Agusan River: A Cruise to the Past

On one lazy  afternoon, I made an unplanned escapade just to break the monotony of my stressful work assignment in Butuan City. So I took a break and head to the National Museum of Butuan to wonder on the historical artifacts of Great Mindanao. Looking at the picture of the old Agusan River made me wonder if it is possible to cruise the colossal water body. I have never heard of any travel or tour agency in the city that offers such activity.

The Agusan River which flows from Compostela Valley in the south towards Agusan del Norte in the North runs almost in the middle of the valley and empties at Butuan Bay. The river has twelve tributaries, namely: Wawa, Gibong and Simulao Rivers in the eastern side, and Ojot, Pusilao, Kasilayan, Libang, Maasam, Adgawan, Cawayan, Umayam and Ihaoan Rivers in the western side. 

These tributaries are fed by numerous streams and creeks. The southern half of the province from the municipality of Veruela is an area filled with many swamps and lakes, the biggest of which is Talacogon Lake.

With its massive size, It is only fitting that this river hosts some of the biggest crocodile on earth , one for example is Lolong which now holds the Guiness Record for the biggest crocodile in captivity.

Taking my chances, I went to the local port managed by Philippine Port Authority. I was lucky to know that there are several pump boats that carry passengers going to Magallanes, one of the oldest towns in Agusan del Norte.  The fee was Php25.00 for a 30 minute ride going to the town located near the mouth of the river.

It may not be as classy as the other river tours I had before, but to caress the soft whispering wind on my face and seeing the beautiful sunset is almost a perfect nostalgic experience I’ve ever had for long time now.

On one side of the river I even saw one old ship –“balangay” sitting on an evergreen environment, that I suspect being preserved by the community and the LGU as an added attraction in Butuan. 

There are even small communities thriving on the riparian area and still depends their lives on the goods provided by the enormous river. 

While traversing the calm water, I was imagining how was it like before living in a balangay and making barter with other Polynesian and Chinese traders in the past. But before I could even introduce myself to the Datus, my imagining was interrupted by the boat personnel, telling me that we arrived in the town of  Magallanes. Damn! I almost made a good deal on a gold vase that was similar to the one discovered   artifact in Prosperidad.

It was almost dark and I felt there is nothing much to do in the sleepy town. But an old man has noticed that I am not from the area and recommended to visit the Magellan Marker just 20 meters from the port. 

I went to the marker as suggested by the old man but the perimeter fence prevented me to read the scriptures on the old stone. 

That put this trip a little hanging so I decided to schedule another  future visit to discover more about the not so well known town of Magallanes.(Abangan!)

Schedules Ferry Boat Trips  

Butuan City to Magallanes

1st Trip	6:00am
2nd Trip	6:45am
3rd Trip	7:10am
4th Trip	7:45am
5th Trip	8:20am
6th Trip	9:00am
7th Trip	9:40am
8th Trip	10:20am
9th Trip	11:00am
10th Trip	11:40am
11th Trip	12:20nn
12th Trip	1:00pm
13th Trip	1:40pm
14th Trip	2:20pm
15th Trip	3:00pm
16th Trip	3:40pm
17th Trip	4:20pm
18th Trip	4:55pm
19th Trip	5:30pm

Special Trips:

• 6:00PM
• 6:30PM
• 7:00PM
• 8:30PM
• 9:30PM

Fare Matrix

Regular Fare	Php 25.00
Student	Php 21.25
Senior Citizen	Php 20.00
Children 3-11yrs old	Php 12.50

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