CANTON ISLAND, MERCEDES ISLANDS: IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS



2018 • 08 • 13

Canton Island, also Canron Island, is part of the island hopping escapade in Mercedes, Camarines Norte. It may not have the usual fine white sand shore of more popular beaches, but its rawness and ruggedness give it a distinct type of beauty. Other than swimming and beach bumming, there are a variety of activities you can do here such as spelunking, rock climbing, and visiting mangrove forests.

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.

 


Entrance Fee and Other Charges

  • Entrance Fee: As of writing, P10.
  • Boat Rental Rates: P2000 – P3500 (island hopping day tour); P4000 (overnight boat rental for those who want to go camping)

Don’t Miss

  • Take plenty of pictures of the stunning rock formations dotting the shores.
  • Walk on the craggy, rugged and beautiful beachscape of Canton Island.
  • Explore the mangrove forests or try activities such as spelunking and rock climbing.

Don’t Forget

  • Withdraw money from Daet or Naga City before traveling to the port as it may be the only time you will be able to do so.
  • 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 plan to have a picnic or spend the night on one of the islands. As always, leave no trace/trash behind.
  • Keep your things dry by sealing them in plastics and a dry bag.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, slippers, or sandals as you’d be walking on craggy and rocky shores.

If You Have More Time and Budget

  • After enjoying Canton 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.

Photo was provided by the resort via Agoda.

For more options, search here: Daet Hotels


Reminders

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