Boracay back in business October

SINGAPORE, 31 August 2018: Cebu Pacific is the first airline to announce it will resume flights to and from Caticlan — the main airport serving Boracay island, effective 26 October.

The famous tourist island has so far been closed for four months to build utility infrastructure and clean beaches and sea of waste and sewage.

In a press statement, Thursday, CEB said it would be the first airline to land in Caticlan, allowing passengers to once again enjoy spectacular sunrises in Boracay.

The Philippine government called the massive project the “three Rs”; for rehabilitation, restoration and recovery, but for many small tourist enterprises the six-month closure also brings financial ruin.

Once acclaimed as the world’s best island by Condé Nest Traveller, Boracay closed 26 April on the orders of the country’s president, who famously called it a “cesspool.”

Prior to the closure, the island attracted 6,400 tourists daily. In 2017 the island recorded just over 2 million tourists both domestic and foreign.

In a statement earlier this week the Philippines Department of Tourism confirmed the island would reopen 26 October, but warned it was just a “soft opening.”

Many of the projects have still to be completed and only resorts that have undergone wastewater treatment upgrades will be allowed to accept tourists.

Many of the road improvements on the island will not be ready in time and officials estimated last week that just 70 resorts and hotel were compliant with new regulations out of an estimated 350 properties. The full rehabilitation of the island will not be completed until the end of 2019.

In the meantime the island’s beach party culture will take a hit as authorities are adamant that drinking and smoking on beaches will be banned.

Beach parties including the 70,000 strong “Labourcay” or Labour Day party has been banned, local newspapers reported.

Initially, flights will be limited, but Singaporeans have an opportunity to be among the first visitors if they fly Cebu Pacific.

Fares start at SGD128, foe flights from Singapore to Manila, then straight to Caticlan, 26 to 27 October.

From 28 October onwards, Cebu Pacific and subsidiary Cebgo will fly up to seven daily services between Manila and Caticlan; twice daily between Cebu and Caticlan; and daily between Clark and Caticlan.

From October 26 to 27, Cebu Pacific will operate the following flights between Manila and Caticlan: