Butuan City

Mighty Agusan River of Butuan, the Third Largest and Longest River in the Philippines

July 10, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Agusan River sprawling the Agusan Valley that started in Davao to the Agusan provinces, and the exit point is Butuan City. It became the 3rd largest and longest river in the Philippines with so many adjacent big and small rivers interconnected along the side that forms into a mighty river.

In the history of Butuan, the Agusan River became the economic foundation of Butuan’s early settlers due to commerce and trading not only through this river but through to other places even reaching uncharted territories with the use of balangay boats or also knowns as the Butuan Boat.

Abayan Festival celebrated in the month of July with a fluvial procession of boats became the main event of the river’s historic past. The festival handed down from generation to generation to protects Butuanons and their fishermen from ferocious attacks from crocodiles in which long before the river was infested with so many crocodiles.

Agusan River has its potential in terms of tourists haven once develops. It is not just rich in the historical background but tourism as well. When resorts started piling up along the side of the river, it will have a bright future for Butuan in the economic aspect as well as in tourism as the river became the symbol of increasing investments and thriving businesses. Well, history repeats itself as Butuan then became the center of commerce and industry in the 11th AD.

“In the future, we want to expand these events and different activities. The Agusan River has a lot of potential for tourism aspect. If we can develop this river further, there are many other activities we can create with it, while also putting the primary concern into its protection,” said Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada,

agusan river, mighty river, 3rd largest river, agusan del norte, agusan — source: Marlon Villasor

agusan river, butuan city — source: Eric Mindajao

Location: Butuan City, capital of Caraga Region

How to get there: From Butuan City proper by tricycle or Multicab en route to Philippine Ports Authority where ferryboats for Magallanes is located and witness the mighty river.

Distance: It will take for estimated 10 to 15 minutes by tricycle or multicab ride to reach the Philippine Ports Authority since it is accessible by any means of transportation as its perfect location is in the heart of the City.

Malalag Ridge Overlooking Butuan Skyline

June 27, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Malalag Ridge is another gem in Butuan with its inspiring views of the City skyline and the direct clear contact with your naked eye of the tallest mountain of Caraga Region, Mt. Hilong-Hilong, and the rest of Mother Nature engulfing the City of Butuan. Malalag Ridge is located at barangay Libertad with only around 15 minutes hike from the diversion road.

Malalag Ridge could be the nearest ridge in Butuan City that is good for camping with your tent overnight while looking at the City at night witnessing the boisterous lights below. Hammocking is another choice full of fun swinging while watching those scenic views at the same time chatting with friends. The sounds of the birds and the whispering winds coming from the mountains make you calm and refreshing. That deafening silence is the beautiful moment how to relieve stress that carried you from the hustle and bustle of city life.

On a cold morning, witness how amazing the clouds creeping and covering the City before the beautiful sunrise started hovering over the entire scene. This is how amazing Mother Nature unfolds before the naked eye at Malalag Ridge.

Butuan City is part of Agusan Valley that was surrounded by mountain ranges between the Sumagaya range to the west and Mt. Hilong-Hilong and Agusan Mountain range to the east. One of the most historic landmarks is the presence of Mt. Mayapay, a living witness to the Butuan’s glorious part.

malalag ridge, butuan — photo source: AJ Mordeno

Independence Day Climb at Mt. Mayapay, Butuan City

June 21, 2021 by caraga 2 Comments

The journey has been so exciting and amazing as the group of mountain trekkers swing back to the pathway that lead them to the most popular hiking destinations, Mt. Mayapay, the highest mountain peak in Butuan City. Mt. Mayapay was then the majestic crowning glory of the City’s glorious historic events that witness since Ferdinand Magellan coming to Butuan 500 years ago and the Kingdom of Butuan for a thousand years.

The mountain is standing 675 meters above sea level with its fascinating table-head shape as we look up from the distance. The trek started from the main trail through an overgrown rough road with a gradual walk. The difficult part of the journey is to climb near the peak where it is very steep and trekkers may literally crawl up most of the time. This difficulty, however, at the end offers a very rewarding view of Butuan City and the summit has breathtaking views of the plains and rolling mountains of Agusan del Norte, Butuan Bay and Agusan River. The winds are refreshing, and when the morning comes is a sea of clouds below them.

Mt. Mayapay has also its unique position from the rest of the mountains in the Philippines as it was surrounded by wide plain between the Sumagaya range to the west and Mt. Hilong-Hilong and Agusan Mountain ranges to the east. Plus the bonus offers of viewing Agusan River emptying into Butuan Bay with towering mountains behind them.

mt. mayapay, butuan city — source: Glenn Aspe

Khapeteren Forest, Barangay Bonbon, Butuan City

February 8, 2021 by caraga Leave a Comment

Khapeteren Forest is another mountain resort located at barangay Bonbon, Butuan City facing the majestic Mt. Mayapay. Your life would never be the same by looking the beautiful surroundings that is keep spreading the wings of Mother Nature. Khapeteren Forest with its lush greenery and scenic mountains, overlooking flat lands and urban skyline will makes you startle and amaze. Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

How to get there:

Ride a skylab crossing Sports Complex, then drop to purok Matin-ao, Bonbon. Then hike or ride again motor (depends on you if you want to choose motor or hike), for hike from Matin-ao will reach 30 to 45minutes.

