Loboc River Cruise: A Scenic and Relaxing Experience in Bohol
If you plan a trip to Bohol, add the Loboc River Cruise to your itinerary. Located in the town of Loboc, this river cruise is a popular tourist attraction in Bohol. Loboc Bohol is a tranquil municipality that is renowned on a global scale for its majestic Loboc River. Home to the beloved Loboc Children’s Choir, Loboc is truly a place of beauty and serenity. The river cruise offers a unique way to experience the island’s natural beauty while enjoying delicious Filipino cuisine.
Our Loboc River Cruise was hosted by Village Floating Resto and Cruises and DOT Region 7, and during the cruise, we had a boat complete with a band, premier food choices, and wider spaces. River Cruising with Village Floating Resto & Cruises is one of the finest floating restaurant experiences.
During the cruise, you will be treated to a buffet of Filipino dishes while enjoying the river’s lush tropical vegetation, such as coconut trees, nipa palms, bushes, and banana groves. You will also be entertained by local musicians and dancers who will showcase traditional Filipino culture. Visitors are taken to The cruise on the Loboc River takes place from early morning to mid-afternoon and lasts almost an hour. The river cruise is a great way to relax and unwind while taking in the natural beauty of Bohol.
History of Loboc River Cruise
This river cruise has been a popular tourist attraction for many years, and it offers a unique perspective on the culture and history of the region.
The Loboc River Cruise started in the early 1980s as a simple bamboo raft ride for locals and tourists. However, it has since evolved into a more sophisticated and organized experience. Today, visitors can enjoy a buffet lunch of local cuisine while cruising along the river, taking in the lush scenery, and listening to live music.
The cruise also includes a stop at a small village where visitors can watch traditional Filipino dances and music performances. This stopover provides an opportunity to learn more about the local culture and history.
Over the years, the Loboc River Cruise has become an important part of the tourism industry in Bohol. It has helped to boost the local economy and provide employment opportunities for many people in the area.
Apart from the effects of the pandemic on the tourism industry, the Loboc River Cruise has faced some challenges recently due to typhoon devastation. The Loboc tourism complex and some boats were destroyed by Typhoon Odette in December of 2021, forcing them to stop offering the river cruise for almost 2 months. However, with the help of the local government of local stakeholders, the river cruise operation is now back to normal.
Location and Accessibility
The Loboc River Cruise terminal is located near the Loboc Church. It is a popular tourist destination, so you won’t have difficulty finding it. The terminal is accessible to people with disabilities.
If you’re staying in Panglao Island, you can join a tour, including the Loboc River Cruise. Many tour operators offer packages that include hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation, and lunch on the boat. Check with your hotel or a travel agency for more information.
The Cruise Experience
If you plan to visit Bohol, the Loboc River Cruise is a must-try experience. The river cruise started in their beautiful terminal opposite Loboc’s massive coral stone church. As one of the major attractions of Bohol, most of the well-known resorts in Bohol include the Loboc River Cruise in their list of countryside tour packages.
Boat Ride
The highlight of the Loboc River Cruise is, of course, the boat ride. You’ll board a spacious boat that will take you on a leisurely journey down the Loboc River. The river is known for its clear emerald waters surrounded by lush vegetation, making for a serene and picturesque setting.
Loboc River is known for its placid blue-green water and floating restaurants managed by different cruise operators. The river cruise helps one to stay, relax and enjoy the exciting ambiance of the green river banks.
As you cruise down the river, you can enjoy the area’s natural beauty, including the towering coconut trees and the diverse wildlife that calls the river home. The boat ride is a great way to relax and unwind while enjoying the stunning scenery.
Buffet Lunch
One of the best parts of the Loboc River Cruise is the buffet lunch on board the boat. Tourists can also enjoy the “all-you-can-eat” buffet meal in floating restaurants. The lunch features a variety of traditional Filipino dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes. The food is freshly prepared and served hot, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
The buffet lunch is an all-you-can-eat affair, so you can indulge in as much food as you like. The lunch is a great way to sample some of the local cuisine and get a taste of the flavors of Bohol.
During our recent trip, we took the Amore Cruises, one of the most recommended Loboc River Cruise operators by most resorts in Panglao. Apart from the well-maintained boat, some of the food available in their buffet spread include:
- Three kinds of salad: Lato Salad, Ampalaya Salad, and Mixed vegetable salad.
- Tuna ala Bistek: Yellowfin Tuna in soy sauce, and calamansi.
- Pansit Bam-i: Rice and egg noodles with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth.
- Halabos na Hipon: Shrimp cooked in butter and lime soda.
- Humbang Nangka: Unripe jackfruit in coconut milk.
- Ensaladang Guso: Local Seaweed in ginger vinegar.
- Tinolang Isda: Yellowfin tuna, ginger, lemongrass, onion, and fish sauce.
Cultural Performances
Another highlight of the Loboc River Cruise is the cultural performances on board the boat. The performances feature local musicians and dancers who showcase traditional Filipino music and dance.
On the return journey, we passed by one bamboo platform with some cultural performances executed by the local performance group. While we enjoyed the local music and traditional dance numbers, some of us were also invited to dance with the locals and have some cultural immersion.
Wildlife and Scenery
As you cruise along the Loboc River, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and stunning scenery. The river is lined with trees and foliage, making it a haven for various wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the animals that call the river home, including monitor lizards and various birds.
