Getafe Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, food, accommodations, and travel tips in Getafe, Bohol, Philippines!


Introduction to Getafe

Getafe is a quaint municipality in Bohol, located in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Its scenic views and natural wonders are a traveler’s paradise, attracting visitors from all over to explore and appreciate its beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Getafe

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Anda Church: A historical church with a unique facade and antique relics located in nearby Anda town.
  • President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park: A park in honor of the 8th Philippine President who hailed from Bohol. It showcases his life history and achievements.
  • Arko ng Panublion Museum: A provincial museum located in the nearby capital city of Tagbilaran, featuring various artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Bohol.

Natural Attractions of Getafe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cabugnason and Talisay Beach: Undeveloped white sand beaches with crystal clear waters and towering coconut trees.
  • Can-olin Butterfly Sanctuary: A sanctuary for various species of butterflies, showcasing a colorful display of the beauty of nature.
  • Getafe Mangrove Forest: A protected area home to various mangroves, marine creatures, and birds.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Getafe

  • Mount Canmanoc: A challenging hike with steep trails among lush greenery and breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.
  • Inambakan Falls: A trek through a dense jungle leading to the picturesque Inambakan Falls.
  • Biking Around Getafe: Biking around Getafe will give you a leisurely way to appreciate its scenic beauty at your own pace.

Best Things to Do in Getafe: Activities and Tours

  • Island Hopping: Visit nearby islands such as Pamilacan and Balicasag Island for opportunities to swim with dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.
  • Dolphin Watching: A popular tourist activity in Bohol is watching the dolphins frolicking in the waves of the nearby waters.
  • River Cruise: Experience a relaxing river cruise along the tranquil Loboc River, surrounded by lush greenery, while enjoying music and local cuisine.

Week-Long Itinerary for Getafe

Day Activities
1 Arrive in the afternoon, enjoy Cabugnason and Talisay Beach, and sunset viewing
2 Visit Anda Church in the morning, Inambakan Falls in the afternoon
3 Go island hopping to Pamilacan Island, enjoy lunch on the beach
4 Go dolphin watching in the morning, explore Getafe Mangrove Forest in the afternoon
5 Hike Mount Canmanoc and have a picnic at the peak, and visit Arko ng Panublion Museum
6 Take a river cruise along Loboc River and visit President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park
7 Spend the day biking around Getafe, enjoy local dishes and souvenirs to bring home

Food and Drink Scene of Getafe

Must-Try Dishes

  • Calamay: A sweet sticky rice or glutinous rice cake with coconut cream.
  • Kinilaw: A seafood dish which consists of raw fish or shellfish, marinated in vinegar or calamansi juice, and spices such as ginger, onion, and chili.
  • Binagol: A dessert made from sweet potato, coconut milk and brown sugar, made with kagang, a local species of coconut shell.

Local Beverages

  • Tuba: A local wine made from the sap of coconut palm trees.
  • Barik: A distilled and fermented coconut wine with high alcohol potency.

Where to Stay in Getafe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • V&D Guesthouse: A budget-friendly guesthouse offering comfortable and clean accommodations located in the town center.
  • Garden Jungle Resort: A resort nestled amidst lush greenery, offering a relaxing atmosphere to unwind and reconnect with nature.
  • Anda Cove Beach Resort: A resort overlooking a white sandy beach, with spacious rooms and amenities.

What to Buy in Getafe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Bohol Bee Farm products: A sustainable farm that produces organic products such as honey, spreads, and beauty products using natural ingredients.
  • Hinagdanan Cave souvenirs: The most popular souvenir in Hinagdanan Cave are locally made accessories, like necklaces, earrings, and bracelets made out of seashells, pearls, and bamboo.
  • Tarsier souvenirs: Tarsiers are the iconic Bohol mascot animal. You can buy souvenirs like keychains, fridge magnets, stuffed animals, and t-shirts featuring the cute little monkey lemur.

Local Culture and Customs of Getafe

Getafe’s local culture is rich, warm, and welcoming. Getafenos are known for their love of music, fiestas, and traditional dances such as the Kuradang and the Tinikling.

Best Time to Visit Getafe

The best time to visit Getafe is during the dry months, from November to April. These months provide the most pleasant weather with fewer chances of rain, making it easy to participate in outdoor activities and explore the beaches and natural wonders.

Do’s and Don’ts of Getafe

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Bring insect repellent when hiking or touring outdoors.
  • Greet the locals with “Magandang araw” to show respect.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage any of the natural wonders of Getafe.
  • Touch or disturb any marine creatures when island hopping.
  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting churches or other religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Getafe

Getafe is a safe place for visitors. However, it is always best to be cautious, especially when carrying valuables. Use ATMs in well-lit and populated areas only.

Health in Getafe

It is recommended to get vaccinated for tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A before traveling to the Philippines. Pharmacies are available in Getafe town, but it’s advisable to bring all the necessary medications and first aid kit especially if you go hiking and exploring.

Getting to Getafe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Getafe

  • Tagbilaran City Airport (TAG): The nearest airport, around an hour away from Getafe by car.

Bus Stations Near Getafe

  • Tagbilaran Integrated Bus Terminal (TIBT): A major bus terminal and transportation hub, around an hour away from Getafe by bus or car.

Other Options

  • Ferry: You can also reach Bohol via ferry from Cebu City or Dumaguete City.

How to Get Around in Getafe

Tricycles can be rented to tour around Getafe town, while motorcycles and bikes can be rented for touring around the island and exploring its natural wonders.

Where to Go Next from Getafe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Panglao Island

A nearby island popular for its beautiful beaches, dive spots, and nightlife.

Balicasag Island

A popular diving spot with a thriving marine life and colorful corals.

Conclusion

Getafe is one of the hidden gems of Bohol that offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for natural lovers and culture enthusiasts. From beautiful beaches to natural wonders, exploring Getafe guarantees a memorable trip!