How to get to Manado from P.I`s

[415Gem]

Hello SB`ers I want to go to Manado from the Philippines. I think you have to go from Cebu or Manila ..maybe thru Clark also. Do you have to fly to Singapore ? Also has anyone used Silk Air or Tiger Air ? I am praying I can get time off for Tubatha Reef , and would love to go to Manado from Puerto Princessa but I don`t think it`s possible. Am I right ? :14: Kind regards Kevin

 

[Twomixdiver]

Hello SB`ers I want to got to Manado from the Philippines. I think you have to go from Cebu or Manila ..maybe thru Clark also. Do you have to fly to Singapore ? Also has anyone used Silk Air or Tiger Air ? I am praying I can get time off for Tubatha Reef , and would love to go to Manado from Puerto Princessa but I don`t think it`s possible. Am I right ? :14: Kind regards Kevin

There used to be passenger flights from Davao by Air Philippines in 2002. But I don't think they do that anymore.

 

[tboxcar]

I have done it once from Davao to Manado, and just last year from Singapore to Manado on Silk Airlines. Silk Airlines is by far more reliable and comfortable. But if you are already in PI, then Bouraq Airlines (Indonesian airlines) flies once a week from Davao to Manado. Schedules change so call ahead. When in Manado last July this address was given to me at the airport about flights from PI.

DreamWorld INT'L Travel and Tours
Door #37 Airport View Commericial Comp.
Carlos P. Garcia
Highway Katitipan, Buhangin
Davao-PI
Tel. 82 235 8483

email at <<<dreamworldtt@yahoo.com>>

It's close to a US$300 R/T but very convenient if in PI, my favorite dive op. is an Aussie guy named Terry at <<http://www.bunakendivers.com/index.html>> he has a place on Bunaken Island if that is where you want to go.
Good Luck

 

[jonix]

good to hear that Bouraq is still running the manado-davao route, that would be your best bet

 

[happybuddha]

A couple of years ago a friend tried to organize a Davao-Manado Bouraq flight from Manila and none of the travel agents could arrange it, we were told we would have to buy the ticket in Davao.

Per one Manado dive ops website: flights go every Monday from Davao via Bouraq Airlines, and every Thursday via Merpati, approximately 1.5 hours...however I couldn't not find such a flight on Merpati's website.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Cheers,
Drew

 

[chip104]

A couple of years ago a friend tried to organize a Davao-Manado Bouraq flight from Manila and none of the travel agents could arrange it, we were told we would have to buy the ticket in Davao.

Per one Manado dive ops website: flights go every Monday from Davao via Bouraq Airlines, and every Thursday via Merpati, approximately 1.5 hours...however I couldn't not find such a flight on Merpati's website.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Cheers,
Drew

buddha, where've you been buddy?!?!?

 

[415Gem]

Heloo everyone. Thanks for the tips. I`ve seen some ads for Tiger air to Singapore. Right now United from SFO, CA is $450 plus taxes. Less than Bangkok or Manila. I`ve found it`s better to book in Asia ...still not the most desirable way, in case something goes ary. I love to get the inside dish from experienced travelers. It`s cool when you have alternative routes. Happy holidays and kind regards Kevin

 

[happybuddha]

buddha, where've you been buddy?!?!?

Thanks for checking on me chip104, that's rather kind of you.

I've been busy with work and trying to get my Christmas holiday organized. Decided at the last moment not to go home (US) for Christmas and the GF was tired of spending the holdiays in PG (where I normally am during the holidays), so I've been using most of my internet time checking on holiday options and then getting it organized, so not keeping up with PPD.
We are off to Palau on Dec 21 for a week:monkeydan. That's after a quick trip to Cebu to catch up with my best bud who lives there.

 

[415Gem]

Buddha Nice to hear your getting to Palau . Do you go there from PI`s ? How much is the flight from Manila and where do you stay in Palau ? I know it can be expensive but I know there are values out there. Enjoy Xmas and say hello to the sharks while tethered to your reef hook. Kind regards. Kevin

 

[happybuddha]

Kevin,

My tickets direct, MNL-ROR (Koror, Palau) are about US$600 purchased in Manila. I only booked a week ago, so you may be able to get better price with more notice. The Continental Air Micronesia flight goes direct 2 days a week (Wednesday and Sunday or Saturday, don't remember which).

There are flights everday through Guam, but I went to Truk last May and the timings are about the same, and a real pain in the a__. You leave MNL late in the evening, get into Guam early (5:00amish) and don't fly out until that evening. So it takes about 24 hours, whereas the direct flight is less than 3.

I'm staying at the West Plaza by the Sea (there are 5 West Plazas on Koror), my rate is $71/night. Have never stayed there so have no idea how nice it is.

I'll make a trip report when I get back.

Cheers,
Drew