Manila City Guide - Getting There By Water

The port area in Manila is simply called Pier (pronounced as ‘pee-YER') and is sometimes referred to as Port Area. It is divided in the North and South Harbour. The South Harbour is located off Bonifacio Drive and the Muelle de San Francisco Street. The North Harbour is on Marcos Street in the Tondo district. Ferries arrive at South Harbour and leave from North Harbour. Port facilities are basic - some food and drinks stalls and a seating area. Tourists are advised to secure their baggages and wallets in this area. Philippines Port Authority (tel: (02) 527 4856 or 4844; website: www.ppa.com.ph) provides further information.

Ferry services: Aleson Lines (tel: (02) 991 2687 or 4258) carries passengers between Malaysia and Zamboanga City, part of Mindanao island in the south. EPA Shipping Lines (tel: (083) 380 3591) operates a cargo boat that shuttles between General Santos in Mindanao and Indonesia. From there, you can travel to Manila by ship or plane. These services are not recommended to tourists however.

There are frequent inter-island ferries. The three major (and most reliable) operators cover almost the same destinations. Negros Navigation (tel: (02) 243 5231 or 244 0408; website: www.negrosnavigation.ph) travels to most of the southern islands like Palawan, Mindanao and Negros. Other operators include SuperFerry (tel: (02) 528 7000; website: www.wgasuperferry.com) and Sulpicio Lines, 415 San Fernando Street, Binondo (tel: (02) 241 9701-07; website: www.sulpiciolines.com). Car ferries (RORO or roll on, roll off) are available, but trips usually take longer.

The Philippines has had a couple of maritime accidents, often involving overloaded ferries. In general, travellers should exercise caution by asking around and observing the condition of the boats.