The best museums Mindanao

The National Museum of Northern and Eastern Mindanao is in fact a branch of the National Museum of the Philippines that was created in Butuan in the 1970s when archaeologists realized the historical importance of this town. It comprises two main galleries. The prehistory, archaeology and ethnology sections give an interesting insight into the region's cultural communities, the Manobos, Mamanwas, Higaonons and Butuanons of the plains. There is also a collection of ceramics, gold ornaments and ancient art.

The museum is located on the campus of MSU, Mindanao State University, also known as the University of Marawi. On display are Muslim art objects indigenous to Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago and Palawan. A fine ethnological collection, for enthusiasts to discover the way of life of the Mindanao tribes (weapons, wood carvings, architecture and folk dances). As is often the case in the Philippines, this public museum is a little dated, but nonetheless an interesting place to learn more about the region's history.

Inaugurated on July 6, 1986 by President Cory Aquino, this museum features a collection of numerous objects from Mindanao's tribes, mainly Bukidnons and Manobos, but also Maranaos, T'Bolis and Mandayas. Other objects from archaeological discoveries are also on display, including a Neolithic skeleton from the Huluga caves. A must-see for visitors interested in the history of the city and Mindanao.

Located in one of the wings of Fort Pilar, the National Museum of Western and Southern Mindanao is a regional branch of the National Museum of the Philippines, whose main collections are of course in Manila. It's a must for those curious about local history, lifestyles, indigenous tribes and, of course, art on the Zamboanga Peninsula. An interesting cultural visit.

Museum founded in 1979 with ancient ships. The Balangay Shrine is the superb maritime vessel that forms part of the excavation area 5 km east of Butuan. Here are preserved the remains of the first watercraft called balangay and now better known as the "Butuan boat". This South Asian boat, made entirely of wood, resembles a large outrigger canoe. It is thought to date from 320 AD. Its component parts are tied together with a sturdy rope. The huge wooden planks measure 15 m in length and 3 m in width.

A little out of the way, this museum is a center for preserving and promoting the heritage of Davao and Mindanao. The museum exhibits the province's colorful heritage, its culture through its various ethnic groups: ethnological maps, photographs, traditional tools, costumes and musical instruments. On the second floor, in the modern gallery, contemporary artists are exhibited. A traditional Mandaya house is located just behind. An interesting cultural visit.

From here, visitors have a panoramic view of Surigao Strait, the site of the Battle of Surigao Strait during the Second World War. The museum tells the story of this battle, which was one of the episodes of the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 24-25, 1944, the most important naval battle of the Second World War, if not of all time. This strait is known as the graveyard of the ships that sank during the battle.