JOURNEY: To the 17th Hotair Balloon festival

From the airport the we proceeded to VICTORY LINER PASAY. There are 2 ways to get there: 1. by coaster - you can ride a coaster for I think 50.00, and drop off in Baclaran. Don't worry it's also there last stop so you won't get lost. From there you have to go to the other side of the street (use the over pass) and then just take a jeepney to the terminal.
2. Taxi - this is the most convenient yet a bit pricey way, well, if you are running out of time this is also the best alternative. If you get a "yellow taxi" it would cost you around P 170.00 to get to the terminal minus the traffic, since were there early morning. It's a lot cheaper if you get the regular white taxi's if they agree that the trip will be metered because the flag down is way cheaper but the problem with this taxi's they would negotiate and more often than not, they're overpriced so beware.

To Angeles City you have to take the bus ride to DAU terminal. It will take you approximately one and a half hour to two hours travel time depending on the traffic. Victory liner fare Pasay to DAU is P156.00.

here you may take a nap...or put on some make up! the trip to DAU is like a walk in the park. It is via SCTEX and the road is well maintained.

To get to the festival site from Dau terminal you have two options.
1. Walk about 100 meters to McArthur Highway and then from there take a jeep that will take you to the main gate of Clarkfield. Minimum fare is P8.00.

2. Our way, since we were running out of time and we don't want to walk, we took a tricycle to the gate which cost us P 50.00 (not bad coz it is to be divided by 3 :) )

And then from the gate take route 1 jeep. That will take you to the festival site. fare is P 10.00.

Festival tickets cost P 200.00 a day of course this will vary from year to year. You can either book ahead online or you can just get the ticket at the main gate on the festival day itself. Well the propaganda is to book ahead because it might run out but trust me there are alot at the gate. If you book ahead via subic marketing it will only be convenient if you check in at the hotels accredited to them because they can leave it at the information of the hotel but if not, you will suffer the burden of getting the tickets yourself in their office. The online booking company don't have the initiative to send a representative at the gates of the festival site to distribute the tickets to their patrons...and I don't even think they even took our honest suggestion to better improve their customer service.

If unfortunately, because of too much excitement you have made the mistake of booking online with Subic Marketing and failed to book a hotel accredited to them here's how you can claim your ticket; take route 1 jeepney again and drop off in PURE GOLD DUTY FREE across that is their office. fare is P 10.00 times 2 so that would be another P 20.00 off your budget. Above is a picture of the Abandoned building where their office is located. Spooky!

And now you're ready to invade the fields.....

It's super hot at the fields so be sure to wear comfortable attire. Wear long sleeves if you want or if you are like me who is more comfortable with shorts at all times just don't forget to apply tons of sun block. Bring hats or tents too, especially if you decide to stay whole day since there are alot of activities to witness like sky diving, kite flying, and alot more. And most of all don't forget to bring water to hydrate yourself.