Bohol | Anda Quinale Beach: Fine White Sands along a Charming Town | Ironwulf En Route - A Travel Story, Photography, and Video blog by Ferdz Decena from the Philippines

Bohol is one of those places that so far have continued to amaze. Even if I have been to the island more than five times already, there are still areas for me that I have yet to explore. Yes, the 2013 earthquake may have sent a number of our heritage in crumbles but the good news many of the natural wonders are still intact. My recent visit to Bohol sent me about 100km east of Tagbilaran City to visit the small and charming coastal town of Anda to be dazzled by their fine white sand Quinale Beach. And I have thought I have already seen the best of Bohol already.

Anda Poblacion

I came in Anda in the midst of their festival week which runs parallel to Cebu’s Sinulog. I caught the busy community in preparation the afternoon I came. A group of dancers rehearsing, young ones running around the wide open field of the plaza where a stage has been set up. Not far is the community parish, the Sto Niño Parish erected March 19, 1885. Inside were impressive ceiling paintings done by Raymundo Francia from 1923 to 1925. The town is pretty organized. There’s a small market by the main road where a number of eateries can be found. The transport terminal is at the small plaza near the church. And who wouldn’t notice the blinding white sand on the horizon just beyond the field of green. Anda’s Quinale beach is just a few steps away much like any of the establishments in town. So fitting the town’s name since Anda means “it walks”.

Beautiful ceilign paintings by Raymundo Francia

Magtalisay trees serve as natural shade — Mantalisay trees serve as natural shade

More on Quinale beach on the next page…

Quinale Beach

I’m glad I decided to visit Anda because Quinale beach is just lovely. There are only a few white powdery sand beaches this pristine with nearby development. I mean, Quinale beach can already be considered part of the plaza. The magtalisay trees along the beach offers natural shade for visitors who would like to picnic or simply hang around the beach. The local-government owned Quinale Bar offers reasonably priced food and drinks as well by the beach. Near the establishment are public showers and restrooms too. How organize can you get. I guess they can manage to keep them clean since the place still sees less tourist unlike Panglao Island.

I had the pleasure of staying a couple of nights by this wonderful beach and caught the tranquil morning scenery here. People gathering shells, a few running by the beach for exercise and people simple sitting down under the trees. I walked to the western part of the beach where the line of resorts are found. There were rocky shores too where dogs hang out. The one near Quinale Bar has a couple of monuments including a statue of a solder running from the beach. He represents one of the American soldiers who landed in this shore during World War II. Nearby is also one of my favorite spot on the beach. A huge magtalisay tree standing so picturesquely against the blue. A relaxing spot to sit by and just enjoy the feel the sand under my feet, the sound of the waves and the healthy breeze. Oh Quinale Beach, I’ll surely return here.

How to go to Anda Bohol

From Tagbilaran Dao Integrated Terminal, there are a few options available

Public Bus: From Tagbilaran to Anda buses leave at 5:00am, 12:30pm and 2:30 pm. From Anda to Tagbilaran buses leave at 6:00am, 8:00am and 11am. Fare is Php 90 and travel time is 3 hours.
Van (V-hire): No particular schedule but leaves when there is enough passengers on board. Usually from 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Fare is Php 130 and travel time is 2 hours.
Guindulman Bus Option: If for whatever reason one missed the Bus or Van to Anda, take the bus to the nearby town of Guindulman which have regular hourly buses (non-aircon) that leaves from 5:00am to 5:00pm. Fare is Php 80. From Guindilman, hire tricycles (Php 20) or passing vans/buses to Anda.