Melo Villareal
Binondo and Intramuros by Pasig River Cruise
A great way to explore Manila is by visiting its historically significant sites. During Spanish rule, the Pasig River played a central role in transportation and commerce. Sadly, what was once a clean river has deteriorated into a waste collection area over recent decades. It has become a dumping site for thousands of families living along its banks, and some factories have taken shortcuts by disposing of harmful chemicals and sewage into it.
Welcome Aboard
My first experience traversing the Pasig River was when Nina cordially invited me to join her and a group of fellow travel bloggers for an immersive exploration of Binondo and Intramuros. We traveled along the historic waters on the Pasig River Cruise, taking in the sights and learning about the rich cultural heritage of these iconic districts.
Living near UST, I have easy access to Binondo, yet I chose to join them in Guadalupe for a first-time river cruise. We finally boarded the ferry around 8am, which was still about half empty.
As we began our journey, the air-conditioned vessel, designed to carry up to 150 passengers, glided past the Makati area, offering a view of the back of Makati City Hall – arguably one of the most impressive government buildings in the country today.
Passing the historic Sta. Ana Racetrack, we then encountered a stretch of slum area that starkly contrasts with the nearby Pasig River, vividly reflecting the current economic disparities in our society.
The ferry seat is quite comfortable, and the restrooms are tidy. Facing the pungent smell of Pasig River, I chose to stay on the outdoor deck to take photos, but we were instructed to return to our seats as the ferry neared Malacañang, since photographing the palace is forbidden 🙁 though I’m not really interested in snapping pictures of the tiny president :).
In just a couple of minutes, we finally reached Escolta, the second-to-last station. Overall, I was completely impressed with their facilities and service. I wish DOT could promote it more by encouraging travel and tour operators to showcase Manila through the ferry service. Beyond the ease of travel, I think experiencing the cruise will also help build awareness of the river’s current state.
Brief About the Pasig River Cruise
The Pasig River cruise service launched in early 2007, offering seamless waterway connectivity from Barangay Pinagbuhatan to Intramuros. As the project kicked off, it connected five stations – Escolta, PUP, Sta. Anna, Hulo, and Guadalupe. However, the service has been extended to 17 stations, and the one-way journey is close to 30km. The seamless cruise services are managed on separate upstream and downstream lines.
Some of these include musical entertainment, HD TV, Comfortable washrooms, and in-station facilities such as waiting seats with security guards.
Tourists can discover thumping sites in Binondo and Intramuros at a lower cost through a Pasig River cruise. They can book their itinerary in advance and get off at Binondo to explore Chinatown, Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, or Binondo Church. You can either walk or board the next ferry to reach Intramuros and explore the magnificent architecture through Lourdes Church, San Francisco Church, and San Nicolas de Tolentino Church.
Other heritage sites can also be discovered on the Pasig River cruise, as tourists can easily get on or off at scheduled stops. The Pasig River Cruise service operated between the following 17 stations:
- Plaza Mexico – Intramuros, Manila
- Escolta – Binondo, Manila
- Lawton – Lawton, Ermita, Manila
- Quiapo – Quiapo, Manila
- PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – Santa Mesa, Manila
- Santa Ana – Santa Ana, Manila
- Lambingan- Punta, Santa Ana, Manila
- Valenzuela – Barangay Valenzuela, Makati City
- Hulo – Barangay Hulo, Mandaluyong City
- Guadalupe- Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City
- Pineda – Barangay Pineda, Pasig City
- San Joaquin – Barangay San Joaquin, Pasig City
- Bambang – Barangay Bambang, Pasig City
- Kalawaan – Barangay Kalawaan Sur, Pasig City
- Pinagbuhatan Acasia – Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
- Maybunga – Barangay Maybunga, Pasig City
- Nagpayong – Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
Fare Details
- Tickets are priced at Peso 25, Peso 35, and Peso 45
- Students are offered discounted tickets at P20 only.
Why is it Preferred
- Tourists can reach Binondo and Intramuros from Mandaluyong. The much-appreciated aspect is that, unlike city taxi, the ferry fares are super competitive.
- One can explore the ultimate charm of the places through a Pasig River cruise.
- You can buy tickets in advance.
- The end-to-end distance is only 30km, which can be covered in utter comfort by the passengers.
Manila Travel Tour Packages You Should Try
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Read:
- Riding the Pasig River Ferry Service: Metro Manila’s Most Underrated Commute
- Top 10 Best TOURIST SPOTS IN PASIG CITY + Things to Do
- List of Best Ortigas Center Luxury Hotels
- Visit Sta. Ana, Cagayan — A Town Where You Can Find the ‘Boracay of the North’
- Budget Travel Spots In Metro Manila
