If you’ve included Bohol in your trip to the Philippines, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Anda, Bohol; you probably already know that its most famous attractions are the Chocolate Hills, diving in Balicasag, the nightlife around Alona Beach, or the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. And yes, if you devote a few days to those plans you’ll have discovered some of the central and southern parts of the island, but there’s much more to discover!
On the eastern side of Bohol, about 3 hours from Tagbilaran (the capital), lies the municipality of Anda which—far from Alona Beach’s tourist crowds—awaits with places that will leave you open-mouthed. Tall waterfalls, rice terraces to rival Bali’s, cenotes, mysterious caves, and white-sand beaches where you’ll rarely see people are just a small sample. Don’t wait any longer and add all these things to do in Anda, Bohol to your itinerary.
How many days to spend in Anda, Bohol? Possible itinerary
Our recommendation is to dedicate at least a couple of full days (without transfers) in Anda—but you could stay much longer! For example, we spent a whole week in the area because we loved the tranquility in the air and, in addition, we came back again some time later to spend another 5 days exploring it. We didn’t hesitate to return because it’s truly one of those destinations we like and that has changed very little over the years.
In these two days we suggest, you could reserve one for the beaches, cenotes, and caves, and another for Can-umantad Falls, the neighboring rice terraces, and Canawa Cold Spring. If you feel like squeezing in a bit more, you could also head to Alicia Panoramic Park (Binabaje Hills) on this second day and even do a little snorkeling to see turtles. To go diving or visit Lamanoc Island, we think you should add one more night in Anda.
In our “ideal world,” if you want to get to know Bohol fairly well, our proposal for you is:
- Days 1 and 2: Panglao with an excursion to Balicasag, either for diving or snorkeling (more info at snorkeling in Balicasag and diving in Balicasag).
- Day 3: transfer with driver from Panglao to Anda, stopping at the Corella tarsier sanctuary, Loboc, and the Chocolate Hills. You can leave us a comment and we’ll send you the info if you want a contact.
- Days 4 and 5: Anda with a day trip to Can-Umantad and Cadapdapan.
Can you visit Anda in one day? It’s feasible to see the basics, but considering that from Panglao or Tagbilaran it’s more than 3 hours and from Loboc about 2, we don’t recommend it.
Things to do in Anda, Bohol
Without further ado, here’s the core of what to do in Anda based on our own experience. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did—or more!
1. The beaches of Anda, Bohol
Once you’ve dropped your luggage at your hotel and headed to the beach—especially if you’re coming from the Alona Beach area—you’ll think: “Where has everyone gone?” Besides being a very pretty place, this corner of Bohol still receives far fewer tourists. Quinale Beach is its main beach and you can easily spend hours without anyone around, especially if you head to either end.
This long white-sand beach, one of our favorites on the island, has super-photogenic canopies you can use completely free of charge. If you also want to set up a Filipino-style picnic, you can rent tables from 75 pesos and a couple of chairs for 5 pesos. Quinale Beach is cleaned every morning and also has a public shower for those who don’t like walking around all day coated in sand and salt.
Another beach in Anda, Bohol that deserves a visit is Talisay Beach. Although it’s not as long or as well maintained as Quinale Beach, it does have the same type of sand (perhaps even finer than Ruínale’s) and is an ideal complement after visiting the “cenote” of Cabagnow Cave Pool. Talisay Beach is where the fishermen moor their boats and unload the catch that will later be sold at Anda’s central market.
Don’t miss White Beach either, which may even surpass the first two in beauty. And if you top it off with Bas Gamay (especially on weekdays, when there’s hardly anyone and it’s almost a little secret), you’ll leave head-over-heels in love with Anda. If you want more names: DapDap Beach is awesome.
⛱️ If you want to learn more about them, read our article on The best beaches in Bohol and Panglao.
2. Anda “cenotes”: Cabagnow Cave Pool – Tibaw Cave Pool
Although by definition a cenote is freshwater (even if in some it mixes with saltwater), Cabagnow Cave Pool is already known as “Anda’s cenote” and is one of the must-sees in Anda. You can get there after a 20-minute walk from Quinale Beach (we recommend taking the inland path instead of the main road) and you’ll need to pay 50 pesos to enter. It’s also possible to arrive by motorbike, but you’ll have to pay 10 pesos for parking.
