Butuan, beyond expectations: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary
“Kahit hindi pa ganoon karami ang tourist destinations, may kakaiba pa ring appeal ang Butuan.” —Drew Arellano
Butuan is more than the gateway to Cagayan de Oro and Davao! The city in Agusan del Norte is less touristy than most, but is home to very specific and unique finds: a market that sells, cuts and serves kinilaw; a rich pre-colonial history; and the longest zip line in Asia!
Here’s all you need for a weekend in Butuan:
How to get there
Fly. Budget airline Cebu Pacific Air has direct flights to Butuan from Manila and Cebu. Check out their Facebook and Twitter accounts for information about seat sales.
What to do
Delta Discovery Park, Brgy. Bonbon, Libertad, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
Butuan is home to the longest zip line — not just in the Philippines but in Asia! The ride is 1.3km long and takes 1 minute 45 seconds. Because of its length, 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 sights.
Entrance fee is P20 while the zip line costs P650. They also have swimming (P100), horseback riding (P250 an hour) and ATV rental (P500).
Where to stay
Delta Discovery Park
Brgy. Bonbon, Libertad, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
Here, a private cottage good for two costs P1,500 a night, inclusive of free breakfast and use of swimming pool. A cheaper option is their dormitory-style room, which is available for groups with a minimum of five people; lodging will cost P350 per head, inclusive of free breakfast and use of swimming pool.
Where and what to eat
Langihan Public Market
Langihan Road, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
The best place for cheap seafood is the public market! Langihan’s is special because of its clean interiors and expert fish vendors who can pick out a fish, fillet it, and serve you kilawin (a local ceviche made with vinegar and calamansi). They’ll even give you chopsticks!
Drew’s pick is the blue marlin kilawin, which costs around P70 for a single-person serving.
Grand Palace Chinese Restaurant
Capitol-Bonbon Road, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
Whatever budget you’re working with, Grand Palace is a good bet. Their first floor serves Chinese fast food set meals like sweet-and-sour pork for P70 to P100. But if you want a more special meal, head to the second floor.
The sit-down restaurant serves authentic Chinese dimsum and main courses. They also use special ingredients like crabs and eels. Expect to pay P300 per dish, good for sharing between two people.
Margie’s Kitchen
JC Aquino Avenue, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
Here’s the go-to dessert place for Butuanons. The walls over at Margie’s Kitchen are even “decorated” from ceiling to floor with messages from happy guests!
Baron’s Grill
Open 6-10 PM; JC Aquino Avenue, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
Car wash area by day, ihawan by night? Baron’s Grill is famous in Butuan as an affordable place for grilled seafood and chicken!
Delicacies: Pao and Tumpi
Butuan’s signature snacks are Pao, a local root crop that’s similar to kamote and is dipped in coconut jam; and Tumpi, a chewy delicacy made of coconut. Get these at the public market or roadside stalls.
What to see
Balangay Shrine Museum
Libertad, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
The balangay (wooden sailboat) is the oldest water vessel excavated in the Philippines! Most of the balangay excavated in Butuan is now housed in the National Museum; historian Greg Hontiveros says this is evidence that Butuan was once a bustling port of trade in pre-colonial times.
The Balangay Shrine is a satellite of the National Museum. Though the facilities have suffered due to lack of funding, the Shrine has lectures and demonstrations of balangay building.
How to get there: From the Libertad highway, take a tricycle to the Balangay Shrine around 12 kilometers away.
What to buy for pasalubong
Laksoy
Butuan’s signature liquor, laksoy, is made from the sap of nipa palms. A liter of Class A laksoy costs P35 to P45. —CM, GMA News
