Agusan del Norte – amazing adventures!

Agusan del Norte is one of the five province of Caraga Region (others are Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the newly created province – Dinagat Island, which was part of Surigao del Norte before). It is bounded on the north by Butuan Bay and Surigao del Norte, on the east by Surigao del Sur, on the south by Agusan del Sur, and on the west by Misamis Oriental. One of the country’s leading producer of rice for being dominantly agricultural province.

The province has 11 towns and they are Buenavista, Cabadbaran, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Santiago and Tubay. Recently, the town of Cabadbaran became a city. Butuan City located at the heart of the province became an independent city for being a highly-urbanized.

The name Agusan came from Malay word “agasan” which means “where water flows,” because of the province presence of mighty river that flows from Davao then to the two Agusan provinces – Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte, in which Butuan City is the exit point, and empties into Butuan Bay.

Butuan City rich and colourful history reflects the past of the province. It has two municipal museums found in Magallanes and Cabadbaran where hundreds of artifacts dating as early as Sung, Yuan, and Ming Dynasty of China. Butuan City has its own museum, the Butuan National Museum.

Agusan del Norte has outstanding tourist spot destinations aside from its colourful history. Its wonderful geographical settings and physical features of the province make it the best for adventurers out there.


Different mountain ranges along its northeastern and western parts with flat rolling lands in between as it face the scenic Butuan Bay. When dropping by at the mountain top in the town of Carmen, you’ve got heaven and earth there meet in a one unique panoramic view gazing with those horizon in a blue sea and beautiful mountains at the back. Taking out the best person in you – as you move at the top!

Mountain climbers, bikers, and trekkers can venture the lushful green forest, and can go unfamiliar jungle passages, thats make it as an exciting adventures. It has ten mountains to offer but for the highest was Mt. Hilong-hilong. If there are mountains, then waterfalls and springs co-exist. If you don’t mind……there are 7 beautiful springs and 18 waterfalls to lift up your spirit here!

Aside from the scenic spots, the province has 42 underground and aboveground caves that are found in Carmen and 8 others found in other towns for you to discover unique places.

The province has identified 3 lakes, and one of which, Lake Mainit, is the 4th largest lake in the Philippines. The lake was surrounded with mountains, its scenic view was so amazing when I went toJabonga. Peace and tranquility will reign when lake and mountains traverse in one setting. The lake offers best for fishing enthusiasts, wind surfing and leisure boating, and all water sports activities. We will not forget the Baoto Festival was held here in September.

Fifteen rivers crisscrossing the province, unspoiled and clear running waters. If you want to say “hi” and say “goodbye,” but not here, because lovers tend to be sweeter each day when you look at the river.

Since the province faces Butuan Bay, it has 19 beautiful diving sites to offer from the sea lanes of Carmen going to Jabonga (Carmen – 12, Tubay – 1, and Jabonga – 6). Explore the beauty inside with 80 feet of visibility. Not yet mentioning the challenge of windsurfing here!

Of course, part of it, the beautiful sunset along the fine sandy beaches, when feeling tired and strained, just go……and got the nerves to calm down, and feel refresh. Got another amazing adventure day!

Agusan del Sur – Land of Golden Opportunities

Agusan del Sur known also as “Land of Golden Opportunities” is one of the Philippine’s largest provinces – the 4th largest province in the country and the largest province in Caraga Region. The other provinces of Caragaare Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the newly-created Dinagat Islands.

The province is subdivided into 13 municipalities and a one newly-declared city. The place is abundant with natural resources that are mainly consists of agricultural lands, marsh lands and vast forests. Until now, it serves as the main agro-processing center and a perfect tourist destination for those nature lovers who love mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, springs, and waterfalls.

If you want to know more about Agusan del Sur, you can simply use this article as your guide. This will help you understand the different cultures, discover tourist destinations and other information about the province.

The Place, Its Land Area and Population

Agusan del Sur is said to be the home of ethnics and is indulged with various cultures. The province is dominated by five group of peoples who were early settlers and these are the Mamanwa, Bagobo, Aeta, Manobo and Higaonon.

