I was thinking that our Boracay honeymoon 2 months ago was a bit short that was why when the opportunity came for us to visit Batanes we delightedly said yes for a second honeymoon. Batanes is one of my dream destinations and I was very happy to have it arranged by Wakay Travel and Tours, a Batanes based tour service provider.
Note: We traveled here on December, which is winter season in Batanes.
Here is how our flight went.
3:21 AM Arrival at NAIA Terminal 4
We arrived at NAIA Terminal 4 for our flight with AirSWIFT. Checked in. Dropped off our luggage. We were given a sticker which would make their staff in the predeparture area know that we are riding with AirSWIFT.
Our flight departure time was 5:15 AM from Manila to Basco, Batanes.
Note to Self: There are ATMs in NAIA Terminal 4. No need to walk a long way just to withdraw money the day before the flight.
After got past the predeparture area security, we were greeted by one of their staff and told us to go to the other end of the predeparture area where we will get our snacks.
There was a counter near the Kiddie area that has an AirSWIFT sign. We approached their staff, showed them our sticker and boarding pass, she did some checking and gave us a paperbag with some snacks.
Contents of the snacks paper bag
As it turns out the snacks were the snacks for the flight. Good thing we asked as it would be nice to have some snacks during the flight.
When we sat down waiting for our call for boarding it was a taste of my emotional quotient (EQ) not to touch the snacks. I am happy to tell you that I prevailed.
5:07 AM Call for Boarding
They announced that our flight, AirSWIFT Flight from Manila to Basco, Batanes (T6-837) was now ready for boarding.
We stood up went to the designated boarding gate.
Since it was raining the staff of AirSWIFT had umbrellas not to get wet riding the bus.
Once we arrived where the plane was parked, another set of staff held the umbrellas for us to be able to ride the plane without getting wet from the rain.
Then it was a matter of finding our designated seats inside the plane.
I would like to note that the plane was really clean and smelled nice.
Was able to seat comfortably as the leg room was good. I’m also very happy to tell you that the person seating in the front did not recline his seat. Thank you random stranger.
When all the passengers are seated and all on pre-flight procedures have been done the plane queued for take-off.
6:08 AM Finally our plane was able to fly off NAIA
Please note that the delay in our flight was caused by congestion in NAIA, this is also the problem with other flights from other airlines. AirSWIFT and the other airlines has no control over this.
7:48 AM Finally, we could now see Batan Island.
Just looking at it from the plane got me really excited as I could see beautiful sceneries, winding roads, white waves and small towns.
When we approached the island the flight became turbulent as the winds were quite strong but the pilot did a good job on maintaining the velocity of the plane up until we landed.
7:53 AM Landed and parked at Basco Airport
Flight Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes.
I would just like to note that even if our approach to the airport was a bit turbulent the pilot was able to land the plane smoothly. I think it is the smoothest landing I have ever experienced. I almost did not feel the nudge when the plane touches the runway.
Hello Basco Airport. It has been my dream to visit Batanes ever since my mother told me about this place when I was still in elementary school. Finally, I am here!
Then we walked inside the airport terminal.
Registered at the airport.
Collected our checked-in baggage and as it turns out that we were on the very first commercial flight of AirSWIFT from Manila to Basco, Batanes. So there was a small event. I was happy because there was free food.
To clarify, AirSWIFT had always flown passengers to Basco, Batanes but they were only chartered flights. This flight was the very first commercial flight where each passenger can book via their website or via Wakay Batanes Tours (I’ll give more details at the bottom of this post). They now fly every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Each of those days they have a flight from Manila to Basco, Batanes and back.
9:21 AM Rode a van going to our Accommodation
During the van ride we got to know the other passengers and they will all be joining us going around Batanes. New friends, new place. I am happy to tell you that they were very fun groupmates.
9:29 AM Arrived at our Accommodation (Argonza’s)
And there was breakfast. I asked how much was the breakfast that they prepared, the staff told us that it was included in our reservation. Woohoo!
After that we slept for about 2 hours before going around Batan Island.
Naidi Lighthouse in Basco, Batanes
More Photos of AirSWIFT Plane that we rode from Manila to Basco, Batanes and back
I feel that I was not able to show the inside of the plane well since it was still dark when we flew out of Manila so here are some photos when we flew from Basco to Manila.
AirSWIFT Flight Details from Manila to Basco, Batanes
Schedule
- Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Each day has a flight from Manila to Basco and back.
- Manila to Basco, Batanes
Flight Number: T6-837
Departure Time: 5:15 AM
Arrival Time: 7:00 AM - Basco, Batanes to Manila
Flight Number: T6-838
Departure Time: 8:15 AM
Arrival Time: 10:00 AM
Note:
- Departure Time and Arrival Time are only estimated times.
- Schedules and details may change without prior notice.
Booking Options
-
Via AirSWIFT
Website Booking: air-swift.com
Contact Numbers: (+63) 915-509-7024, (+632) 318-5942, (+632) 318-5943
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: facebook.com/FlyWithFriendsAirSWIFT -
Via Wakay Batanes Travel and Tours
Website: wakaytours.com
Contact Number: (+63) 918-552-5048
Facebook: facebook.com/bataneswakaytravel
E-mail: [email protected]
Our flight and tours were booked with Wakay Batanes Travel and Tours and we really enjoyed their service having our second honeymoon in Batanes.