2018 • 08 • 13

Apuao Pequeña is part of an island-hopping escapade in Mercedes. It belongs to a group of islands called Mercedes Islands or Siete Pecados. It has a white shoreline and azure waters that make for an ideal beach escape. The island also has a small forest wherein fruit bats live and fly around at different times of the day. There is a sandbar that connects this island with Apuao Grande.

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 the jeepney fare is P10. The 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 the jeepney fare is P10. The travel duration is 10-15 minutes.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: As of writing, entrance is P300 per group.
• Camping Fee: Camping is one of the options if you want to stay overnight. Fee ranges from P100 – P200 (exclusive of tent)
• Boat Rental Rates: P2000 – P3500 (island hopping day tour); P4000 (overnight boat rental for those who want to go camping)

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Don’t Miss

• Aside from Apuao Grande, this island is a perfect place to go camping; do so to maximize your stay.
• Swim or wade in the azure waters to douse the mid-morning or afternoon heat.
• Go up the hill to get a bird’s eye view of the surroundings and nearby islands.
• Spend hours beach-bumming or having a picnic.
• The beach is big enough to play volleyball or have a few games of Frisbee.

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Don’t Forget

• Withdraw enough cash for your trip before leaving Daet or Naga City.
• Bring a power bank to keep your devices charged and ready for selfies, groufies, and photo ops, or videos.
• Bring your own food and drinks if you want to eat on the island. As always, leave no trace/trash behind.
• Wear aqua shoes as some parts of the beach are rocky and grainy.
• Keep your things dry by sealing them in plastics and a dry bag.
• This island is an ideal place to go camping; bring your own gear if you plan to spend the night.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• After enjoying Apuao Pequeña 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