Most civilizations were founded along the banks of great life-giving rivers such as the Nile and the Yangtze river. The Tagalog culture also flourished around a river, the Pasig River. In our history books, stories abound about this river and the ferry system that plied through its waters but growing up in Zamboanga city where the rivers were too narrow or too shallow, I never could imagine how a ferry system cruising through the Pasig River worked.
Most of the time, people only have bad things to say about the Pasig River Ferry System so even though I had lived in Manila for most of my adult life, I was very hesitant to try it.
I only became more curious about the Pasig River ferry when I saw some foreign travel vloggers raving about it (because if it's good enough for them then it's definitely good enough for us, right?) Upon learning that there was a ferry station nearby, I finally decided to go on my first ferry ride on the Pasig River.
I had very low expectations but I am happy to report that all the negative things you had heard about the Pasig River ferry is untrue (or is no longer true). The engines ran as smoothly as a plane engine and the river was not smelly at all. The ferry was not air-conditioned but the windows were open so it felt like riding a jeepney minus the exhaust fumes. The seats were comfortable and there were life jackets on standby. The only time I would feel a bit nauseous was when the ferry was docking at a station.
Securing a ticket was a breeze and the embarkation process was very organized. In fact, the whole operation was seamless. The staff at the station were also very friendly and helpful.
The best thing about taking the Pasig River ferry is that it's free. We have to take advantage of everything free from the government since we end up paying for them in the end through inflation.
You also get a chance to see the Malacañang Palace if you alight after the Santa Ana station which was pretty cool. It was my first time seeing the presidential palace in person.
Along the Pasig River, there were many industrial buildings which looked abandoned. Through the years, I guess the Pasig River as a transport route had become obsolete since most new developments centered around the new and modern highways in Manila.
Perhaps if they beautified the river banks, it could be a major tourist attraction one day and even undergo gentrification.
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