the river from there. It is a five minute walk and the terminal is new and clean. For 45 pesos (roughly $1USD), you can take the ferry all the way to Intramuros. I counted ten stops along the way in that direction. It took about 45 minutes to do the route in that direction.

You can really get a feel for the city from the water. It is a sharp contrast from brand new high rises on one side to grinding poverty and slums on the other. You pass by many massive abandoned old factories, kids swimming in the drink, old men fishing and other boat traffic going up and down the river.

Towards Intramuros, you even pass the Malacanag Palace where the President resides. It is pretty amazing to see just how out in the open and accessible the estate is from the river.

Unfortunately (and in true Filipino fashion), there were no schedule pamphlets available at any of the stations I checked. So here is the station list I cobbled together. I didn%26#39;t make the full route as I got on in Guadaolpe, but I went 80% of the way.

Kalawaan(Pasig)-Bambang- Guadalope (Makati)- Hulo (Makati/Burgos)- Valenzuela- Lambiungan Punta- Sta Ana- PUP/Sta Mesa- Quiapo- Lawton- Escolta- Intramuros.

The ferries leave about ten times a day each way during the week from around 7am to 6pm. Less on weekends. The office gave me these contacts prrc@prrc.com.ph, pasiglahin@yahoo.com.ph, and the information office is (2)926.5232 or (2)882.5734. Apparently, they don%26#39;t have a webpage.

It is a worthwhile way to see Manila for all its glory and blight. Plus, at 45 pesos for the entire route, it is a heck of a bargain and a cool way to kill an afternoon instead of sitting in a taxi in traffic.

Pasig River Ferry; Ideal Cheap Day Tour

Anybody know just how far Hulu station is from Burgos Avenue?

Pasig River Ferry; Ideal Cheap Day Tour

Anyone?