Cruising the Pasig River
For me who has lived just a block away from Ilog Pasig (Pasig River) most of my life, I have seen how the river turns from bad to worse in this urban jungle. In the early 80′s I remember we were able to catch some fishes on its brown water (as rivers usually are). But now I’m not sure if there are still any. But with the efforts of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), they hope to bring back the previous glory of the of the old Pasig River.
Lambingan Ferry Station
It was way back in February 14, 2007 when PRRC revived the Pasig River Ferry Service as another means of transportation for the public. It offered a a reliable, efficient cost and time saving alternative to regular transport At that time, there were only a few stations open but at the present there are already 10 ferry stations, six satellite stations along the stretch of the Pasig River. Each of this ferry stations operated by PRRC have airconditioning, comfortable waiting areas, restrooms and handicapped support.
MV Pasig Ferry
There is a fleet of six ferry vessels operated by a private company – The Nautical Transport Services Inc. Each vessel can accommodate up to 150 passengers. The interiors is airconditioned, life vests on each seats, a clean restroom and a flat screen television for entertainment purposes.
Punta – Sta Ana Crossing
I have only tried this service a couple of times and find it quite effecient for its price. The longest I’ve traveled is from Bambang to Escolta which took me a little above an hour of travel time which is quite good compared to going by road. And with the airconditioned environment, wide view of the river surroundings and on board entertainment it is one comfortable ride.
Depressed areas
For tourist who would like to see the sights along the river. One can go out to the view deck and get in some local air. Good news is that it no longer stench as before. It means waste levels of the river has dwindled over the years. Great job for PRRC.
Jaime Cardinal Sin Village
As for the sights, don’t expect too much. A lot of the scenes you would find are certainly from a third world country like ours. Shanties along the river, houses and families living under the bridge and deteriorating structures. But the whole stretch is not a scene of poverty. Rising structures from Makati, Mandaluyong and Manila. School connections like the PUP, the Malacanang Palace where photography is prohibited, 13 bridges on the whole stretch and also some historical sights.
Isla de Convalescencia
I’m quite happy the government is pushing to develop the Pasig River and its ferry service. I think in a few years time, under the right direction on the development of the riverside, things could get better. I remember the river cruise in Singapore, they only developed the river side and placed markers on some historical sights and tourists would readily hop in their boats. I believe the Pasig River has a lot more to offer given the right development.
Lambingan Bridge in Sta Ana
List of Ferry stations:
- Plaza Mexico Ferry Station Intramuros, Manila
- Escolta Ferry Station Binondo, Manila
- Quezon Bridge Ferry Station Plaza Lawton, Manila
- Quiapo Satellite Station Quinta Market, Quiapo, Manila
- PUP Ferry Station Sta. Mesa, Manila
- Sta. Ana Ferry Station Sta. Ana, Manila
- Lambingan Ferry Station Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila
- Valenzuela Ferry Station Barangay Valenzuela, Makati City
- Hulo Ferry Station Barangay Hulo, Mandaluyong City
- Guadalupe Ferry Station Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City
- San Joaquin Ferry Station Barangay San Joaquin, Pasig City
- Bambang Satellite Station Jabson Compound, Bambang, Pasig City
- Kalawaan Satellite Station R. Castillo Street, Kalawaan Sur, Pasig City
- Acasia Satellite Station Gajit Street, Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
- Napindan Satellite Station Barangay Napindan, Purok 2, Taguig City
- Nagpayong Satellite Station Barangay Nagpayong, Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
Pasig Ferry Fare Matrix. Click image for larger view
Developing the ferry service would also ease congestion in the streets, plus it would make the rehabilitation of the river even more aggressive.
it’s been like two years since i took the pasig ferry service. i hope the service and skeds have improved since then. i also hope more people patronize the ferry since it’s faster and not so expensive especially for commuters going from escolta to guadalupe. hopefully, the trip will also inspire people to care more about the pasig river.
It is heartwarming to know that the stench is not as before, as you said. It really leaves a pinch when we see the real bad side of Manila exhibited along the Pasig, as in your 5th photo-depressed areas. Garbage stacked along the banks, plastics with garbage floating, etc. It really is a depressing site. I really wonder why people don’t learn fast individually to help our country and our earth!
Photographers being very good observers have big responsibility in exposing the truth, sana marami ang makakita ng mga photos mo! We should pray that many respond to the urgent call.
havent tried riding it yet. good that stench has now decreased. ill be supporting the ilog pasig rehabilitation.
It is a good initiative… I remember taking the ferry boat some two years ago… it was a great to experience the city from another perspective…from the Pasig river everything looks so peaceful… only a bit of noise from the distance…
the 5th photo is.. bothering. lol.
i’ve actually been on one of those airconditioned ferry boats back in college when our group shot a video of the pasig river for a report. it was quite an experience to be insulated from the toxicity outside, and seeing everything from within.
True Photo Cache! It’s a nice alternative to the road and railways.
Onga Og. I hope more people get used to riding these ferries.
Those depressed areas are there Andrea and we can’t ignore them. Sometimes we really have to show the sad truth in order to improve or remedy them.
Yep Dom, qute surprised myself that the stench is no longer there on most parts.
True Sidney! It’s refreshing to see the city by the river.
Thanks Pao!
The good news Fortiotous Faery is that it’s not as toxic as before. We actually spent some time out of the air conditioned quarters to take pictures.
wow! great move… sabi nga, ramdam ang asenso….
[...] we got a glimpse of how good these selected batch of Mabuhay Guides are on the field. Coming from a Pasig River Ferry Ride, we started our tour of Manila in Escolta [...]
I agree. Randam talaga ang asenso. The stench is no longer present of what it is some few years back. When my wife and I would go to Binondo, we make it a point to take this ferry from the Guadalupe station. I hope more and more people will patronize this kind of transport. I noticed that there is still high percentage in the Metro Manila populace who don’t know that a ferry transportation system already exists. I think, kulang lang nito is advertisement i.e. media exposure.
I’m looking forward that before I gets too old, I can witness Pasig River to revert into what Rizal had seen about it a hundred years ago. Sana tuloy-tuloy lang talaga ang effort towards environmental concerns and a lot of people will be working on it. We already learn a lot of lesson and typhoon Ondoy’s wrath should be enough to teach us a lesson.
Nice photography here as always, Ferdz…
how much is the entrance fee per person if were about 40pax??
Hi. can i know where can i find the schedule of the boat? thank you so much.,
It’s the good start of new ILOG PAsIG!!!!
Good job PRRC !!! Hoping that your commission will continue to revive and rehabilitate our dear Pasig River into its historically pristine condition.. Just keep up the good work! :>