The Masao Beach Butuan: Ultimate Guide
This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer.
Planning a visit to Masao Beach in Butuan? We’ve got the perfect guide to make your travel a lot easier!
Fastest Way to Get to Masao Beach: Getting to Masao Beach by Taxi
Cheapest Way to Get to Masao Beach: Getting to Masao Beach by Tricycle
Best Way to Get to Masao Beach in Group: Getting to Masao Beach by Multi-cab
Where is Masao Beach Butuan?
Masao Beach is located in Butuan City, the capital of the Caraga Region. To be exact, the beach is in Barangay Masao – the place where actually its name came from.
It is the closest beach in Butuan City and is well-known for its historical significance not only for the city but also for the entire Philippines.
The beach is just 12 kilometres away from the centre of Butuan. It’s easily accessible through various transportation options that are available in the city.
There are at least a couple of routes that are common to local drivers to reach Masao Beach.
Sign up now to grab your FREE guide to 50 hidden gems in the Philippines!
Masao: A Historical Site in Butuan City
Barangay Masao, formerly known as Mazaua Island is the most historic barangay in Butuan, if not in the entire Caraga.
Many Filipinos, especially those in the southern regions, believe it to be the site where Ferdinand Magellan, the renowned Portuguese explorer who led the Spanish expedition, first set foot in 1521.
Also in this place, the first blood compact between Magellan and the other two Butuanon kings also took place.
You can also find here the most famous replica of the Spanish galleon that Magellan used during that period.
📢 Join the community! Make sure you join our Philippines Hidden Gems – Travel Community. This is the place to ask any questions about your trip, to be inspired, and to connect with other Philippines travelers. Click here to join!
Best Time to Visit Masao Beach Butuan
For the perfect beach weather and outdoor activities, plan your visit to Masao Beach between early February and late April.
This time is ideal for enjoying the beach and exploring other attractions in Masao.
How to Get to Masao Beach Butuan?
🚙 Getting to Masao Beach by Multi-cab
Hiring a multi-cab is the most common and affordable way to reach Masao Beach, especially if you’re travelling as a group or with family.
This ride usually has a 17-seat capacity, which allows room to carry your beach stuff and belongings.
Another advantage is that multi-cabs are readily available throughout the city. You can negotiate with any driver, regardless of their official route, to take you to Masao Beach.
Make sure to be clear whether you’re hiring them for a one-way trip or a round trip.
For a round trip, you can request the driver’s contact details to arrange your return. The cost for a round trip is around 500 pesos, the cheapest one you can get.
If needed, you can also request the driver to stay, but this would come with an additional cost, and it’s customary to offer them a meal during their waiting time.
Although multi-cab is not the fastest option, it only takes about 25 to 30 minutes to get to Masao Beach.
🛵 Getting to Masao Beach by Tricycle
Tricycles are a common mode of daily transportation in Butuan City and are also a great choice for travelling to Masao Beach.
Don’t worry, even though they are small, tricycles are safe and authorized for public transportation.
The advantage of hiring a tricycle, apart from its affordability, is that it allows you to experience what it feels like to be a local in Butuan City.
Many tricycles can be found downtown, but we recommend the orange ones so you can be sure the driver has a license and is registered to give you a ride.
However, keep in mind that tricycles can only accommodate up to 7 people.
If you’re a solo traveller or in a small group, this option is the best, and a one-way ride from the city centre only costs you around 150 pesos.
This thing is recommended for budget travellers as well.
Like with multi-cabs, you can arrange for the driver to return when you’re ready to leave. The travel time is typically no more than 30 minutes to reach Masao Beach.
🚕 Getting to Masao Beach by Taxi
Well, taxis in Butuan City are commonly hired when there are only a few options for a destination or if you really have lots of luggage since they’re very convenient.
But if you’re going to the beach, it’s less common.
But if convenience and time are your priority, there’s nothing bad in hiring a taxi to Masao Beach.
The cost wouldn’t be that high since the place is just 12 kilometres away from the city, not to mention it can get you there in less than 20 minutes.
The base fare for taxis in Butuan City is 40 pesos. There are lots of taxis around the city, so there will be no problem for you to get one.
Fastest Way to Get to Masao Beach Butuan
The fastest way to reach Masao Beach Butuan is by taking a taxi, which takes you 15 to 20 minutes to get there.
Cheapest Way to Get to Masao Beach Butuan
If you’re seeking an affordable transportation option to Masao Beach in Butuan, you can choose between tricycles and multi-cabs.
Tricycles are well-suited for solo travellers or small groups since they only accommodate up to 7 people.
On the other hand, multi-cabs are a better choice for larger groups or families, with a capacity of around 17 passengers.
Best Things To Do in Masao Beach Butuan
⛵ Boat Tours
There are boat tours available upon request at Masao Beach.
These tours provide a more personalized experience and have significant differences from the typical tours found on beaches in other countries.
For a fee ranging from 500 to 1000 pesos, you can hire a boat operator along with the boat to explore the nearby shores of Agusan del Norte province, where Butuan City is situated.
These tours often have flexible time limits, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.
Pro tip: Bringing food and drinks from your cottage is normally allowed, so you can enjoy them while you’re on the boat!
🎤 Karaoke Singing
Whatever the occasion, karaoke singing is a big part of Filipino culture. So, don’t be surprised if neighbouring cottages (many are tourists too!) get loud with their singing – it’s perfectly normal!
