Melo Villareal
Previous Post: Revisiting Bohol: PHILTOA Bohol Famtour Day 1
Discovering the Beautiful Town of Anda in Bohol
On our second day in Bohol, we left Bohol Beach Club (book online) early in the morning and headed to our next destination: the beautiful town of Anda. Located on the eastern part of the oval-shaped island, it’s an enchanting and fresh destination that’s currently getting more praises from its new and returning visitors.
Mr. Cesar Cruz delivering his words of appreciation
A Warm Welcome
After a two-hour bus ride from the capital city of Tagbilaran, we finally reached the quiet but promising town. Upon arriving at the sea-side plaza, we were warmly welcomed by the local tourism officials, headed by the town Municipal Mayor Metodio “Dodong” Amper.
The welcome ceremony became more enjoyable with the street dance routines performed by local festival dancers. After the Mayor’s welcome remarks, PHILTOA President Cesar Cruz also expressed his appreciation to the local government for inviting us and providing us a very warm welcome.
Anda (Bohol) Festival Dancers
Mangrove Area at Lamanok Island
“You should be proud of your town. Anda is beautiful and promising. Let us not forget that aside from promoting tourism, we should also plan and implement ways on how we can protect our beautiful environment,” said Mr. Cruz – PHILTOA President.
White Sand Beach in Anda Bohol
While listening to couple of welcome remarks from tourism stakeholders, I can’t avoid looking at the beautiful seaside. It’s probably one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in the Philippines so far.
Lamanoc Island Bamboo Footbridge
Lamanoc Island
After the short ceremony, we headed to Lamanoc Island in Barangay Badiang. From the roadside registration area, we walked for almost 20 minutes on a footbridge made of bamboo stilts. This was until we reached the waiting shed, where several small bancas that will bring up to Lamanoc Point were docked.
Small Boats transporting us to Lamanoc Point
Tour Guide in Lamanoc Island Bohol
After a 10-minute boat ride, crossing calm waters surrounded by mangroves, we finally reached Lamanoc Point. Our tour guide gave us a short briefing before we started the tour. The rule of thumb is to say “Tabi po,” as we walked towards several areas in the mystic Lamanoc Point.
Tour Guide showing some wooden boat coffins discovered in one of the caves
Our first stop was at the Burial Cave where several remains of wooden boat coffins can be found. Apart from the wooden coffins, some pieces believed to be part of burial jars are also found in the cave.
Prehistoric graffiti in Lamanoc Island
We also visited another cave with prehistoric graffiti on its wall. Old inhabitants on the island used hematite (red iron oxide) pigments to paint on the walls with their fingers. There are also beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave. One of the interesting artifacts, found inside a rock, is an embedded clam shell. It only proves that the area used to be underwater during the prehistoric period.
Wooden Boat Coffin in Lamanoc Island
The most enchanting cave we visited is a dark cave that is believed to be the hiding place of a local witch named Francisca or Ka Iska. According to local folklore, Ka Iska lived inside the cave until she totally vanished from the island. Some people believe that a skeleton found inside the cave belongs to her, while others believe that her spirit still stays in the mystical cave.
Broken pieces from Burial Jars found in the island
Our tour was followed by a sumptuous lunch at the floating hut where the boats are stationed. It was a massive Boholano feast. We enjoyed many kinds of grilled seafood, lechon, and other local dishes.
Tour Guide showing a potion found inside the Mystical Cave
Accommodation in Anda, Bohol
After having lunch, we headed back to the town center to inspect some resorts in Anda. The Anda Accommodation Association has a total 23 resorts on its roster but we only visited three of them. Our first stop was at Anda de Boracay Beach Resort (hotel info). It offers top-notch facilities such as a coffee shop, outdoor pool, car park, concierge, and room service for those who wants total relaxation.
The rooms at Anda de Boracay Beach Resort are all tastefully furnished with amenities such as television, wireless Internet access (charges apply), and private bath. The hotel also offers beach front huts, a garden, massage service, and a poolside bar.
Infinity Pool at Anda White Beach Resort
Meanwhile, Anda White Beach Resort (hotel info) is a private resort that has a secluded beach fronting the beautiful Bohol Sea. The resort is an ideal place for honeymooners who wants a peaceful and quiet place to stay. Aside from the breezy spot, beautiful landscape and well-appointed rooms, the resort is a perfect place to watch the sunset.
