Part 1: [Bukidnon-CDO-Camiguin Trip] Flying Gecko

The Flying Gecko Experience-- the closest thing to flying and riding a helicopter :)

From the moment I laid my eyes on the pictures of the breathtaking paradise of Camiguin's White Island, I vowed to set my feet on this pristine white sandbar before the year ends. Armed with a detailed itinerary to conquer Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin in just 3 days and 3 nights, we found ourselves stoked as we set foot on Lumbia Airport 5:45 am of November, 2011.

Welcome to the city of golden friendship

Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, a 2 hour drive from Cagayan de Oro, is the home of the infamous Flying Gecko Adventure. Travel packages from CDO to Bukidnon are quite expensive (ranging from Php 3,000-3,500) and since we don't travel in groups, I researched for the most affordable way for us to reach Bukidnon-- Ta-dah! I stumbled upon Mertz Rent-A-Car Services.

Mertz Rent- A-Car, operated by Boyet Gulle, quoted us Php 2,000, maximum of 4 passengers, for a trip to Bukidnon. He picked us up at 6:00 am in the Lumbia Airport with a brand new Toyota Altis, and we arrived at Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon in just an hour and a half. He's highly recommended! He even gave us a Php 200 discount, bringing down our travel cost to Php1,800. You can contact him directly at this number: 0917 7008150.

Brand New Toyota Altis from Mertz Rent-A-Car

The view of the vast Del Monte pineapple plantation from the ground is already overwhelming, what more when we see its bird's eye view from the Gecko? Ooh I couldn't contain my excitement any longer!

The Flying Gecko Adventure:

Ultralight flying is now the latest craze in Northern Mindanao. It started as a hobby of Mr. Cal Frias, a Filipino American retiree who has settled with his family in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. 

For Php 1,000/person for 20 minutes, one would be able to enjoy the majestic view of the pineapple plantation, the whole of Manolo Fortich, and the forest and waterfalls in the nearby mountains. However, the new Gecko plane that was recently acquired, coupled with the rising fuel costs resulted to a minimal increase in the ride from P1,000 to P1,275/person for 15 minutes.

You may contact Mr. Cal directly at 0916-5937034 for bookings. Walk ins are not entertained and bookings should be made 3 days prior to your desired schedule. Enjoy!

You cannot go to Mindanao and miss this ride! 

One passenger per flight. Hello Mr. Cal, the pilot :)

Up, up and awaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! :)

The jaw dropping view from above

This is definitely a can't-miss experience. It is such an exhilarating feeling and 20 minutes is just not enough! We could not think of a better way to start our Mindanao trip than this. We were able to finish this by lunch time, and after a quick lunch, we are headed off to our next adventure: 

White Water Rafting on our conutry's longest