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Off the northeastern tip of Mindanao lies the little island of Siargao , an undeveloped backwater with Boracay-type beaches and dramatic coves and lagoons. It's off the tourist trail and few venture this way, but it won't be long before they do. Already an upmarket resort has sprung up catering to tourists from Europe. Some of the first tourists to step this way were surfers, who discovered a surfing "break" at Tuason Point that was so good they called it Cloud Nine. Kayaking is a great way to explore the area, paddling through mangrove swamps or into hidden coral bays. There are some cheap resorts on the southeast of Siargao Island near the rustic town of General Luna . Siargao Pension House ($40-60), opposite the municipal building, in General Luna, has doubles, meals included. Places to stay at Tuason Point, which is just north of General Luna and can be reached on foot or by banca, include Surf Camp, Green Room, and Tuason Point Resort, all in the $10-40 category. The Pirate's Anchorage Bar and Restaurant organizes good tours around Siargao Island (P500 for half a day). Surf lessons are available at resorts in Tuason Point and there's a big annual surf competition in September that attracts competitors from around the world. One of the reasons Siargao is still relatively undiscovered is that getting here can be a bit of a headache. The only airline that serves the small airport at Surigao is Mindanao Express, but you will have to check for latest schedules. Another way is to fly to Cebu then take the 8am Waterjet fast ferry to Surigao City, on mainland Mindanao, where you can connect with a local ferry (P55) from the pier on Borromea Street to Napa , the biggest town on Siargao. From Napa there are jeepneys that serve most parts of Siargao Island. Jeepneys to General Luna take 45 minutes (P20). From General Luna take a tricycle to Cloud Nine or Tuason Point. Philtranco Bus has a service from Manila to Surigao taking three days. WG&A sails to Surigao City twice a week, usually via Cebu. From Camiguin you will have to backtrack to Cagayan de Oro and take a bus heading east along the coastal road to Surigao City via Butuan City. The bus terminal in Butuan City is near Langihan market on Montilla Street. Cagayan to Butuan takes five hours and Butuan to Surigao City takes two hours. If you have to stay in Butuan, try the Embassy Hotel (tel 086/3737; $5-10) on Montilla Street, which is convenient for the bus station and has decent fan rooms. In Surigao City, accommodation includes Flourish Lodge ($10-15) on Borromeo Street in the port area, and the nearby Tavern Hotel (tel 086/87300; $10-15), whose owners will arrange a boat for island-hopping.
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