Batanes Now Within Reach

BATANES — It came as no surprise when Batanes emerged as the most-requested destination among Filipinos, as Cebu Pacific announced earlier this week. It remains one of this writer’s favorite places on Earth, despite having visited only once.

Its serene, dramatic scenery and idyllic landscape capture anyone who sets foot on the island province. Expensive, infrequent flights have long kept many from visiting, but Cebu Pacific is changing that, after listening to netizens through its crowdsourcing campaign launched last year, #CEBFlyMeTo, which asked which Philippine destinations they wanted the airline to fly next.

Other popular picks included Daet (Camarines Norte), Mati (Davao Oriental), Bantayan Island (Cebu), San Vicente (Palawan), and Siquijor. Each was then assessed for commercial-flight readiness, based on airport infrastructure, safety and security processes, and passenger facilities.

“Cebu Pacific will start flying between Manila and Basco, Batanes on March 25, 2018—just in time for the summer travel season,” the company said in a press statement received by TravelMore.PH earlier this week.

This blogger enjoying the scenic Batanes on a lazy afternoon.

Alexander Lao, Cebgo President and CEO, “Our new flight to Basco is in keeping with our commitment to connect more of the Philippines and make air travel safe, affordable, reliable, and fun-filled for everyjuan. What makes this route more special is that netizens were actively engaged in the selection of our new destination—our customers were part of the process.”

CEB will hold an introductory all-in seat sale for Manila-Basco flights from February 12 to 13, 2018, or until seats last. For travel from March 25 to May 31, 2018, the introductory fare is PHP2,699 all-in; for travel from June 1 to October 27, 2018, it’s PHP2,399 all-in. The year-round fare from Manila to Basco starts as low as PHP4,241, all-in.

Maybe it’s time to fly back to this island beauty. More on our experience there in upcoming posts.