“Human and nature…making 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 to Jabonga. 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!
pix from agusan del norte, eco-tourism, mindanao blog,and bisdak art