The river itself is also a sight to behold. The clear water reflects the surrounding trees and sky, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The Loboc River leads to Busay Falls, about one and a half meters from a particular point, beyond which the cruise cannot go further. But it will stay for a while for the travelers to enjoy and take photographs of the landscapes or enjoy a refreshing bath under the waterfalls.
If you’re interested in learning more about the flora and fauna of the area, your guide will be happy to share their knowledge with you. They can tell you about the different types of trees and plants that grow along the river and the various animals that call the area home.
Ticket Information
If you plan to experience the Loboc River Cruise, here’s what you need to know about ticket prices and entry.
Local businesses run the river cruises, and ticket prices are fixed per person; it costs PHP850 per person regardless of the operator. Queues to ride the river cruise may take more than 30 minutes, especially on weekends. It’s best to plan your visit beforehand to avoid long waits.
You can purchase tickets online or at the venue. Some tour packages include the river cruise as part of the itinerary, so you may want to consider booking a tour for convenience.
Children under 3 can ride the boat for free, while children aged 3-7 can avail of discounted tickets. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are also entitled to discounted rates upon presentation of their IDs.
Contact Info:
Village Floating Resto and Cruises
Villadolid, Loboc, Bohol, Philippines
Mobile No. 0917-6320706 / 0922-8996109
Email: [email protected]
Best Time to Visit
If you want to experience the Loboc River Cruise at its finest, it’s important to visit Bohol during the dry season. Typically, the dry season in Bohol is from December to May. During this time, the weather is more predictable, and there is less chance of rain, making it the perfect time to explore the island.
If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to avoid visiting during the peak season, from late December to Holy Week. During this time, the river cruise can get crowded, and you may have to wait in line for a while before you can board the boat.
If you’re looking for the best time to visit, we recommend going at noon when the sun is high, and the light is perfect for taking photos. The cruise usually comes with a buffet lunch, so it’s best to time your trip accordingly. However, if you prefer to avoid the midday heat, you can go as early as 10 AM or as late as 2:30 PM.
Nearby Attractions
When you visit Loboc River Cruise, you’ll find that there are plenty of other attractions nearby that are worth checking out. Here are just a few:
Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Corella, just a short drive from Loboc River Cruise, the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for animal lovers. Here, you can see the adorable Philippine tarsier up close and learn about the efforts to protect this endangered species.
Chocolate Hills
No visit to Bohol is complete without a trip to the Chocolate Hills. These unique geological formations comprise over 1,000 hills that turn brown during the dry season, giving them their chocolate-like appearance.
Baclayon Church
If you’re interested in history, check out Baclayon Church. This centuries-old church is one of the oldest in the Philippines and is an excellent example of Spanish colonial architecture.
Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park
For a bit of adventure, head to the Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park. You can go ziplining, try the bike zipline, or take a cable car ride over the Loboc River.
Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or adventure, there’s something for everyone near Loboc River Cruise.
Travel Tips
If you’re planning to experience the Loboc River Cruise, here are some travel tips that may help you:
Best Time to Go
The best time to go on a Loboc River Cruise is during the dry season, from November to April. The weather is generally sunny and dry this season, making it perfect for outdoor activities. However, if you prefer a more peaceful and relaxing experience, you can also go during the rainy season from May to October. Just be prepared for occasional rain showers.
What to Wear
Wear comfortable and light clothing, as it can get hot and humid during the day. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat or a cap to protect yourself from the sun. Bring a raincoat or an umbrella if you’re going during the rainy season.
What to Bring
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views along the river. You may also want to bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes and other insects may be in the area. Don’t forget to get cash, as vendors sell souvenirs and snacks along the river.
How to Get There
To get to the Loboc River Cruise, you can take a bus or a jeepney bound for Loboc and Carmen from Tagbilaran City. Ask the driver to drop you off at Camayaan Intersection. You can take a tricycle or a motorbike to the river from there.
Take a Bohol Countryside Adventure, Food, and Heritage Tour and explore the pristine Loboc River, located 24 kilometers away from the provincial capital of Tagbilaran City. You can get there via buses, jeeps, and multi-cabs, or if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a van for the day and make the most of your journey. Once there, you’ll find yourself in the Municipality of Loboc, surrounded by lush scenery and rich culture.
Other Tips
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
- Arrive early to get a good seat on the boat.
- Don’t litter or throw anything into the river.
- Respect the local culture and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the Loboc River Cruise lunch?
The Loboc River Cruise lunch costs Php850 per person. Some tour packages may include additional fees for transportation and other activities.
What is the schedule for the Loboc River Cruise?
The Loboc River Cruise operates daily from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The boats usually depart every 30 minutes, and each cruise lasts approximately an hour.
What is included in the Loboc River Cruise buffet menu?
The Loboc River Cruise buffet menu features a variety of Filipino dishes such as grilled seafood, meat, vegetables, rice, soup, and desserts. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.
What is the experience like on the Loboc River Cruise floating restaurant?
The Loboc River Cruise offers a unique dining experience in a floating restaurant while sailing along the picturesque Loboc River. You can enjoy the lush scenery, listen to live music, and watch cultural performances while savoring delicious Filipino cuisine.
What makes the Loboc River Cruise a popular tourist attraction?
The Loboc River Cruise is a popular tourist attraction because it offers a combination of scenic views, cultural entertainment, and delicious food. It provides a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it’s an excellent way to experience the local culture and cuisine.
How long is the duration of the Loboc River Cruise?
The duration of the Loboc River Cruise is approximately 1 hour. However, some tour packages may include additional activities, such as visits to nearby attractions, which may extend the tour duration.
Bohol Travel and Tour Packages
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