SkyJet, The fastest route from Boracay to Manila
The Caticlan airport (MPU) offers service via three airlines with any regularity; Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and the lovely little guy, SkyJet.
SkyJet Plane
Skyjet offers a fleet of 2, yup, you got it, 2 aircraft, and they run schedule service back and forth between Manila and MPU airport. Because they are the only “jet†service (the other airlines use prop planes) they offer the fastest service, at only around 35 minutes flight time.
Boracay Catalan Airport
Check in at the airport was informal and fast, as there were only three check in counters. We were in the midst of “rush hour†as there were maybe 4 people ahead of us.
Boracay Catalan Airport
When it came our turn we were helped in a quick and efficient manner. It should be noted that SkyJet allows 20kg of luggage per person, so don’t worry about paying those pesky fees on other airlines!
Also as a nice surprise was that the 200 PHP fee for departure tax was also already paid for in the price if the ticket. We came prepared with 200 PHP each just in case, but ended up heading home with them as it was all included.
Boracay airport has two waiting areas, the lower more common area and then an upper area that not many people know about. Walk to the end of the boarding area and find the stairs near the bathroom. Not only are they quieter and less crowded, the air conditioning units aren’t fighting as much to keep it cool, so generally speaking, it’s a hell of a lot more comfy up there too.
We saw the jet arriving from the waiting area windows and the deplaning of the passengers.
SkyJet Airline
For me, this was one of the most exciting parts. I’ve flown on the Boeing 707, 717, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, and 787. I’ve also flown on the A319, A320, A321, A330, A340 and A380. I’ve flown on every CRJ and Embraer craft, shoot, I’ve even flown on the L-1011, MD-80 and 88, and a DC-10. The BAE and Avro aircraft are the only ones that I have yet to fly. Since Skyjet operates the BAE-146, and we’re flying on an Avro in January, the only plane I’ll have left to fly is the A350 and I’ll have flown on all the major aircraft. Huge milestone for me!
Boracay Airport Terminal
Boarding was quick and ontime, and we boarded through the front door. The seat configuration was STRANGE, as there was no rhyme or reason, especially as you get to the back of the plane. Some rows had 2 seats, some had 3, some have extra leg room, some are cramped, some are larger, and some are skinniner. It’s as if they just took whatever seats they could find and just shoved them into the back portion of the aircraft.
SkyJet Interior
SkyJet Interior
The plane has seen better days, as I think it was also manufactured in the 90s. Some of the back of the seats were falling apart…
SkyJet Seats Falling Apart
and even two of bins didn’t close. NO PROBLEM, just don’t put any bags there!
These bins wouldn’t close
Uniquely, the window shades closed from both the bottom and the top, so you could choose which part of the window to block. I’m sure this was normal at some point, but I’d never seen it, so I thought it was pretty cool.
SkyJet Unique Closing
We landed and deplaned via door 1L and a bus was waiting for us to take us to the main terminal.
Bus at Manila AIrport
The price was slightly higher than leaving out of Kalibo (around $110 instead of $60) but the idea of taking another 2 hour van ride back to the airport was not something that we were in the mood for. If the schedule would have worked out, we would have happily flown them down to Caticlan airport as well, but as of now SkyJet only offers 3-4 flights a day between the two airports.
If it fits into your schedule, fly SkyJet. It’ll be a unique experience and a fun one as well!
January 1, 2017
Thanks for the review. I’ve been thinking about visiting Boracay, and your information is really helpful. How long did it take to get from Boracay to Caticlan? Also, when you arrived at Manilla, did you have to pass through security again? Manilla has an awful reputation for having the 9mm trick being pulled on tourists while going through security.
January 2, 2017
Thanks! We left the hotel and in 45 minutes we were at the Catalan terminal checking in. That includes taxi, boat, and another shuttle ride. Once we landed in Manila, we entered the main terminal, got tickets for our return flight home on ANA and then yes, passed through immigration and security. All painless and easy and safe. I’m not sure what the 9mm trick is that you mentioned.
January 3, 2017
Security plants ammunition in your carry on luggage. They then feign outrage, take you to a private room and threaten you unless you pay a large bribe, er, fine. Search Philippines ammo scam. CNN even did an article, as did the BBC and Time. I don’t remember where, but I recall seeing 9mm bullets mentioned as the caliber.