2018 • 08 • 13

Apuao Grande is part of the island hopping tour visitors will do on a trip to the Mercedes Islands in Camarines Norte. Apuao Grande is one of the seven islands, popularly called Siete Pecados. The island has a white shoreline and a sandbar (which connects it to Apuao Pequeña). Its bucolic appeal makes it an ideal destination for those who want to relax and unwind on the beach and forget about their worries.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Naga Airport (Camarines Sur)

By Air

1. There are no direct flights to the town near the port that can take you on an island hopping tour; the closest you can get by plane is through Naga City from Manila. Travel time is around one hour.
2. Once in Naga, board a van (P190) or bus (P140) bound for Daet. The trip will take around two to three hours.
3. Once in Daet, you can ask a tricycle to take you to Mercedes Port. The tricycle fare to the port is around P150 for up to four people while jeepney fare is P10. Travel duration is 10-15 minutes.

By Land

1. The relatively easier and straightforward way of getting to the island is by taking an 8-hour bus ride from Metro Manila to Daet. There are several bus companies that ply this route; fares start at P550 and up, depending on the company and class of the seat.
2. Once in Daet, you can ask a tricycle to take you to Mercedes Port. The tricycle fare to the port is around P150 for up to four people while jeepney fare is P10. Travel duration is 10-15 minutes.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: As of writing, entrance is P30.
• Camping Fee: Camping is one of the options if you want to stay overnight. Fee ranges from P100 – P200 (exclusive of tent); some accommodations on the island offer tent rental
• Cottage Rental Fee: P200 (small cottage); P400 (large cottage)
• Boat Rental Rates: P2000 – P3500 (island hopping day tour); P4000 (overnight boat rental for those who want to go camping)
• Others: P150/hr (kayak rental); P300/hr (hobie cat sailing)

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Don’t Miss

• Apuao Grande has a white shoreline and a sandbar, which visitors can enjoy during their stay.
• Swim and wade in the waters to douse the afternoon heat.
• You can also go kayaking or hobie cat sailing while on the island.
• Check out the ruins of an abandoned resort.

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Don’t Forget

• Withdraw enough cash for your trip before leaving Daet or Naga City.
• Keep your things dry by securing them in a plastic and/or dry bag.
• Bring your own food and drinks if you plan to eat or have a picnic on the island. As always, leave no trace/trash behind.
• You don’t want your gadgets to suddenly run out of battery during your trip, so bring a power bank and/or extra batteries for your cameras and phone.
• Apuao Grande is also a good place to go overnight camping. Bring your own tent if you plan to stay for the night on the island.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• After enjoying Apuao Grande and the other islands of Mercedes, improve your surfing skills in Bagasbas Beach, go to Calaguas, or go for another round of island hopping in Caramoan. You can also beach bum on Cayucyucan Beach or go to Colasi Falls.
• You can also travel further south to Albay and Sorsogon.
• While in Daet, spend time exploring the Provincial Capitol of Camarines Norte, visiting Museo Bulawan, and taking a picture of the Rizal Monument.

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Where to Stay

You can stay overnight on the island. If you are not into camping, you may book in one of the hotels or resorts in Daet. Here are some of the recommended accommodations by Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Pineapple Island Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Nathaniel Hotel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Dolor Hotel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• D House Hotel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Daet Hotels