Adventures in the Philippines: Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte

June 2013

After the amazing trip I had with my new found friends in Surigao del Sur, I had one day left to be spent in Butuan City. People say there's not a lot places to see in this city, that's why I'm writing this post  - to let you know what this city has to offer.

I hired a tricycle (with a driver of course) for 500 pesos for this half day trip around the city.

1. Bequibel Shell Midden - This is where ancient people (7000 years ago) gather their thrash. Archeologists also found stone tools, ecofacts (pig and deer bones) as well as human skeletons. This site is free but you can donate money to the people maintaining the site.

2. The Banza Church Ruins -  the oldest stone church ruin in Mindanao. The photos below are the topmost part of the church. Where's the rest of the church? It's below the ground now. There's a little hole in the tree behind it though and the guide said the church was below that tree.

3. Museums - Unfortunately all of the museums like National Museum and Balangay shrine were closed that day for some reason. :(

Here's a photo of me and my guide

Where to stay in Butuan City? I stayed at Juliann's Inn. For approximately 400 pesos (forgive me, I can't remember how much exactly) I had this small airconditioned room (with shared bathroom). I did not pre-book but I just went there directly.

In front of the Inn is where the 'reception' is where you are supposed to pay and get your keys. This place also turns into a bar at night.

Adventures in the Philippines: Surigao Del Sur

June 2013

My second time in Mindanao (after going to Davao last August 2012 alone). I was contemplating between going to Bucas Grande or Enchanted River. Cost wise, Bucas Grande is a bit expensive for a solo traveler like me, imagine renting a whole boat if there is no one to share with. It is just so happen to that when I posted in couch surfing group in fb that I am going to Butuan City, a guy named Harry Balais replied and he said he also organizes a trip there. His group is coming from Davao. I agreed to join their group.

We agreed to meet up in San Francisco in Surigao. Next morning, they picked me up from the terminal.

Our first stop was Tinuy-An falls - a waterfalls found in Bislig City. This 3-tiered water falls is considered the Niagara falls of the Philippines.

After having lunch in this cool place, we went to the Enchanted River in Talisay, Hinatuan.

No one knows where the water comes from as it is six hundred meters away from coastline of Hinatuan Bay. The water, as you can see from the photos are so blue it looks unreal. You can't see the fishes in these photos but they are really BIG. No one is allowed to swim when they feed the fishes here (which is during 3pm as I remember) for few minutes. This place is one of the most beautiful places I've been to in the Philippines and I recommend everyone to see this at least once in your life.

After staying here for few hours, we went back to the road again, this time going to a resort to spend the night.

The next morning, we went island hopping - Britannia group of islands. You can see more photos here from Harry's website.

First stop is Naked island. Naked because there's no trees, just white sand bar here.

And then other islands such as Buslon, Hiyor-hiyoran, etc.

 

Who knew these beautiful islands exist in this place? Honestly, I never imagined Surigao would be this beautiful... I was blown away. 

We went back to the resort satisfied and happy.

The next day, we went back to the road. Me going to Butuan city and the rest heading back to Davao.

I met so many friends and seen lots of beautiful places in this trip. I was supposed to cancel this trip but glad I never did.

I will write more about Butuan City on the coming days. Thanks for reading!