Take A Look at the National Museum
by bike_packer
This is a well-maintained museum. Thanks to the fact that the oldest boat artifacts in Philippine history were found here. (9 boats at present , 1 boat is displayed at the Manila National Museum). The Masao River delta (where present Butuan City is) used to be a very busy seaport as shown by the dug items within the river banks. Displayed in the Museum are stone crafts, metal crafts, pots, gold, burial coffins, jars and porcelains traded from other parts of Asia. And of course, parts of the 9 Balanghais (local name for the old wooden cruising boats) is the main feature. The oldest boat was carbon-dated to be made as early as 320 A.D.It was a very educational experience for me touring the place. Thanks to the very accomodating and eloquent Museum administrator, Boy Mitra, who can tell you on and on the history of Butuan and the Balanghais as complemented by the items displayed in the...