Manila Ferries

The port of Manila plays a key role in the ferry network of Philippines, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Manila serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Manila, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Iloilo City - Manila connecting Manila with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as 2GO Travel run regular services from Manila, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Manila offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Manila is well-connected through various transportation networks, with Ninoy Aquino International Airport serving international travelers about 30-45 minutes from the ferry terminals (depending on traffic). From major cities like Cebu, buses and domestic ferries offer alternative routes taking between 20-36 hours. The city's Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems connect to shuttle services that run directly to the North and South Harbor ferry terminals. For those arriving by car, several paid parking facilities are available near the port areas, though it's advisable to book in advance during peak seasons as spaces fill quickly.

Manila stands as the vibrant capital of the Philippines, where centuries of Spanish colonial history blend with ultramodern skyscrapers along Manila Bay. This bustling metropolis serves as a crucial maritime hub connecting travelers to the country's 7,000+ islands. Visitors stepping off ferries into Manila are greeted by a sensory feast of sizzling street food, historic walled cities, and the unmistakable warmth of Filipino hospitality.

Manila enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, making the December to February window ideal for visitors seeking comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. March to May brings the summer heat, perfect for travelers planning to continue their journey to nearby beach destinations. The rainy season from June to November sees fewer tourists, offering more competitive ferry rates, though occasional typhoons may disrupt sailing schedules. The Feast of the Black Nazarene in January and the colorful Manila Day celebrations in June showcase the city's vibrant cultural calendar. Ferry services maintain regular schedules year-round but operate with increased frequency during the Christmas and Holy Week holiday periods.

Manila serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Philippine archipelago by sea. The picturesque island of Corregidor lies just a 1.5-hour ferry ride away, offering compelling World War II historical sites and stunning bay views. Batangas, reachable in 2-3 hours, serves as the gateway to diving paradise Puerto Galera and the volcanic attractions of Tagaytay. The postcard-perfect beaches of Boracay can be accessed via connected ferry routes through Batangas (total journey time approximately 10-12 hours). For adventure seekers, the Marinduque route offers a scenic 3-4 hour journey to an island known for its unique Moriones Festival and pristine beaches relatively untouched by mass tourism.

Within walking distance of Manila's ferry terminals lies Intramuros, the preserved Spanish colonial walled city where horse-drawn kalesas still traverse cobblestone streets past 16th-century churches and mansions. Seafood enthusiasts shouldn't miss Dampa market, where you select fresh catch and have it cooked to your preferences in adjacent restaurants specializing in garlic shrimp, chili crab, and the Filipino classic kinilaw (similar to ceviche). Rizal Park offers tranquil green space featuring elaborate gardens, historical monuments, and the site where national hero José Rizal was executed. The vibrant neighborhood of Binondo, established in 1594 as the world's oldest Chinatown, rewards explorers with hidden temples, authentic dim sum, and shops selling everything from traditional herbal medicines to lucky charms for your onward sea voyage.

Manila's name derives from the white-flowered nilad mangrove plants that once flourished along the bay, with locals calling it 'May-Nilad' (place where nilad grows). The city's port has operated continuously since 1574, making it one of Asia's oldest functioning harbors. During the Spanish galleon trade era, Manila became the first truly global city, with goods from China, Japan and Southeast Asia exchanged for Mexican silver before continuing to Europe. The famous Manila Bay sunset is considered one of the world's most spectacular urban views, once described by travel writer James Michener as 'one of the great sights of the earth.'