June 7th, 2010
places to visit
pasig river ferry
Went on my first Couchsurfing Manila gathering on the Pasig river ferry last Saturday morning. We met at the Guadalupe station at 9:30 am and took the ferry for a 45-minute ride to Plaza Mexico, Intramuros, which cost Php 45.00 one way.
If you’re taking your car and are not familiar with the area, I suggest you park it either in Shangri-la (parking is open even early morning) or Ayala Center, then take the MRT to the Guadalupe MRT Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the Guadalupe river station.
First question friends asked about the trip– did it stink? My honest answer: No, it didn’t, it just smelled like a river… maybe a fishy river, but no gaggingly foul smell.
We stood on the deck for a good part of the trip (my advice: don’t stay on the sides lest you’re ready to be splashed by the dubious Pasig waters), and despite having rained earlier that morning, it was a pleasant, breezy boat ride that offered a backend view of Makati and Manila.
Ed, who organized the day trip, said that although he’s taken the trip more than 10 times, this was the first time he saw so many people on the deck at once!
A little before Malacanang, we were all told to go back inside the boat and not take pictures.
Life jackets are not required, but good to know they’re available for passengers, just in case.
I grew up with stories about the dreadful Pasig, and the many rescue attempts made by different groups–Ming Ramos’ Piso para sa Pasig having received the most mileage I think. This time it’s ABS-CBN foundation’s Gina Lopez who’s holding the save-the-Pasig banner, along with some government initiatives with the Japanese.
The River dredging project digs up the trash at the bottom of the river to help it flow properly again.
Many barges still use the Pasig. Most probably from all the industrial activity going on along the river…
It does seem as if things are looking up for the Pasig, but we still have a long way to go…
Personal pieces, adventures in quiet places, reflections, details that make me go aha!, all in the name of finding beauty in this city (and country) we love to hate.
Comments
What an experience, I’d like to try one! Look at the garbage.
witsandnuts
June 7th, 2010
This is more for commuting than for touristy purposes I would think?
wysgal
June 8th, 2010
and there were kids scavenging the garbage in the water
manilarat
June 10th, 2010
i heard a woman wonder out loud to her friend, “ngayon lang sila nakasakay?” when she saw us with cameras on the deck. hehe. i guess weekends draw in the tourists.
manilarat
June 10th, 2010
So the ferries are running ! My last few trips to Manila no one even knew what i was talking about when I asked . And sadly the Pasig has a long way to go to rival Bangkoks river for a travel route and a tourist attraction in its own right . My drream has always been to travel the Pasig from its mouth to La Laguna , sigh , one day !
Mark
June 14th, 2010
yes they’re up and about! when was the last time you were here? i think they’ve been open tot he public for at least two years now….
but yes, what a trip that would be, to ride the pasig from end to end… and while we’re talking dream boating trips…why not a boating adventure all around the phil islands??? now that would be a dream trip!!!
manilarat
June 14th, 2010