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Traveloka PH

04 Mar 2020 - 7 min read

The Flying Carnival: Experience the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2020

Up, up, and away! Experience the annual Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2020 and get ready for a weekend filled with flights and sights! Watch as the hot air balloons lift off to the sky in a myriad of colors and witness thrilling aviation exhibitions in celebration of all things that fly this March. Want to know what you're in for? Here's everything you need to know about this year’s Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

What is the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta?

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

An event that started from a passion project after the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) is the longest-running sports aviation event in Asia.The Balloon Fiesta deems itself as more than just a spectator event, but rather a gathering of aviators and aviation fans across the Philippines and the world.

What is this year’s theme?

This year, the PIHABF presents The Flying Carnival 2020: A Weekend of Almost Everything that Flies. The event will feature exciting aviation exhibitions, thrilling balloon rides, as well as aviation career seminars.

How to Get Around

Hot Air Balloons

The event will take place at San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite on March 6 to 8, 2020. The event starts at 5:30 AM with the balloons taking off at around 6:30 AM. It’s best to travel early and avoid congested traffic and parking conditions near the Balloon Fiesta Park.You can either go by car or via public transportation. Depending on where you’re coming from, there are several route options that you can take. Know more about them here.

Flying Carnival 2020 Highlights

Aviation Workshop

Image Credit: philballoonfest.net

Fly Rides: Ever dreamed of touching the clouds? Experience being lifted several feet from the ground on a hot air balloon and float across the fiesta grounds. The event also offers 15-minute helicopter rides that will make you feel the thrill of shooting up to the sky!
Aviation Career Seminar: Do you have what it takes to be a pilot? Know more about the careers in the aviation field and get a glimpse of what it’s like to be in the Philippine Air Force from trained and experienced professionals.
More Fun in the Air: It’s all about taking flight on this festival, but why not get your adrenaline pumping by falling from the clouds on a skydiving adventure? Or maybe go with a friend and take to the sky on a tandem paragliding adventure!

Schedule of Activities

Here’s what you can expect on a day frolicking about the fiesta grounds:

Schedule of Activities

Where to Stay

Seda Nuvali Deluxe

ImageCredit: nuvali.sedahotels.com

Want to avoid traffic or waking up really early to travel? Planning on staying until the end of the fireworks display? Let yourself enjoy the festivities by booking a stay at a nearby hotel. Here are our top picks around the area:

1. Seda Nuvali

Just 25 minutes away from the event venue, this hotel lets you experience five-star comfort and services while enjoying a beautiful landscape view of Nuvali. The hotel is right next to shopping and dining outlets, as well as a park with various recreational activity offers.

2. The Bayleaf Cavite

Located along Governor’s Drive at the heart of the historic city of General Trias, this hotel provides complete amenities and impressive facilities that will make your stay memorable. The hotel is also close to Carmona Leisure Park and is only 35 minutes via Governor’s Drive.

3. El Cielito Hotel - Sta. Rosa

For PHP 3,500, you can have a one night stay with free breakfast at this hotel in Sta. Rosa. Apart from various room types and complete amenities, the hotel is only 20 minutes away from the park and is close to other attractions, like Enchanted Kingdom and Splash Island.

4. Madie's Place Bed & Breakfast

Affordable and homey, this bed and breakfast is the ideal choice if you’re on a budget but also want a comfortable place to get a good night’s rest after the festivities. Described as a “home away from home”, Madie’s Place is a great place to unwind and relax at and is only 30 minutes away from the event venue!

5. Whitewoods Convention and Leisure Hotel

A new upscale resort in Silang, Cavite, Whitewoods Convention and Leisure Hotel is a pleasant accommodation for solo and group travelers. Only 36 minutes from the event venue, the hotel lets you enjoy great facilities and services at an affordable price!

Whitewoods Convention and Leisure Hotel

Image Credit: Whitewoods Convention and Leisure Hotel via Facebook

6. Paseo Premiere Hotel

With deluxe suites starting from PHP 4,275 and it being less than a half-hour drive to the fiesta venue, Paseo Premiere Hotel is a sure win! It has spacious rooms and complete amenities great for quick getaways.

7. Technopark Hotel

This hotel is only half an hour away from Carmona Leisure Park and offers great rooms, as well as spacious suites for group travelers with complete amenities and additional features, like the kitchenette and living room space. Technopark Hotel is less than a half-hour drive to the event venue.

8. Spring Plaza Hotel

If you’re looking for affordable stays with outstanding services, Spring Plaza Hotel offers comfortable rooms and amenities to complete your quick getaway to Cavite. The Balloon Fiesta venue is also just 30 minutes away!

9. The Windy Ridge Hotel Tagaytay

Enjoy the balloon fiesta even while also exploring the many attractions Tagaytay City has to offer. Delight in the cool breeze and stunning lake view, as well as their comfortable rooms and dining options for as low as PHP 2,400 a night!

10. Tagaytay Country Hotel

Cozy and just a stone’s throw away from the city’s main tourist spots, it’s a great stay option for your Cavite getaway. Although it may be a bit farther from the event venue, staying here means you’ll be able to extend the fun of your trip in Tagaytay, while also enjoying a comfortable stay for an affordable price.Read 10 Cheap Tagaytay Hotels for the Budget-Conscious

Where to Eat

Filipino Food

Apart from the many well-known food chains and restaurants nearby, try these food places in Carmona:

Sunset Food Park: A chill place to hang out at with friends and family. Enjoy a variety of food options like favorite Filipino delights, samgyupsal, and pizza!
Zig n’ Burg Flame Grilled Burger: For affordable dining, head over to this restaurant and try their signature pork sisig and grilled burgers.

Tips Attending Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Grounds
Be early: You wouldn’t want to miss the balloons when they lift off to the skies. You'll also want to avoid congested traffic near the fiesta area.
Bring your cameras: Get ready to make memories. It’s going to be a fly event!
Book in advance: Avoid long queues and make your experience hassle-free by booking your event tickets on Traveloka! You can book now here. If you’re in Manila, you can also book private transfers that can take you directly to the event venue.

Explore Nearby Destinations

Picnic Grove Tagaytay
See Tagaytay: It’s no secret that this city is one of the best destinations for a quick getaway. Not too far from the city but offering the peace and quiet of the countryside, Tagaytay offers scenic lake views, fun attractions, and great food!
Travel back in time: Cavite is home to some of the country’s most historic landmarks. Go on a leisurely tour and learn more about the history and culture of the city. Book now.
Go Green: The city has several farm tourism opportunities for you to enjoy. Learn more about farming and gardening, and enjoy a stunning view of Taal from one of the gorgeous farms on the hill. You can easily book a day tour on Traveloka here.

Ready for take-off? Let your hearts take flight at this year’s Hot Air Balloon Fiesta! Book your tickets on Traveloka today!

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