To The Sangihe-talaud Islands and The Philippines
The 500-kilometre straits separating mainland north Sulawesi and the Philippines is dotted with the seventy-odd islands of the Sangihe-Talaud group, which have regular boat connections with both Indonesia and the Philippines. There are two main groups: southernmost are the loosely scattered Sangihe Islands, with the capital of TAHUNA on Pulau Sangihe itself within a two-hour bemo ride of waterfalls and jungle at Tamako, where you'll find losmen accommodation at Rainbow or Fret's. Northeast of Sangihe, and within about 150km of the Philippines, the Talaud Islands are a compact little group, with the main settlement of LIRUNG on central Pulau Salibau . Lirung's accommodation places include Penginepan Sederhana and the Chindy. There are three passenger boats a week each way between Manado and Tahuna, one a week between Manado and Lirung. Currently, there are no passenger ferries to the Philippines, though regular cargo ferries run between Bitung and General Santos , a few hours south of Davao, and will take passengers for around US$30 and take two days. It's an incredibly rough ride: bring a sleeping mat, a tent (if you have one) and plenty of comfort food. Ask at the Smiling Hostel in Manado for details. Filipino immigration board the boats on arrival in General Santos and generally hand out three-week visas on the spot.
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