Loboc River Floating Restaurant & River Cruise, Bohol Philippines
Our Loboc River Cruise Experience
We happened to be in Loboc in February, and ended up doing a Valentine’s day Cruise. ❤️
The start of our Loboc River Cruise adventure was a bit… chaotic.
Boarding:
On arrival for your cruise, you’ll wait inside the visitors complex, and they give you tickets which have a boat number and table number on them.
Then someone led us to the floating restaurant and once onboard, I started looking for our table number, but none of the tables had any numbers on them.
Then I noticed that everyone else was immediately going straight to the buffet after they stepped onboard. There was no orderly line, everyone just kinda pushed in with their plates and started serving themselves.
Confused, I just picked a table with two seats at it and after the crowd calmed down a little we went and served ourselves too. I thought that the lunch would start after we started sailing, but the food was served and everyone was sitting down and eating by the time we set off.
Food:
One of the highlights of the Loboc River Cruise is the buffet lunch served on board. The menu typically features a variety of Filipino dishes, including grilled seafood, local vegetables, meat dishes, and tropical fruits.
The food was actually really good, and there was quite a lot of it to go around. There was more then enough food that you didn’t need to fret and shove in line to get a plate.
While they didn’t run out of food… they did however run out of drinks. Within the first 5 minutes of the cruise we tried to order 2 beers, and they said they were already sold out.
We were the last cruise of the day, so I don’t think they restocked at all throughout the day and there wasn’t any left for our cruise.
Dessert and select drinks are also included in the buffet, but soft drinks and alcoholic beverages need to be purchased separately.
Experience:
The Loboc River Cruise lasts around 1 hour.
As you sail along the river, you’ll be treated to live performances of traditional Filipino music and dance. There is a live performer onboard the boat serenading you as you go along.
Midway through the 1-hour cruise, the raft stops in front of a large hut for a short performance by local performers, often dressed in vibrant costumes, showcase indigenous music, dances like the Tinikling (a popular bamboo dance), and other cultural expressions.
There was a photographer onboard who was taking pictures of everyone, both with their personal phones and her professional camera, with the options to purchase the professional photos at the end of the cruise.
Halfway through your Loboc River cruise, you’ll find yourself near Busay Falls, a set of small falls that flows through the river. This is where the floating restaurant will turn around and head back to the starting point.
The Loboc River Ecotourism Adventure Park is located near the falls, and you might see other tourists enjoying a zipline ride if you look up.
Is The Loboc River Cruise worth it?
It’s a nice relaxing cruise with some pretty views, and the food was quite good.
If you decide to skip this, you aren’t missing out on any amazing life changing experiences. While it was nice to do, it also wasn’t a highlight of the trip. I wouldn’t go out of my way to go on the this cruise.
Loboc River Cruise Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to last departure @ 2:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to last departure @ 3:00 pm
Cruises depart every 30 minutes.
They used to offer dinner cruises, but they don’t run evening cruises anymore.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to experience the Loboc River cruise is during the dry season, and for Bohol, this is usually from December to May.
Loboc River Cruise Pricing:
Ticket Cost: ₽850 per person
We we’re staying in the Loboc area, so we went directly to the Loboc Tourism Complex the day before to purchase our tickets. We knew we wanted the last cruise of the day on Valentine’s, so we booked in advance.
You can purchase tickets at the tourism complex on the day, though you may have to wait 30-60 minutes for the next available cruise.
There are souvenir shops, an air-conditioned waiting area, and clean washrooms at the Tourism Complex.
How to get there:
The river cruise starts from Loay Bridge near the Church of San Pedro.
The Loboc River Cruise is approximately 24km from Tagbilaran City, or 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic.
From Panglao/Alona Beach, it’s approximately 37km, or an hours drive.
Transport Buses and jeepneys are available at the Tagbilaran City Dao Integrated Bus Terminal. You can also catch a local bus at the Panglao Public Market.
We organized a trike to take us from Panglao to Loboc for ₽1000, 2 people with 2 pieces of luggage. It took around an hour.
