The first City in Mindanao - Butuan!

Our bus ride from Davao to Butuan

The City of Butuan is the regional center of the Caraga Region in the Philippines. It is located at the northeastern part of Agusan Valley in northern Mindanao, sprawling across the Agusan River. It is bounded to the north, west and south by Agusan del Norte, to the east by Agusan del Sur and to the northwest by Butuan Bay.The name "Butuan" is believed to have originated from the sour fruit "Batuan".


We all went to Butuan to visit our dear friend, Jane in the year 2007. We truly had the most amazing time of our lives.... "Hilak ug Katawa" - packed in one trip!!!!! We took the 3:00 am trip of Bachelor Express from Ecoland Terminal. The travel to Butuan from Davao City is approximately 8 hours. The bus, I  have to say is not that comfortable yet there isn;'t any choice for us since this is the only way going there. The bus with stop in Agusan City for a 30 minutes breakfast there starts the journey again going to Butuan. We arrived at Butuan just in time for lunch... Lechon for lunch?!?!??! Huwaaaaatttttt!!!!!! This is too much!!!!!

Our breakfast stop in San Francisco, Agusan 

Touring inside Butuan Museum

 There is nothing much to explore in this city to be honest. Our first stop was the Butuan Museum where they show our Butuan was discovered and why it has been said as the first city in the whole Mindanao Island. By 2:00 in the afternoon we headed our way to the beach to have a great swim but unfortunately when we arrived, our boys were tired to take a swim because of the unforgettable and supposedly "14 KM" ride going to Jurassic beach!!!! Imagine traveling for almost 2 hours for just viewing the place....It was absolutely one crazy and unforgettable ride... Full of laughter going there... But when we were all set to go home, Honey, Jam and me started to cry inside the car for one same reason - we just realized how bless we were for this friendship. 

Never leave Butuan without shopping for some treats to bring back home and of course never forget to drop by the original home of the famous Margie's kitchen (which has the best brownies in the whole Philippines). Before leaving Butuan, we managed to visit the known church of St.  Joseph. Then , it was time to go back to Davao City.

Here's some reasons why you need to visit Butuan:

1. To try the simplicity of life. (Less taxi, only tricycle.. With only one mall and mind you it's not that big)
2. This is a good stop if you want to travel to some other places like Camiguin or Surigao.
3. It's the home of the Margie's kitchen.
4. Best way to know Mindanao is knowing Butuan since it was the first City in the whole Mindanao.
5. Butuan has a good night life too.