Anda Beach

Anda Beach sits on the remote eastern tip of Bohol island, a 2–3 hour drive from the more visited beaches of Panglao. It's the kind of beach that travellers who have already seen Alona and Dumaluan seek out when they want something truly undiscovered — wide, blindingly white, set against exceptionally clear water that can reach 20 metres visibility on calm days, and almost entirely free from the density of tourists found in Panglao. The coastline here consists of multiple small beaches separated by low rocky headlands, each offering slightly different character.

The snorkeling at Anda is among the best in Bohol. The fringing reef begins just metres from the shoreline, with pristine hard and soft corals, abundant fish life, and regular sightings of sea turtles, nudibranchs, and reef sharks patrolling the outer reef edge. Because the area sees relatively few visitors, the coral is in excellent condition and the fish are noticeably less skittish than at more trafficked sites. Early morning snorkels often yield encounters with squid, cuttlefish, and octopus in the shallowest sections.

The town of Anda itself is a small, friendly municipality with little tourism infrastructure, which is precisely its appeal. A handful of small eco-resorts and guesthouses have opened in recent years to cater to the growing trickle of travellers seeking Bohol's quieter side. The accommodation is good value compared to Panglao, the food is fresh and local, and the overall pace of life is wonderfully unhurried. Anda represents Bohol at its most authentic and unspoiled.