ANDA: Your Weekend Exodus!

The Sugary Beach on the Anda Salient

  
WHERE IS ANDA LOCATED?

The exotically beautiful town of Anda is situated in the eastern coast of the tropical island of Bohol. It is roughly 100 kilometer or a three-hour ride by bus or a passenger van from Bohol's capital city, Tagbilaran. 

TRIVIA

• The municipality of Anda was formerly known as Quinale.
• It used to be part of the municipality of Guindulman as a small barrio.
• Based on the 2015 census, the municipality has a population of 16,462.  
• The name "Anda" was coined as a reference to "the land that moves forward."
• In Spanish, "el lugar anda" means "the land walks or moves." Thus, Anda, which means "it walks."
• The Barrio Fiesta is celebrated from April 30 to May 15 of the year.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Vibrant Plaza of Anda

By Plane

From Cebu

Air Juan Aviation and Philippine Airlines have flights to Tagbilaran, Bohol daily, which would take around twenty-five minutes from Mactan Cebu International Airport to Tagbilaran Airport.

From Manila

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia have daily flights from Manila to Tagbilaran. The flight would usually take one hour and twenty-five minutes in duration. From Tagbilaran Airport, flag a tricycle to take you to Dao Terminal and catch a bus (P100) or van (P120) to Anda. From Dao Terminal to the town of Anda, travel time is usually two to three hours.

By Boat / Ferry

The Refreshing Ocean Breeze on Your Face

One can take Ocean Jet or Supercat fast craft going to Tagbilaran City, Bohol from Cebu City. these two fastcrafts have a multiple schedule going to Tagbilaran daily that starts at 5:10 in the morning.  The travel duration would usually take around two hours. The fast craft tickets would range from Php 400.00, which is an open air economy accommodation, up to Php 1,000.00, which is air conditioned business class seating.

If  you are on a tight budget, Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc., Lite Shipping Corporation, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc.  have regular ferries which also have multiple travel times going to Tagbilaran, Bohol that would usually take around four hours from the port of Cebu.  The standard ticket would range from Php 150.00 (open air bed) to Php 340.00 (air conditioned bed).

From Larena, Siquijor

Lite Ferries (Lite Shipping Corporation) has a schedule every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the week departing at seven in the evening (7:00pm) from Larena, Siquijor to Tagbilaran, Bohol, which would cost around Php 225.00 for a standard ticket up to Php 1,010.00, which is a suite room accommodation.

From Dumaguete

Ocean Jet has added its new route going to Tagbilaran City, Bohol from the City of Gentle People - Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental twice daily. The first trip departs at 9:50 in the morning, followed by 2:30 in the afternoon. The travel time would usually take two hours by sea. Standard rate  starts at Php 700.00 (open-air/tourist) up to Php 1,020.00 (business class).

From Tagbilaran

The Effervescent Port of Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Upon arrival in Tagbilaran Port, hail a tricycle going to Dao Terminal. The short trip would approximately cost you around Php 20.00 to Php 30.00. From Dao Terminal, you can take a bus or passenger van direct to Anda that would cost you around Php 100.00 to Php 130.00, which would take two to three hours travel duration. 

WELCOME TO ANDA, BOHOL!

This Beautiful Town Welcomes You

The Anda Tourist Information Center

MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AROUND TOWN

Tricycles and habal-habals (a passenger motorcycle) are the primary mode of transport around the beautiful town of Anda. The minimum fare is eight pesos (Php 8.00) per person. Should you wish to tour around town, the tricycle/habal-habal drivers can take you in all cave destinations and all the powdery white beach you can muster in Anda. Tricycle tour rates usually vary depending on the distance and depending on your charm 😎😎😎 or your power to bargain. All-terrain vehicles (ATV) are also available in some private resorts in Anda that would usually cost you Php 300.00 per hour. 

THINGS TO DO IN ANDA

Beach Hopping

Anda’s main attraction is just a stone-throw away from the town proper. It is called the Quinale Beach, which is hailed by many as among the best beaches in Bohol. It is a three-kilometer long powdery fine white sand beach with beautiful turquoise waters and breathtaking view of the sunrise. Scattered also along the town’s shoreline are other beaches and coves, such as the equally beautiful Talisay Beach, Bituon Beach, Cambilagan Beach, Bugnaw Beach and Arthoghin Beach.

Quinale Beach in Anda, Bohol

The Quinale Beach offers small cottages for barkada gimmicks, family reunions and for couples to spend quality time with each other. The long stretch of white sand at Anda's Quinale Beach is immensely arousing awe through being impressive, formidable and magnificent. Juxtaposed to Quinale Beach is the famed Anda de Boracay which boasts of its powdery white sand which is commensurate or akin to the sugary white sands of Boracay Island.

A Perfect Spot for Couples

According to the Tourist Information Center leaflet, Anda is hailed for its picturesque seascape, huge stretch of sugar-fine white sands and crystal clear waters. Furthermore, one could leisurely stroll down the beach, sun bathing, snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Jump into the Cave Pools!

