Loboc, Bohol River Cruise is known as the most exciting dinner buffet in a floating restaurant, nature uncovering, and culture learning about the country Philippines. When you reach Bohol city, the first thing aside from visiting that people will tell you aside from the Chocolate Hills is to book this river cruise.

Bohol River Cruise

This cruise is one of a kind experience that only Bohol City offer. There might be other tours that propose cruises in the sea but this one is unique because of first, it has a short cultural show by the local community and it permits people to dine in while having a beautiful river view.

It has one of the highest numbers of visitors (international or local). Tourists come from different countries and as well as Filipino local tourist from the Philippines.

Loboc River (Loay River) in Bohol considered as one of the cleanest rivers in the country. If you have gone to Manila (the capital city) Loboc is far way more beautiful environmentally and superior than other rivers.

According to city’s information the river source is in the city of Carmen where the Busay Falls located. It has a steady and high base flows to the Bohol Sea (Mindanao Sea). Alongside of the river is the sumptuous natural vegetation of huge coconut trees, nipa palms (palm trees with creeping roots),  Banana groves, ferns, and other tropical plants.

Loboc, Bohol River Cruise Tour

The cruise in the river starts at the Loay Bridge nearby Loboc town (20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City ), then it will continue through the inner part of the river flow to Carmen (Busay Falls).

It’s a 2 hours stay at the floating restaurant which is literally a native canoe or Banca in Filipino. Around the area, you’ll see some motorized small Bancas these are actually the ones who will drive the floating restaurants to its stops and destination.

There is one small motorized Banca per restaurant, it is attached at the back with a driver on it. You’ll see it for sure later here!

As I’ve mentioned on my last post about Bucket list things to do in Bohol. The floating restaurant made of two banka-hulls or two canoe foundation which a large wooden platform placed.

Filipino First Class Dining

Inside the floating restaurant (buffet) where you can eat all, you can as much as you want. The restaurant welcomes a certain limit of passengers, more or less 30 persons per Banca.

In the middle, you’ll see an enormous table brimming with local Filipino food. They also offer some sort of classic food to considerate tourists palate. In terms of local cuisine, you’ll get to taste Pancit, Adobo, Estopado, Lechon Kawali, Sweet and Sour, etc., and of course don’t forget the rice. 

Desserts and fruits are present as well, they even serve watermelon and pineapple. For dessert maha blanca, buko pandan, and fruit salad. These are a variety of exquisite Filipino dishes.

For drinks, they have unlimited Ice tea and water, however, if you prefer other beverages you have to buy it at the counter.

The tour duration will approximately be 2 hours, you will have time to dine first then after a while the tour will start while you’re almost done and you’ll get to see the wonderful nature of Bohol.

The Cruise Commences

Getting out from the docking area of the floating restaurants, you’ll definitely see other restaurants in the perimeter. There are different kinds of Bancas, different colors, and styles.

The most exciting part? is the nature discovering and perhaps self-contemplation whilst on your Bohol river cruise? This is an ideal place for you to do it. In our case, I’m traveling with my husband, brother, and sister-in-law.

We were lucky to get on board early and had our meal abundantly. The last time that my husband and I visited here was not that satisfying honestly. We were late on boarding the restaurant and we didn’t have time to eat that much cause the trip started directly.

This time was way better, we were early thanks to our local guide we made it one time. Lunch starts at 12:00 pm which means you can avail the Bohol river cruise from that time until 2:00 pm (last cruise)

River’s Landscape

Although the weather wasn’t favorable, you can still see how ravishing the beauty of this river. You can bird chirping and nature’s voice who whispers you “come and dive into the water” (haha) just kidding.

The trees around looks finely incredibly stunning, it reminds me of my childhood days where my fathers bring me with him in the forest where he works. I bet there are beautiful wild animals around hiding in their den.

During the tour, you will see some other floating restaurants around having their first stop where a group of locals shows off their singing and dancing talent. For now, we are enjoying our cruise.

Way back 8 years ago, I vividly remember during our cruise there were children playing and swimming around in the river with their small Bancas. There were some locals climbing coconut trees and jumping/driving to the river. Perhaps this time it’s forbidden, those are dangerous activities as well but on the other hand, it was fun to see.

This tour helps us understand the simple life of the country side. It’s not just all about massive buildings that make a city known for its lifestyle but rather the hard work of those people living on the poor side of the country.

The Cultural Show

After a while, the next destination is the cultural show of a local Boholano group. They will actually treat you a Boholano song with their ukulele and a dance “Tinikling” (famous Filipino Folk dance).

Boholano is a dialect practiced by the locals in Bohol City, it resembles Visaya or Cebuano dialect but there are differences of expression and some words;.

Guests are invited to dance with them if they like. You can try if you can dance this super fast and tricky “Tinikling” dance. In our group, there were some who joined the dance especially foreigners they enjoy dancing with them.

In the end, they will sing a thank you song to you and bid goodbye, you can give some donations if you like as there are donation boxes in the area.

Busay Falls

After few minutes of the cruise, you can now see the Busay Falls from afar. It’s a small (one and a half meter falls) in Carmen where the river starts. Water from the forest and rainfall goes here.

Unfortunately, the floating restaurant doesn’t approach that much in this area. This photo is taken kilometers away from the falls. From here it looks pretty small but in reality, it’s not really bad at all.

Well, the tour is almost over. It’s time to return to the docking area. What an experience to cherish! It was amazing!

How to get to Loboc, Bohol River Cruise

From Tagbilaran city, you can take buses, jeepneys, and multicabs. You can get buses at Tagbilaran City Dao Integrated Bus Terminal from there it will take you one hour travel by public transportation from the city, and about 40 minutes travel by private transportation (car or motorcycle).

You can also rent a motorcycle, it’ll cost you from 1,000 pesos or above per day.

Rent a car will be another option if you are traveling with a group. For us, we had our private tour package done from Bohol Chasing Bliss Tours and Transport Services they organize our tour with a transportation for 4 persons. (Entrance fees are not included)

It’s very easy to find the Municipality of Loboc for it lies along the river banks. Another landmark of the town is its old stone church, The church is right beside the road, and at the opposite side of the road, you will see the Loboc River.

As a verdict for this experience? I’ll give a 9/10 

Loboc Bohol Floating Restaurant Cruise Prices and Schedule

350.00 pesos – River Cruise and Lunch
100.00 pesos – Maintenance, Safety and Security Charges
450.00 pesos/per person
Children:
0-3 years old – free without drinks
4-8 years old – 50% with drinks
9-11 years old – 250.00 pesos
12 years old and above – 350.00 pesos

Loboc River Night Cruise is also available. You can visit here for more information.

Address: Poblacion Sawang, Loboc Municipality, Bohol Province
Email: lobocriverwatch@gmail.com
Telephone Number: (038) – 537 – 9460

Note: Guests are requested to be at the complex 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Prices may change without prior notice. Booking is necessary.

Bohol River Cruise