Opens Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Under Construct when I went there, at the end of the month, according to the owner, they will open the resort everyday.

They offer coffee, drinks, foods and many more once the construction is finished. You can also stay there overnight with your own tent.

Modernized Butuan National Museum

July 20, 2016 by caraga Leave a Comment

Repository of the national treasures hidden for countless years! Priceless archaeological finds dug-up after a thousand years hiding below the earth surface. The discovery of different artifacts some dated 400 AD making Butuan as the center of trade and commerce in the Philippines in the Southeast Asia’s neighboring countries before the Spanish colonizers came to the Philippines.

modernized butuan national museum — source: Greg Hontiveros

Butuan National Museum is located in barangay Doongan, Butuan City, the capital of Caraga Region. It was established after the accidental discovery of archaeological materials by the City Engineering Office of Butuan City in 1974 while draining the water confined inside a man-made river system. Succeeding excavations conducted by the National Museum, yielded tremendous archaeological finds of collectors value. The most significant find were the prehistoric Balanghai or Butuan boats that date from 4th to 13th centuries A.D., just five kilometers from the city proper. The National Museum conducted a scientific research, sending its archaeologists and researchers at Ambangan, Libertad.

The now improve Butuan National Museum can compete world class haven when visited by many tourists either local or foreign visitors. The discovery of the 9 Butuan boats or known as balanghai boats, with about 50 thousands archaeological relics and cultural materials (numerous porcelain jars, pots, plates, golds, etc.) excavated in Libertad, became the best evidence to prove that Butuan established trading relations in Asian countries, and even reaching beyond uncharted seas around the globe. These some pieces of history are now house in Butuan National Museum.

The establishment of the museum was facilitated through the support of the Butuan Museum Foundation, Inc., which was organized to assist the National Museum safeguard and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Location: Butuan City, capital of Caraga Region

How to get there: From Butuan City proper by tricycle or Multicab en route to barangay Doongan where Butuan National Museum is located.

Distance: It will take for estimated 15 minutes by tricycle or multicab to reach the museum since it is accessible by any means of transportation as its perfect location is in the heart of the City.

1.3 km. Delta Zipline the Longest Zipline in Asia, Butuan City

May 28, 2016 by caraga Leave a Comment

The longest zipline in Asia!

delta discovery park, butuan cit — source: Darminda Mendoza

Delta Discovery Park located at Bonbon, Butuan City touted as the longest zipline in Asia, the ride is 1.3km long and takes 1 minute 45 seconds. Because of its distance, you won’t have that feeling of accelerating through the air. Halfway through the zip line, it’ll slow down to the speed of a cable car, letting you take in the views from the mountains to the city’s skyline.

But the fun does not end there as it offers other activities such ATV ride, buggy ride, and horseback riding.

Location: Butuan City, capital of Caraga Region

How to get there: From Butuan City proper by van or bicycle en route to barangay Bonbon, and from there, take a walk as part of the adventure to the different mountains before reaching the highest peak, the Mt. Mayapay.

Distance: It will take for estimated 15 minutes by tricycle or bicycle to drop you in barangay Bonbon, then estimated 4 to 6 hours of walking from the drop point in going to Mt. Mayapay.

At Foot Mt. Mayapay and Butuan Skyline

April 3, 2016 by caraga Leave a Comment

Mt. Mayapay a historic piece in Butuan, aside from its tourism piece!

Mt. Mayapay already mentioned in historic books of Butuan as its named originated from Madjapahit Empire. Now already the favorite destinations of trekkers and adventurers as rising nearly 700 meters above the sea level. Well, Mt. Mayapay provides a clear view of Butuan skyline and Butuan Bay, the fresh air from the mountains and from the ocean. Mother Nature surrounds everyone when you reach the peak of Mt. Mayapay.

Location: Butuan City, capital of Caraga Region

How to get there: From Butuan City proper by tricycle or bicycle en route to barangay Bonbon, and from there, take a walk as part of the adventure to the different mountains before reaching the highest peak, the Mt. Mayapay.

Distance: It will take for estimated 15 minutes by tricycle or bicycle to drop you in barangay Bonbon, then estimated 4 to 6 hours of walking from the drop point in going to Mt. Mayapay.

Please save the Historic Mt. Mayapay, Butuan City

March 22, 2016 by caraga Leave a Comment

Mt. Mayapay is about history!

It was one considered a trademark during the Madjapahit Empire. This mountain stands majestically for thousand years and became the part of fruitful history in Butuan.

Now, it was visited by some local tourists because of its mystical view from the top to Butuan skyline up to Butuan Bay, surrounding rolling and hilly mountains and fresh air. It was considered a Mt. Pulag in Butuan because you will witness the amazing cotton clouds below in the ground while you are at the top.

Location: Butuan City, capital of Caraga Region

Distance: It will take for estimated 15 minutes by tricycle or bicycle to drop you in barangay Bonbon, then estimated 4 to 6 hours of walking from the drop point in going to Mt. Mayapay.