The public beaches of Anda, Bohol

CEBU, Philippines – The island of Bohol has always been an attraction for both local and foreign tourists. The Chocolate Hills, the Loboc River Cruises and the tarsier conservation sites have been drawing visitors for sometime already. The appeal of the island has not even been paled by the strong earthquake that shook it a year ago.

Another major attraction in Bohol is its beaches. Aside from the well-manicured beach fronts at the many resorts on the island, there are a lot of public beaches around that welcome anyone anytime. The majestic white-sand beaches of Panglao Island, at the southern tip of the province, are where tourists often go. Another town known for white-sand beaches is Baclayon, just nearby. These are, at least, the more popular beach destinations.

But there are still other nice beaches around, just waiting to be discovered by those who want genuine natural beauty. One example is a secluded town where one can enjoy the crystal clear waters, fine white beaches and lesser crowd. The place, though, is not easy to reach; only few visitors have known of it – the town of Anda.

The town is a beach lovers’ delight in the northeastern part of Bohol. In the map it looks like an island protruding on the east side but not completely separated from the mainland.  The way to reach Anda is by taking a two-hour fast ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran City, from where it takes another three hours by bus ride to finally reach the town. A shorter travel time by taking a van-for-hire is also an option, which takes only two hours to Guindulman town and another 15 minutes by Motorela, tricycle or single motorcycle ride to Anda town.

Non-aircon buses charge 80 pesos per person, the v-hire is 100 pesos. Single motorcycle or “habal-habal” costs 150, while Motorela is only at 30. It’s okay, of course, to give a little more if the visitor’s budget allows.

Or, an overnight ferry from Cebu gets you to Ubay, Bohol in the morning. A bus then takes you to Guindulman town, to catch a bus coming from Tagbilaran City for Anda. These bus rides are cheaper, 40 and 20 pesos, respectively. The bus from Tagbilaran City passes by Guindulman at around 7 a.m. and around 11 a.m. While waiting, you have time to check the local food stalls for their local “puto-maya” (sticky rice cooked in coconut milk) and “sikwate” (cacao chocolate).

At just a very short distance from Anda town proper is a three-kilometer stretch of fine white sand beach. On a sunny day, the sun’s rays strike on the sea water, creating glitters – as if beckoning everyone for a swim. The invitation is really hard to resist. And it’s for free!

There are no man-made constructions; it’s all natural rocks and coves that separate the public beach and the private resorts. Caves and cave pools with saline waters are also found in the town. One of the most popular and easily accessible is the Combento Cave Pool, where a minimal entrance fee is collected for the maintenance of the place. 

Like in most Philippine towns, there’s a Catholic Church and a spacious park facing the sea at the town proper. Anda is also known as a mystical town, because of its good number of local faith healers.

The town has its private resorts, too, offering snorkeling and diving packages for those who wish to go deep diving. A few beach developments have begun since the town started its tourism efforts. The current room rates range from 700 pesos to 5,000 pesos and up.

There’s an even cheaper place, just several steps from the beachfront – the J & A Travellers Inn, with a choice between a non-aircon (at 600 pesos) and an air-condition room (at 800), good for two. They do not provide breakfast, but there are clean, hot meals at the nearby public market. A budget of 2,000 is about enough for a practical traveler to spend on an overnight trip in Anda, especially if he has companion to share certain expenses with.

More information about Anda, Bohol is available at the municipal government’s website at www.anda bohol.gov.ph.

On the way back, there are native delicacies to take home as “pasalubong.”  Jagna, four towns away from Anda, is known for the original “calamay.” In Tagbilaran City has its own “calamay,” and peanut kisses, peanut brittle, T-shirts, caps etc. Inday’s Famous Ube Jam is found along Mendoza Street.