Takeoff: The takeoff area is situated at approximately 970 feet above sea level, with multiple launch sites facing southeast towards Sarangani Bay. The site benefits from a combination of sea breeze and thermal wind conditions, making it suitable for various flying experiences. Landing: The landing zone is a plateau located between 200 to 300 feet above sea level. Access: The site is on private land managed by local pilots. Registration with Sarangani Paragliders is required to access the flying site. Comments: SAFI Ranch, also known as Sarangani Paragliding, is located near General Santos Province. It is about 20 minutes from General Santos Airport and 25 minutes from the city. SAFI Ranch is the largest airsports arena in the Philippines, featuring around 15 kilometers of ridge for paragliding and excellent thermal cross-country flying opportunities due to the surrounding dry land. The weather is generally dry and hot, with occasional rain in July and August. The higher launch area is at 950 feet (290 meters) and is recommended for intermediate pilots. It has a flat launch area with a gentle slope. The middle launch area, at 500 feet, is ideal for beginners. Both launch and landing zones offer easy ground handling. Experienced pilots will find the summer months from March to May particularly challenging for thermal cross-country flying. The site is accessible from General Santos City via a 25-minute drive on the main highway. A 4x4 vehicle is needed to travel from the landing zone to the launch zone. The site is operated by the Sarangani Paragliders Club. Weather Hazards: Conditions can become thermic and bumpy during peak sunlight hours, typically from 9 AM to 3 PM. Flight Regulations: The nearby airport is about a 20-30 minute drive away. Pilots must observe a 1000-meter ceiling when there are scheduled airplane arrivals or departures. Contacts: GenSan Paragliding Recent Updates: Flying conditions have been excellent, with multiple successful flights on various faces of the site. The area has seen increased activity and interest, including visits from international pilots and local government officials. The site is considered safe for flying vacations, with additional amenities provided by Lemlunay, including transport, luxury accommodation, a swimming pool, and superb diving options. Parking: Takeoff parking GPS coordinates: 6.057 N, 125.102 E Landing parking GPS coordinates: 5.9483 N, 125.093 E Website: [PPHGA](http://www.pphga.com) For more information, you can visit the [APPI Fly School](http://appifly.org/?page=school&id_school=69) or watch a [YouTube video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=u3A0q-zUb34) showcasing the site.
View spotLaunch is at +400 meters, typically accessible via a 4X4 drive. It is suitable for west and southwest wind directions. There is another launch site to the north for more northerly winds. Wide open abandoned fields are plentiful below for landing. The site is an hour's drive from Manila via Payatas Quezon City. A 4X4 vehicle is recommended for the drive to the launch unless the ground is dry. This site is the nearest to Manila. Fly this site between June and October, which is the rainy season. Over-development is frequent, so it's best to be there early. This area is near the final approach of Manila International Airport. Never fly higher than 1,900 ft south of the launch as airliners can be close. Our local paragliding club can be found in Yahoo Groups under the name skysports-ph. Nearby attractions include Wawa Dam, numerous caves, vertical rock climbing, and bouldering. [Philippine Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Philippine-Paragliding-and-Hang-Gliding-Association/120202548026445)
View spotTake off: The take-off area is relatively small due to the mountain's shape, but it is safe if the wind conditions are favorable. Photos are available for reference. Landing: There is a top landing option north of the take-off location, which you will pass on the way from the road. Bottom landing options are primarily cultivated areas in the valley below. The easiest landing area is marked on the map and shown in a photo, though it is not easily visible from the take-off point. This area is quite a bit below the road and requires a climb out, but the local farmer is willing to help carry your gear. There is also a slope landing option just above the road, almost due east of the launch site, but caution is needed to avoid the trees. Going there: Punod is located on the mountain ridge along the highway from San Carlos to Bacolod, approximately 15 km from San Carlos. Public transport is available, with Ceres buses running every 20 minutes from San Carlos bus station and stopping on request. From the highway, it is a 20 to 30-minute walk to the launch site, involving a moderate climb. Comments: It is advisable to have a local guide show you the way up the hill. Edgar Alvarez at Waddy's Place can guide you and introduce you to the local farmers. Waddy's Place is a mountain lodge located north of the launch site and is a good accommodation option if you prefer to stay on the hill. Alternatively, you can stay in San Carlos. Weather hazards: The site is around 2,300 feet above sea level and can experience showers if low clouds are present. As with any tropical area, it is important to monitor changing weather conditions. Flight regulation: There are no formal regulations regarding free flying in the Philippines, and there are no nearby commercial airports, so there is no concern about powered aircraft. People to contact: Most paragliders in the Philippines are based in Metro Manila. They have a Yahoo user group for general information on flying in the Philippines. You can contact them through their user group: [Yahoo User Group](http://groups.yahoo.com/gr...). Tourism: The area offers good hiking with spectacular views. Mount Canlaon, a volcanic mountain to the southwest, stands at just over 6,000 feet and is a popular trekking destination. During the summer months (March to June), whale and dolphin watching is available in the waters of Bais, approximately a three-hour drive south of San Carlos. There are also several beach resorts along the coast for days when flying conditions are not favorable.
