Manila Iligan City ferry

Manila Guide

Manila Ferry Port

Manila is the capital of the Philippines, lying on the west coast of the country. It has many ferry routes departing the port, primarily to other popular tourists resorts belonging to the Philippines such as Cebu, Bacolod City and Cagayan De Oro. Covering a vast area and laying home to nearly two million people, Manila isn’t short of things to do. The trendy art galleries, thriving alternative music scene and chilled bars have transformed it from a place synonymous with hardship into one of Asia’s most effortlessly cool cities. Skyscrapers litter the skyline and the streets are overwhelmed with traffic, but that’s what Manila is all about – a bustling metropolitan city offering a modern café or atmospheric restaurant on every corner. For those wishing to sample a traditional sightseeing trip, then there is a lot to fit on the itinerary. The rich history associated with Manila hasn’t faded away in the shadow of its modernisation; the walled city of Intramuros is a spectacularly unique sight, and just across the road visitors are obliged to experience the beautiful Rizal Park. Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church are all worthwhile visiting, or for a refreshing change of pace the Marikina Shoe Museum or Manila Ocean Park provide a more relaxed experience. Unconventional transport is on the agenda in Manila; jeepneys swarm the city, which are similar to a pick-up truck, carrying many passengers at a time on a fixed route. They don’t detour for any passengers, but are a very cheap way to get closer to a more desired destination. Regular taxis are also fairly inexpensive, and considering the city’s chaotic nature, they are oftentimes the easiest and most convenient option.

Iligan City Guide

Iligan City Ferry Port

Iligan City Port is found on the northern coast of the island of Mindinao, the southernmost of the many islands which comprise the Philippines. Due to its tropical location, the area rarely experiences cold weather, making it a desirable holiday destination for tourists. However, Iligan still remains somewhat of a hidden gem in the Philippines with visitors tending to head towards more prominent regions such as Manila and Cebu. The lack of westernization from European tourists has maintained Iligan Port’s authentic feel, yet it still welcomes tourists from all countries. Transport to and from the ferry terminal is somewhat lacking; there is a general absence of public transport such as buses and trains, therefore it is advisable to book a taxi or try the local custom. Tartanillas (horse drawn carriages) and sikads (personalised mopeds) are readily available and can be seen all over the city, however, sikads are known to be sometimes dangerous and unreliable. Two companies are relied upon to supply ferry routes from Iligan City Port; Carlos A. Gothang Lines and Cokaliong Shipping Lines provide the crossing to Cebu as the most popular service. There are also crossings to Cagayan De Oro, Dumaguete and Legaspi, each running a few times per week. The times of the crossings vary from season to season, so it is worthwhile checking for live updates to guarantee a pleasant journey.