A trusted Philippine travel blog with detailed guides, hidden gems, and cultural stories from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s 82 provinces.
Known as the “Ancient City of the Philippines”, Butuan City is the historical and cultural heart of the Caraga Region in Northern Mindanao. This progressive city was once the center of trade and civilization long before Spanish colonization, as evidenced by the discovery of the Balangay Boats, which date back to as early as the 10th century.
The Balangay Shrine in Butuan City is a remarkable window into the Philippines’ ancient maritime heritage. This historical site houses the remains of the famed balangay or “Butuan boat,” the oldest wooden watercraft ever excavated in Southeast Asia. Visiting the Balangay Shrine feels like stepping back in time, offering a deeper appreciation for the early Filipinos’ craftsmanship, seafaring skills, and thriving trade long before the Spanish arrived.