If you are looking for a private, comfortable and convenient place to stay in Anda, I recommend Anda White Beach Resort.
Resort inspection at Amun Ini Beach Resort and Spa
Among the resorts we visited in Anda, Amun Ini Beach Resort and Spa (hotel info) is definitely the most beautiful one. This resort is set on a 30,000 square meter property. It was built to provide a breathtaking view of the crystal clear blue sea and white sand private beach.
Each of the 16 rooms in the resort offers modern comforts that you will only find in five star resorts. The hotel provides a car park, airport transfers, bar, room service, and safety deposit boxes to ensure that guests experience the greatest comfort. The resort is also equipped with recreational facilities such as massage area, garden, private beach, spa, swimming pool, dive shop, and an in-house restaurant.
Bathroom Essentials at Amun Ini Beach Resort and Spa
Going to Panglao
After visiting three resorts in Anda, we were back on the bus heading to Panglao Island. Instead of sleeping inside the bus, the group decided to tryout the videoke system installed inside the bus as we head to Panglao.
Filipinos are known to be very musical, we don’t care how good or bad our singing voice is, we just love to sing. But to be very honest, our bus is full of good singers and each of us (yeah, including me haha) had our own prepared repertoire.
After the resort inspections, we hopped on the bus again and travelled back to Panglao in videoke style. Yes, our party bus also had a built-in videoke system. As if we weren’t tired yet, microphones and song books were scattered all around the bus.
After two hours on a musical bus ride, we finally reached Amorita Resort (Check Rates) in Panglao. We inspected some of the rooms in the newly developed area of the resort then we headed to the restaurant for dinner. I enjoyed the dinner as usual; Chef Paeng of Amorita Resort never failed to amaze me with his choice of food for the buffet spread. I’m obviously a huge fan.
Our dinner was followed by a hotel check-in at Bellevue Resort Panglao (Check Rates) where we spent our second night in Bohol. After leaving our bags inside our respective rooms, Bellevue Resort Panglao prepared a midnight cocktail party for us. That was an awesome way to cap the night.
White Sand Beach in Anda Bohol
How to Get to Anda, Bohol
Anda is approximately 100 kilometers from Tagbilaran and it takes two hours to reach by bus or private vehicle. Several buses and V-hire vans available at Dao District also have several scheduled trips to Anda.
Many thanks to Aproniana Gift Shop for providing us Whatsup Bohol official shirt. For Bohol souvenirs, visit them at Taguihon, Baclayon, Bohol. Their telephone number is (038) 540-9411 or email [email protected]
The official Whatsup Bohol Bus was provided by Ramyer Travel and Tours. For bus and van rentals in Bohol, please contact 0917-8399921 / 09209496524 or email [email protected]
Anda Bohol Tourism Contacts
Municipality of Anda
Anda Tourism Office
Poblacion Anda, Bohol
c/o Ms. Kimberly Lim-Adams
Mobile: 0908-793-6643
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Website: http://www.andabohol.gov.ph/
Lamanoc Island Tours
Operating Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tour cost: 300 pesos (inclusive of entrance, guided tour and boat trip)
Contact Numbers: (038) 510 8094 or 0917 3245917
Anda de Boracay Beach Resort (online reservation)
Poblacion, Anda, Bohol, Philippines Contact
Numbers: (+63) 917.528.0734 | (+63) 918.963.1759
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://andadeboracay.com/
Anda White Beach Resort (online reservation)
Sitio Dagohoy, Barangay Bacong, Anda, Bohol, Philippines
Contact Numbers: (+63) 917.700.0507 | (+63) 920.946.8127
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.andabeachresort.com/
Amun Ini Beach Resort and Spa (online reservation)
Sitio Bas Dako, Barangay Candabong, Anda, Bohol, Philippines
Contact Numbers: Mobile + 63 939 90 34 536 Mobile + 63 917 79 65 412t.
Landline: + 63 38 510 6230
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: http://amunini.com/
Amorita Resort (online reservation)
Barangay Tawala, Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines
Manila Telephone Number: +632 553-9549 to 856-1443
Bohol Contact Number: +63 38 502 9002 to 03
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.amoritaresort.com/
Also Read:
- Top 10 Beach Resorts in Pagudpud
- Resort Review: Le Soleil de Boracay Resort
- Best Beach Resorts in Anilao, Batangas
- Cebu Beach Resorts with the Highest Traveler Ratings
