Now we have a choice. Davao has been called an international airport for ages but the few flights that catered to its international destinations came and went. There is one route that stayed, the direct Davao-Singapore route. Recently, another airline entered the scene and took its first leap between the Lion City and the Durian City in November 1, 2011- Tiger Airways, Singapore’s largest low-cost airline and recipient to CAPA’s Aviation Awards for Excellence 2010 for Low Cost Airline of the Year.
This is comfort at the best price for me, for us. The low fare direct flight cuts the travel time by hours thus increasing the quality time in our destination, plus rids us off the extra costs of accommodations in the transient stop. Versus the ease and total cost of the connecting flights via Cebu or Manila from Davao where staying overnight may be necessary, Tiger Airways has the best deal to Singapore (and back) by far.
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| this photo from adelaidenow.com.au |
Since it took to the skies on their inaugural flight to Bangkok in 2004, the Tiger now flies to 24 other destinations (with Davao the latest on their list) in 12 countries and territories (including Australia, India and China) in the Asia-Pacific region from Singapore using a fleet of 32 Airbus A320-family aircrafts, a young family so to speak, with the aircrafts having an average age of 2 years and 8 months as of September 2011. Soon, they are looking forward to welcoming their “new cubs” and double their fleet size to 68 by December 2015.
Riding budget airlines is nothing new to me. I rode in them throughout Europe and the United States and got to all my destinations the most economical way (which means I can shop more and I’m sure we are on the same wavelength). I don’t mind landing on the “other airport” aka the budget terminal either, the transportation to the city of destination is just as efficient.
Taking the Tiger Airways flight for the first time and arriving in Singapore 3 hours and 20 minutes after, with no stopover in Cebu, was just terrific. Compared to the visit in July that took about 9 hours of travel time, this was pure delight. What was even more satisfying was I didn’t have to shell out extra for layover cost- food, hotel, cab fare, terminal fee, in Cebu or Manila.
It was almost midnight and I missed the last train ride to the city. But I was able to take next best deal, SG$9 via a shared bus (reserved seating for about 10) that dropped me on the driveway of my hotel. Not bad compared to a cab ride that may go for SG$30. How cool is that?
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| Convenience. Your choice of ride to & fro the city. SGD9 coach, SGD2 train, free bus ride to Terminal 1 & 2 where the city trains are. |
And so I had a grand time in Singapore and have officially got fat (read coming stories) feasting over the Lion City’s incredible cuisine. One of which was enjoyed with the Tiger Airways big wigs- Dave Perring, Commercial Director, and the Senior Manager for Customer Communication, Sharon Cheong (who must be a model). Over lunch, they said that the Davao- Singapore route was received well considering the fact that they opened it without the usual opening fanfare. But they have something in store for us Dabawenyos soon, I’m pretty sure the purring will be irresistible.
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| Tiger Airways' Dave Perring, Commercial Director, & Sharon Cheong, Senior Manager for Customer Communication |
Having been to several low cost airline terminals, Changi Airport’s budget terminal is the best for me. Not only is it wide and squeaky clean, it is well appointed. I still can’t get over the “living room” areas with sofas and flat screen TVs and the computer terminals with free internet connections.
Yes, we do have a choice to get directly to Singapore now- there’s the higher priced airline and Tiger Airways. If you want a low-fare, safe and comfortable journey, you will love Tiger Airways. I know I did and I know I will ride this cat back to the Lion City again. And perhaps connect to another bucket list destination, India, where a yoga shala awaits me.
Tiger Airways flies between Singapore and Davao three times a week every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. For fabulous deals from Davao to Singapore and connect to their other destinations around the Asia-Pacific region, visit their website at http://www.tigerairways.com/ph/en/
Triple Star Travel and Tours is Tiger Airway’s General Sales Agent for the Philippines. In Davao, they are at Door 16, 2nd Floor, Paseo de Legaspi, Pelayo Street. Telephone: (82) 222-2186. Visit their website at www.triplestartravel.com
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