Care to Ride a Helium Balloon in Cebu?

Considered as the first of its kind in the Philippines, the Helium Balloon officially flew colors up the vast sundry Hadsan Beach Complex in Barangay Agus, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu.

The Helium Balloon, owned by the Aura, Inc., has a diameter of 22.80 meters and with a height of 34 meters. It can fly up to 100 to 150 meters or equivalent to 492 feet high. It can carry a maximum of 30 passengers per 15-minute ride.

To promote the ever enduring beauty of Cebu’s Mactan island, this huge recreational helium bag allows passengers to keep a treasured 360-degree panoramic view of the neighboring islands of Hilugutan, Nalusuan, Bohol, Olango, Coamen and Pandanon, including utmost resorts (Imperial Palace, Shangrila, Plantation bay, Crimson, Vista Mar, blue water, Isla and Movenpick Hotel) and other popular spots on Mactan Island.

The balloon’s gigantic basket is connected from the ground by a 45-ton tension cable, controlling its upward and downward movement through an electrical switch. It is maneuvered by Korea-trained pilots on the ground.

Flying inside the Helium balloon is worry-free, since Helium Gas is inert, unflammable, non-explosive and harmless to the human body. It has been in operation for 15 years without recorded accidents in 40 business areas in 20 countries including Germany, United States of America, Korea, Singapore, France, Spain, Italy and Canada.

It has been certified by the Envelope-Passed Joint Aviation Regulation (JAR21) of European aviation Safety agency, FAR PART 31 of the FAAS federal aviation regulations, Safety approval by France Ministry of Health and Safety, approved by Korean Ministry of Construction and Transportation, Supervision and other European Standards.

The ride is worth P1,000 for local adults and P700 for children aged 2 to 12 years old; While foreign riders can avail it for $50 for adults and $30 for children.

The Helium Balloon operates everyday at 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and it is subject to change depending on the weather status.

They also accept sunrise and sunset time reservation, proposal and wedding pictorials or any kind of celebration in the venue.

Aura, Inc. is also planning to set up another Helium Balloon in Bohol and Boracay Island soon.

For bookings and reservations for a tour or ride, you may contact the following numbers: 091-6281-1234 for Globe, 092-1994-1234 for Smart and cebuballoon for Kakaotalk.

Image Credit: www.cebuballoons.com