That the Philippines is a big place is an understatement. With more than 7,000 islands, each with a different vibe, you could visit this country on every getaway you ever take and still see something new each time.
Take a holiday in Butuan, for example. Anong meron dun, you ask? (What’s there?) Oh, plenty. One of the biggest cities on the north coast of Mindanao Island, Butuan has tons of activities for thrill-seekers, scuba divers and those who get their kicks through their taste buds.
A hotel is mostly just a formality on holidays to Butuan you’ll only be coming inside to sleep anyway! First up, get some perspective with a hike to the summit of Mount Mayapay, where you can see all the way over the city to the bay. Next, head to Delta Discovery Park in the suburb of Bonbon to experience Asia’s longest zip-line it’s 1.3 km of fun (or terror, depending on how you feel about zip-lines). End your active day with a sunset river cruise on the Agusan.
Ready to dive into even more adventure? Go west for cave diving in the Vinapor settlement. Make sure you’ve got your underwater camera, because your friends won’t believe how close you got to lionfish and sea turtles. If you need to catch your breath, pick up one of lastminute.com.au’s Butuan car rental options and pay a visit to the shell middens in Bonbon. The Bequibel site has human and animal skeletons that are even older than the Egyptian pyramids!
If bargaining gives you more thrills than zip-lining ever could, book Butuan package deals near Langihan Market and go to town. Pick up laksoy liquor, a local speciality made from palm sap, and a traditional bright red Manobo costume to drink it in when you get home (nothing weird about that at all). You should also try to find a kubing, a bamboo harp that’s perfect for annoying your friends after that laksoy goes to your head.
A tip for hungry travellers: Head for the fish market, where the vendors will pick out a fish just for you and fillet it up into a delicious kilawin ceviche right before your eyes. Outside the market, look for gingaw tinola (ginger-and-onion fish soup) and palagsing (a brown sugar sweet) for dessert. Just need a quick snack between dives? Local roots dipped in coconut jam are packed with protein-y goodness.
Butuan is hopping by day, but the nightlife is nothing to sniff at either. Night owls should stay along J.C. Aquino Avenue toward the riverfront to be part of the action. The Philippines practically invented the “coffee shop resto bar”, which is quite a combination, but if wine rooms and gastropubs don’t do it for you, check out our Manila packages to add on to your adventures.
If you didn’t recognise a lot of the words in this guide, and you like that in a place, cheap Butuan holidays on lastminute.com.au are for you! Our packages will save you time and cash, so you can spend those extra minutes dreaming of all the excitement coming your way in Butuan.
Reviewed on 7 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 17 Oct. 2023
During your trip to Butuan, you can enjoy retail therapy at Robinsons Place Butuan. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's festivals.
You can enjoy retail therapy at SM City Butuan during your visit to Butuan. Take in the festivals and mountain views in the area.
During your visit to Butuan, you can do some window-shopping at Gaisano Mall. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's festivals.
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.com.au from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.