Cabagnow Cave is a beautiful natural pool set in the middle of the trees. After centuries of underground erosion, the ground collapsed, forming this unique place in Bohol. There’s a long, steep staircase that lets you access its crystal-clear waters but, if you dare, you can jump in from above and make quite an entrance.
Cabagnow Cave Pool is open from 8:00 to 17:00, but if what you’re after is really cool photos, we recommend going at midday when the sunlight comes straight down from above, cutting through the palm trees.
You can also visit its sibling, Tibaw Cave Pool. While it isn’t as deep as Cabagnow’s, it’s pretty and pleasant for a swim. Either way, as before, try to go around midday when the sun shines directly in. Admission is 50 pesos per person.
As we said, the condition of the cenotes is super variable and over the years they’re either neglected or the opposite. Travelers tell us that Tibaw right now (2024) is a bit dirty. If you go, please let us know how it was so we can update this information here.
3. Cadapdapan rice terraces
Some 30 kilometers from downtown Anda, though belonging to the municipality of Candijay, the spectacular Cadapdapan rice fields await. Although you can find different paddies throughout this area, those belonging to the Eleuterio Can-Umantad Falls and Rice Terraces Resort are the ones you absolutely must visit.
Rivaling many in Bali—and with far fewer tourists visiting—the Cadapdapan rice terraces are quite a spectacle, especially in the months around March, April, and May when the plants are usually taller. The combination of the paddies, the palm trees, and the large cliff where this gorgeous setting ends will make you fall in love with this Anda, Bohol essential. The resort that takes care of the place has a small restaurant that can come in handy if you get hungry while you’re here. The dishes aren’t anything special, but the views—as you can imagine—are pretty cool.
These beautiful Bohol rice fields are watered by the river that, meters below, crashes down into our next item on the list of must-sees in Anda: Can-umantad Falls.
Entrance to the rice terraces costs just 30 pesos. If you eat at the restaurant, they discount this fee. On the Anda map we show you at the end of this article you’ll see the suggested route to reach Cadapdapan from Anda. If you take the wrong exit from the road and try to access via the path that goes to Canawa Cold Spring, you’ll have to ride your motorbike up a stony, muddy uphill path that can become quite tricky, so we don’t recommend it.
You can perfectly well walk around the terraces on your own, although they’ll also offer a guide for 150 pesos per group. In our case, we made up our own “rice-field” route, taking great care not to put our feet in the mud. If you feel like it, there are also stairs that take you to Can-Umantad Falls, although afterwards you’ll have to climb back up or hire a motorbike driver to take you back to your bike or car.
4. Can-umantad Falls
At almost 45 meters tall, Can-umantad Falls are the highest waterfalls on the island of Bohol and a true feast for the eyes. If the day cooperates, dare to take a (very) refreshing dip and reach the point where the water crashes down to get a powerful back massage. Want to know our “secret” spot? Skirt the wall next to the cascade and you’ll find a small opening that lets you go behind the waterfall and see it from a small cave on the other side.
Admission to the falls is also 30 pesos. Sometimes they suggest going with a guide, but usually they don’t charge extra. If they’ve provided good service, it’s always nice to leave a tip.
How to get to Can-umantad Falls
There are two ways to reach Can-umantad Falls: via the main road and, as mentioned above, through the Cadapdapan rice terraces.
From the rice terraces you can connect to the falls by descending a path of approximately 500 steps. If you opt for this route, bear in mind there are sections of the descent that are a bit slippery and that, of course, you’ll have to climb back up or look for a motorbike to take you from the waterfall car park. If you’re going by car with a driver, you could ask them to wait for you there.
If you prefer to go by motorbike or car, next to where you paid the access fee to the village you’ll see habal-habal (motorbike taxi) drivers waiting; they’ll take you to and from the falls for 100 pesos. Both they and the staff at the information hut say it’s not advisable to get there with your own motorbike, as they claim the road is very steep. We ventured to go on our own and it really didn’t seem complicated at all.
Do you like freshwater waterfalls? Then don’t miss our article on Bohol waterfalls.
5. Canawa Cold Spring
Not far from Can-umantad Falls and the Cadapdapan rice terraces is a place to see in Anda that, although it didn’t completely win us over, is quite popular among Filipino tourists: Canawa Cold Spring. Canawa comes from the word “cawa,” which means “frying pan.” This natural spring really does have a shape reminiscent of that kitchen utensil. If you drop by, you might manage to be the first to reach the bottom by diving, since legend says no one ever has and that it could be dozens of meters deep.
