Definitely, it’s much more fun in the Philippines with the top-of-the-world experience on a helium balloon made available right at the Hadsan Beach Resort, in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City. It’s a first in Cebu and in the Philippines by the company, Aura, Inc., a Korean owned firm that came up with the unique idea of a giant balloon that soars up in the air to 150 meters, or something like 450 feet high, as a tourist attraction.

No less than Mayor Paz Radaza tried the balloon adventure during the inauguration last 15th of August 2014, and the idea convinced her that the helium balloon excitement “will help us attract more tourists,” especially the adventurous, she said in a speech. The whole idea is in line with their current city tourism slogan, “Free Yourself.”

Stunning Fun

Lapu-Lapu’s scenic landscape sparked inspiration to have the balloon idea in this city, said Jack Song, chief executive officer of Aura, Inc. Lapu-Lapu affords gorgeous sites of the sea and the land. Measuring an enormous 22.8 meters in diameter and 34 meters in height, the balloon can lift up 30 occupants per ride. Now, local and foreign tourists can know how the city looks like from a bird’s eye-view through ballooning. Ballooning was started in England by its inventor, Michael Faraday in 1824, for his experiments with atmospheric gases.

Soaring up to 150 meters high is like being on the rooftop of a 37-level building. Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu is 165 meters or 45 storeys high. But the difference is that a helium balloon is free floating and can soar away from building crowded areas to afford unbroken panoramic views of the horizon or be directly above hills and valleys.

But How Safe Is It?

The Aura Balloon flight safety is based on several factors. One is the advice of the weather bureau. “Our operation depends on the weather conditions” as per advice of said bureau, Helena Hwang of Aura assured. Second, balloon pilots are all well-trained balloon operators. Third, the business has complied with the pertinent ordinances and requirements of the city government, especially permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, said Mayor Radaza. In addition, tourist police will secure the area involved. In this regard, the city police Acting Chief Armando Radoc advised Aura on the use of perimeter lights plus CCTV cams. With this new sky adventure more daring than zip lines, and with safety and security arrangements in place, a 15-minute soar overlooking all of Lapu-Lapu (and parts of Cebu) in every direction is a worthwhile unique family and group entertainment and adventure fun-loving people shouldn’t miss.

Excited about this new ride? Let’s take a tour, thanks to a video via YouTube.