Camarines Norte - Mercedes Fish Port, Cayucyucan Beach, Catandunganon River and Top Loading on a Tricycle

On my 2nd day in Daet, my friend suggested that I go to Cayucyucan Beach in one of the islands in the town of Mercedes. From the hotel, I took a jeepney bound for Mercedes, after about 15 minutes I reached the Mercedes fish port. As it was still very early in the morning, the fish port is so busy with fishermen arriving with their fresh catch. I was able to witness what they call "Bulungan sa Pandawan", a trading practice where bidders whisper to the fish broker his price and whoever bids the highest gets the fish.

I was so amazed at how big and fresh the fishes are. If only I could bring home some, I would have bought a kilo as pasalubong for my family.

After watching them, I went to the far end of the fish port where I found the boat going to this island where Cayucyucan Beach is. The boat ride to Manguisoc Wharf only takes about 5 minutes and fare is 4 pesos. From there, I took a jam-packed tricycle to Brgy. Cayucyucan. Travel time is about 20-30 minutes on rough road and fare is 14 pesos each.

Since I don't know which resort to go, I asked one of the locals with me on the tricycle. She suggested that I check on Palms Farm Resort. True to its name, the resort is somewhat a farm with tall pine trees greeting you.

I made my way to the reception area where I paid the entrance fee of 30 pesos for a day tour.

I stayed at the resort for about 3 hours just taking photos, enjoying the scenic landscapes and seascapes and eating the food that I brought. The most distinguishable landmark of the resort is the awesome view of Mt. Susong Dalaga from a far. I not sure if that's the name of the mountain but according to my friend from CamNorte, that's what it is called. Hehehe!

Aside from the staff, I didn't see any guests in the resort. I practically own the place! Hahaha! Perfect for some "alone" time! :)

The resort also has cottages, dormitories and family rooms if you wish to stay overnight. Price ranges from 800 - 2,300 pesos. Unfortunately, they don't have a restaurant so they suggest that you bring your own food and drinking water.

For inquiries and reservations, you may contact Palms Farm Resort at 0927-5871001 / 0917-5006639 / 049-5451683 or email them at mariquit915@yahoo.com.

Tricycle is the only means of transportation in the island. It's not often that a tricycle would pass by. It actually took me a while before I got to take a tricycle going back to the wharf. So while waiting for a ride, I walked around until I reached a small bridge where Catandunganon River flows.

I was speechless when I saw it. It is so clean, the mangroves and the towering pine trees at the riverbank are breathtaking sights to behold. I 'luv et! Ang sarap tumalon at mag-swimming! Hehehe! Oh well, I don't have much time as I need to be back in Daet before lunch time, maybe I'll swim here next time.

After about 30 minutes of waiting, a tricycle arrived. It was full. Actually, it already has a passenger at the roof. Since it will take a while for the next tricycle to arrive, I just climbed the roof and sat there. I like it. It gave me a full view of the place. Though it was hard and painful on the butt I still enjoyed my very first top loading experience on a tricycle. Hahaha!

Here's the video:


We reached Manguisoc Wharf after 20 minutes, where I took a boat back to Mercedes mainland then back to Daet.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Land: From Manila, take bus bound for Daet, Camarines Norte. Travel time is about 8 hours and fare is around 700 pesos. From Daet, take a jeepney to Mercedes and alight at the Fish Port, Fare is 10 pesos and travel time is about 15-20 minutes.

By Air: There are no commercial flights to Camarines Norte. The nearest commercial airport is in Naga, Camarines Sur. From Manila, take and 40-minute plane ride to Naga. Then take a public van (188 pesos) or bus(around 140 pesos) to Daet, Camarines Norte, travel time is 1.5-2 hours. From there, take a jeepney to Mercedes and alight at the Fish Port, Fare is 10 pesos and travel time is about 15-20 minutes.

This is part of my adventures in Camarines Norte last September 16-18, 2012. Camarines Norte, a province in Bicol Region is the 77th province on my list. I enjoyed the sights, adventures the friendliness of the people. I'm also happy to meet a good old friend who toured me around his home province. Join me as I continue my journey to visit all 80 province in the Philippines!
Map By: Wikipedia	Wenceslao Q. Vinzons Ancestral House Visiting the 400-year-old Vinzons Church, the Oldest Church in Camarines Norte Mercedes Fish Port, Cayucyucan Beach, Catandunganon River and Top Loading on a Tricycle Walking Tour around Daet, "The Gateway to Bicolandia" Riding the Waves of Bagasbas Beach, my 8th Surfing Experience! Travel Guide : Camarines Norte