The Pasig River in Manila with city towers under a blue sky

Pasig River Ferry Cruise

Pasig River Ferry Cruise: A Different Way to Explore Manila

Manila isn’t exactly famous for relaxing travel experiences, particularly when you’re stuck in traffic on EDSA. So, when a few friends suggested taking a ferry along the Pasig River into Chinatown, I thought it sounded like a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

I’d been living in the Philippines for years, but taking a ferry along the Pasig River was something I’d never really considered. The Pasig River runs right through Metro Manila in the National Capital Region, and the ferry follows it from Pasig in the east into Old Manila.

Around February 2019, a group of eight or nine of us decided to give it a go. We boarded at San Joaquin in Pasig, travelled along the river into Old Manila and spent a few hours checking out Binondo, Manila’s historic Chinatown.

It turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable half-day adventure.

: Boarding the boat

: Manila skyline

Best Time to Visit

The best time to explore the Pasig River is generally December to February, when Manila experiences slightly cooler temperatures and typically less rainfall.

The wetter months, especially July to September, can bring heavy rain, high river levels and potential interruptions to ferry operations.

I’d recommend starting early in the morning. We left around 8 am, enjoyed pleasant weather along the river and had plenty of time to explore Chinatown before returning around 1 pm.

Taking the Pasig River Ferry

We started at San Joaquin Ferry Station in Pasig. After registering, we headed down to the jetty, although I remember the stairs being a little questionable!

Interestingly, we didn’t board the main ferry straight away. Instead, a smaller boat transported us to Guadalupe Station, where we transferred to a larger passenger ferry heading towards Escolta.

The main ferry was fairly basic, with seating for approximately 30 passengers. It wasn’t luxurious by any stretch of the imagination, but it was comfortable enough for the journey.

The river was calm, the weather was excellent and the whole experience was surprisingly relaxing.

Seeing Manila from a Different Perspective

One of the biggest surprises was how much cleaner the Pasig River looked compared with previous years.

Historically, the river has struggled with pollution, floating rubbish and large concentrations of water hyacinths. Although it certainly wasn’t sparkling clean, there was noticeably less rubbish than I’d expected.

As we cruised along, we passed residential neighbourhoods, commercial developments, bridges and sections of Manila that I’d never really appreciated from the road.

Having lived in the Philippines since 2003, it was particularly interesting seeing how much the skyline had changed.

We also passed near Malacañang Palace, where filming and photography were restricted during our trip.

The journey from Guadalupe to Escolta took approximately 30 minutes, and before long we were approaching Old Manila.

: Old and new Manila

: Along the riverbank

Exploring Binondo Chinatown

After arriving at Escolta Ferry Station, we walked approximately ten minutes into Binondo, widely recognised as the world’s oldest Chinatown, established in 1594.

I’d visited Binondo previously, although mostly out of necessity rather than for sightseeing. This time, we had the opportunity to wander around and explore properly.

: Binondo arch

: Welcome to Chinatown

Binondo Church

One of the more interesting stops was Binondo Church, also known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz.

I’m not particularly religious, although I’ve always appreciated historical buildings, architecture and the traditions associated with them.

This was my first time visiting the church, and I found its architecture and history particularly interesting.

: Binondo Church

: The altar

: Inside the church

: The nave

A Chinese Lunch in Chinatown

Of course, you can’t visit Chinatown without enjoying some Chinese food. After wandering around for a little bit, we found a restaurant called President Grand Palace and arrived so early that the staff weren’t quite ready to open. Nevertheless, they accommodated our group, and we ordered several dishes to share around the table. The food was good, reasonably priced and there was plenty to go around.

I wouldn’t describe Chinatown itself as spectacular. It’s a busy neighbourhood filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, decorations and historical buildings.

Still, it’s an interesting place to wander around for a couple of hours, particularly if you’re already visiting Old Manila.

How Many Hours Do You Need?

Allow approximately 4 to 5 hours for a return ferry journey and a leisurely visit to Chinatown.

Our trip started around 8 am and finished at approximately 1 pm, including the ferry rides, walking around Binondo, visiting the church and enjoying lunch.

You could easily spend longer exploring Chinatown or combine the experience with other nearby attractions in Old Manila, such as Intramuros and Rizal Park.

How to Get There

Our original journey started at San Joaquin Ferry Station in Pasig, with a transfer at Guadalupe before continuing to Escolta. That route reflects our trip in 2019, rather than a confirmed current itinerary.

For visitors coming from Makati, Mandaluyong or other parts of Metro Manila, the best starting point will depend on which ferry stations are currently operational.

Important: The Pasig River Ferry Service has experienced operational changes and interruptions over the years. Please confirm the current service, boarding locations and schedules on the official MMDA Facebook page before planning your trip.

Check Before You Go

The ferry is run by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Services have been suspended at times for maintenance, rubbish build-up and severe weather, and not every station necessarily operates on every trip. Fares, routes and schedules change, so always check the MMDA announcements first.

Good to Know Before You Go

Check MMDA’s latest announcements before travelling, particularly during the rainy season.
Allow extra time for delays, changes to schedules or cancellations.
Bring drinking water and sun protection if you’re exploring Chinatown afterwards.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the streets and historical attractions around Binondo.
Keep a backup transport option in mind in case return ferry services are suspended.

Dezza’s Tip

If you’ve lived in Manila for years or you’re visiting and want to try something different, give the Pasig River Ferry a go.

It’s not a luxury cruise, and you’re not going to see spectacular scenery the whole way. What you will see is a different side of Manila, from old neighbourhoods and historical landmarks to modern developments along the river.

Combine it with a wander around Chinatown and a decent Chinese lunch, and you’ve got yourself an enjoyable half-day adventure without spending a fortune. Just make sure the ferry is running before you head out!