From there, we rented a scooter from our hotel ( ₽400 per day), and drove ourselves to the tourism complex.
Following Google Maps makes it easy to locate The Loboc River Cruise.
Loboc River Cruise Tour:
For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a tour to cruise the Loboc River.
Booking a tour is one of the most popular ways to visit Loboc and explore other top tourist spots in Bohol, all in one adventurous day. Tours typically offer pick-up and drop-off services at your hotel, with lunch often included in the package.
The Bohol Countryside Tour offers a great way to see the best of Bohol’s tourist spots. This particular tour is the top-rated tour in Bohol with great reviews.
The Bohol Countryside Tour includes the following:
- Chocolate Hills
- Bohol Bilar Manmade Forest
- Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary
- Loboc River Cruise with lunch
- Baclayon Church
Is the Loboc River clean?
Some local kids playing on the rope swing in the Loboc River.
Accidents happen, make sure you are covered for all your adventures!
Loboc River Cruise Quick Guide:
Ticket price: ₽850 per person
Operating hours: Every day from 10:00 am – last departure @ 2:30 pm
Cruise Length: 1 hour
Directions: Loboc Tourism Complex, J2PH+5WH, Loboc, Bohol, Philippines
Notes: Lunch Buffet included.
Explore the Loboc River further:
For a more intimate exploration of the river at your own pace, consider trying Loboc River kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Rent a kayak/SUP, paddle, and gear from resorts and tourist spots along the river, or opt for a guided tour. These tours offer a safe and enjoyable way to navigate the waters.
For the adventurous, night-time firefly-watching tours via kayak offers a unique experience.
Other attractions nearby the Loboc River:
The Famous Chocolate Hills:
The Chocolate Hills are a natural wonder characterized by their distinct cone-shaped hills, which turn chocolate brown during the dry season, hence the name. These geological formations, numbering over a thousand, create a surreal landscape that is a must-see attraction for visitors to Bohol.
Click here to read our blog post: The Chocolate Hills: How to Visit for Sunrise
Bilar Man Made Forest:
As you make your way to the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, you’ll pass through the enchanting Bilar Man-Made Forest. This lush forest, spanning 2 kilometers along the border of Loboc and Bilar, is a sight to behold.
Comprising tall white and red mahogany trees, this man-made marvel is not only a testament to reforestation efforts but also a refreshing pit stop for travelers. The canopy of trees offers a welcome respite from the heat, creating a cool and breezy atmosphere that’s perfect for a quick photo break.
See the famous Tarsiers:
Remember to keep your voice down and refrain from using flash photography to ensure the tarsiers’ comfort and well-being.
Chocolate Hills Adventure Park:
Located next to the Chocolate Hills Complex, the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) is an eco-tourism destination perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Here, visitors can partake in adrenaline-pumping activities such as the Bike Zip and The Wave Runner, offering biking midair and ziplining on a surfboard, respectively.
Additionally, the park boasts a variety of attractions and facilities to explore, including Rope Courses, rock climbing, Yokuzuna Sumo Wrestling, and ATV rides through the scenic terrain. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, opportunities abound to feed chickens and fish, admire butterflies in the “Ang Paru-Paro” Butterfly Garden, go horseback riding, or trek along the Eco-Hiking Trail.
As you journey through the park, be sure to visit the serpentarium, butterfly garden, and souvenir shops nestled along the way to the park’s peak or observation deck. With its range of activities and scenic beauty, the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park promises an unforgettable adventure for all who visit.
Chase Waterfalls:
Camugao Falls in Bohol, Philippines, offers a serene escape into nature’s embrace. Tucked away in the lush greenery of the island, this hidden gem invites visitors to discover its tranquil beauty.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of crystal-clear waters plunging into a pristine pool below, surrounded by verdant foliage and towering trees. Cool off with a refreshing swim in the natural pool, or simply relax on the banks and bask in the peaceful ambiance.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links that I may receive a small commission from. This is at no additional cost to you. By clicking and/or booking through affiliate links found on this site you are helping to support this website and helping make it even better.
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