It primarily consists of 896,550 hectares of flourishing forests that gives best supply of oxygen. Its four big municipalities such as Loreto, La Paz, Esperanza and San Luis occupy 60% of land area, while the rest includes Bunawan, Prosperidad, Rosario, San Francisco, Sta. Josefa, Sibagat, Talacogon, Trento, Veruela and Bayugan City get the remaining 40% of the province.

Disposable and alienable land represents 24% of the total land area while 76% are forestlands. Moreover, the commercial and settlement areas already occupy several forestlands.

In addition, the Agusan River also flows unreservedly. It is the reason why it is called as Agusan. The word “Agusan” came from the term “agasan”, it simply means “where the water flows”.

When it comes to the cultural history, it is mainly influenced through Madjapahit Empire. This can be outlined through various discoveries including the pure gold old icon of a certain woman called Golden Tara. At present, the province has total inhabitants of 559,294 and with annual growth rate of 1.79%.

Economy

With regards to the economy of the province, workers in Agusan del Sur usually engaged in forestry and agriculture. One of its main agricultural crops is the fruits, rice and corn. Similar to other provinces, rice occupies the biggest cultivated area having 243.85 kilometers in irrigated rice land. On the other hand, the area dependent on rainfall has 163.73 kilometers. As estimated, the production of rice covers 1,072,456 people and it therefore means that totally oversupplied against the total population in the province.

In addition, one of its abundant crops is banana. They also produced banana chips and engaged in various investments. Rubber and abaca productions are also common commodities that are suitable due to its climatic condition and have marketing potentials.

The province also has the biggest plantations of palm oils in the Philippines. It covers over 11,800 hectares and both private and government sectors take part to the improvement of its plantations. They have some reforestation projects to sustain the demands for match splints and veneer. They also set up several factories for the production of palm oil. Above all, they process various indigenous materials and transform it into handicrafts; gold into stunning jewelries; and crops and fruits into several food items. In addition, the province also offers several agro-industrial products that can truly help in achieving the growth of the economy.

Highlights of the Province

Agusan del Sur also covers attractive waterfalls that are widely preferred by the tourists and these are the following:

Gibong River – It is an opening to the Binaba Falls that also provide as the water irrigation to several rice fields. River banks are rich of untouched vegetation as you make the journey the flowing river.

Bega Falls – According to the legend, this falls is known as the refuge for stunning mystical women. It also covers with abundant and bright forest breeze. It also considered as the hidden treasure. Because of its calm surroundings and pristine waters, you will completely feel its essence and beauty to uplift your tired spirit. Bega Falls was a haven of nature and mountain trekkers because of its jungle paradise in a one clad of Mother Nature. Adventurers started walking into the river channel meeting 18 falls, wild fauna and flora, thick forest and wild birds before embracing Bega Falls, the three-tiered falls.

Binaba Falls – It is one of the most attractive waterfalls in Agusan del Sur. It is located at the middle of the jungle with fresh waters coming from the natural springs. Right now, it is being developed to appear like a suitable swimming pool. Through this, peoples from the nearby towns started flocking and enjoy the clear cold water emitting from the deep of the earth flowing onto a rock of limestone.

Tugonan Falls – The word “tugon” means promise and located at Barangay San Lorenzo. It covers innate wonder that captivates the preference of the tourists. It mainly described as the bliss of nature with various orchids, ornamental and towering plants.

In addition, the Agusan Marsh is also one of the highlights of Agusan del Sur. It is one of the most significant ecological wetlands and finest eco-tourism destinations in the Philippines. The Agusan Marsh is the largest in the Philippines found at the center of the Agusan Basin in Mindanao. During summer season, numerous migratory birds came from Russia, China and Japan are coming to escape the chilly winter winds in northern hemisphere. Overall, there are 200 distinct species of migratory birds and wild animals species every year, making it a transient point for visiting species living from the other side of the globe.

Agusan Marsh is a throng of nature lovers because of the presence of wide vast of water envelope with wild fauna and flora living in a natural habitat. Living in a modern world will compensate the beauty of nature when visiting Agusan Marsh like living in a world where Adam and Eve resides.

