Pasig River Ferry Ride
MMDA Pasig River Ferry Personnel
Riding the Pasig River Ferry and seeing the Pasig River on a different perspective is one item on my bucket list for 2015. It feels great that that finally I’ll be experiencing what it’s like traveling the city on a boat!
Pasig River Ferry Stations
Pinagbuhatan, Pasig
San Joaquin, Pasig
Guadalupe, Makati
Hulo, Mandaluyong
Valenzuela, Makati
Lambingan, Manila
Sta.Ana, Manila
P.U.P., Manila
Lawton, Ermita, Manila
Escolta, Manila
Plaza Mexico, Intramuros, Manila
Being the nearest station from EDSA, I started my Pasig River ferry experience in Guadalupe station.
Trip Schedule
I arrived at station at around 12:00 PM and the clerk informed me that the next trip going to Intramuros, Manila is at 12:30 PM. Unfortunately, there is no information on the exact time ferries arrive in the stations. I assume that there is an interval of at least an hour to an hour and a half between trips. First trip starts at 6:00 AM and the last trip is at 4:15 PM.
Fares
Fares range from 30 Php to 95 Php. Unless you take a jeepney, riding a ferry is definitely cheaper (and faster!) than taxis, Uber and Grabcar.
Pasig River Ferry Fare Matrix at Guadalupe ferry Station
Guadalupe to Plaza Miranda in Intramuros Manila costs 50 Php
Guadalupe Ferry Station
The station itself is decent but can only accommodate a small number of waiting passengers. There is a TV and electric fans in the station.
While waiting for the ferry, I was expecting that there would be a number of passengers arriving in the station. I felt a bit saddened that only few people patronize the Pasig River Ferry service.
There are only seven of us in this 20-sitter ferry.
The trip started at exactly 12:30 PM. I felt like a kid again for being too excited on this ferry ride.
Factory along Hulo
PUP Ferry Station
Few minutes after leaving the PUP ferry station, PSGs and coastguards escorted the ferry. This is to ensure the safety of the Malacanang Palace. When we are approaching the palace, the ferry slows down to give respect to the home of the highest ranking government official of the country.
I was really amazed by the beauty of Malacanang. Unfortunately, due to security reasons, passengers are prohibited from taking photos and videos of the beautiful palace.
I enjoyed the ferry ride. I was actually expecting to see tons of garbage and not to mention experience a foul-smelling river. Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission’s (PRRC) continuous effort in rehabilitating the river definitely contributed to the waste reduction of the river. Also, I was surprised that the smell of the river is tolerable.
I’m no environmentalist, but experiencing the Pasig River Ferry ride and seeing the river and its surroundings was an eye opener. The ferry ride is not just about being an alternative mode of transportation, it is also a wake up call that we are all responsible in taking good care of the environment.
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