Butuan

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.

Understand
This article also covers the nearby towns of Buenavista and Nasipit; both towns used to be barrios (present-day barangays) of Butuan until they were made separate municipalities in 1929 and 1936, respectively.

Butuan is governed separately from the province of Agusan del Norte (locals do not vote for provincial officials), but for practical purposes, Butuan belongs to the province. Butuan remains the de facto capital of Agusan del Norte, even after the capital has been moved to Cabadbaran.

History
Butuan’s history, culture, arts and people date back to the 4th century as showcased in museums which makes Butuan an exciting source of cultural artifacts in Mindanao. As early as the 10th century, according to Chinese historical documents, people from Butuan had already established trading relations with the kingdom of Champa in what is now South Vietnam. By the 11th century, Butuan was the center of trade and commerce in the Philippines. The best evidence of this is the discovery of 9 balangays (called the "Butuan boats") and other archeological finds in the vicinities of Butuan City, particularly in Ambangan, Libertad near the Butuan and Masao rivers.

Climate
Butuan is usually dry from March to September while the wet season stretches from October to February. Temperatures range as low as while the maximum is. With the humidity it will feel more like to.

By boat
Ferries call at Nasipit, a port town west of downtown.



By bus or minivan


Bachelor Express, whose buses are in a bright yellow livery, is the main carrier for trips within Mindanao, from the stations at Cagayan de Oro (, 8 hours) and Davao (, 6 hours). Philtranco has one bus daily from Manila, via Maharlika Hwy.

Both terminals have rather squalid surroundings, abounding with vendors and slums. The roads around the bus station are paved with concrete, but nearby is a slum, and across the street is a noisy and smelly public market. The minivan terminal is unpaved and dusty, alongside the overall atmosphere, being near two bustling public wet and dry markets.

The bus station building has indoor stalls, which primarily sell snacks to take in the bus, and just behind the bays are a row of shops. Just nearby is a Puregold, which may have a better selection of food and drinks.



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.

See
There are historical and famous places in Butuan City you must see.
 * Mount Mayapay: Looming southwest of the Agusan Valley is this majestic mountain plateau. It rises to 2,214 feet (675 m) above sea level. Mount Mayapay got its name from the ancient Madjapahit Empire. The history behind the Sri-Vishaya period bears much meaning and influence of Butuan's pre-historic and archaeological discoveries.
 * Agusan River: Butuan River is the widest, deepest and longest navigable river in Mindanao. A cruise along the river barangays reveals much about Butuan's history, culture, arts, and people, and as a tribute to the Patroness of the Agusan River Senora Sta. Ana, the Abayan Festival was born – a day-long celebration of baroto races and fluvial procession at the Agusan River.
 * Nipa Wine Distillery: Laksoy is a local wine made out of the indigenous Nipa palm that abounds in Butuan. It goes through the process of fermentation from a crudely-made vat only a native Butuanon can ingenuously produce.
 * Agusan River: Butuan River is the widest, deepest and longest navigable river in Mindanao. A cruise along the river barangays reveals much about Butuan's history, culture, arts, and people, and as a tribute to the Patroness of the Agusan River Senora Sta. Ana, the Abayan Festival was born – a day-long celebration of baroto races and fluvial procession at the Agusan River.
 * Nipa Wine Distillery: Laksoy is a local wine made out of the indigenous Nipa palm that abounds in Butuan. It goes through the process of fermentation from a crudely-made vat only a native Butuanon can ingenuously produce.
 * Nipa Wine Distillery: Laksoy is a local wine made out of the indigenous Nipa palm that abounds in Butuan. It goes through the process of fermentation from a crudely-made vat only a native Butuanon can ingenuously produce.
 * Nipa Wine Distillery: Laksoy is a local wine made out of the indigenous Nipa palm that abounds in Butuan. It goes through the process of fermentation from a crudely-made vat only a native Butuanon can ingenuously produce.
 * Nipa Wine Distillery: Laksoy is a local wine made out of the indigenous Nipa palm that abounds in Butuan. It goes through the process of fermentation from a crudely-made vat only a native Butuanon can ingenuously produce.

Do

 * Mountain hiking in Mount Mayapay. Make sure, though, that you are accompanied by an experienced hiker and that you have the complete necessary gear.
 * Go to beaches in nearby towns of Carmen, Buenavista, and Cabadbaran.
 * See the various historical sites and museums mentioned above
 * Meet, mingle and make friends with nice and hospitable Butuanons
 * Go to bar and clubs, particularly those near the Gaisano Mall.
 * Listen to concert of local bands at Caraga Square
 * Watch for cultural presentations on 9 May – City Fiesta (in honor of St. Joseph), 2 Aug – Adlaw hong Butuan (Butuan Day), or the Kahimunan Festival, Butuan’s version of the Sinulog Festival of Cebu, it is celebrated to pay homage to the city’s patron, Sto. Niño. Kahimunan is from a Lumad word for “gathering.” The annual fiesta is a mixture of Christian and folk elements celebrated with pomp and pageantry.

Banks & ATMs

 * BDO has Master Card/Visa Card ATMs. Max
 * Metrobank has Master Card/Visa Card ATMs. Max
 * PNB has Visa Card ATMs. Max
 * PNB has Visa Card ATMs. Max

Sleep
Butuan has a number of hotels, you can try sleeping on various lodges and inns at the downtown part of the city.

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.

Stay healthy

 * Butuan Medical Center. Km5 Baam. +63 85 3417490. (Government Hospital).

Cope

 * Bureau Of Immigration Butuan Office. 3rd Floor. Rural Bank Bldg. AD Crato Street. +63 85 3000052.

Go next

 * Tandag
 * Gingoog
 * Bislig
 * Davao