The Ultimate Anda Bohol Travel Guide (New Normal)
Table of Contents
Get ready for your next tropical getaway in Anda, Bohol. Read this travel guide on how you can successfully book your trip and the protocols needed before you make that dream vacation happen.
Canceled plans this year might have saddened you, and being cooped up in your homes may have demotivated you – but worry no more! Earlier this December, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Department of Tourism announces to re-open Bohol to leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions) travelers. Before you all get too excited about purchasing that plane ticket, read this Anda Bohol Travel guide to get you started up and why this particular place in Bohol is a must-see.
The beauty that is Anda
We might be all too familiar with the famous beach destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. Still, this exciting adventure we’ll share with you today is one of the most underrated cities in Bohol.
Located at the eastern tip part of Bohol, you can now unravel Anda’s beauty starting December 15th, as Bohol re-opens to leisure visitors. It is 100 kilometers from Tagbilaran City and was once covered with thick mangroves and hardwood trees. Now, it’s known for its centuries-old churches, mangrove forest, grandeur view of the beach, powdery sand, falls, and majestic caves. It’s even famous for trekkers.
The name “Anda,” according to its official website, is derived from the word “ANDAR” (to walk), visayanized as naga-andar, meaning “walking” or towards prosperity. Another version is derived from the name of a Spanish Governor-General, Simon de Anda, who has a great influence during the Spanish era.
Getting Around and Where To Stay
Since we are just starting to adapt to the new normal, the province requires visitors to book hotels, transportation, and tours with DOT-accredited tourism establishments for safe travels during the trip.
Activities:
Discover Lamanoc Island and join the mystic tour.
It’s called a mystic tour because according to the locals, the island has been a sacred place for healers called “baylan,” or shamans who interact with the spirits and deities.
You will be walking through a bamboo dock going to the docking station, and from there, you can hike from different caves, accompanied by eerie stories about witches and the early shamans.
One of the most exciting highlights of this tour is the burial cave, where you can see real skeletal remains.
Explore the Sta. Monica Church in Alburquerque Town.
This church is approximately 30 minutes away from Tagbilaran, is a go-to place in Bohol. Check out its intricate design and how its altar was carved manually by a local. You’ll be surprised.
Stroll at Quinale Beach and other beaches.
Dubbed as the best beach in Bohol by some, the Quinale Beach is a stunning three-kilometer long fine white sand beach and gives you pristine waters perfect for a quick dip or you’re just in search of a downtime.
Depending on your accredited travel agency, there are also other beaches you can check out, including Bitoon White Beach, Talisay Beach, and Arthoghin Beach.
Deep dive at Chameleon.
For beginners, you may try exploring Chameleon and see the rich marine diversity in Anda. Get ready to be wowed with its stunning coral landscape and, if lucky enough, spot some sea animals such as turtles, barracuda, and sharks.
Visit some cave pools. For adventure seekers, try to visit the famous cave pools in Anda.
It’s amazing how it’s accessible to the public, and there are lots of picturesque views as well. Famous caves to check out include the Combento Cave Pool, Cabagnow Cave Pool, and the Kalingoon Cave.
Dine at the Loboc Floating Restaurant.
After staying at home for the rest of 2020, having a relaxing meal at the famous Loboc Floating Restaurant might be a great idea after all. While onboard on a Banca, you’ll be serenaded with rondalla music while traversing the river while having a sumptuous meal.
The Banca can accommodate up to 50 people but might be lessened in number now to avoid crowding the space.
Visiting the Chocolate Hills.
Hailed as the country’s third National Geological Monument, one must not forget to visit the Chocolate Hills. The best time to go to the observation deck is either by sunrise or sunset to see its beautiful colors. Also, note that these impressive hills turn green during the rainy season and brown by the end of the dry season.
Corella Tarsier Sanctuary.
Maintained by a non-profit organization, one of the most exciting things to do in Bohol is visiting the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary and meet these delicate creatures. It is located exactly 4 kilometers from Corella’s town center and a 20 minutes drive from Tagbilaran City.
Where to stay
Casa Amihan
Click here for rates, and availability via Agoda.
Check for updated rates and discounts via Booking.com
Location: Sitio Lourdes, Barangay Virgen, Bohol
This resort that houses Mediterranean-inspired cottages is just a few steps away from the beach. They boast elegantly finished rooms with WiFi, complete room amenities from coffee and tea-making facilities, and a bathroom with a shower and a dryer.
Magic Oceans Dive Resort
Click here for rates, and availability via Agoda.
Check for updated rates and discounts via Booking.com
Location: Barangay Candabong, Bohol
Experience a memorable getaway when you book in the 4-star beach resort in Anda. You can see lots of positive reviews on booking.com when you searched for this resort. They have air-conditioned rooms and a restaurant that offers continental breakfast. See their COVID-19 measures here.
Amun Ini
Click here for rates, and availability via Agoda.
Check for updated rates and discounts via Booking.com
Location: Bas Daku Cbong Anda, Bohol
Fronting the pristine Bohol Sea lies Amun Ini, housing spacious airconditioned rooms, and an en suite bathroom comes with shower facilities. Previous visitors can’t help but admire the resort’s infinity pool and the private white-sand beach cove – perfect for that much-needed me-time. They also take pride in their spa and a restaurant offering dishes made use of locally grown ingredients.
Parklane Bohol Resort and Spa
Click here for rates, and availability via Agoda.
Location: Sitio Banilad, Barangay Candabong, Bohol, 6311 Anda
Another top-notch place to stay when in Anda is Parklane Bohol Resort and Spa, known for its rustic accommodation with a private terrace, complete amenities, coffee/tea making facilities, and an en suite bathroom with a shower and free. They also have an on-site restaurant that serves both local and international cuisine.
Requirements before you book your trip
The travel sector is the most affected when the pandemic hits 2020. While most businesses and provinces are starting to re-open, there are still many extensive protocols before you head out to another town if you plan to travel during these unprecedented times.
- From December 15 onwards, you should present a negative RT-PCR test not beyond 72 hours before your departure. You should strictly follow the general safety health protocols issued by the IATF throughout your island exploration.
- As much as you want to save and be creative on your trip to Bohol, bear in mind that DIYs are not allowed. All travels must also be pre-booked and limited to sites with the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) Seal issued by the Bohol LGU and through DOT-accredited travel and tour operators only.
- Don’t forget to install the Bohol Tourist App, register, and upload their documents for the issuance of a personal QR Code that will serve as their electronic visitor’s ID and for contract tracing purposes.
Embracing the new normal requires facing the uncertainties and adhering to strict protocols – including social distancing, frequent sanitizing, wearing face mask and face shield, undergoing swab tests, and contact tracing.
And although some provinces started to ease their travel restriction to help recover the tourism industry, we must always remain cautious about where we go and never take our health for granted. With the right discipline and practice, hopefully, in the coming future, traveling will be much more meaningful, and travel demands will come back fully.
Be sure to bookmark this Anda Bohol travel guide to help you plan your trip accordingly.
Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Anda, Bohol, Philippines? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Also read:
- 15 Of The Best Beaches In Bohol (Photos + How To Get There)
- Where To Stay: Top Hotels And Resorts In Anda, Bohol
