Butuan’s Balangay Boats

The Oldest Evidence of Maritime Heritage in the Philippines!

The Balatik of the Tao Expedition of Palawan, a reconstruction of a large sailing paraw, which is essentially a typical Visayan balangay with large double outriggers. It is gaff rigged, which is European. Photo by Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn)/Wikimedia Commons

Long before the Spanish arrived in the Philippines, ancient Filipinos were already skilled seafarers, navigating the vast waters of Southeast Asia. The Balangay boats of Butuan, first discovered in 1976, provide the earliest known evidence of maritime culture in the country. These 4th to 13th-century wooden vessels prove that pre-colonial Filipinos engaged in long-distance trade and travel, connecting the Philippine islands with neighboring civilizations like China, India, and the Malay Archipelago.

The Balangay was more than just a boat—it was the backbone of early Filipino society. Entire communities traveled in fleets, carrying goods, culture, and governance across the seas. In fact, the term “barangay”, the smallest political unit in the Philippines today, traces its origins to these vessels.

What makes the boats of Butuan unique is their age and advanced craftsmanship. Unlike other ancient vessels, they were constructed using dovetail joints and wooden pegs—a sophisticated technique that required expert craftsmanship. These discoveries confirm that Filipinos were already accomplished sailors’ centuries before colonial rule, shaping the country’s identity as a nation of explorers and traders.

Discovery of the Balangay Boats

The discovery of the Balangay boats in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, was a groundbreaking moment in Philippine archaeology. In 1976, a team from the National Museum of the Philippines unearthed the first Balangay boat in Ambangan, Libertad, Butuan City, revealing the country’s oldest known maritime artifact. Subsequent excavations uncovered eight more boats, buried along the banks of the Masao River. These discoveries confirmed Butuan’s role as a major seafaring and trading hub in pre-colonial times.

Radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) confirmed that the earliest Balangay boats date back to as early as 320 AD, with others ranging from the 8th to 13th centuries AD. This means that pre-colonial Filipinos were already engaging in sophisticated boat-building and maritime trade nearly 1,700 years ago—long before European contact.

Unlike other ancient watercraft, the Balangay was not dug out from a single log but expertly crafted using planks joined by wooden pegs and lashings—a technique that showcased advanced shipbuilding skills. The boats’ burial sites suggest that they were intentionally interred, possibly for spiritual or ceremonial reasons, further highlighting their significance in early Filipino society.

Today, several of the excavated Balangay boats are preserved at the National Museum – Butuan Branch, serving as invaluable evidence of the Philippines’ long-standing maritime heritage.

The Engineering Marvel of the Balangay

Unlike dugout canoes, these vessels were plank-built, constructed from hardwood planks—primarily Dungon (Heritiera littoralis), a sturdy timber resistant to seawater. The planks were meticulously carved and joined using dowels and wooden pegs, a technique known as lashed-lug boatbuilding, instead of using nails. This sophisticated method ensured durability and flexibility, allowing the boats to withstand strong waves and harsh weather conditions.

Each Balangay boat measured around 15 meters in length and 3 to 4 meters in width, capable of carrying up to 60 people along with cargo. These boats were designed for long-distance sea travel, enabling ancient Filipinos to trade goods such as gold, pearls, ceramics, and spices across Southeast Asia. The wide, shallow hull provided stability, while the use of outriggers and sails allowed for efficient navigation through open waters.

More impressive than the boats themselves were the navigation skills of pre-colonial Filipinos. Long before modern instruments, seafarers relied on celestial navigation, using the positions of the sun, moon, and stars to determine their course. They also studied ocean currents, wind patterns, and even the flight paths of seabirds to find land. This expertise allowed them to navigate vast maritime networks, establishing Butuan as a key trade hub connected to China, India, and the Malay Archipelago.

The Balangay was a vessel of commerce, exploration, and cultural exchange. Its construction and navigational techniques highlight the ingenuity of early Filipinos, proving that they were among the finest sailors in ancient Southeast Asia.

