When you talk about picture-perfect, postcard-worthy destinations, Batanes is always on the list—and for many good reasons.
The group of islands in the northernmost tip of the Philippines is home to rolling hills, spectacular panorama of hedgerows and slopes, lush vegetation, natural stone arcs, stunning beaches, lighthouses, and many other dramatic sceneries.
Those lucky enough to visit this idyllic destination say Batanes is like a different country—a different world even—reason why it’s on most travelers’s bucket list. But the thing about Batanes is that it is not easy to reach: weather and airfare can be quite restricting.
Luckily, the country’s leading low-cost airline Cebu Pacific now flies from Manila to Basco, Batanes starting March 25.
According to Cebu Pacific, Batanes emerged as the “most requested” destination among netizens on social media in a crowdsourcing campaign the airline company launched last year.
Using the hashtag #CEBFlyMeTo, netizens were asked which destinations in the Philippines they would want Cebu Pacific to fly next. Other popular choices among netizens were Daet (Camarines Norte), Mati (Davao Oriental), Bantayan Island (Cebu), San Vicente (Palawan) and Siquijor.
All top picks were then assessed in terms of readiness for commercial flights, with criteria that included airport infrastructure, safety and security processes, and passenger facilities.
Cebu Pacific, through subsidiary Cebgo, will fly once daily between Manila and Basco, Batanes beginning March 25 until Oct. 27, 2018. The flight departs from the NAIA Terminal 4 in Manila at 6:20 a.m., with the return trip from Basco, Batanes departing at 9:15 a.m.
“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,” said Cebgo president and chief executive Alexander Lao.
The year-round fare from Manila to Basco is P4,241, all-in.
