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Major city · Philippines

Butuan

Spend 1–2 days in Butuan to see its historic museums and riverfront; a short day‑trip to Surigao or Davao is possible if time allows.

Butuan, the de‑facto capital of Agusan del Norte, offers a compact mix of pre‑colonial archaeology, Spanish‑era ruins and a lively riverfront. Most sights sit within a 3 km radius, so a half‑day to full‑day itinerary covers the highlights, with optional longer trips to nearby coastal towns.

basic guide: no trip line yet
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
PHP
Best months
Mar–Sep (dry season)
avoid Oct–Feb (wet season, possible flooding)
Airport
BXU
Nights
1–2
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
  • Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
  • Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
  • Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
  • Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
  • Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.

Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide

Checking your follows…
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Butuan117 ▾
  • Police117
  • Fire & ambulance117
  • National emergency911

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Butuan, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • CoffeeCoffee at a café₱80–₱150 (≈ US$2–3)
  • Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi (city, 5 km (3.1 mi))₱200–₱300 (≈ US$4–6)
  • Metro or bus rideBus ticket to Surigao₱400–₱500 (≈ US$8–9)
  • Museum or sight ticketBalangay museum entry₱50–₱100 (≈ US$1–2)
  • Budget bedGo Hotels standard, a night, per room₱1,200 (≈ US$25)
  • Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per room₱1,800 (≈ US$35)
  • High-end bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per room₱2,500 (≈ US$45)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱800 (≈ US$15) · Mid ₱1,500 (≈ US$30) · High ₱2,500 (≈ US$45)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Balangay archaeological boatsButuan National MuseumSpanish‑era church ruinsAgusan River cruises
Airports
BXU Bancasi Airport (Flights from Manila (≈1 h) and Cebu (≈45 min); taxis and multicabs at the landside gate.)

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Avoid

    35°C (95°F)

  2. Feb

    Avoid

    35°C (95°F)

  3. Mar

    Best

    35°C (95°F)

  4. Apr

    Best

    35°C (95°F)

  5. May

    Best

    35°C (95°F)

  6. Jun

    Best

    35°C (95°F)

  7. Jul

    Best

    35°C (95°F)

  8. Aug

    Best

    35°C (95°F)

  9. Sep

    Best

    35°C (95°F)

  10. Oct

    Avoid

    35°C (95°F)

  11. Nov

    Avoid

    35°C (95°F)

  12. Dec

    Avoid

    35°C (95°F)

Best: Mar–Sep. Avoid: Oct–Feb. Month by month →

Warmest Jan (35°C (95°F)), coolest Jan (19°C (66°F) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Jun (4). Averages, not a forecast.

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Butuan: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

12 rd

Feb

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

11 rd

Mar

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

8 rd

Apr

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

6 rd

May

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

5 rd

Jun

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

4 rd

Jul

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

4 rd

Aug

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

5 rd

Sep

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

7 rd

Oct

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

10 rd

Nov

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

12 rd

Dec

35°C (95°F)

19°C (66°F)

13 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

Multicabs and tricycles dominate city streets; taxis are available at malls and the airport. The bus terminal is ~1 km from downtown; most attractions are walkable.

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Surigao City

go

Door to door: ≈3 h

Bus from Butuan City Integrated Transport Terminal, about 3 h

Coastal city with beaches and historic sites.

Davao City

caution

Door to door: ≈6 h

Bus (Bachelor Express) 6 h from the same terminal

Long travel; consider overnight stay.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Go Hotels Butuan

11 min from the airport; basic rooms, free Wi‑Fi.

Hotel Karaga

Downtown, air‑conditioned rooms from ₱700.

Almont Inland Hotel/Resort

Pool and breakfast, mid‑range price.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
₱800–₱1,200 (≈ US$15–25) excl. bed
Mid
₱1,200–₱2,000 (≈ US$25–40) excl. bed
High
₱2,000 (≈ US$40)+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Mid‑range hotel double1 × 1 night × ₱1,800₱1,800
Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₱1,500₱3,000
Airport taxi (one way)2 × ₱300 · check₱600
Multicab ride (average)2 × ₱50 · check₱100
eSIM (7 days data)2 × ₱500 · check₱1,000
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge₱650
Trip total≈ ₱3,575 per person per day, bed included₱7,150≈ US$130

2026 estimate in PHP; flights and inter‑city bus tickets excluded.

Prices of common things

Coffee at a café₱80–₱150 (≈ US$2–3)
Grilled ribs (RIBBS)₱250–₱400 (≈ US$5–8)
Bus ticket to Surigao₱400–₱500 (≈ US$8–9)
Taxi (city, 5 km)₱200–₱300 (≈ US$4–6)
Balangay museum entry₱50–₱100 (≈ US$1–2)

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Butuan is generally safe for day visitors; keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets and avoid isolated riverbanks after dark.
  • Check ferry schedules at Nasipit port, especially during the rainy season.
  • Heat and humidity can feel above 35 °C (95 °F); stay hydrated.
  • Some historic sites have limited opening hours; verify before visiting.

Emergency numbers

Police
117
Fire & ambulance
117
National emergency
911

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

ButuanButuan

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

Dad-a ko diriTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police117
  • Fire & ambulance117
  • National emergency911

Embassy

US consulate in Cebu; Philippine embassy in Manila.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • BXU → city centre (taxi): ≈₱300, 10 min (check)
  • Multicab downtown ride: ≈₱50 per trip (check)
  • Bus to Surigao (Bachelor Express): ≈₱450, 3 h (check)

Say or show

  • Pasaylo-a ko — Excuse me / Sorry (pasaylo-a ko)
  • Salamat — Thank you (salamat)
  • Tagpila? — How much? (tagpila?)
  • Asa ang kasilyas? — Where is the bathroom? (asa ang kasilyas?)
  • Pwede ko ba magbayad gamit ang card? — Can I pay by card? (pwede ko ba magbayad gamit ang card?)
  • Tabang! — Help! (tabang!)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Butuan. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Mar–Sep (dry season) · avoid Oct–Feb (wet season, possible flooding) · month by month →
  2. 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 2 day-trips, door to door
  6. 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport‑to‑hotel shuttle contracts (BXU ↔ Go Hotels).
  2. Map of multicab routes around downtown and riverfront.
  3. Add night‑market guide for Guingona Park area.

Sources

Ask about Butuan

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