CAGAYAN DE ORO , 785km south of Manila is on the north coast of Mindanao, on the opposite coast of the island to Davao. Cagayan is the starting point for trips to Camiguin and the wild countryside of Bukidnon, and also gives overland access to Siargao in the far northeast of Mindanao. Because of its position below the typhoon belt, Cagayan is generally sheltered from strong winds. What's more, it has no record of major earthquakes, something of a rarity for the Philippines. The city itself is of bulk standard Philippine design, with malls and concrete dominating. There are few memorable sights, apart from San Agustin Cathedral , which stands in the south of the city next to the Cagayan River. The Museo de Oro (Tues-Sun 9am-5pm; P20 minimum donation) at Xavier University gives an interesting overview of local culture stretching back thousands of years. As you pass through the eastern suburbs of Cagayan on the road to Balingoan (for Camiguin), you'll notice a sweet smell of pineapple in the air. Pineapples from enormous plantations inland, mostly owned by Del Monte, are brought to Cagayan for canning.