Pasig River Cruise: A Cheap Day Tour

Brief Historical Facts    

• The river is 24 kilometers long from Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay.


• It has been used for trading by pre-Hispanic traders (one reason why Binondo flourished in the past as well as in the present).


• Its riverbanks was the inspiration of several masterpieces both by foreign artists as well as talented Filipinos (an example is the song “Mutya ng Pasig” composed by Nicanor Abelardo).


• The Malacanang Palace (the official residence of the President of the Philippines) is situated along its bank.


• There are a total of 13 bridges that cross the river.

Where is the best place to start the cruise  

• Plaza Mexico Station, Intramuros, Manila


• A 5-minute walk from Manila Cathedral.


• From Manila Cathedral, walk to the right until you see Jollibee, and then turn left towards the Pasig River.  Follow the riverbank, you will never miss the Plaza Mexico Station.

  

What is the schedule of trips 

• for the latest trip schedule, contact prrc@prrc.com.ph or pasiglahin@yahoo.com.ph, and 926-5232 or 882-5734.

                                    Schedule at the Plaza Mexico Station

How much    

• Php 60.00 from Plaza Mexico Station to Pinagbuhatan Station.
• Php 20.00 flatrate for students.
• Php 45.00 from Plaza Mexico Station to Guadalupe Station.

                                  "Photo Credit: Ironwulf"

How long    

• Two hours from Plaza Mexico Station to Pinagbuhatan Station.
• One hour from Plaza Mexico Station to Guadalupe Station.

What to bring    

• There are no food or drinks for sale on board the ferry, so bring your own or eat something before the trip.
• Eating is allowed aboard the ferry.

What is the ferry like  

What can I see    

• Malacañang Palace (if you are coming from Plaza Mexico Station, sit at the left side) (taking photos is prohibited at this point)
• National Post Office
• Factories
• Harsh reality called 'Poverty'
• Bridges
• Makati City Hall
• Napindan Hydraulic Control Structure

    

      

     

If I want to experience all stations, how do I return to civilization    

• Do not get off at the last station, which is Pinagbuhatan Station.


• Ask the ferry staff if you can get off at Kalawaan Station (the second to the last station, and the station where the ferries park).


• From the Kalawaan Station, go to the highway and take the tricycle to go to the 'Pasig Market.'  The tricycle ride costs only Php10.00.


• At the Pasig Market, take the jeepney with the signboard "Crossing Ibabaw" or "Quiapo."  If you choose to get off at Crossings in Boni, it will cost you Php10.00, and Php23.00 if you choose to get off at Quiapo.

Efforts to Rehabilitate    

• The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission was established in 1999 to revive the river.


• Mission: “To restore the Pasig River to its Class-C condition by applying bio-eco engineering and attain a sustainable socio-economic development.”


• Vission: “A Pasig River, Clean and Alive, reflecting the country’s noble history and socio-economic progress.”

How can I help 

• Donate. Piso para sa Pasig: Help clean up the Pasig River just by texting! Type GIVE ILOG and send to 231 for Smart or Talk ‘N’ Text subscribers and to 2366 for Globe, Touch Mobile, and Sun Cellular subscribers. Every time you text, you are giving life to the Pasig River.


• Volunteer. Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig: Call them at (02) 416-1911 or (02) 4152272 local 3797 or check their website, here.