Cultural Heritage in Agusan del Sur

Aside from these, festivals are also one of its tourist’s attractions. The Naligayan is a local term which means most loved or chosen one. The Naligayan Festival is performed to celebrate the anniversary of the province. It is an annual celebration that started since 1993. During the festival, people participate to several competitions. The typical examples of these are the motor cross racing, air soft tournaments, and off-road races.

Aside from Naligayan Festival, Agusan del Sur also celebrates Kaamulan Festival. It is being commemorate every first Sunday of January. During the festivals, the residents dance to portray their tribal life. In addition, they also celebrate the Santikan Festival yearly in the municipality of Trento. It also includes numerous friendly competitions and other activities.

Other Tourist Spots

Agusan del Sur not an ordinary province because of its fascinating destinations and tourists spots. Aside from the famous festivals and other places, the province is also best for mountain trekking. Mount Diwata is one of the well-known mountains that add pleasures to all the people who plan to visit the province. Mount Diwata also offers not only cold and hot springs but also perfect sceneries.

The discovery of ‘Lolong’ the largest crocodile in the world which was officially announced by a team of crocodile expert from National Geographic Channel in the town of Bunawan became the hotspot tourist destinations. Lolong was discovered on September 3, 2011 in Agusan Marsh on the part of Bunawan town forcing town mayor to build Bunawan Eco-Park and Research Center to accommodate increasing visiting local and international tourists.

Everyone who desires to travel in this province feels great pleasure and satisfactions. Additionally, the province also covers 34 water falls excluding 34 lakes, 4 springs, 14 caves and various cascades and lagoons. As you can see, there are several spots and tourist destinations you can visit. You can easily reach the place through understanding its geographical and historical background.

With the presence of the tourists spots and other destinations, people prefer to visit this place. Unlike other destinations, Agusan del Sur provides excellent ambiance and sceneries that truly marks to all the day-tripper. In fact, because of its amazing nature destinations, the province can acquired great income and truly enhances their economy.

Agusan del Sur can be easily reach from Butuan City as the center of Caraga.

Butuan – the historic city

“In the beginning there was no Philippines…but there was Butuan.”

Welcome to a city that has seen over 1,687 years of recorded history. The line was so pure in the hearts and minds of any historian that symbolizes Butuan as “the Prehistoric Destination of the Philippines.

The symbol became the theme: you can see it everywhere in any public place, as well as public utility vehicle “Historic Butuan: ato ini, kadyawon ta.”

When I was a child, I used to ask my uncle to where Butuan got its name, then he said was “boto-an”, and everyone burst into laughter including me because it refers something that is beneath your… underwear (hehehe).

But nonetheless, Butuan got its name from the sour fruit called “batuan”, and some sources came from the name of a chieftain “Datu Buntuan”, who once ruled Butuan.

Pieces of History Has Started

Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer commissioned by King Phillip II of Spain, sets foot in the sands of Butuan and met the two Butuanon kings, and found the natives was packed of golds and other precious artifacts in their homeland, he was so amazed on how they acquire such riches on earth.

Pigafetta, a chronicler and one of Magellan’s men, describe much on his writing, “pieces of gold exist everywhere, as large as walnuts and eggs. In the king’s house was well set-up, and even some portions are made of gold, and all the dishes are gold too.” He went on, “huge gold ornaments, long dagger and handles made of gold that surrounds the king’s body.”

What amazed him were the skills of Butuanon to create beautifully crafted pieces of golds and other precious metals, and mixing them too to produce unique items as the best in the history. All of the things they found in Butuan established already a throng of highly civilized people exist on the other end of the world.

World Before Magellan

 

But Magellan and his men did not know something of the place they are in. Before the day they came on March 29, 1521, and established the first ever recorded blood compact in the history of the Philippines between him and the two Butuanon brother kings, Rajah Siagu and Rajah Colambu, Butuan was already the center of trade and commerce in the Philippines (although there was no Philippines yet) in the 11th AD.

The discovery of the 9 butuan boats or known as balanghai boats, with about 50 thousands archaeological relics and cultural materials (numerous porcelain jars, pots, plates, golds, etc.) excavated in Libertad, became the best evidence to prove that Butuan established trading relations in Asian countries, and even reaching beyond uncharted seas in the globe.

