2018 • 08 • 13

Malasugui Island is the smallest in the Mercedes group of islands, but despite its size, it makes up for it with beauty. The shore is sandy white, with rocks dotting it; its waters a glistening turquoise. Its idyllic setting makes it the perfect place to go camping, spend an hour or so doing nothing and just enjoying nature, and forgetting about the work you need to return to.

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.

 

---

Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: As of writing, free entrance.
• Boat Rental Rates: P2000 – P3500 (island hopping day tour); P4000 (overnight boat rental for those who want to go camping)

---

Don’t Miss

• Malasugui Island is the smallest in the group; you can go around it in just approximately one hour. The island’s idyllic setting allows you to forget the worries and hustle and bustle of the city.
• There are no people living on the island, so you might get to have it as your own if you spend the night.
• Swim or wade in the waters, go free diving in some of the deeper parts (if you are a pro), or just relax and unwind on the beach.

---

Don’t Forget

• Make your cash withdrawals in Manila or in Naga City or Daet as you may not be able to do so once in Mercedes.
• Bring power banks or extra batteries to keep your phones and cameras charged throughout the trip, especially if you plan to go camping.
• Bring your own food and drinks if you plan to have a picnic or spend the night on one of the islands. As always, leave no trace/trash behind.
• Bring a tent and camping equipment if you plan to spend the night in one of the islands or in Malasugui.
• Bring your own snorkel and gear if you plan to go snorkeling.

---

If You Have More Time and Budget

• After enjoying Malasugui 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.

---

Where to Stay

If you are extending your visit to 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