8 Best Things To Do In Butuan, Philippines

things to do in butuan philippines
Bea
Bea 
Updated
| 4 min read

Located in Agusan del Norte Province, Butuan, Philippines is a tourist gem of Mindanao. With its clear, pristine waters, historical sites to see, and eco-parks to enjoy, Butuan simply makes for an ideal relaxed getaway. If you find yourself in Butuan wondering about what to do to make the most out of your stay, explore these 8 top-rated must-dos in the city.

1. National Museum, Butuan Branch

Butuan National Museum (Butuan, Mindanao)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Paolobon140 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Visit the National Museum for an exploration of a different culture! Located along Jose Rosales Avenue, the National Museum in Butuan is an extension of the National Museum in Metro Manila. As such, you can expect an excellent and vast collection of ethnographic and archeological items from various ethno-linguistic groups, particularly those from the Higaonon, Tiruray, Mamanua, and Bukidnon groups. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM, and entrance is free of charge!

National Museum, Butuan Branch

Address: Jose Rosales Ave, Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte

Website: Butuan Branch

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2. Balanghai Boat Building Site

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

While we’re sad that the Balanghai Boat Building Site is not actually a site where you can build your own boat, Balanghai is still a pretty cool thing to see for yourself. Located in the Luna Compound in Barangay Bading, the Balanghai Boat Building Site contains a boat replica celebrating the legacy of the sea voyager ancestors of the Philippines. These ancestors were said to have voyaged throughout Southeast Asia, and the Balanghai Boat Building Site is considered part of the country’s national cultural heritage. Check this out if you want to add a bit of history toy our Butuan tour!

Balanghai Boat Building Site

Address: Luna Compound, Brgy. Bading, Butuan City

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3. Agusan River

Agusan river
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wolfgang Hägele used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Philippines is truly one of the most naturally diverse countries in the world, and on every island, you’re sure to find at least one natural gem that will amaze you. In Butuan, it’s Agusan River. Agusan River is a long and wide stretch of clear water and gorgeous views. It’s the third largest river basin in all of the country, and is a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon. You can enjoy a good view from the bridge, or you can opt to hire a speedboat, ferry, or boat to view and experience the river firsthand. You can also experience eating while floating on the river. From the river, you’ll be able to see the Balangay Boat Replica, Banza Church Ruins, Kayam Forest, and Magsaysay Bridge. Fees are charged depending on the mode of transportation you hire.

Agusan River

Address: Butuan, Mindanao, Philippines

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4. Balangay Shrine Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Balangay — or Balanghai — are what locals term the boats locally crafted in Butuan. Balanghais are considered national cultural treasures, so if you’re a fan of art and how culture shapes it, Balangay Shrine Museum would be a great addition to your itinerary. Here, you can find an archeological museum showcasing the Balanghai, including its three most important parts (the wingstem, plank, and frame), wooden coffins, human skulls, and earthen pots. It’s not a famous tourist destination per se, but it is a treat for travelers who are curious about different cultures. Located in Sitio Ambangan in Libertad, Balangay Shrine Museum has no entrance fee, but does accept donations.

Balangay Shrine Museum

Address: Sitio Ambangan, Libertad, Butuan City

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5. Delta Discovery Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re looking for a more fun and adventurous twist for your Butuan trip, then pay a visit to Delta Discovery Park. There’s a lot to do here. You can go swimming, take photos with a breathtaking view of Butuan, play in zorb balls, or simply enjoy the park’s beautiful blend of man-made and natural design. Even going to Delta Discovery Park is an adventure in itself: the jeep is a 4x4. The highlight, though, of Delta Discovery Park is its zipline — it’s the second longest zipline in all of Asia at 1.3 kilometers (0.8 mi). So, if you want to get a good view of Butuan (from above, of course), while coursing through the sky for more time than what usual ziplines offer, you can definitely do so at Delta Discovery Park.

Delta Discovery Park

Address: Purok 7, Brgy. Bonbon Libertad, Butuan, Mindanao, Philippines

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6. Bood Promontory Eco Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located in El Rio de Butuan, Bood is the highest point in Butuan that overlooks the whole city. It’s ideal for an early morning meditation session, a leisurely breakfast, or a serene brunch. There’s a hanging bridge you can explore and an area where you can have your own picnic. Bood overlooks ancient Butuan and Masao River, but aside from that, Bood also commemorates the first Catholic mass ever held in the Philippines, where Magellan and his men planted a cross when they arrived in 1521.

Bood Promontory Eco Park

Address: El Rio de Butuan, Butuan, Mindanao, Philippines

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7. Masao Beach

My beach
Source: Photo by Flickr user Masao Hirasawa used under CC BY-ND 2.0

You may be a bit tired from a very adventurous day, so to remedy that, you can head over to Masao Beach for some relaxation. Its clear waters are paired with the beach’s dark colored pebbles and gray sand, and here you can go swimming or host a Filipino-style meal — complete with a grill, rice, the best seafood viands, and (a lot of) great company. Masao Beach is also where you can witness what the locals call “Sapyaw,” an old-school style of catching small fish and shrimp. So even though Masao Beach is the perfect place to laze around, there’s still something to see and do (and in true Filipino fashion, it involves food).

Masao Beach

Address: Brgy. Masao Butuan City

Website: Masao Beach

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8. Grand Royal Spa

Massage Therapist
Source: Pixabay

Maybe you’re not really in beach mode and want another way to relax your tired muscles from the day’s adventures. If this sounds like you, you can head over to Grand Royal Spa on the second floor of the PS Arcade. You can get a body scrub, body massage, facial cleansing, facial scrub, foot scrub/massage, waxing, or nail care here at the spa. And what’s more, you can be sure of nothing but a very serene atmosphere, because Grand Royal Spa plays soft music while letting you relax to your chosen treatment and eucalyptus aroma.

Grand Royal Spa

Address: 2nd Floor PS Arcade, J.P. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City, 8600 Agusan Del Norte

Website: Grand Royal Spa

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Butuan: memories that will last

You’ll notice this when you visit Butuan: it’s a treasure chest full of tourist gems. From R&R at the spas to exploring the world-famous Agusan River, Butuan’s offerings for its guests abound. Be sure to fill your itinerary in this city with its jaw-dropping destinations and make memories that will last.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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A young Filipina passionate about seeing the world, understanding its people and creating new ways for them to explore their potential and lead more meaningful lives. Also a big fan of beaches,...Read more

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