Busuanga is the biggest island in the Calamian group of islands and is located between the northern part of Palawan and Mindoro. It offers a rich varied marine and life and home to more than 500 species of hard and soft corals beating the Carribean which only has 60.
We departed Omni Airfield 0645 Local time on board RP-C391, a 190HP Cessna 172 with a controllable pitch propeller. Captain Alex, an ATPL holder and has flown 737s in Germany, flew with us for my route check-out to Busuanga. High cirrus clouds were present and surprised us. It is now the typhoon season here in the Philippines, and most of the clouds you will see are Cumulu-Nimbus and towering CB’s.
After the departure, we began our climb to 8500’ feet passing thru Gua-Gua, Pampangga and contacted Manila Approach. We will be passing by the IFR climb and descent area of Manila and we wanted radar traffic advisory. A jet’s wake turbulence would be futile for us soda can flyers.
Leveling off 3 Nautical miles north of Corregidor, we could already see the island of Mindoro. That’s about 40NM of visibility with high cirrus clouds and stable air. Having an ATPL holder on-board, I did my best to peg the altimeter (+/-50 feet) and desired heading (+/-5 degrees) all the way to TOD. That’s an hour and a half of straight and level flight without autopilot, real man flying on a partial instrument condition (Artifical Horizon went kaput).
We called San Jose Tower and checked in over Mamburao. The friendly controller relayed the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) regarding the new operational hours of Busuanga airport and he wanted us to call back at abeam Apo Reef. The nice American accent of the female Asian Spirit pilot, who checked in abeam Apo Reef, was the topic on the frequency. Abeam Apo Reef, we advised San Jose Tower whilst enjoying the cold temperature and the nice view of a small island surrounded by beautiful reefs below.
Captain Alex plowed this route before as a fish pilot. He knew the route very well and could still distinguish the voices of his colleagues on the radio. Approaching our TOD (Top of Descent), Captain Alex briefed me again the approach procedure. 10 nautical miles out, we started our landing checklist in preparation for landing whilst our passengers were taking pictures at the back. Runway 08 was in use and the wind was calm, I expected the runway threshold to be the only paved surface. Half of the runway is now paved and the rest is being paved for expansion. We landed a bit firm and taxied back to the ramp. Milyn and Tin ran to the nearest rest room whilst we secured the aircraft.
Criselda, Kokusnuss’ staff, greeted us in the ramp and escorted us to our ride to the hotel. The 40 minute ride from the ride didn’t bother us, the view of a dirt road, green hills and cows eased it out. The hotel staff greeted us warmly and offered us a boat tour around Coron Island.
Criselda, Kokusnuss’ staff, greeted us in the ramp and escorted us to our ride to the hotel. The 40 minute ride from the ride didn’t bother us, the view of a dirt road, green hills and cows eased it out. The hotel staff greeted us warmly and offered us a boat tour around Coron Island.
Coron Island has seven lakes with towering limestone cliffs and boasts its white sand beeches with crystal clear water and coral gardens. We visited first the hidden “Cayangan Lake”. The hike to emerald green lake takes about 15 minutes and the exertion is well worth it. We stayed there for about an hour and a half whilst enjoying the view.
The deep waters of Cayangan Lake scarred Tin. We then transferred to CYC beach to have lunch and to allow Tin to have some fun in the water.
The boat captain offered another beach in Coron Island which is a 15 minute hop from CYC beach. Beach 91, is nicer compared to CYC beach. It has a fine white sand beach and there are plenty of fishes near the shoreline. I even enjoyed the view of a mature thunderstorm drop his power over Culion Island whilst Mai and Capt Alex were swimming. Tin didn’t want to go back in the water and opted to take pictures again.
At around 4pm local time, we headed back to our hotel and take some rest. The boat captain allowed me to drive the boat back home....
The following morning, me and Capt. Alex went to the market to buy fish. A kilo of Lapu Lapu in Coron will cost you about 60 pesos. We bought almost 10 kilos of Lapu-Lapu, talk about fish run eh…. Although we departed late due to weather, the flight back was very nice and smooth. You know what, this is the first time Milyn didn’t ask for a barf bag on the final approach. :) Too bad I had to report to work that night.... Right after we landed, I had to transition to vacation and flying mode to work mode :)
