Manila rope is derived from the Manila Hemp or Abaca Plant. It ranges from a golden to darkish brown colour. Manila tends to be the choice rope for building structures and other general purpose outdoor activity as it is the strongest available natural rope.

Manila ropes shrink when they become wet. This effect can be advantageous under certain circumstances, but if it is not a wanted feature, it should be well taken into account. Since shrinkage is more pronounced the first time the rope becomes wet, new rope is usually immersed into water and put to dry before use so that the shrinkage is less than it would be if the rope had never been wet. A major disadvantage in this shrinkage is that many knots made with manila rope became harder and more difficult to untie when wet, thus becoming subject of increased stress.