Manila

UN/LOCODE PHMNL · Philippines

Shore leave

Manila is the Philippines' principal port and the world's single largest source country for international merchant seafarers. Shore leave is granted with a seaman's book + shore pass under standard procedure. Welfare provision via Stella Maris Manila + Sailors' Society + multiple Philippine seafarer welfare organisations. Almost every Filipino seafarer passes through Manila for crew change at some point in their career.

Walking distance and transit

Manila South Harbor and North Harbor are 10-20 minutes from Intramuros / central Manila. The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) is 25-40 minutes from city centre. Manila traffic is severe — budget 50% more time than the map shows.

Essentials

ATMs: BDO, BPI, Metrobank everywhere; SM and Robinsons malls have ATM clustersMoney changers: SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Manila, Intramuros areaHospital: Makati Medical Center (premium), Manila Doctors Hospital, Philippine General Hospital (public)Prayer rooms: Quiapo Mosque is the principal Manila mosqueHalal food: small Muslim community in Quiapo; major malls have halal optionsSupermarket: SM Hypermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, Puregold open 7am-10pmSIM card: Globe, Smart, DITO at any 7-Eleven, mall, or airport; PHP200-300 for 30-day plan

Seafarer tips

Do: use Grab; always negotiate taxi fares in advance if not using Grab. Don't: walk in unfamiliar areas after dark — petty crime is real. Watch for: Manila's traffic can mean missing crew-change windows. The welfare centres run reliable van services. The POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) processes Filipino seafarer paperwork; if you're a Filipino seafarer with a recruitment dispute, POEA is the first stop.

Manila

Shore leave

Walking distance and transit

Essentials

Seafarer tips

See also