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We all feel the need to escape. Sometimes it becomes a necessity for city dwellers that need a break from their daily nine hour job or the hustle and bustle of the city. Recently, I went to a town that can offer complete quiet and offers that much needed momentary disconnection from our everyday realities.



Mercedes, a municipality at the eastern part of the beautiful province of Camarines Norte, has the potential of becoming the next go-to place for tourists, adventurers and city dwellers who are looking for an escape and a grand vacation.  



Perfect for beach lovers, Mercedes is home to seven islands that offer different activities that ranges from the more adventurous, like trekking, kayak surfing in Baybay beach and river kayaking at Catandunganon River, to the more serene like laying on the beautiful sands and waters of the islands for the much needed R&R.



As much as the town is blessed with scenic islands, the life underneath the waters is as equally mesmerizing. The fish sanctuaries in the waters of Mercedes are perfect for diving enthusiasts. The Coral reef dive site in Canimog island houses protected waters and various species that can be explored and I waiting to be discovered. Also, a unique soda spring where a natural bubbling pool of carbonated water is found can be seen in Lanot, Mercedes.



Natural wonders and unexplored sites are abundant in Mercedes. Trekking to the beautiful Colasi Falls, rock climbing at Canton Island and sleeping beneath the stars at Apuao Grande Island will delight the adventurer in you.



Malasugui, Caringo and Quinapaguian islands boast of white sand beaches, spectacular dives and pristine waters that can be thoroughly enjoyed.



The province is also home to vast fishing villages that are widely known for the biggest catches during fishing season. The interesting tradition of Bulungan or fish auction is also practiced in the area. Rest assured that you can get the freshest catch that is cooked in popular Bicolano dishes in Mercedes.



My favorite part in my stay in Mercedes is walking along its humble streets, seeing nothing but smiling faces and a simple lifestyle that most of us in the city tend to distance ourselves with. Children playing in the streets and the elders talking animatedly with their peers gave me a glimpse of the simple but satisfying life away from my norm. Sometimes, it is refreshing and reflective to see the world again through beautiful provinces and the everyday lives of people who are contented with things that we sometimes ignore.



To get there:



By bus: From Manila, take the bus to Daet. 



 Philtranco and Superlines run buses to Daet. 



 8 ½ hours, 560pesos ($13) (aircon bus)



 From Daet terminal, take a tricycle to Mercedes for 100pesos ($2.5)



By plane: From Manila, there are regular flights to Naga 



 From Naga, take the 90 minute bus or van ride to Daet, Camarines Norte



From Daet terminal, take a tricycle to Mercedes for 100pesos ($2.5)



To contact: 



Provincial Tourism Office,Daet, call (054)721-3087 for further info about Hotel rates and availability.



or email thru:Come2camnorte@yahoo.com