Butuan
Southeast Asia · Philippines
Did you know?
- The Kahimunan Festival joins a city fiesta on 9 May in the local calendar.
- Excavated balangay boats reveal a precolonial tradition of building seagoing wooden vessels.
- Mount Mayapay's flat-topped profile overlooks the Agusan Valley.
See also
Siargao
Philippines9.87°N 126.05°E
Overview
Butuan spreads along the Agusan River and is known for its history and festivals. Local museums and excursions toward Mount Mayapay give visitors a mix of cultural and outdoor stops.
Languages: English, Filipino
Why go?
Butuan is a city in the province of Agusan del Norte in the Philippines. Located in the northeastern part of Agusan Valley sprawling across the Agusan River, the city is known for its colorful history and culture.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
This article also covers the nearby towns of Buenavista and Nasipit; both towns used to be barrios of Butuan until they were made separate municipalities in 1929 and 1936, respectively. Butuan is governed separately from the province of Agusan del Norte, but for practical purposes, Butuan belongs to the province. Butuan remains the de facto capital of Agusan del Norte.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Climate
Butuan is usually dry from March to September while the wet season stretches from October to February. Temperatures range as low as 19°C while the maximum is 35°C. With the humidity it will feel more like 38°C to 40°C.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Most local transport is on multicabs or tricycles. Taxis are available outside the major malls and the airport. The bus terminal is 1 km from downtown and the airport is 2 km from downtown.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
There are historical and famous places in Butuan City you must see. Mount Mayapay looms southwest of the Agusan Valley, rising to 2,214 feet. Agusan River is the widest, deepest and longest navigable river in Mindanao. The Nipa Wine Distillery produces local wine Laksoy from indigenous Nipa palm. Other notable sites include Balangay Shrine Museum, Butuan Regional Museum, Bood Promontory, Banza Church Ruins, Magellan's Landing Site, and St. Joseph Cathedral.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Mountain hiking on Mount Mayapay (accompanied by an experienced hiker), visit beaches in nearby towns of Carmen, Buenavista, and Cabadbaran, see historical sites and museums, meet friendly Butuanons, go to bars and clubs near Gaisano Mall, listen to local bands at Caraga Square, and attend festivals: City Fiesta on 9 May, Adlaw hong Butuan on 2 Aug, and Kahimunan Festival.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
You can buy flavored otap (a Filipino delicacy with flavors Durian and Ube) and Balangay souvenirs (models of ancient boats). Major malls include Gaisano Mall, Robinsons Place Butuan, Puregold Hypermarket, SM City Butuan, and Unitop Department Store. BPI provides a 24-hour ATM accepting MasterCard/Visa.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat
RIBBS is a restaurant specializing in ribs BBQ and seafood.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Butuan has a number of hotels, you can try sleeping on various lodges and inns at the downtown part of the city. Options range from budget pension houses to mid-range hotels like Almont City Hotel and Watergate Hotel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Talk
Cebuano/Bisaya is the main language used in Butuan. Some of the old native-born inhabitants still speak a language called Butuanon. Most of the people understand English.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay healthy
Butuan Medical Center is at Km5 Baam, +63 85 3417490 (Government Hospital).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cope
Bureau Of Immigration Butuan Office is at 3rd Floor, Rural Bank Bldg, AD Crato Street, +63 85 3000052.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Nearby destinations include Tandag, Gingoog, Bislig, and Davao.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Albecks Inn
A/C room with outside bathroom.
Recorded price: PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Almont City Hotel
Restaurant/bar, free breakfast, a/c, wifi, airport shuttle.
Recorded price: ₱1745
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Almont Inland Hotel/Resort
Nice breakfast; nice pool.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center
Has a big circular pool with a waterslide.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Flor-al-Mansion
A/C double room with own bathroom. 40-inch cable TV. Free Wi-Fi.
Recorded price: 12/24 hours PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Go Hotels Butuan
This branch is the first Go Hotels property to open in Mindanao. Go Hotels Butuan is located only 11 minutes away from Butuan's Bancasi Airport.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Grand Palace Hotel
Establishment and pool are pretty basic. Has restaurant.
Recorded price: ₱2084
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hensonly Plaza Inn
Only fan rooms with outside bathrooms.
Recorded price: PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Health
Butuan Medical Center at Km5 Baam, +63 85 3417490.
Language
Cebuano/Bisaya is the main language; most understand English.
Transport
Main local transport is multicabs and tricycles. Taxis are available at malls and the airport.
Visa
Bureau of Immigration office at 3rd Floor, Rural Bank Bldg, AD Crato Street, +63 85 3000052.
Weather
Dry from March to September, wet from October to February. Temperatures 19-35°C.