Loading…
UN/LOCODE PHMNL · Philippines
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.
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.
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
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.
Last verified: 2026-06-29