The country of Philippines has always been among the well-known holiday destinations in the Southeast Asia region because of its rich biodiversity and historical as well as cultural heritage. Butuan or Butuan City is among the many tourist destinations that are popular in the Philippines. A first-class urbanized city is known as a strategic trading hub and for its timber industry, Butuan is known as the “Timber City of the South” with its own fair share of its tourist attractions.

Best time to fly from Manila to Butuan

The climate in Butuan is of tropical rainforest type which implies a hot season year-round and an average temperature of 29-35 degrees Celsius with little variations in temperature. The rainfall is typically expected to be heavy throughout the year with at least 60 millimeters of rainfall every month of the year. The best time to visit Butuan would be in May, July and August which is when the weather is not too hot with occasional showers. During this season, the sun will still shine bright, therefore resulting in clear skies that gives off a good atmosphere to go out and do outdoor activities. The off-peak season is in December, in which the climate during that season is even more unpredictable and typhoons can sometimes occur anytime. Consequently, it is advisable for visitors to check the weather reports before going to this town. The good thing is during this season, you will find better flight tickets and hotel deals, saving a lot of money.

Main airports available in Manila and Butuan

1. Ninoy Aquino International Airport

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is an international airport that serving the Manila and surrounding city. It is also known as NAIA by locals. The airport is located along the border between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque. The distance between this airport to the nearest town in the south of Manila and southwest of Makati is about 7 kilometers. The airlines that operate in this airport is AirAsia Philippines, Cebgo, Butuan Pacific, PAL Express, and Philippine Airlines. This airport consists of four different terminals. Ninoy Aquino International Airport has many interesting shops and eateries within the airport so you can shop or dine in while waiting for the plane to arrive or depart. To go in and out of the airport is easy because there are many types of transportation available in Ninoy Aquino International Airport for the visitors.

2. Bancasi Airport

The Bancasi Airport is an international airport that acts as the gateway to the city of Butuan as well as the nearby area. The airport is located in Barangay Bancasi which is found about 8 kilometers away from the city of Butuan. It is the only airport operating in the region, being the busiest of its kind in Caraga Region of Philippines. The airlines that operate in this airport are Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines for flights heading to and from Manila and Cebu. The airport can accommodate up around 700 thousand passengers annually as of 2016. At an elevation of 43 meters, its runway is 2,100 meters long and is made of asphalt. To go in and out of the airport is easy because there are many types of transportation available in Bancasi Airport for the visitors to access.

Climate pattern in Manila and Butuan

Butuan, just like any other regions around Philippines and nearby countries in the Southeast Asia region, is said to have a tropical rainforest climate which dry season is shorter or almost negligible, and rainfall usually is heavy throughout the year with at least 60 millimeters of rainfall every month of the year. The average maximum temperature in Butuan around 30 and 34 degree Celsius while the average minimum is around 17 and 19 degree Celsius. The hottest months are usually around April, May and June. Butuan also has a high humidity with some months being more humid than others.

Highlights in Butuan

1. Tagnote Falls - If you love to take a bath or swim in the river or even want to go on a picnic with friends, Tagnote Falls in Barangay San Antonio is one of the destinations you can consider visiting when in Butuan. It is a two-tiered waterfall, hence upon reaching the falls from the city is guaranteed to be a mesmerizing experience because of the tumbling waterfalls, where the water is cool and crystal clear as well as the lush and serene greenery surrounding the area. Its basin is 10 square meters in size and can accommodate up to 15 people at a time. Coming over here would require traversing through creeks, forest and uphill slope before reaching the waterfall. Undoubtedly, Tagnote Falls is an attraction that you must visit when in Butuan.

2. Butuan National Museum – Established after the accidental discovery of archaeological materials by the City Engineering Office of Butuan City back in 1974, Butuan National Museum has an extensive collections from further excavations conducted by the National Museum body, among them including the ethnographic materials from the Higaonon, Tiruray, Mamanua and Bukidnon ethnolinguistic groups, as well as musical instruments, agricultural tools, baskets, textiles, personal adornments, 14^th century coffins containing valuables, whetstones, mortar, adze, tablet, wooden paddles, ceramic wares, body ornaments and implements. It is open from Mondays to Fridays from 9 am to 4 pm.

3. Guingona Park - Guingona Park once used to be a central plaza of the Butuan city but is now utilized as a historical site too. Here at the park, there is the Shrine of the Philippine Flag which commemorates the first formal raising of the country’s flag in Mindanao, with the Giant Flag remaining hoisted here night and day. In addition to that, there is also the Rizal Monument, a cultural property completed by Garcia Velarde in 1935.