View spotThis paragliding site is rated very popular, a must-do. Elevation is 121 meters with a horizontal distance of 74 meters, making it an easy site. It's a great spot for beginners, especially when the wind is calm. However, it can get windy, making it suitable for soaring. Takeoff: The ridge faces east, so winds from the east or southeast are ideal. Ridge soaring is common here, and conditions are cooler in the late afternoon with fewer thermals. If you prefer stronger thermals, mid-afternoon is the best time. Landing: There is a large open grass area for landing. Be cautious of cows and tall grass, which can be deceptive in terms of height above the ground. Getting There: The site can be tricky to find, so it's best to ask a local pilot for directions. From the South Luzon Expressway, exit at Southwoods or Carmona. The road to the launch site is a dirt track, and if it has been raining, a 4WD vehicle is necessary. Comments: This is the primary site for local pilots due to its proximity and easy access from Manila, especially when the easterly winds, known locally as 'Amihan,' are blowing. Weather Hazards: The site is mainly flyable from November to June, depending on the monsoon season. Contacts: - Buko: originalbukopie@yahoo.com - Jeremy: jeremycarroll@yahoo.co.uk Website: [SkySports Philippines Yahoo Group](http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skysports-ph/) Tourism: Nearby Manila City offers various attractions. For more visuals, check out these videos: - [Video 1](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBz_yJ3uUb0) - [Video 2](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWZ2Ok1UIf4) For more community information, visit the [Philippine Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association Facebook Page](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Philippine-Paragliding-and-Hang-Gliding-Association/120202548026445#!/pages/Carmona-Flysite/213706172045750?viewer_id=100000570399327).
View spotLaunch is at an elevation of 300 meters, with an area covered by very low grass. The flyable wind directions are northeast and east-northeast. This site is suitable for novice pilots and above. Landing options include a sandy beach in front of Kasay Resort and a flat, open rice field (choose a paddy with no rice planted). To get there from Manila, ride to Batangas City Port and take a ferry boat to Abra de Ilog port. From Abra port, hire a tricycle motorbike taxi to Kasay Beach Resort in Kabignayan. The total travel time is about 5 hours. Abra de Ilog is not recommended for beginners. Novice pilots should fly early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The best time to fly here is between October and May during the northeasterly wind season. Avoid landing on planted rice paddies. For more information, you can contact the Fankhauser Family, the owners of Kasay Beach Resort. Our local paragliding club in the Philippines can be found on Yahoo Groups under the name skyports-ph. Nearby tourist attractions include Mt. Halcon, which is over 2,000 meters high, and Sabang Beach in Puerto Galera, which is an hour's boat ride from Abra.
