'''Butuan''' is a city in the Agusan del Norte (province) in the Philippines. Located at the Northeastern part of Agusan Valley sprawling across the Agusan River is Butuan City, known for its colorful history and culture.
Interest
BUTUAN is a term believed to have originated from the sour fruit _gBatuan_h. Others opined, it came from a certain _gDatu Buntuan_h, a chieftain who once ruled Butuan. Scholars believed, it came from the word _gBut-an_h, which literally means a person who has sound and discerning disposition. Whichever theories appear credible depends on the kind of people residing in Butuan, for whatever is said about them, Butuan continues to live on.
Butuan_fs 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 the Chinese Song Shi (history), 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 to prove this fact is the discovery of 9 balangays (The BUTUAN BOAT) and other archeological finds in the vicinities of Butuan City, particularly in Ambangan, Libertad near the old EL RIO de BUTUAN and MASAO River.
Get in
By Plane
A domestic airport in Bancasi can get you to Butuan from Manila (one hour) or Cebu (45 minutes) either by Cebu Pacific or Philippine airlines.
By Boat
You can reach the city from the port in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte for about 26 hours, aside from other ports in Cebu and Bohol. There also bus routes to Davao or Surigao from Manila which can get you to the city -- this would perhaps be the cheapest way to travel but it will take you three excruciating days sitting on the bus seat and being loading and unloaded to about three of four RoRo of Roll On Roll Off ports.
Get around
There are no taxis in the city, but there are multicabs and motorized tricycles that can take you to short distances. There is a bus terminal at Langihan which can take you as well to other nearby towns and cities such as Surigao, Davao and Cagayan de oro. Cars for rent are available upon request in most hotels and at the airport, but all are not metered, so remember to agree on the fee before boarding.
See
There are historical and famous places in Butuan City you must see.
'''Balangay Shrine Museum''' Five kilometers east of the city proper lays the graveyard of the Balangay 1 dated 320 A.D. or 1688 years old. This wooden plank-build and edge-pegged boats measured an average of 15 meters in length and 3 meters wide across the beam. To date, 9 Balangays have already been discovered in Ambangan, Libertad sites. Three have been excavated and others are still in Situ.
'''Butuan Reional Museum ''' This museum is the repository of historical and cultural materials and artifacts that proves Butuan's prehistoric existence and rich cultural heritage. There are two exhibit galleries. The Archaeological Hall and Ethnological Hall specimens of stone crafts, metal crafts, woodcrafts, potteries, goldsmith, burial coffins, and other archaeological diggings are exhibited. At the Ethnological Hall are exhibits of contemporary cultural materials the Butuanon or every Filipino for matter used for a living.
'''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.
'''Bood Promontory 1st Easter Mass Eco Park''' This historic site is where Magellan and his men erected a cross and celebrated the 1st Mass on Philippine Soil on March 31, 1521. It is the highest elevation and promontory overlooking the whole of Butuan bay then. Today, the indigenous _gHadlayati Tree_h still abound lording over a Clonal nursery and tree park, and the serpentine Masao River (ElRio de Butuan) amidst fishponds and archaeological treasures.
'''Banza Church Ruins''' This site was one of the old poblacion of the city. The church built here in 1625 by the Recollect Friars was reduced into ashes in 1753 by Moro pirates. What remains of this church is its bell tower banyan (balete) tress. Now enveloped by as the most beautiful church in the region before its destruction. Today, it is the oldest ruin of a stone church in the entire island of Mindanao.
'''Magellan's Landing Site''' Every year on March 31, the city celebrates MAZAUA DISCOVERY DAY_h to commemorate a historic milestone, the 1st Easter Mass on Philippines Soil celebrated by Ferdinand Magellan on March 31,1521. No matter what, Butuanon_fs proclaim with pride that such historic event took place in butuan not in Limasawa
'''Nipa Wine Distillery''' _gLAKSOY_h is local wine made out of indigenous Nipa Palm that abound in Butuan. It goes through the process of fermentation from a crudely made vat only a native Butuanon can ingenuously produce. Laksoy is definitely one of the best tasting local wines in the Island.
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 numerous '''beaches''' in nearby towns of Carmen, Buenavista, Cabadbaran, etc.
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 May 19 ? '''City Fiesta''' (in honor of St. Joseph) , August 2 ? '''Adlaw Hong Butuan''' (Charter Day Anniversary), or the '''Kahimunan Festival''', Butuan City_fs version of the Sinulog Festival of Cebu, it is celebrated to pay homage to the city_fs patron, Sto. Nino. Kahimunan is the Lumad term for _ggathering._h The annual fest is a mixture of Christian and folk elements celebrated with pomp and pageantry.
Buy
Local crafts, books by local authors and other souveniers are available at the malls and shops around the city.
Eat
The city has fastfoods and restaurants serving various foreign and local dishes.
Drink
Water is potable. Mineral water is available in all grocery stores, drugstores, hotels and restaurants.
Sleep
Butuan has a number of hotels, such as the Balanghay Hotel, Caraga Hotel and the Almont Inland Hotel/Resort. If you're on strict budget and don't mind scarce ammenities, you can try sleeping on various lounges and motels at the downtown part of the city.
Clothing
Lightweight clothing is recommended. Informal clothing is acceptable when visiting churches or offices. For formal occasions, the traditional barong tagalong is accepted for men. Bars, restaurants and hotels have no dress code but it is considered improper to wear shorts and slipper
Other Related Infos
'''Dialect''' Multi-lingual predominantly Butuanon, Cebuano and English
'''Climate''' Dry ? March to September, Wet ? October to February
'''Temperature''' Minimum ? 66 F, Maximum ? 85 F
'''Butuan Daily Updates :'''
[http://butuantoday.tumblr.com/ '''BUTUAN CITY TODAY''']