Puerta Princesa to Kalibo Town, Panay

Trip Start Sep 11, 2010

150

Trip End Sep 11, 2011

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Flag of Philippines Kalibo Town, Western Visayas, Philippines
Saturday, April 23, 2011

Saturday 23 April 2011. We awoke to blue skies at 0615, the streets outside already busy with traffic. Normal routine to get us ready for breakfast and check out by 0745, the hotel courtesy bus taking us back to the airport where Mr George was waiting. He guided us through the security lines and out to the EZ where he then helped with the removing of the tie-downs and weights, using a baggage trolley to transport the pieces of rubble. We had several onlookers sheltering from the sun under the high wings of the Cessna alongside. The day was heating up nicely and we were both soon on the dampish side. Planned departure was for 0900 and we actually got away five minutes early for a change. Out over Honda Bay and its myriad of islands (good for scuba diving apparently), before picking up the East Palawan coastline and routing up to Dumaran Island. Visibility was very hazy and not conducive to much in the way of photos; however, on passing Green Island, it was worthy of a picture. The clouds were predominantly over the main Island but a few had strayed into our path, so we were required to make the occasional small deviations

Leaving Puerta Princesa

. On these shorter legs (an anticipated flight time of just under two hours), we tend to fly lower and were only at 3,000 ft. This occasionally puts us more at the mercy of the clouds.

At about mid-way of our crossing towards the Visayas, we passed just to the north of Cuyo Island and soon after came across a little 'backwards C-shaped' reef, fortunately in clear photographic skies. Another consequence of flying at these lower levels is that it is even more difficult to communicate with ATC, especially when there are hills in the way. There were a couple of commercial airliners in the area and they kindly relayed our position. As we approached the Island of Panay, we did need to climb to get over the clouds rising up over said hills, but shortly thereafter we were able to descend towards Kalibo airport.

An uneventful arrival, we were allocated a parking spot next to a Cessna 172, waiting to refuel and subsequently take someone for a flying lesson. The two engineers, Abraham and Randolphl, were extremely helpful with information about parking, flight plan submission and even recommending a nearby hotel. This time there were proper tie-down blocks to attach the EZ to and with us getting hotter (and again increasingly damp), the plane was soon put to bed

Honda Bay

. Abraham and Randolph kindly assisted with our bags and showed the way through the Terminal and outside to the Admin Office to enable Patrick to submit a flight plan. They even arranged a tricycle for the 1km or so ride to the hotel – they couldn’t have been more helpful.

The hotel was a bit of a revelation – very new, well-appointed and with a wonderfully large swimming pool. This being a holiday weekend we were a little concerned that a suitable place to stay may not be easily found. We needn’t have worried! We were soon checked in and taking advantage of the inviting pool: our early arrival means we have the luxury of some time to relax a little. We found a conveniently located caf� next to the hotel and this provided a welcome drink and snack, and a cool spot to catch up with drafting the last three blogs.

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