Belle of the Pacific – Apuao Pequeña Island, Mercedes, Camarines Norte
Mercedes Islands in Camarines Norte is actually a contender that will give the Calaguas group of islands a run for their money.
Unlike any other islands in the country that will immediately attract anyone with their breathtaking charms, the Siete Pecados begs top differ. It will let you explore the islands first until the place grows within you that makes it even harder to leave. There’s this kind of magnetic charisma that you need to explore first.
The Exodus
It was a Wednesday night, start of the Holy Week Exodus. We lined up real early to get a bus bound for Daet at the Superlines Terminal in Cubao. Luckily after several hours of waiting, we got seats as chance passengers on an airconditioned bus. The longest ride to Bicol started by 10:45 pm. (515php/pax)
By 08:00 am the following day we have officially entered the Camarines Norte province. Traffic jams going to Lucena, Quezon was really bad the previous night. Already short on time, we reached Paracale, Camarines Norte by 09:00am where our friends will be joining us on our 3-day adventure.
Upon meeting up, we then rode a tricycle (150php/trip) to Labo, Camarines Norte to climb Mt. Labo (1554+). As our initial itinerary suggests, we alighted at the Municipal Hall of Labo facing the Parish of St. John the Apostle and the Evangelist.
Our arrival has been compromised by the traffic last night. Unfortunately, the tourism officers at the municipal hall discouraged us to climb it that day.
Instead of pushing through with the climb, Plan B was to visit the Mercedes Group of Islands which is an hour away.
Wow, Apuao!
Upon arriving at the Mercedes Fish Port, we visited the tourism office and chartered a boat for an overnight island hopping adventure.
Mercedes Fishport is known for its “Bulungan sa Pandawan” or Whisper Auction of fish hauls. Moreover, this is the largest fishing community in the province.
Mercedes, was named after the wife of a Spanish merchant, Doña Mercedes who lived and helped the locals in the place centuries ago.
Mercedes Group of Islands is composed seven islands, collectively called as the Siete Pecados, namely:
- Canimog
- Apuao Grande
- Apuao Pequeña
- Malasugui
- Quinapaguihan
- Canton
- Caringo Island.
Right after passing the Crocodile shaped island of Canimog, first on the list is the Apuao Pequeña Island.
Arriving at Apuao Pequeña, the water is really clear and turquoise from afar. In addition, a lot of starfishes thrive at the shallow parts.
Agoho Trees similar to the San Antonio Coves of Zambales are present in here. Moreover, add up the fine sand in the shore and the Mt. Balagbag and Mt. Man-Asupre looming from afar.
This island is adjoined to the larger Apuao Grande by a sandbar. A violent typhoon wrecked the once private resort establishment in the island decades ago, making Apuao Grande island open to the public again.
Bat Alert!
One can do camping, swimming, trekking, snorkelling and many more activities in here. But the main highlight is the Fruit Bat Sanctuary located at the heart of the Apuao Pequeña island.
Upon entering the forest, the eerie high pitched screeches of the fruit bats will be heard. Then as you go deeper into the woods you will be noticing them hanging in hoards above the higher branches.
From time to time, they fly around from branch to branch. They were enormous for a bat, like kittens (with wings), I must say.
You can continue the trek up to the end of the forest where the viewdeck opening up to the Pacific Ocean will be seen.
Caringo Island
Next on our list is the Caringo Island where we will be spending the rest of the night. Upon arrival at 4:00pm, the friendly locals greeted us while having their midday drinks. Caringo Island’s Brgy. Captain and even invited us for a little meal.
Who would refuse local cuisines such as the Grilled Tuna and Squid, Ginataang Pagi (Stingray in coconut milk), Supsuping Tabagwang (Freshwater shells in coconut milk) and vegetables.
Such island hospitality that we first experienced in Mercedes. Also, the island is made up of a fine beach shore facing the San Miguel Bay.
The end of the shore is called the Falconette Point where the view of the looming Mt. Isarog lies from afar.
And the sunset finally came together with all the somber hues of the twilight.
Night came and we set up our tents. The moon slowly rose above the horizon in all her glory. Then fireflies flocked from all over the trees..
How To Get There
- By land, you can take any Superlines, Philtranco, DLTB, or Amihan Buses with terminals in Cubao, Quezon City or Pasay. Travel time is 8 hrs
- Upon arrival in Daet, transfer to Mercedes bound jeeps and alight at the Mercedes fish port. Travel time is 10-15 minutes
- Register at the Mercedes Tourism Center located inside the fish port then book your boat