Entrance to this refreshing attraction costs just 20 pesos and you can visit every day of the week between 8:00 and 17:00.
© Bohol Tourism
6. Combento Cave
Back in the Anda area, we head to another peculiar place to see. Combento Cave is a spot you visit quickly but, being so different from everything else, it fits perfectly into a route that takes you through the main attractions to see in Anda, Bohol. This set of small caves will surprise you with its stalactites, stalagmites, and its extremely crystal-clear water where you can take a dip if you’ve got your swimsuit. It’s precisely these rock formations—resembling melting chandeliers—and the dim sunlight that reaches the bathing area that give Combento Cave its name.
UPDATE 2024: Unfortunately, travelers tell us the caves are abandoned and somewhat dirty. Even so, there’s no entrance fee if you want to swing by and take a look.
7. Lamanoc Island
A visit to Lamanoc Island (also spelled Lamanok) is, to say the least, curious. If you have some time to spare in the area and you’ve already checked off the must-sees in Anda, you can give it a chance. Depending on the tide, your guide will take you there on foot or by paddle board and, once on Lamanoc Island, you’ll stroll through a small mangrove forest. The highlights of this excursion are the remains of the ancient cemetery, where you’ll learn about funeral rites in antiquity; the small grottoes where Boholano shamans carried out their rituals; and the hematite hand paintings from the Stone Age. It’s an interesting visit, though perhaps not as spectacular as you might expect from a place with archaeological remains and witch legends. Even so, it’s common to see a monkey or two, crabs, and bats.
Although tours depart from Anda (expensive), if you want to do it on your own you can ride there by motorbike and pay 400 pesos per person. This includes a guide’s explanations, who will share curiosities. In addition, you’ll have to pay 250 pesos for the mangrove walk and another 100 if you want to cross a bridge through them. Go between 8:00 and 15:00.
8. Diving or snorkeling in Anda
If you’re a lover of the underwater world, you can’t miss the chance to dive in Anda. Since the number of tourists reaching this part of Bohol is still far below Panglao’s, it’s very possible you’ll spend a couple of days diving and hardly see other divers. Some of the main underwater attractions in Anda are those that macro-diving fans adore: tiny seahorses, nudibranchs in every color imaginable, or the beautiful yet lethal blue-ringed octopus. Occasionally the whale shark also passes by, so if you see one, you’ll be lucky indeed, as it’s anything but common.
If you’re not a certified diver yet (what are you waiting for to do your diving course in Panglao?), you can also snorkel in Anda and enjoy it a lot. Specifically, in front of the Magic Oceans Dive Resort, there’s a reef teeming with life where sea turtles are regulars. You can get there on your own, but keep in mind it’s a bit far from shore, so fins are advisable. If you’d prefer to go more comfortably, by boat with a guide, write us a comment and we’ll share the contact info of a couple of great guys.
Another place to go is in front of the Blue Star Dive Resort. They have direct access to the sea in an area with plenty of turtles. We ate here and they let us pass for free, but unfortunately travelers tell us that since March 2023 they’ve been charging 150 pesos to snorkel. You can ask them to see what they say if you’re a customer there—or look for another sea access in this area.
9. Alicia Panoramic Park or Binabaje Hills
Another off-the-beaten-path place in Bohol near Anda that you’ll love is the hike through Alicia Panoramic Park or the Binabaje Hills. These sharp-peaked mountains remind us a lot of Osmeña Peak and offer a beautiful trail for those who like walking.
To get there from Anda, you’ll need to take a motorela to Guindulman and then a bus toward Ubay until you reach Alicia. The journey will easily take 90 minutes. Once there, hire a habal-habal (100 pesos) to Alicia Panoramic Park. You can also go on your own motorbike to roughly where the trail begins. For that (VERY IMPORTANT) you must take the road that goes past the Caltex gas station once you’ve gone through the town of Alicia.
The trek takes a couple of hours (round trip) and bear in mind it’s done under full sun, so it’s best to go early to avoid the hottest hours. You’ll need to pay a fee of 30 pesos per person, 10 pesos for motorbike parking, and hire a guide for 300 pesos, to be split among your group (usually up to 5 people). Tents are also available for rent.