View spotTake off: Launch from anywhere on the top of the ridge around the center section of the bowl where the ground is covered by grass. The best location will depend on the actual wind direction on the day. Landing: If conditions are right and the ridge is soarable, you can land on any of the grass areas around the upper section of the ridge at the center or east side of the bowl. If there isn't enough lift to stay up, there are cultivated areas at the bottom of the bowl; choose a landing spot that minimizes damage to crops. Going there: The site can be reached from the highway running from San Carlos to Bacolod. Take the turn onto the Barangay road to Nataban, which is 19 km from San Carlos and just before 'Our Lady of Peace' High School in Prosperidad. Travel along the Barangay road for about 1 km and stop at the bend. From there, it's a hike up the hill to the back of the ridge. Comments: This large bowl faces approximately SSW, aligning with the prevailing wind direction during the rainy season. If conditions are right and the wind is coming from between South and South-West, there should be good ridge lift around most of the bowl. Before the thermals start getting strong, the lift is smooth, making for pleasant flying. Weather hazards: The easiest time to launch is early in the morning before cloud development and thermals start. Once thermals kick in, watch for sudden changes in wind direction. If the wind swings to the West or Northwest, the wind in the bowl below ridge level can become turbulent and rough. The terrain to the east of the site drops away sharply, so avoid this area unless the wind direction is east of south. While commercial aircraft fly at high altitudes, keep an eye out for military helicopters, which have been seen operating nearby. Flight regulation: Currently, there are no specific regulations for free flying in the Philippines. For more information, you can contact the national paragliding club based in Luzon. People to contact: For a local guide, contact Edgar Alvarez, who knows the site well. He can be reached at Waddy's Place on the highway in Punod. Website: [SkySports Philippines Yahoo Group](http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skysports-ph/) Tourism: The nearest place to stay is Waddy's Place, a mountain lodge on the highway about 12-13 km out of San Carlos. It offers fantastic views over San Carlos and Cebu Island and has a more pleasant climate due to its altitude of around 2,000 feet. Alternatively, there is plenty of accommodation in San Carlos, along with places to eat. Regular public transport runs along the highway approximately every 20 minutes throughout the day.
View spotThe take-off point is located east of the lighthouse. However, it appears that flying in this area might be challenging. It's advisable to ask the locals for detailed directions and tips on how to reach the take-off spot safely. For landing, note that only top landing is possible here. This means you will need to land back at the take-off area or another elevated spot. For more detailed information, you can visit [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com).
View spotDingalan Aurora is located approximately 4 hours northeast of Manila. The site features a coastal ridge standing at 253 meters high, making it ideal for paragliding from November to May when east and east-northeast winds prevail. The bottom landing is conveniently situated on a wide, open sandy beach, while the top landing areas are plentiful and easily accessible. The take-off point is at +250 meters above sea level, covered by low grass. This area is very spacious, allowing ample room for setup and ground handling. It is flyable for east-northeast and northeast wind directions. To get there from Manila, expect a five-hour drive. First, drive to Cabanatuan City, then turn right to Palayan City, and finally turn right to Dingalan. Dingalan is a coastal ridge facing the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and a unique flying experience. However, it is crucial to note that flying is recommended only between October and May due to weather conditions. Currently, there are no specific flight regulations for this site. Upon arrival, it is advisable to visit the Municipal Tourism office in the Town Hall for guidance. The local paragliding club, Skysports-ph, can be found on Yahoo Groups for additional support and information. The area is also known for its tropical rainforest and mountain waterfalls, adding to the allure of this paragliding destination.
View spotThe takeoff site is situated at an elevation of 495 meters. The optimal wind direction for launching is from the east. Crosswinds from the northeast are also acceptable and occur frequently. However, strong northeast winds without thermals can make it challenging to reach the designated landing zone. Be cautious in these conditions. There is a Venturi effect in the gully to the left of the takeoff area. Ensure you cross this gully with sufficient altitude to avoid turbulence. When thermalling, avoid drifting too far backward to maintain a safe and controlled flight path.
View spotSta Cruz, Zambales is located approximately 5 hours north of Manila. The launch site is situated at an elevation of around 500 meters. It is particularly suitable for flying in west and west-northwest winds, which are prevalent from June to October. Access to the site is convenient as it is a drive-up location.
View spotNabas Aklan - Known as Max Ridge, this paragliding site is just a 15-minute drive south of Boracay Island. The coastal ridge stands at approximately 200 meters high and is ideal for east and east-northeast winds from November to May. The landing zone is on the beach. Takeoff: The takeoff point is at around 250 meters. It is suitable for east, east-northeast, and northeast winds. The takeoff area is small, so it is recommended for novice and above pilots only. Landing: The designated landing area is on the beach. Getting There: From Boracay Island, head to the Caticlan terminal port. From Caticlan, hire a tricycle motor taxi to Nabas, which is just a 15-minute ride away. Comments: There is a powerline just above the foot of the ridge. This powerline can be easily cleared and does not pose a major threat. Weather Hazards: It is advisable to fly in this area only between November and May. Flight Regulations: Ensure to stay clear of the powerline. Contacts: - Mr. Tony delos Reyes of IV Offroad Vehicle Rentals in Sitio Hagdan, Boracay Island. - Mr. Max Lee of Boracay Times newspaper. - Local paragliding club can be found on Yahoo Groups under the name skysports-ph. Tourism: Don't miss the famous White Beach on Boracay Island.
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