Ibanag balangay (barangayanes) from the Cagayan River in Northern Luzon (c.1917). Photo by Townsend, Henry S./Wikimedia Commons

The Balangay and Pre-Colonial Trade

The boats of Butuan played a crucial role in pre-colonial trade, allowing early Filipinos to establish thriving commercial networks across Southeast Asia. Butuan, located near the Agusan River and Mindanao Sea, became one of the most significant trading hubs between the 9th and 13th centuries, facilitating exchanges with China, India, the Malay Archipelago, and even the Middle East. Here’s how the Balangay shaped trade in the region:

Butuan: A Major Trading Hub

• Butuan’s strategic location made it a natural center for trade, where merchants from across Asia gathered.

• The city flourished during the 9th to 13th centuries, long before Spanish colonization.

• Archaeological discoveries in Butuan, including gold artifacts, glass beads, and ceramics, confirm its status as a prosperous trading settlement.

  
  

Trade Connections with Asia and Beyond

• China: Butuanese traders exchanged gold, pearls, and hardwoods for silk, ceramics, and metal tools from Chinese merchants.

• India & the Malay Archipelago: Items like spices, textiles, and bronze tools were frequently traded.

• Middle East: There is evidence of trade connections through glass beads and metalwork found in Butuan.

  
  

Recognition in Song Dynasty Records

• In 1001 AD, a Butuanese envoy traveled to China to establish formal trade and diplomatic relations.

• The event was recorded in the Song Shi (History of the Song Dynasty), proving that Butuan was recognized as an important kingdom.

• Butuan was described as a thriving and independent maritime state, further solidifying its historical significance.

  
  

The Balangay was more than just a boat—it was a vessel of commerce, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. It helped shape the early maritime economy of the Philippines.

The Cultural Significance of the Balangay

The boats were a symbol of unity, governance, and community in pre-colonial Filipino society. They were not used solely for trade and exploration; they also served as mobile settlements, carrying entire communities across the seas. The interconnectedness of early Filipinos was rooted in their ability to travel, trade, and govern using these vessels, making the Balangay an essential part of their way of life.

The Balangay as a Symbol of Unity and Leadership

• Early Filipino societies were organized into kinship-based communities that lived and traveled together in Balangay boats.

• These groups functioned as self-sustaining villages, each led by a Datu (chieftain) who governed their people.

• The Balangay was not just a boat; it was a floating society, reflecting the cooperative nature of early Filipinos.

  
  

The Origin of the Modern "Barangay"

• The present-day barangay, the smallest administrative unit in the Philippines, traces its name from the Balangay.

• This historical link highlights the enduring influence of pre-colonial governance structures in modern Filipino society.

  
  

How Filipinos Lived and Traveled Using the Balangay

• Families and warriors sailed in fleets of Balangay, ensuring protection and economic stability.

• These boats allowed for expansion, settlement, and inter-island connectivity, shaping the early migration patterns of Filipinos.

  
  

The Balangay remains a powerful symbol of Filipino resilience, adaptability, and deep maritime heritage, proving that the nation’s roots are tied to the sea.

Preserving the Balangay Legacy

The boats of Butuan are not just relics of the past; they continue to inspire efforts in historical preservation and cultural revival. Recognizing their immense historical value, the Philippines has taken steps to safeguard these ancient vessels and rekindle the country’s rich maritime heritage.

The National Museum in Butuan City

• Several of the recovered Balangay boats are preserved and displayed at the National Museum – Butuan Branch, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the country’s oldest known watercraft.

• The museum also showcases artifacts from Butuan’s trading past, including gold ornaments, ceramics, and metal tools, reinforcing the city’s role as a major maritime hub.

• Ongoing conservation efforts ensure that these centuries-old boats remain intact for future generations.

  
  

Modern Balangay Expeditions

• In 2009, the Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation launched a project to rebuild and sail replica Balangay boats, reviving the seafaring traditions of ancient Filipinos.

• These expeditions retraced historic maritime routes across the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, proving the seaworthiness of the Balangay’s original design.

  
  

Reviving Traditional Navigation Techniques

• Filipino sailors in these modern expeditions used traditional navigation methods, including celestial navigation (guiding by stars), wind patterns, and ocean currents—the same techniques employed by their ancestors.

• The success of these voyages reaffirmed the maritime ingenuity of early Filipinos, countering the misconception that pre-colonial Filipinos lacked advanced navigation skills.