Aside from its eclectic range of beaches, Anda is also popular for its crystal clear deep blue cave pools. There are at least six major cave pools hidden in town which include the unblemished waters of the Combento Cave and Cateres Cave. The Virgen Combento Cave incurs an entrance fee of Php 20.00, a cheap amount for a very relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

The Crystal Clear Waters of the Combento Cave

The pellucid waters of the Kaligoon Cave, Tiburako Cave, and East Coast are equally alluring. Nature-lovers and daredevils would definitely enjoy jumping and diving into these cave pools.

The Popular Cave Pool of Cabagnow

The acclaimed Cabagnow Cave, which is the biggest and is dubbed as "the most beautiful," according to many is also very appealing to local and international tourists alike. The Bacong's Cabagnow Cave Php 50.00 as a diving fee. One can grab a tricycle to take you to all well-known cave pools around Anda.

Dive Right In

Based on the Tourist Center Leaflet, mother nature has carved 20 major and minor caves beneath the Anda town. Time has adorned these caves with unbelievable beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Visit Their Century-Old Church 

The antiquated church in Anda is located in the heart of the town, adjacent to the vividly beautiful Anda Park. It is called Holy Infant Parish, which was established in 1885 and has weathered the storms of centuries.  

The Beautiful Archaic Structure of the Church in Anda

The Parish Rectory And Parochial Office of the Holy Infant Parish is juxtaposed beside the religious edifice. The parish ceiling murals were painted by Raymundo Francia from 1923 to 1925. One can observe the intricate design made by the artist with fervent passion and faith.

Roam Around the Town Center

The Municipality Hall of Anda and the Veteran's Landmark

As you explore the town by foot, you would be able to meet lovely locals who are willing to guide you around the best places in town. You would be able to see the Municipal Hall of Anda, the Black Nazarene Shrine, Christ the King Shrine and the obelisk-like structure which is known as the Veteran's Landmark.

The Vividly Beautiful Leisure Park in Anda

Aside from being an environmental gem, Anda is also rich in culture and heritage. The Anda Park, which is located in Poblacion Anda is very colorful. Different hues would play with your vision, especially as the sun is about to set. 

Hop On To Lamanok Island

According to the Tourist Center leaflet, Lamanoc Island is hailed as the "Cradle of Bohol's Civilization" because it epitomizes the lifestyle of the ancient Andahanons. One would be able to see the Red Hematite Rock painting in the island, which is an evidence of early civilization. One would also be able to see the ancient graveyards, boat coffins and rock shelters surrounding the island.

WHERE TO EAT?

Go on a gastronomic adventure and satisfy your culinary senses with the wide array of bistros and restaurants around the town of Anda. There are restaurants within the resorts or homestays that offer international cuisines and local delicacies. Amun Ini Beach Resort, Anda Cove Beach Retreat House, Anda de Boracay Beach Resort, Anda White Beach Resort, Blue Star Dive and Resort, Casa Amihan Beach Resort, East Coast White Sand Resort, Flower Beach Resort, Island View Beachfront Resort, 1Peace Beach Resort, J and R Residence, Kim's Garden Resort, La Petra Beach Resort, Magic Oceans Dive Resort, R and S Restaurant, and Zenith Inn and Restobar offer diverse food choices and unique culinary delights.

Passion Fruit Smoothies in Hangover Restobar

There are also Food Centers located in Poblacion Anda which offers Filipino food of various preparations at a very affordable price. Jepoy's Pizza, which is located near the town plaza, also offers Italian-inspired food with a touch of Filipino flavor. With regard to drinks and beverages to help quench yourself after basking under the heat of the sun, I would recommend the buko juice and shakes in Coco Loco Cafe and the passion fruit smoothies at Hangover Restobar. The passion fruit smoothie that I tasted was exceptionally flavorful. There are also restaurants along the Quinale Beach, such as the Old Castle Bar and Restaurant, On the Road Restaurant, and the Quinale Beach Bar, which is very accessible to the cottages along the long stretch of white sand.

WHERE TO STAY?

Hangover Restobar and Kim's Garden Inn

One can stay in a wide array of accommodation in Anda. Upon alighting from the bus or the passenger van, you will already be greeted with different accommodations offering cheap rooms. The farther the hotel / inn is from the beach, the cheaper it is. Along the shoreline, you would be able to find emerging resorts ranging from garden resorts to archaic or old castle-inspired resorts.

Budget Rooms at Kim's Garden Inn

If you are on a tight budget, you can find rooms less than Php 500.00 a night. Yes, you read that right, room starts at Php 499.00 per night in Kim's Garden Inn.  Rooms offering this rate are fan rooms. If you would like to stay in air conditioned rooms, you would have to incur Php 800.00 and above, depending on the status of the hotel / resort. However, if you're lucky enough and when you're traveling on off peak seasons, you would be able to bargain room rates at a cheaper price.

Your weekend away from the loud outcry of the metropolis will surely be amazing with nature. According to the Anda Tourist Center leaflet, "Anda is brimming with history, abuzz with enchantments but pocketed with breathtaking sceneries, picturesque landscapes and seascapes." Moreover, Anda also boasts of its deep-rooted culture and tradition, accommodating, affectionate and amiable Andahanons. As you enter the Tourist Center located in the Poblacion has a signboard that says "welcome home!" Indeed, this beautiful town makes you feel at home and it is perfect for all walks of life. The unspoiled municipality will take you to a whole new ecologic and historic adventure. 

See you on my next post. I will take you on another exciting adventure!

Guess where? Post it on the comments section.