If you want to go for exciting and breath-taking adventures, then check out this Butuan things to do list. Butuan City lies in the Northeast tip of Mindanao Island, in the Southern Philippines. Mindanao is considered a huge island paradise replete with virgin forests and pristine lakes, rivers and beaches. Butuan City is no exception, and a day is not enough to experience the natural beauty of the place. 

Mountain Climbing

Nature lovers will enjoy hiking on Mount Mayapay, a mountain plateau that is 2,214 feet above sea level. It boasts of clear springs and waterfalls where you could take a dip or set up camp. From the heart of Butuan City, it takes less than an hour to get to the foot of the mountain. Hire an experienced hiker who is familiar with the forest, and make sure you have the necessary gear. Climbing Mount Mayapay is worth the effort.

Scuba Diving

Explore the beauty of Butuan Bay’s marine resources, where visibility reaches 80 feet. The bay has 19 diving sites and they all offer a peek at the different varieties of fish populating this part of the Philippines. You could also go snorkeling, and the necessary gear can be rented from water sports shops near the beaches.

Kahimunan Festival

This festival is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of January in honor of the city’s patron, the Sto. Niño (Holy Child). It is akin to Mardi Gras, and features a street parade with dancers garbed in bright-colored costumes, cheered on by numerous spectators. For those not familiar with Philippine festivals, you would find this ritualistic celebration quite entertaining and interesting. The parade is accompanied by drums, trumpets, and gongs, and is a mixture of Islamic, pagan, and Christian elements.

Beach Activities

Relax and enjoy the fine white sand of the beaches along Butuan Bay. A day at the beach will surely leave you feeling rejuvenated. Let this be a chance to stretch your legs, and enjoy the soft breeze. Alternatively, go surfing or windsurfing. The waves are safe and ideal for kids who want to try these activities. Surfboards can be rented from beach shops.

Underground Caves

Aside from the mountains, beaches, and diving spots, Butuan also boasts of numerous caves in its vicinity, some of which are underground. The caves are mostly located in Carmen. They have massive limestone formations particularly stalactites and stalagmites, and some have skylights. The chambers have natural crevices through which light seeps, providing lighting into an otherwise dark space.