  
  

The preservation and revival of the Balangay legacy serve as a powerful reminder of the Philippines’ deep-rooted maritime history. As efforts continue, the Balangay stands as a symbol of Filipino resilience, identity, and cultural pride—bridging the past and the present.

The balangay Sultan sin Sulu in Maimbung, Sulu. These replicas are meant to recreate the Butuan boats but are inaccurate in that they do not have outriggers or Austronesian rigs. Photo by Fung360/ Wikimedia Commons

How the Balangay Boat Compare to Other Ancient Seafaring Vessels in Southeast Asia

The Balangay boats of Butuan are among the most significant maritime discoveries in Southeast Asia, but they are not the only ancient seafaring vessels in the region. Many cultures across the Malay Archipelago and the Pacific developed their own boat-building traditions, reflecting their adaptability to a vast maritime environment. Comparing the Balangay with other traditional boats highlights its unique engineering, purpose, and role in pre-colonial trade.

The Balangay vs. the Jukung (Indonesia)

• The Jukung is a traditional canoe used by the Bajau and Madurese people of Indonesia.

• Unlike the Balangay, which is a plank-built vessel, the Jukung is typically a single-piece dugout canoe with outrigger supports.

• The Jukung is used for fishing and short-distance coastal travel, while the Balangay was designed for longer voyages and inter-island trade.

  
  

The Balangay vs. the Perahu (Malaysia & Indonesia)

• The Perahu, also known as Prau, is a larger sailing vessel used in Malaysia and Indonesia.

• Like the Balangay, it was used for trade and exploration, but it evolved into a more complex ship with multiple masts and larger cargo capacity.

• The Perahu was widely used by the Malay, Javanese, and Bugis sailors for trade, piracy, and even military conquests.

  
  

The Balangay vs. the Kora-Kora (Moluccas, Indonesia)

• The Kora-Kora was a war canoe used in the Moluccas (Spice Islands) for naval battles and trade escort missions.

• Unlike the Balangay, which was a multi-purpose vessel, the Kora-Kora was built for speed and maneuverability, often requiring a large crew of rowers.

• The Kora-Kora was primarily used for expansion, raids, and military dominance, whereas the Balangay was more focused on commerce, governance, and migration.

  
  

The Balangay vs. the Proa (Micronesia and the Philippines)

• The Proa is a type of outrigger sailing vessel used in Micronesia and some parts of the Philippines.

• It is designed for speed and agility, capable of sailing against the wind by shifting its sail and rudder.

• While the Proa was excellent for oceanic navigation, the Balangay was more robust and suited for carrying heavy cargo and larger groups of people.

  
  

What Makes the Balangay Unique?

• While other Southeast Asian boats served various roles in trade, fishing, and warfare, the Balangay stood out due to:

• Plank-built construction – a sophisticated method that allowed for larger, more durable vessels.

• Use of wooden pegs and lashings instead of nails, making it more flexible in rough seas.

• A balance between trade, governance, and settlement, making it a vessel of both commerce and community.

• Its connection to Filipino identity, influencing the modern barangay system.

The Balangay boats reinforce the Philippines’ role as a maritime power in ancient times, standing alongside other great seafaring cultures in Southeast Asia.

Takeaway

The Balangay boats of Butuan stand as enduring testaments to Filipino ingenuity, craftsmanship, and seafaring heritage. These ancient vessels prove that long before colonial influences, early Filipinos were skilled sailors, traders, and navigators—actively participating in regional commerce and exploration. The discovery of the Balangay boats not only rewrote Philippine history but also strengthened national pride, showcasing a sophisticated maritime culture that existed as early as the 4th century AD.

Understanding the Balangay is crucial to appreciating the Philippines’ identity as an archipelagic nation. These boats symbolize unity, leadership, and resilience, values that continue to define Filipino communities today. The fact that the modern barangay system traces its roots to these vessels highlights the deep connection between past and present.

As efforts to preserve and revive the Balangay legacy continue, there is a growing need to encourage public interest in the country’s rich seafaring history. Visiting the National Museum in Butuan, supporting modern Balangay expeditions, and promoting heritage tourism are ways to help ensure that this maritime tradition is not forgotten but celebrated. The Balangay is more than an artifact—it is a powerful reminder that the Philippines has always been, and will always be, a nation of explorers, navigators, and seafarers.