Practical information for visiting Anda, Bohol
Now that we’ve shown you the main attractions to see in Anda, we’ll also tell you how to get there, where to stay, and other details that will help you explore this beautiful part of Bohol.
How to get there
You’ll find everything explained in much more detail in our guide How to get to Anda, but here’s a shorter summary:
a) How to get there from Cebu
- The first step to go from Cebu to Anda is to take the ferry from Cebu Port to Tagbilaran Port, Bohol. You can check schedules and prices and book here: More info about the Cebu–Bohol ferry.
- After getting off the ferry, take a tricycle to the Dao Terminal bus station. This ride costs around 50 pesos.
- Once at the station you can take a bus or a van to reach Anda. The bus costs 180 pesos, while the van makes the trip a bit faster for 200 pesos. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.
From Tagbilaran as well as from Loboc, Panglao, or the airport, we have a contact who can pick you up and take you on a route through Loboc and the Chocolate Hills so you can make the most of your day. Leave us a comment and we’ll send the information to your email.
b) How to get there from Tagbilaran (Bohol’s capital)
As we mentioned above, you’ll need to go to the Dao Terminal bus station and there take a bus or a van. The bus price is 180 pesos, while the van costs 200 pesos and makes fewer stops. You’ll take approximately between 2.5 and 3 hours.
c) How to get there from Panglao Airport
You can take the bus from the airport to Dao Terminal (75 pesos – 45 minutes) and, from there, another transport to Anda, choosing among those we mentioned above. You can also book this transfer.
d) How to get there from Alona Beach
Going from Alona Beach to Anda is very simple. You just have to go back to Tagbilaran (by taxi for 500 pesos, tricycle for 300–350 pesos, by jeepney for 50 pesos, or by bus for 70 pesos), go to the Dao Terminal bus station, and follow the previous steps. Keep in mind that going by jeepney, although much cheaper, is slower—it’ll take about 1 hour.
Another option is to do a full-day excursion to Anda from Panglao (Alona Beach) or Tagbilaran. It’s a bit of a slog, but it’s possible and Klook offers it.
More information about the Tour to Anda
e) How to get to Anda from Loboc
To get from Loboc to Anda, follow these steps:
- Take a jeepney or bus to the Loay junction. Next to the church on Loboc’s main square there are usually jeepneys waiting that depart as they fill up. The trip costs 10–15 pesos and takes just 15–20 minutes (depending on the number of stops).
- Cross the road and wait for any bus heading toward Anda or Ubay. If you don’t mind waiting, you can wait for one going directly to Anda, but they’re less frequent. Otherwise, you can take any that head toward Alicia or Ubay and get off at the junction to Anda. The bus price is around 80 pesos and they usually take a bit over two hours. Once there, take a motorela (a kind of tricycle) to Anda (30 pesos per person, about 15 minutes).
f) How to get to Anda from Camiguin
Another common way to reach Anda is from Camiguin Island. These are the steps you should follow:
- Head to the Balbagon Ferry Terminal in northern Camiguin.
- Take one of the ferries bound for Jagna Port. The company Super Shuttle Ferry departs daily from Balbagon to Jagna at 9:30 and takes 4 hours to complete the journey. The ticket costs around 800 pesos. You can buy them via this link or this one.
- After disembarking, head to the main road and take the bus or van bound for Anda. In about an hour you’ll reach your destination.
☀️ If you’re thinking of going to Padre Burgos to see the whale shark, you can find out how to do the reverse trip in How to get to Padre Burgos.
Where to stay – Best hotels and resorts
You’ll find all the details in our article Best Hotels: Where to stay in Anda, but here’s a short list of places you might be interested in:
Three Little Birds
One of the newest hotels in Anda and it didn’t take long to reach the top. Its location, beautiful décor, pool surrounded by greenery, and the kindness of the staff have helped it easily surpass a 9 average in reviews (ours included). Here you can check: Three Little Birds prices and availability.
Zenith Inn & Resto Bar
Located in downtown Anda, it offers mid-priced rooms—comfortable and well kept but without frills. It’s close to the restaurant area, although on its rooftop it has one with a varied menu that tends to liven up at night. Here you can find all the information about Zenith Inn & Resto Bar here.
Old Castle
The most visually peculiar hotel to stay in Anda features a façade inspired by medieval castles. It’s on the seafront and the owners and staff are super attentive. A good choice for sleeping with beach views. More info about Old Castle hotel here.
Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa
Anda’s best resort. Luxurious rooms with every comfort you could imagine. They also offer VIP diving trips where they meet you after your dive with a cold drink and warm towels. Prices are around $200. More information about Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa here.
More cool places to stay in Anda
- Casa Amihan: it’s out of the way, but the room views are TOP.
- Za Priscila Tourist Inn: budget-friendly lodging in town with a lovely family, from $25.
- Blue Raven Resort: something between the two above, similar to the first but a tad cheaper. Around $50 per night.
The cool pool at Three Little Birds
Other tips for enjoying Anda
We don’t want to leave without giving you a few tips of our own:
- The best time to enjoy Anda runs from February to May, which is the dry season. Even so, the weather in the Philippines is unpredictable, so we advise going at any time of year.
- Bear in mind that the beaches in Anda—like most in Bohol and Panglao—are very shallow, so they’re heavily affected by the tides. Try to enjoy them at high tide using a table like this one.
- There’s a Metrobank ATM in Anda. Note that they charge a fee, like almost all ATMs in the Philippines. To at least avoid your bank’s fee, check out the Best cards for traveling to the Philippines or try to carry plenty of cash.
- Keep in mind there are no hospitals in Anda—only very basic clinics. In our experience (we had to be admitted to ACE Hospital and all that), the hospitals in Tagbilaran (Bohol’s capital) are also rather basic. If you need to see a doctor but it’s not very important, you’ll have to go to Tagbilaran. If you travel with good insurance, it will cover private transport there so you can go comfortably. If it’s serious, they’ll pay for the transfer to Cebu or Manila. Really, it’s very important to travel insured. Get the one we always use via this link and get 5% off. Plus, this helps us keep the site alive and constantly update the guides.
How to get around Anda
If you ride a motorbike, the best way to get around Anda is with your rental motorbike, as you’ll quickly realize it’s quite a large area and the sights aren’t close together. If that’s not the case, you can move around town by tricycle or motorela. In this case, you’ll need to negotiate each ride. It’s best to ask at your accommodation what the usual price is for the route you want to take.
If you want to visit Can-Umantad Falls and the rice terraces (which we highly recommend), you can also hire a car with a driver. On the same day you could also fit in Canawa Cold Spring and Alicia Panoramic Park.
We know a great agency for rentals and excursions. Leave us a comment and we’ll send you all the information.
Where to eat in Anda, Bohol
With tourism opening up in this corner of Bohol, more and more restaurants are popping up so you can enjoy dinner or a good meal. After trying the vast majority, these are some of our picks:
Coco Loco
Without a doubt, our favorite place to eat in Anda is Coco Loco. Not only because of the curious coconut-based vegetarian burgers, but because you can eat many typical Filipino dishes with a modern twist. Breakfasts are also complete and very healthy. It’s getting pricier, but the restaurant’s vibe and location are excellent and they also rent motorbikes and run guided tours to explore the area.
Quinale Beach Bar
Quinale Beach Bar is another place we repeated during our last visit to Anda. Why? Cheap prices, huge portions, and candle-lit tables just a few meters from the shoreline. Plus, the staff are super friendly. The menu, though, is the classic one you’ll find at most restaurants in the country.
Municipal Market
If you wander a bit through Anda’s streets, you’ll reach the Municipal Market. On one side there are several carinderias where you can eat from the typical Filipino pots. Without a doubt, the cheapest place to eat in Anda and with a huge variety of vegetarian dishes.
Jepo’s Pizza
As a bonus, we’re adding a pizzeria we went to several times. The prices are really very cheap and there’s a little terrace where you can dine outdoors on hot evenings. The walls list an extensive variety of pizzas that—if you look closely—are often the same with different names. They’re also often missing certain ingredients. Explained like this, you might wonder why we recommend it. Because despite all that, it’s a cheap and fun place to drop by for a pizza.
Food Fiesta
Surprisingly, this little stall makes filter coffee that can easily rival that of specialty coffee cafés. So if you’re tired of 3-in-1, don’t miss it.
Coco Loco – Anda Market – Blue Star Dive Resort
Map of Anda, Bohol
To help you visualize all the places to see in Anda, the hotels, and the restaurants, we’ve created this map of Anda. We hope it helps!
All set to dive into everything there is to do in Anda? If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and we’ll give you a hand!
If you’re thinking about including this island in your Philippines itinerary, check out this Bohol Guide.
