If a tourist, by chance would be wandering around and see the beauty of the Philippines, he or she should see and experience the wonders of Butuan City. It has been asserted that, 'in the beginning, there was no Philippines but there was Butuan', and this assertion makes this place a symbol of civilization for the Philippines. The real question is: 'what can I expect in Butuan City?'
A tourist or visitor should never miss these places if he or she would have a chance staying in Butuan City. The following places are landmarks that define the identity of this wonderful city.
Ever seen a majestic view? Then this place would be the best offering Butuan would give. Located at the southwest part of Agusan Valley, a haven of grandiose mountain plateau awaits visiting tourists. This mountain highland rises 2,214 feet above sea level and its name was derived for ancient Madjapahit Empire. Butuan’s archaeological unearthing and prehistoric discoveries were tied up significantly to Sri-Vishaya era.
This museum serves as Butuan’s bulwark of rich cultural heritage and prehistoric existence or survival. There are two (2) galleries of exhibit one is the Archeological Hall which caters varieties of burial coffins, goldsmith, potteries, wood, metal and stone crafts and the exhibits also includes archaeological diggings. The Ethnological Hall (the other exhibit) showcases current cultural materials the locals of Butuan or Butuanon or every 'Pinoy' (Filipino) used for a living.
The Balangay Shrine Museum is situated at Balanghay, Libertad, Butuan City. This graveyard of Balangay One (1) was dated 320 A.D. or has already been 1688 years old. This 'balangay' is a built of wooden plank and edge-pegged vessels that have an average measurement of three (3) meters in width and fifteen (15) meters in height. As of now, there are already nine (9) balangays discoverded in Ambangan, Libertad spots. In Situ, however, there were three balangays (3) that have been excavated.
Agusan River is considered the longest, the deepest and the widest traversable river in Mindanao. The people, arts, culture and history of Butuan could be realized or seen if a tourist journey along the river barangays. They usually held their fluvial parade to honor and pay tribute to the Patroness of the river Señora Santa Ana. This has been the Abayan Festival a whole day celebration of fluvial convoy and baroto races at the Agusan River
Butuan City could be considered as the 'Cradle of Civilization' in the Philippines. The influence of the 'Balangays' are still prevalent even in this contemporary times. Municipalities are usually divided into units considered as ‘Barangays’ and the etymology of this word could be traced to those ancient vessels: 'the Balangays' meaning 'the sailboats'.
Curious about the place called The Home of Balangays (ancient sea vessel used by early settlers of the Philippines)? Wondering about the so-called Timber City of the South? These nicknames are attributed to the wonderful city of Butuan. The place is as well known as the 'Ancient Kingdom of Butuan'. Its name was derived from, according to sources, a certain ruler of the land during the ancient times (Datu Buntuan). The place is the Caraga's regional center where offices and various agencies of the government almost situated. History asserted that as early as the tenth (10th) century, the Kingdom of Champa, which is now Vietnam, had established commercial affairs with the locals of Butuan. The Srivijaya Empire of Java as well, had been undergoing trading pacts during those times. Since then, the place developed in terms of financial stability and urban lifestyle.
The City of Butuan honors Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus) and in honor of their patron the Festival of Kahimunan is being celebrated. This feast falls annually on the third (3rd) Sunday of January. It is said t be the version or a sort of rendition of Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival. 'Gathering' is the literal meaning of the word 'Kahimuan'-a Lumad terminology. In celebration of the Charter Day of Butuan City, an awareness or consciousness week for cultural festival or tourism is commemorated every year. This week-long celebration starts from the last week of July until the second day of August. It is known as the Adlaw Hong Butuan that starts with a Holy Eucharist as a thanksgiving. It is followed by series of activities such as awarding of outstanding local government employees, street party, 'palagsing' festival and motorcade. The feast patroness of the Agusan River, St. Anne, is celebrated as the Abayan Festival and is being held every last Sunday of July. Every nineteenth of May, the city celebrates the feast of St. Joseph, the patron of the City of Butuan. The celebration of the Thanksgiving Mass is one of the highlights of the festivity followed by more festive events.
To enjoy the wonders of Butuan, always remember every traveler's rule of thumb: travel light. Eco-Tourism is one of the focal point of Butuan’s progress and economic drive. For this reason, travel agencies help visitors and tourists find assistance regarding accommodation and travel itinerary as they stay at Butuan City. MR Travel Services, Inc. offers tourists and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of Butuan City. Located at Metropolitan Manila in Ermita, the agency has been doing the service since 1985. Their stability has been defined by the thousands of satisfied customers throughout the years in the business. MR Travel website provides updated announcements and advisories to help tourists and visitors on their preferred travel destinations.
Butuan is surrounded by rivers and bays including the Agusan River and the Butuan Bay making it a land fit for agriculture. Farming isn’t the only thing to do in Butuan though since this place has lush forests that are now part of a reserve program. When in Butuan, there are several Butuan destinations that one can visit and it includes an adventure both on land and on water.
The Golden Tara is the pride of the locals of Butuan and from this figurine has sprung many myths and legends. Because of Butuan’s long and diverse history, there are several artifacts that have been discovered here and the Golden Tara is considered as the most amazing of these finds. First found in 1917 by a Butuan resident, the Golden Tara came from the Agusan River and weighed less than 5 pounds. As to where it came from, nobody knows exactly and historians can’t pinpoint if it belonged to a particular era but the Golden Tara, made entirely from 21 carat gold is believed to be the image of a goddess. The Golden Tara is on display at the Butuan Regional Museum and this Butuan destination holds many unique finds and most of its sources are still a mystery.
Butuan is not just rich in flora and fauna and there is a diverse community living along the banks of the Agusan River. Because the Agusan River was the center of all commerce in ancient times, most of the civilizations lived here and a large part of Butuan’s history and culture can be explored by taking a boat ride along this Butuan destination. A boat tour along the Agusan River does not just show one the natural wonders of Butuan such as the flora and fauna, just as interesting as those are the communities that can be found by the river bank. One can even take a moment to get off the boat and mingle with the communities that live along the Agusan River to learn and understand their culture. The importance of this Butuan destination should not be undermined because a festival is held annually to honor this place called the Abayan Festival.
Moving back to land from the Agusan River, a visit to the Diocesan Ecclesiastical Museum is one that almost all Catholics never fail to make when in Butuan. This Butuan destination is home to the oldest and most significant relics in the entire history of the Catholic Church in Mindanao. One of the statues found at Diocesan Ecclesiastical Museum, the statue of the Santo Nino was first brought to this Butuan destination by historical figure Magellan prior to its transfer to Cebu.