One of the balanghai boats was dated 320 AD (well it’s moving closer to the life of Jesus Christ!), and is now placed in National Museum, Manila, while the others, dated up to 10th AD, and now placed in Balangay Shrine Museum, Butuan City.

 

The numerous porcelain jars and artifacts discovered were originated from the Chinese (10th–15th AD), Khmer/Cambodian (9th-10th AD), Thai (14th-15th AD), Pre Thai Satingpra (9th-11th AD) and Haripunjaya (8th-9th AD), Pre-Trade Vietnamese (11th-13th AD), and Persian (9th-10th AD). Some of these relics are now placed at Butuan National Museum in Butuan City. While the others can be found to some private individuals who are involved in illegal digging activities at the height of archaeological excavations in 1976, but lucky enough to find some rare pieces, and sold to private collectors.

Other Historical Events

Before Magellan left Butuan, a mass was held in Mazaua Island offered by Fr. Pedro Valderrama on March 31, 1521 in the presence of two Butuanon kings, and later on, became the celebrated First Easter Mass in the Philippines (contesting Limasawa of Leyte as disproved by Geo-morphologists and Archeologists).

According to the Chinese Soong Shi (history), Butuan has recorded the first appearance of the Butuan Tributary Mission at Chinese Imperial Court on March 17, 1001 AD, that is 50 years earlier than Manila.

During that period, Butuan has already established regular trading relations in the kingdom of Champa (now known as South Vietnam) and intermittent contact with China in the early 10th AD. Furthermore, Sri Vijayan Empire of Sumatra in the 8th – 14th AD and Madjapahit Empire of Java in the 13th -15th AD (both now part of Indonesia) added as trading partner in the Prehistoric times.

One notable events is the discovery of Golden Tara (in the picture above) in 1917, a 21-carat gold Buddhist figurine which is the earliest known image of Sailendra Period of Sri Vijayan in the 10th AD is now placed in Chicago Field Museum of Natural History.

Butuan is the first site of the formal evangelization of Mindanao on September 8, 1597 as the Jesuits built the first Catholic Church in Mindanao, and now it is the oldest church ruins in Mindanao as it was burned by Moro pirates in 1753.

It was in Butuan where the first and formal hoisting of the Philippines flag and the playing of the music of the Philippine National Anthem in Mindanao on January 17, 1899.

Wheww!…that was the riches of history!

Butuan In The Map Of Tourism

Well, visiting the historic Butuan draw your attention in the Balangay Shrine and the Butuan National Museum. In these places witness how Butuan became the icon of history that traverse from prehistoric times up to the present period.

Don’t forget the first Catholic Church and the oldest church ruins in Mindanao found in barangay Banza which is known as Banza Church Ruins. Its tower is the only remaining structure, and was envelope with roots of ficus tree for a long period of time.

The First Easter Mass Eco-Park, Bood Promontory of barangay Pinamanculan where the image of the cross that towered in a hilltop as the celebrated First Easter Mass took place in the Philippines.

National Shrine of the Philippine Flag in Mindanao in Butuan City Rizal Park where the first formal hoisting of the Philippine flag in Mindanao takes place on January 17, 1899.

Agusan River is the third longest river in the Philippines and the first in Mindanao. It is the most navigable river compare to other rivers in the country.

The majestic Mt. Mayapay stand high above other mountains and plateaus overlooking the skyline of Butuan and the Butuan Bay. It will show you the beauty and appreciates natures when trekkers and bikers love to see when they go up there.

  

 Bonbon Eco-Park was developed when waterfalls existed in the mountains and became a tourist haven. For those who love to cool yourself from too much heat of summer then climb up in the mountains, and splash in a man-made pools!

 Butuan Today

At present, Butuan was one of a highly Urbanized City (first class city) in the Philippines. It is the regional center or capital of Caraga Region. Its land area was about 81,728 has., but one-third only to the size of Davao City. But Davao City is considered as the largest city in the whole world, although Butuan is not in the line, but it is one of the largest city in Mindanao, as well as in the Philippines.

