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.
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
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
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
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Butuan117 ▾
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.
- Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
- SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
- SafetyButuan is generally safe for day visitors; keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets and avoid isolated riverbanks after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 117 fire & ambulance · 911 National emergency
- Sundays & holidaysHoly Week shuts much; malls open daily; banks closed weekends.Philippines-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBXU Bancasi Airport (Flights from Manila (≈1 h) and Cebu (≈45 min); taxis and multicabs at the landside gate.).
- Getting aroundMulticabs and tricycles dominate city streets; taxis are available at malls and the airport.
Cost cheat-sheet
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, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (city, 5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (city, 3.1 mi (5 km))₱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.
- 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
Jan
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Feb
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Mar
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Apr
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
May
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jun
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jul
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Aug
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Sep
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Oct
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Nov
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Dec
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Best: Mar–Sep. Avoid: Oct–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jan (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Jun (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Butuan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12 rd
Feb
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11 rd
Mar
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8 rd
Apr
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6 rd
May
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5 rd
Jun
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Jul
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Aug
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5 rd
Sep
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7 rd
Oct
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10 rd
Nov
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12 rd
Dec
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
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
Surigao City
goDoor to door: ≈3 h
Bus from Butuan City Integrated Transport Terminal, about 3 h
Coastal city with beaches and historic sites.
Davao City
cautionDoor 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
- 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
| 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
- Check ferry schedules at Nasipit port, especially during the rainy season.
- Heat and humidity can feel above 35 °C (95 °F); stay hydrated.Heat and humidity can feel above 95 °F (35 °C); stay hydrated.
- Some historic sites have limited opening hours; verify before visiting.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Fire & ambulance
- 117
- National emergency
- 911
Pocket card
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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
- Best months: Mar–Sep (dry season) · avoid Oct–Feb (wet season, possible flooding) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport‑to‑hotel shuttle contracts (BXU ↔ Go Hotels).
- Map of multicab routes around downtown and riverfront.
- Add night‑market guide for Guingona Park area.
Sources
Ask about Butuan
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