Summer just started out a bit early for me as our group of Filipino travel and photography bloggers were treated to a weekend in Boracay by Microtel Boracay, SEAIR and Zuzuni Boracay.
The most convenient way of going to Boracay from Manila would have to be by plane. You can either take a flight from the larger commercial airlines that land in Kalibo airport then take an hour-long shuttle going to Caticlan or take a flight from the smaller airlines that land directly in Caticlan airport which is just walking distance from the ferry terminal to Boracay.
SEAIR’s Dornier 328 in Manila Domestic Airport
This is my first time to fly on SEAIR’s Dornier 328 32-seater turbo prop aircraft. Yes it is a small plane compared to those of the larger commercial airlines but riding small planes doesn’t bother me as I’m no stranger to small planes. I’ve ridden planes as small as Gumayan Air’s 4-seater Piper PA-28 plane from Bacolod to Iloilo, Soriano Aviation aka Island Transvoyager Inc.’s (ITI) 19-seater Dornier 228-212 aircraft from El Nido, Palawan (Lio Airport) to Manila and Asian Spirit’s Dash 7 and CN-325 from Manila to Caticlan.
My experience with Asian Spirit about 2 years ago in going to and fro Boracay wasn’t so good. Flight was delayed and the ventilation in the cabin was not that good. We even saw some roaches crawling on the floor! And personally it was a relief that we were on a SEAIR flight especially with Asian Spirits’ recent mishap in Legazpi City.
Our SEAIR flight left Manila for Caticlan ontime. Seats were comfortable but the overhead storage bins were smaller compared to that of the Boeing’s and the Airbus so I had to place my carry on back pack in front of my seat. The flight was flown with 3 crews on board; 2 pilots and 1 flight attendant. Ventilation was good. Light snacks (peanuts and water) and moist wipes were served.
Dornier 328 Seat Plan
The best seats for a good view and photo op in the SEAIR Dornier 328 flight from Manila to Caticlan would have to be the single seats; 2A, 3A, 4A.
Eugene in seat 5A pointing out the magnificent view
A glimpse of Mayon Volcano Mt. Banahaw
These seats have a clear view of which isn’t obstructed by the plane’s turbo prop. I was seated in 6A so my view was partially blocked.
Aerial Shot of Diniwid Beach as the plane descends towards the Caticlan Airport.
The plane landing in Caticlan was ok although it wasn’t as smooth as ITI’s landing. The flight indeed took only 35 minutes as advertised. SeaAir’s passengers’ lounge awaits you when you land in Caticlan airport where you can rest for awhile while you wait for your shuttle to the ferry, grab a quick bite or check out the soon to open butterfly garden at the back of the lounge.
SEAIR has several flights from Manila to Boracay and Boracay to Manila flights in a day. Check out the timetable below.
If you have a lot of time in your hands, love to travel but don’t want to spend a fortune for your trip, you might want to check out SEAIR’s Adventure Pass.
SEAIR’s Adventure Pass gives you the opportunity to Fly-all-you-can for 45 days for P18,500 ++.
How about you? Have you flown SEAIR before? How was your SEAIR experience?
You got my picture, pala. Hehehe. BTW, the picture you said that contains Mayon, is actually of Mount Banahaw.
Ooops! Haha! Thanks for the correction Eugene!
[...] Travel Bloggers who joined the Boracay Weekend Getaway: • Abe Olandres of Yugatech • Noemi Dado of About My Recovery • Laureen Dado of Flail at Life • Ivan Henares of Ivan About Town • Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet • Ferdz Decena of Ironwulf • Gail Villanueva of Kutitots • Marc Villanueva of SheeroMedia • Eric Dee of Byahilo • Eugene Villar of Lakbayan • Karla Redor of RockersWorld • Fernando Martinez of ShutterBox [...]
Please send me all Information about flights from manila to Caticlan or borrocay
or SIBUYAN????