Lapu-Lapu City resort launches helium balloon rides

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Tourists visiting Lapu-Lapu City will now have a bird’s eye view of Mactan and neighboring islands through helium balloon rides.

The Cebu Helium Balloon, which is located in Hadsan Beach Complex, is owned by Jack Song, chief executive officer of Aura Inc.

Song’s company has been operating it since early this year.

The balloon has a diameter of 22.80 meters and a height of 34 meters.

The recreational ride has a capacity of 30 passengers. The ascension height goes up to 150 meters and the ride lasts for about 15 minutes.

A 360-degree panoramic view of the neighboring islands, resorts and popular spots of the Historic Resort City of Lapu-Lapu allows the passengers to move around while being soared up to the sky, according to company officials.

The Cebu Helium Balloon is situated in a wide area and has durable control cables enough for the operators to maneuver the recreational ride.

A tension cable is also connected from the ground to control the balloon’s ascent and descent with an electrical switch.

The company has a total of seven “pilots” trained in Korea, enough for them to guide and assist the public in riding the helium balloon.

Helena Hwang, chief secretary of Aura Inc. said this is the first recreational ride of its kind in the Philippines.

Hwang said the company will soon set up such attraction in the province of Bohol and Boracay Island.

Hwang said they chose Lapu-Lapu City first because of its beautiful scenery of coastal beaches surrounding the island.

The ride costs P1,000 for adults and P700 for children aged 2 to 12 years.

Foreign adults are charged USD50 and children, USD30.