Review of Cebu Pacific flight Cebu → Manila in Economy

GOING OFF THE GRID PART 5


Itinerary
1. 07 August 2013 - BUD-IST Y http://flight-report.com/en/report-4805.html
2. 08 August 2013 - IST-HKG W http://flight-report.com/en/report-4817.html
3. 10 August 2013 – HKG-CEB Y- http://flight-report.com/en/report-4915.html
4. 21 August 2013 - CEB-CGM Y- http://flight-report.com/fr/report-5627.html
5. 31 August 2013 - CEB-MNL Y- HERE HERE HERE
6.
7.
8.
9.


After 10 days in Camiguin/Bohol it was time to say good bye to the Philippines. Cebu-Camiguin is 88 miles, we did not fly back but made our way back via ferry, land and another ferry (see previous report for the Bohol part).

So to get from where we were now (Panglao island) to Cebu we would need to take a ferry out of Tagbilaran to Cebu City. I took abit of a risk as our flight was on the same day and ferries in the RP get cancelled more often than once! Still I took the risk.

This is where Cebu Pacific gets its first strike. I had originally booked a direct flight Cebu-KUL as our next destination, we were supposed to leave CEB at 17:00 and land in KUL around 20:30. Well 10 days before the flight I receive an Email informing me the flight is cancelled. What happens it seems is that they closed the route as it was probably not profitable for them. So my options were either to get a refund or accept an automatic change with a stopover in Manila… This wasn't cool because not only did that lengthen our travel time, but we would be arriving in KUL 5 hours later than originally planned, taking away from our short time to visit Malaysia's capital :-(

Nevertheless given that I only paid 40 euros for the flight, a refund would not have helped me a whole lot, so we bit the bullet hoping for the best…

Saying good bye to our resort, I highly recommend it if you decide to visit Bohol, Linaw Beach Resort, they were amazing in every way possible.


Beautiful clear water


Our resort drove us to the port of Tagbilaran for our 11 AM ferry. My wife was slightly nervous as she definitely did not want to experience a similar ride to 5 days ago.


Even by the port the water is quite clean


I love these things they look so cool


General guidelines for tourists on fees for sightseeing sponsored by the golden arches


While waiting for the ferry some guys decided to play some gospel music for the crowds


Our ferry arrives


We depart on time, beautiful waters and scenery

There is an airport in Tagbilaran. PR flies daily to/from Manila. Bohol is a popular destination in the RP


Once we arrive at the port of Cebu, we need to get to the airport… I had been warned to avoid the taxis who hail at you from there as they tend to overcharge by cheating on the meter. So we walked 5 mins to the main road and hailed a taxi from there and we got an honest driver which was a nice way to end our trip in the RP. I felt proud of myself that I didn't end up getting ripped off :) Of course at the airport some guys ran to try to help us but this time I was prepared and politely told them to get lost :-P

Check in counters for Cebu PAcific


Yup we were there! This photo depicts the sunken cemetery which we did not go see.


FIDS


PR check in counters


Manila departure gates


Again I enjoyed the spotter friendly staff and snapped away :-D

PR A321


PR A320


Airport concourse


Simple boarding passes, something we aren't used to in Europe!


Sometimes I find it really hard to differentiate A319's to A320's with Cebu Pacific as both have a pair of over wing exits! I'm pretty sure this one is a 319 though


Various close ups of Cebu Pacific birdies


ATR 72


There's our bird to Manila at the far end


PR A321


5J A319


Eventually we boarded 15 minutes late, the weather was beautiful for some nice pics, I'm really happy how these turned out so I'll just shut up and let you admire this fine Cebu Pacific livery


We had front row seats, the leg room was alright, but not as good as on the overawing exits.


Taxi to the active


PR A321


Zest Air A320


Name this plane :)


Name the helicopter!


Takeoff video:


It's a great evening for flying


Heading north towards Manila


This is Bantayan Island, the first island we stayed in on our Honeymoon


Legroom shot


Flight Attendants did their usual game on board to win token prizes to advertise the airline. I've found FAs on this airline to be very friendly and smiling, they must really like their job. No catering unless you pay for it but we bought a bottle of water for P50 (0.90 cents)

Safety Card


Front cabin


Mountains


Soon enough we approached Manila. I did not realize how big this city was, it's quite impressive from the sky to see how sprawled out it is!


Sorry for the poor lighting


Landing video




We parked after taxiing for 10 minutes next to this A300, anyone know what airlines it is? :-)


Deplaning


We reach the terminal via a paxbus and are greeted by these lovely trees which I do not know the name


Manila airport terminal 3, sparkling new and very clean


This concludes the small portion of our flight out of the Philippines. Part 6 is where it gets interesting (or rather disheartening)