Butuan lies flat along the banks of Agusan River. In the distance were mountains and hills stretching across for miles, as if, surrounded the city but forms part of Agusan Valley. The highest peak was Mt. Mayapay, standing majestically, and got its named from Madjapahit Empire.

Butuan strategic locations in the province of Agusan del Norte makes it a natural gateway to the different prime destinations in Mindanao such as Davao City (going south), Cagayan de Oro City (going north), Surigao City (going east), and soon to be materialized national highway – Bukidnon (going west).

Currently, there are two structural man-made landmark in Butuan City, the 2nd Magsaysay Bridge and the Butuan City Hall Complex. Another, soon to be realized, is the 12,000-seater Butuan City Coliseum.

Surigao City – city of island adventures

Surigao City is the only city in the province of Surigao del Norte. It is one of the six cities of Caraga region. The other cities are Butuan, Bislig, and the newly created cities are Bayugan, Cabadbaran, and Tandag.

The beauty of Surigao City makes an intangible asset of Mother Natures when someone would like exploit the city of island adventures. The adventures will never forget till the end days of life.

Surigao City, if missing from Caraga, then Caraga is like a person without feet. Tourism can not run completely to the finish line. If the province of Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte offers its best in sights and sounds mostly of beautiful mountains, landscapes, and valleys, Surigao City offers its best more in blue crystal water, white sand beaches, islands and islets. Not mentioning yet the beauty ofSiargao, and other places. Surigao City completes the person in Caraga.


Its geographic location is in the northeastern portion of Mindanao. It is bounded by Dinagat Islands on the north, the mainland of Surigao del Norte on the south, Hinatuan passage on the east, Surigao Strait and Southern Leyte on the west.

Places Of Adventure

Mabua Pebble Beach Resort

Barangay Looc, Mabua

 

At Almont Beach Resort

At Laguna Resort, Day-asan

And of course the town plaza during the fiesta of Sr. San Nicolas

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britania adventure

Caraga – a place of never-ending adventures

CARAGAcan be traced back to the 15th century when explorers discovered the existence of Kalagans, believed to be of Visayan Origin in one of the three districts in Mindanao. The word Caraga originated from the Visayan word “Kalagan”: “Kalag” meaning soul or people and “An” meaning land. The “Kalagans” have a long history of being brave and fearless. Thus, the region was called by early chroniclers as the “Land of the Brave and Fierce People.”

The “Kalagans”, called “Caragans” by the Spaniards occupied the district composed of the two provinces of Surigao, northern part of Davao Oriental and Eastern Misamis Oriental. The two Agusan Provinces were later organized under the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao and became the independent Agusan province in 1914. In 1960, Surigao was divided as Norte and Sur, and in June 1967, Agusan followed suit. While Butuan then was just a town of Agusan, the logging boom in 1950′s drew business and businessmen to the area. On August 2, 1950. by virtue of Republic Act 523, the City Charter of Butuan was approved.

CARAGA is an Administrative Region of the Philippines, on the northeastern portion of the island of Mindanao. It is the newest region in the Philippines, and is also called Region XIII. The Caraga Region was created through Republic Act Number 7901 on February 25, 1995. The region is composed of five (5) provinces:Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, and the newly created province,Dinagat Islands (from Surigao del Norte); six (6) cities:Butuan, Surigao and Bislig, and recently, the newly created component cities: Cabadbaran, Bayugan, and Tandag; seventy (70) municipalities and 1,346 barangays. Butuan City is the regional center.

It’s haven for tourists and adventurers. The region hosts two of the Philippines’ 10 National Integrated Protected Areas – the Siargao Seascape, and the 100,000-hectare Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary – as well as world class dive, surfing, and sport fishing sites, mountains trekking and biking, white sand beaches, hot and cold springs, caves, rivers, forests, and waterfalls.If you are seeking a challenging experience or simply an escapade from the humdrum of urban life, venture no more… Come and experience adventure one can find south of the Philippines islands that simply lures visitors to frolic in its pristine beauty.

CARAGA SURIGAO DESTINATION