Bohol this time around...

Same with Panay Island, I get stuck in the capital or just in the known areas of the island... which is something  I am not proud of.  I am one for exploring and this time in Bohol, I broke the rut and headed west.

I went to Anda and see for myself what the fuss is all about (good fuss).

Arriving in Tagbilaran half-drunk from a very long night of chit-chat (28hours awake), I decided against hitting the road the same day.  So, with my already established habit once in Bohol, I went straight to Island City Mall (ICM) to get a sandwich from this Mediterranean-looking guy.  He offers quite a selection and this time I ordered a pastrami sandwich.  Been there many times but I still don't know the name.  It is easy to locate.  It's beside a doughnut shop or just look for the God-father inspired place.  Servers sport hats.

It was at first difficult to find a place to stay since I am not willing to spend.  Haha!  Luckily, the first ever lodge I went to years back is still open.  It's CHARISMA LODGE and in a very strategic location in the city.  It is near the plaza and the cathedral as well as the places to eat.  Catching a ride from there to almost anywhere in the city is very easy OR just take a tricycle for 25-30Php (special trip).

CHARISMA LODGE is a basic and affordable place yet decent and simple.  First time I was in Bohol in 2005, an aircon room is only 300Php.  I have not inquired how much it is now since all I asked for was the cheapest they got.  I got the fan room for 250Php.  You have there a single bed, a wall fan, a cabinet, and a table and stool.  Toilet is shared and it is constantly cleaned.

For staying in Tagbilaran, if you are not that picky, Charisma Lodge is fine.  Across Charisma Lodge is another affordable accommodation - NISA Traveller's Inn.

Going back to Anda, I took the bus to Guindulman the next day.  It is a 2-3hour ride for 80Php.  I prefer the bus over vans since I find it more comfortable.  There is also a bus straight to Anda if you are willing to wait for the schedules.  It is I believe at around 12nn (the second trip, I guess).

From Guindulman Market, I took a Habal-Habal to Anda for 100Php.  It is the regular price.  If you want to go back to Guindulman the next day, you can either take the tricycle from Anda to the border to Guindulman and take another trike to the market - OR just get your driver's number and get the same Habal-Habal when you are ready to take off.

Sleepy Anda Beach in the cool mornings

So, again, Anda.  Anda at first glance looks like Sipalay City (Negros) to me.  They offer a public beach that is well-maintained and there is even a Beach Bar that offers cocktails and good food.

Where to stay?  Don't stop looking... there is always something not so popular and better in most places.  I first thought Anda Lodge (given the name) would be the best choice but it is not.  So I looked around and found Anda Long Beach Resort.  They offered me a room for 800Php.  It is with a queen size bed, own bathroom, TV with cable, and fan.  Aircon and fridge is available if you upgrade it and cost 1500Php.  You can contact Jessica Damalerio at +63 908-824-4456.

The sugary beach of Anda

For local eats (everyday Filipino food), there is a food center some meters away that offers home cooked food.