ABC Helicopter Flights

Frequently Asked Questions :
I want to book the helicopter. How can I do that? To book the helicopter, simply contact reception by Email (info@angelesbeachclubhotel.com) , phone ((63) (45) 892-2222) or directly at least one day prior to the trip.
How much per hour? US$500 per hour or $250/half hour.
What is the weight capacity and how many passengers? Three (3) passengers total. Weighing at an average of 110 kilos per passenger together with the luggage. -Please note that there are no extra luggage compartments.  You can, however, place a carry-on suitcase in between the two back passenger seats and another small bag at the feet of the front passenger. If you have a large suitcase with you, this will take the space of one passenger.
Can I fly anytime? The helicopter can only fly during the day and under acceptable weather conditions for flight.  The helicopter will not fly through the rain and a trip might have to be aborted if pilot Willy does not feel the weather wants to cooperate. In most cases, Willy can fly around rain clouds.  He can virtually smell bad weather from miles away.  In the Philippines, out of the Jan-May months, the weather can change drastically from 2pm onwards. Just keep this in mind and always try to fly as early as possible.
What helicopter is this? Robinson R44 Raven 11. 
Who's going to fly me? Our in-house ABC pilot Willy will fly you.  Willy is one of the Philippines' most experienced and respected pilots, having flown the president, executed stunts and camera work for movies, and he has thousands of hours of flight experience in different parts of the World.  He has so much experience that he even has been involved in 2 crashes! He wasn't flying the chopper however...
I've never been in a helicopter before. Is it safe or scary?

Yes, it is very unsafe and tremendously scary... if you have a pilot who has no clue what he's doing. That's why we have Willy, who will make your ride a very pleasurable experience.

On one occasion, during flight, it was asked to him what will happen if the engine suddenly shuts off...

Willy: 'Well let's try it'

He suddenly shuts off the engine and we rapidly start to decent...  Before we can even close our eyes in horror, he has used his special training to land the chopper safely onto the ground with the engine off...

Where can I go?

Technically you can travel anywhere in the Philippines as long as there is access to fuel.

 

 Here are a few great options for day trips:

Angeles-Manila Trip

 

Flight time: 25-30 minutes (one-way)

You may be picked up or dropped off at Manila airport, or simply fly around to explore the city.

What will you see?

  • The lahar covered plains surrounding Angeles city.

  • The endless Manila bay fishnet villages

  • The surreal Manila slums

  • Manila shipyard and industrial ports

  • Manila bay Roxas Boulevard

  • Intramuros

  • Bay walk

  • Expo centers

  • Mall of Asia

  • Reclamation area

  • Boat restaurants

  • Attraction parks

  • Manila bay industrial port

  • Manila bay yacht port

  • The Makati Skyscrapers

When flying  past Manila you will only fly at a distance from the Makati skyscrapers.  Though, upon request, you may ask pilot Willy to fly through the skyscrapers to further spice up your trip.

        Angeles -  Mt. Pinatubo - Subic - Angeles trip

Flight time: 1 hour

 

Mt. Pinatubo is world famous for its 1991 eruption. It was the the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century, and by far the largest in living memory.  Thick ash deposits blanketed many cities in Central Luzon throughout the summer of 1991.   Now, on one of our most unforgettable flights, you can explore this majestic crater onboard the ABC hotel helicopter.

The pilot will fly you around the volcano rim and then enter the crater from the east side before flying over the magical blue-green waters of the lake.  NOTE: For the best view/photos, sit on the left side of the helicopter.

The trip then continues onwards to Subic bay.  You may land in Subic to hang out on the beach or other places for the rest of the day before traveling back to the ABC hotel. 
 

What will you see?

  • Ash filled rivers from Mt. Pinatubo

  • Thick jungles

  • The magnificent Mt. Pinatubo crater

  • Subic Bay

  • Subic shipyard

  • Subic industrial port

  • Barrio Barreto

  • Olongapo

  • Subic lighthouse

  • Subic beach promenade

  • Subic airport

  • The dense old jungles of Subic

Angeles - Puerto Galera trip

Flight time: 1 hour (one-way)

 

This is another not-to-be-missed trip to the south of Angeles and Manila. Puerto Galera is a famous beach and dive destination on the island of Mindoro. 

On this trip you will travel two different routes on your back and forth trip.

On the trip to Puerto Galera: you will first travel over the Manila Bay fishnet villages, then pass by Corregidor island, and finally land on an open field full of carabaos (water buffalo's) next to Sabang Beach (Puerto Galera).

Sabang bay is a great place to hangout for the day, with some of the country's greatest dive sites in the proximity, and a long stretch of cozy beach style bars and resorts.  There are even a few nightclubs and bars.

A day trip to Puerto Galera is a wonderful way to spend a day, however, it would also be possible to stay over for a night. In this case, you will have to pay for Willy's, the pilot, accommodation as well as P1500 for a local who guards the helicopter overnight (by sleeping underneath it).

On the way back, you will travel through Manila and land at the airport to refuel, before continuing on back to the ABC hotel.

What will you see?

  • The ash covered plains surrounding Angeles city.

  • The Manila bay fishnet villages

  • Corregidor Island (you can see the cannons from the air)

  • Coconut jungles

  • Golf course on a large plateau

  • Bataan oil refineries

  • Sabang Bay

  • Makati Skyscrapers

  • Manila airport

  • Manila bay Roxas Boulevard

    • Expo centers

    • Mall of Asia

    • Reclamation area

    • Boat restaurants

    • Attraction parks

  • Manila bay ports

  • Quezon city

  • The surreal Manila slums

  • Laguna fishnet villages (from the other side)

Angeles - Hundred Islands

Flight time: 45 minutes (one way)

 

Hundred islands National Park was the first National Park in the Philippines.  The park is located in Pangasinan province 45 minutes flying time north of Angeles.  There are 124  islands at low tide (123 at high tide).  The islands are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 square kilometers (4,557 acres). They are believed to be about two million years old. Only three of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island.

Two of the islands have helipads on which we can land.

If you want to see the islands from the water, we can assist you renting a boat and travel from island to island by 'banka'.

What will you see?

  • Tarlac city

  • San Carlos city

  • Dagupan city

  • Beautiful mountainous scenery

  • Hundred islands