Philippines’ Mercedes islands: unspoilt beaches, stunning views perfect for adventurers
- Mercedes in the central Philippines has earned a quiet following for its seven small tropical islands ideal for ambitious adventurers seeking solitude
- Don’t go expecting luxury, but for people who want to experience a real castaway holiday, it is the perfect destination
Camarines Norte, a province in the Philippines about eight hours’ drive southeast from Metro Manila, is well known for Bagasbas Beach in the town of Daet, a surfing cradle that opens out to the Pacific Ocean. Also popular is Mahabang Buhangin Beach in the Vinzons municipality, a stretch of powdery white sand that matches the world famous beaches of Boracay.
But Camarines Norte hides its very best, unspoilt, postcard-perfect beaches a bit further down the road in the municipality of Mercedes, named after Doña Mercedes, who aided the poor in the community during Spanish rule.
Mercedes has earned a quiet following over the last few years for its seven small, under-the-radar tropical islands: Apuao Grande, Apuao Pequeña, Caringo, Canimog, Canton, Quinapaguian, and Malasugui. Among these islands, only Apuao Grande and Canimog are inhabited.
With an abundance of pine trees, coral sanctuaries, dense forest trails, empty beaches, and gin-blue waters, Mercedes is ideal for ambitious adventurers seeking solitude. You will never wait in line to get to the port or elbow through crowds to get to the sunbathing area.
Apuao Grande and Apuao Pequeña are two adjoining islands that serve as a camp, but have none of the usual luxury reference points such as mattresses, espresso makers, spas or even restaurants. Between these two islands is a narrow sandbar with creamy sand that houses a couple of nipa huts, stilt houses common in the Philippines. If you are travelling with a big group, an overnight stay would require bringing your own tent.