How Things Went South at Mindanao Saga Flying Club
Mindanao Saga Flying Club, an aviation club in Mati, Davao Oriental, offers several flight packages that adventure seekers, daredevils and even up to certified pilots will surely enjoy.
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One of the main draws why Mati has always been in my perpetual check-me-out destination, was because of the ultralight plane ride. I made sure this time, I’ll be seeing Mati not just from ground level, but from a bird’s eye view.
Mindanao Saga
With already doing the Ultralight ride in Magalang, Pampanga (CLICK HERE), I was already looking forward to fly that day. The experience of hovering above the geographical facets of Mati, the vast coconut plantations fringing the coasts of Dahican really got me in a limbo of excitement.
Tourists (like us) usually avails the introductory flight packages for a 15-minute trial flight in an open ultralight plane (valued at 2,700php). Usually you will be accompanied by one of their pilots during the flight and when airborne, they will even let you control the plane for a couple of minutes.
Worry not, all planes are maintained carefully by the Mindanao Saga Flying Club. To take off any doubts and reservations to confidently enjoy your flight, MSFC pilots will take good care of you and will instruct you each step of the way.
Also, they are currently making good use of the Imelda R. Marcos Airport (MXI) runway, which receives a 400php landing fee for each flight.
Travel Guide HERE: 24 Hours in Mati: A Budget Travel Guide to Davao Oriental’s Surf Capital
How Things Went South
We already went to the southernmost city in Mindanao immediately upon arrival in Davao City. During our trip to the city of Mati, the ‘Habagat’ (Monsoon) season was officially declared as evidenced by strong torrential rains. So the first blow to this trip on our first day? – all ultralight flights in the morning and afternoon was cancelled. (sad emoji here)
The following day, we went early around 06:00am to line up, and we were fifth in line. The flights were all too exciting to watch, seeing the look at the guests’ faces upon take-off and landing. But a few minutes later, the winds started picking up, a rather unusual event in the morning but given that monsoon winds are prevailing, it was a rather normal occurrence.
Just one more flight before us, the pilot already cancelled the flight given that the last flight is too shaky and wind speed are starting to rise up gradually. Then that’s how disappointment got the best of us, but told ourselves that we can always come back next time!
You can also check-out other spots in Mati to spend the rest of the morning. If this also happens to you; which by the way is not what we also want to happen to you, but remember Murphy’s Law? Yeah, it is what it is.
Other spots in Mati that you could visit, so check this out!
- Sleeping Dinosaur of Mati (Read: Waking Up the Sleeping Dinosaur of Mati, Davao Oriental)
If you’re arriving early in Mati, better yet, wake up the sleeping dinosaur. Kidding aside, this island facing Pujada Bay resembles that creature, and offers a 360 degree view along its trail. If hiking is your thing, rent a habal-habal and alight at Brgy. Badas, secure a guide and pay the 10php entrance fee. If you just want to look at it from afar and doesn’t have much time, the drop-off is at Brgy. San Isidro, there’s a view deck just along the highway. Waking Up the Sleeping Dinosaur of Mati, Davao Oriental
- Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol
It is said that one of the most beautiful provincial capitol buildings in Mindanao is in Mati City. At the top of the hill lies a building akin to that of the U.S’ White House because of its purely white painted exteriors and huge pillars and sentinel like facade.
- Mati Baywalk Plaza
The public park frequented by locals and travelers alike contains a large I Heart Mati sign with the sea behind it. Relax a bit and sample the local street foods and shops around if you found yourself hungry after a quick visit at the Sleeping Dinosaur and Subangan Museum. Do not forget to try their famous Empanada.
How To Get There:
- There are no direct flights going to Mati City. The nearest airport hub is in Davao City.
- Francisco Bangoy International Airport is serviced by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Air Asia. They have several flights daily from Manila, Clark, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro and Cebu.
- From the airport, charter a taxi to take you to Ecoland Terminal. Fare is around 250-300php, travel time is around 20-30mins.
- Ride a bus with the signage Mati or Cateel, fare starts at 220php and travel time is around 4-5hrs. Another option, is to take the commuter vans outside the terminal, fare is around 250php, travel time is 3-4hrs depending on traffic conditions.
- Mati City is around 147 kilometers from Davao City’s Ecoland Terminal. Usually it takes 5-6 hours by bus, or around 4-5 hours by van. Leave early in the morning in Davao to maximize your time in Mati.
- Charter a tuk-tuk or habal-habal to take you to the resort of your choice in Dahican Beach. 100-150php per way.
- Contact person Junjie Salibay – 0997 794 8783, Earl Salibay – 0997 762 5491
Tips
- Best time to fly is early in the morning (05:30am to 08:00am) and late in the afternoon (04:00pm to 05:30pm)
- Make sure to contact them to confirm your arrival, you can reach them here:
- Facebook Page: Mindanao Flying Saga Club
- 09173070670 or 09399902995
- MSFC Rates:
- Open aircraft: P2,700.00 per pax
- Closed aircraft: P3,200.00. per pax
- This is inclusive of P2,300 for the flight and P400 for the landing fee
- You can rent their GoPro cameras for as low as 200php per flight. This will be mounted on the plane wings.
- If bringing your own device, please attach a strap to it.
