Apuao is a deserted island with much to offer, from the cool and crystal clear emerald waters, wealthy underwater, breathtaking landscape, tranquility, and relaxing ambiance, and, of course, the good people. I know, for beach lovers, if we're talking about the beauty in Camarines Norte, Calaguas is on top. Now, I'm bringing you to one of the unrated paradises in the entire Bicol region and one of the small islands in the Mercedes Group of Islands. Well, travel time is about 7 to 8 hours from Manila to Mercedes via private van, but I have seen and experienced remarkable beauty.
How to Get to Apuao Grande Island: Time of Arrival: 5:30 AM. Our first destination was Mercedes Fish Port - the largest fishing bowl in the Bicol Region. At this port, fishermen and fish vendors use "bulungan" as their method of selling. It is the way the vendor bids with the buyers by whispering - to keep the price secret. The photo above was captured while our loving locals were segregating the tiny water creatures for human consumption or can be used as food for those being cultured in fish ponds.
Since it's a fish port, expect tons of fresh seafood. Inside the port area, there is a carinderia where we had our breakfast. And by the port entrance, there's a wet market where we bought our supplies. When everything was finalized, we left our van at the parking area inside the port area - of course, with an additional fee.
Island Hopping on Apuao Grande Island: Our island hopping started on Canimog Island, or what others call Crocodile Island, a 30-minute boat ride from the Fish Port. It is a small island surrounded by crystal clear waters and pebbles. We walked on a concrete and uphill pathway from the shoreline to the oldest "parola" or lighthouse. According to the marker, this lighthouse was erected on 26 June 1927, and today, it remains functional. Instead of using the old way, locals installed solar panels with batteries to light up the bulbs at night. We stayed in the area for about 30 minutes. No Entrance fee.
The Gorgeous White Sand Beach of Apuao Grande and Pequeña: Next was our main destination and the most prominent island in Mercedes. From afar, the fine white sand shoreline and the Agoho trees usually greet the visitors. Let's go with the History first: If you're searching on Google, you will see the Grande and Pequena. According to the locals, before, it was separated by the water. There's really a passage for the boats, but one day, they noticed a sandbar appeared in between and connected the two islands, and it became - not Coco Crunch - Apuao Island!
 |
| A gorgeous photo taken at Apuao Grande Island. |
Camping by the Beach of Apuao Grande: We camped and set up our hammocks at the resort by the beach. If you have a budget, cottages can also be rented. This resort has a generator set that lights up the area in the evening. Sari-sari stores, washrooms, and toilets are available. Fresh water is not for free because the locals need to fetch water from Apuao Grande main via boat. Basta nakita ko silang nagbababa ang mga drums ng tubig. Tourists can also camp or set up hammocks at the part with Agoho trees. However, insect repellent is a must!
One of the most fascinating parts of our island hopping on Mercedes Group of Islands is stepping on the Malasugui Sandbar. According to our boatmen, we were fortunate! It showed up in bad weather. It is a long, curvy stretch of fine white sand that appears during low tide. Water is still crystal clear, and underwater creatures treat this white sand as their paradise, like those starfishes.
From the sandbar, we traveled for about 20 minutes to Malasugui Island. This island has a curvy stretch of fine white sand mixed with pebbles, corals, and shells. Two grand couples were staying on the island, and according to our tsimosong boatmen, they have professional children but chose to stay here. Boat docking fee: 200 pesos.
Next is Caringo Island. We just passed on its surrounding waters, so I can't give you specific details about what's on this island. Again, according to our tsismosong boatmen, it is where the oldest house can be found, built circa 1920. While on the boat, a few meters away from the shoreline, I noticed the boats parked by the shore and children were playing on the fine white sand - a sign that locals were living there. The island has a relaxing ambiance because of the trees surrounding the area.
Next was heading back to Apuao. You can also visit the bat sanctuary if you want to see weird but lovable-looking mammals. I always see bats, but those staying here are different; they are really big. They were upside down on the branches of the trees. There's a question left in my mind, I haven't seen any fruit-bearing trees on the island, and kaya kinakain nila? Feeling ko insects. Pero feeling ko lang yun. Pwede ring pinapadala lang sa kanila via LBC - ang hari ng padala, diba? Entrance Fee: 20 pesos.
While the sun was still on, we started preparing our dinner. Rice, seafood, and many other fresh seafood. While preparing these, we caught a glimpse of the golden sunset. At 8PM, we had our dinner. Then, socials while waiting for Tin's birthday at 12 MN. Ayun, inom-inom ng kaunti, with reggae music in the background - thanks to Spotify! Kwentu-kwento, tawa-tawa hanggang tulugan ko na sila ng 12:30 AM. Para mas fresh, di ako natulog sa tent, sa labas lang.
The next day, we didn't have an itinerary, and it was a lazy morning; it was time to see the island's beauty (photos above). In fairness, Apuao is surrounded by fine white and beige sand. There were crablet (maliit na crab) running, corals mixed in the sand, the water is cool and clear - this is a paradise! Since it's far and not so prominent, what's the best during our visit? We owned the island that day!