If you’re interested, be prepared to spend at least 1,000 pesos to rent an exclusive karaoke machine, which will be set up in your beachside cottage.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer not to spend as much, there’s a coin-operated karaoke machine where you can sing two songs for just 5 pesos.
The catch is you’ll need to wait your turn, as there are others waiting for their turn to sing as well.
Finally, we recommend combining karaoke singing with some cold Filipino beer and food – you’ll quickly understand why Filipinos love this combo!
🍺 Drink Filipino Beer
We understand that it can get hot at the beach, especially in sunny Philippines. So, enjoying ice-cold Filipino beer by the beachside or in your cottage while singing karaoke is an excellent idea!
And of course, you shouldn’t miss trying out the all-time favorite Filipino beers. We recommend giving Red Horse Beer or San Miguel beer a try – they’re not just popular in the Philippines, but also known in the country.
If you’re wondering where to purchase them, don’t worry. Many sari-sari stores surround Masao Beach and sell these beers for 100 pesos for a 1-liter bottle.
And if you’re at an exclusive resort, they likely have them available as well!
Safety reminder: Always drink in moderation, especially if you plan to swim.
♨️ Make Barbecues
Yes, making barbecues at Masao Beach is possible! And because tourists normally don’t bring grills or materials for it, local vendors around Masao have them available for rent. They also sell coals for grilling!
For the barbecue, you can choose whatever meat you like. Pork and chicken are great, but you can add some hotdogs too as they’re always available in the mini markets near the beach.
You can buy fish and seafood for grilling too!
Nowadays, most cottages and resorts offer barbecue space free of charge or as part of the package, so you really don’t need to worry about it so much – you can surely make some barbecue from scratch when you’re there.
Barbecues are another top favorite in the Philippines along with karaoke singing. They’re just perfect for each other, so make sure not to miss it!
Pro tip: If you don’t feel like doing it yourself, you can buy ready-made barbecues nearby, and they’ll even cook them for you.
⚓ Visit Magellan’s Anchorage
Before reaching Masao Beach in Butuan, you’ll come across a fascinating replica of a Spanish galleon and a massive monument known as Magellan’s Anchorage. It serves as the memorial of Ferdinand Magellan.
Many Filipinos believe this is where the colonizer first landed and discovered the archipelago now known as the Philippines. They often say, “In the beginning, there was no Philippines, but there was Butuan.”
On top of that, this is also where the first blood compact took place between him and the two kings of the early Butuan kingdom.
You can also witness some plaques and markers that tell the story of Magellan and his significance in Philippine history at the site.
Feel free also to take photos here – it’s a free visit. This spot is a must-see Butuan City tourist spot, especially when you’re at Masao Beach.
What to Pack and Tips When Visiting Masao Beach Butuan
🧴 Sunscreen: Stay safe under the sun. Pack sunscreen to protect your skin from its rays, especially since it gets quite hot in the Philippines.
😎 Sunglasses: Keep your eyes comfortable and stylish with sunglasses that block out the bright sunlight.
🩴 Flip-Flops: Easy footwear for sandy walks, so flip-flops are a must for the beach.
✅ Waterproof Case: Guard your electronics against water and sand with a waterproof case.
📸 Camera: Capture the beauty around you. Don’t forget your camera, take photos, and take home stunning beach memories.
⛑️ First Aid Kit: Stay prepared just in case. Pack a basic first aid kit with essentials like band-aids and wipes.
💸 Bring Cash: Make sure you have enough local currency on hand for purchases, Masao don’t accept cards.
🚗 Choose Your Preferred Transport: Decide on your mode of transportation to and from Masao Beach according to your preference and budget.
💁🏻♀️ Don’t Hesitate to Ask the Locals: Ask the locals if you need help people in Masao are really, really helpful.
🏪 Buy at the Sari-Sari Store: Support small local shops known as sari-sari stores. They offer a variety of essentials and snacks.
🌊 Water Safety: Before entering the water, pay attention to any posted signs or advice from locals to ensure the safety of your swimming area.
🍺 Drink Moderately: If you choose to consume alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation to be safe while at the beach.
💧 Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated, especially in the heat. Proper hydration is essential for a comfortable visit.
Frequently Asked Questions – Masao Beach Butuan
Wrapping Up – Masao Beach Butuan
So, that was your ultimate guide to Masao Beach in Butuan. If you got this far, congrats to you!
Masao Beach, with all of those things, is a unique Butuan City tourist destination that needs to be experienced, and not just visited.
It’s both a great place for a quick getaway or a long vacation.
You can experience the lively atmosphere at the beach, see its value to the Butuanons, and enjoy what nature has to offer – all in one place!
Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts!
Check Out These Recommended Articles:
- 23 Best Butuan City Tourist Spots: Your Ultimate Guide to Unlock Butuan’s Treasures
- 7 Best Beaches In Butuan City: The Ultimate Beach Guide
- 5 Luxury Hotels in Butuan That Exceed Expectations
About the Author
Hello there! I’m Mitch, the main writer of Philippine Hidden Gems! I’m a random Filipino who’s already explored many parts of the Philippines, especially the regions of Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga, where I was born and raised.
Apart from my goal to find more hidden gems in my country and share my discoveries with you, I also enjoy reading and writing, discovering new food, and coffee!
Join me as I show you the beauty of my homeland and why the Philippines should be your next destination!
