Butuan: Discover the History of the Timber City of the South
Known as the regional center of the Caraga Region, Butuan, Philippines is categorized as a 1st class highly urbanized city with a 2015 population of 337,063 people. The ‘Timber City of the South’ also served as the former capital of the Rajahnate of Butuan until 1756. Located in the northeastern part of the Agusan Valley of Mindanao, Agusan del Norte cradles Butuan from the north, south, and west, its east border, however, faces Agusan del Sur. Butuan City sits at the northwest. Flights from Manila to Butuan arrive at the Bancasi Airport, the only domestic airport in the province and the largest in Caraga.
Best Time to Visit
Butuan, Philippines in Mindanao experiences a tropical rainforest climate. The hottest temperatures were recorded during the months of April and May, while high rainfall can be expected on the months of January and December. Watch out for the Kahimunan Festival celebrated every third Sunday of January in celebration of the Butuan City patron Sr. Santo Nino. Guests, who have missed the ‘Sinulog’ of Butuan, can visit the city in May for the annual Balangay Festival. This is a festival held in honor of the city’s patron, Saint Joseph throughout May.
What to Do & Area Attractions
When visiting Butuan, Philippines, visitors can kickoff their journey with a visit to the Butuan National Museum. The museum is the perfect place to get to know the history and culture of the people of Butuan. Up next should be the Guingano Park or the Balanghai Shrine in Barangay Libertad where the 1,678-year old wooden graveyard of Balangay 1 lives on. For Butuan, Philippines hotels, visitors can choose between the cozy and affordable Go Hotels Butuan near Robinsons Place or the luxurious Butuan Grand Palace Hotel in Capitol Drive. For a delicious bite in Butuan City, try the well-known Weegold Grill Haus for the local barbecue chicken.