If you're visiting Bohol, you definitely should not pass up the chance to visit the Loboc River. This clean river is amongst the unfinished Loboc Bridge and the Church of San Pedro or Loboc Church, the second oldest church next to Baclayon. The Loboc Church was originally constructed in 1602 but renovated 35 years later, which resulted in it having two sides: one a Baroque facade (from the Jesuits) and the other a neoclassical porch (by the Recollects).
Loboc River, sometimes called the Loay River, is one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines. It has seemingly green waters, but some locals stated that its color is from the reflection of leaves, and it has originally brown waters.
Treat yourself for 60-90 minutes by riding a river cruise and enjoying a buffet at Bohol's famous floating restaurant. Indulge in tasty Filipino cuisine and enjoy the iconic view of the Loboc River. As you cruise along the river from the Loay Bridge or the town's Poblacion, you can follow your stomach's desire and choose among a wide variety of usual Filipino dishes that may be grilled, fried, or more.
You will also get to hear old love songs coming from a band that performs in the raft. Experience the local life as you see locals, such as children jumping from a tree branch to the water, teenage boys swimming on the clear river waters, or adults working by the river. Usually, river cruise boats stop by stations where local people perform Filipino traditional songs and native dances such as tinikling and more, which you can join if you are brave enough to try. The view of Busay Falls will also greet you at the end of the cruise; though not a big waterfall, it is one of the highlights of the trip for taking photos.
Buffet lunch: P300-P400 depending on the picked floating restaurant.
Entrance Fee: P150 (Children aged 1-3 years old are free of charge)
Cruising Loboc River is not limited to river cruises. You can also experience nature's beauty through the beginner-friendly stand-up paddle tour. If you're not familiar yet with SUP, it stands for stand-up paddle boarding, one of the fastest-growing water sports worldwide, and the latest eco-adventure activity in the country.
Get this water experience from the Stand Up Paddleboard Sports Center by the Loboc River, and they will let you decide between a 60-minute daytime paddleboard tour or a 90-minute evening tour (Firefly Stand Up Paddle Tour). If you're a beginner at this water activity, there is no need to worry! A professional instructor will guide you throughout, regardless of your skill level.
Doing SUP will allow you to immerse yourself in Loboc River's beautiful sceneries from a novel viewpoint. But, it's also perfect for families as people of all ages and even skill levels can try. Try paddling while standing up or sitting down in case you get tired along the trip or even lie down on your back and enjoy stargazing (at night).
What makes The Firefly Stand Up Paddle Tour different is your only light source will come from the houses among the river bank and the natural light from fireflies. Price differs whether you will have the activity in daytime or nighttime.
(1 hour) Loboc River Stand Up Paddle: P800
(1.5 hours) Firefly Stand Up Paddle: P950
Visiting Loboc River should be a tourist spot you won't miss during your Bohol Countryside Tour. It's always open for visitors and tourists, you don't have to worry, but some activities are usually weather-dependent. Check the weather before deciding to drop by!
The river cruise lunch schedule is from 11 am to 2 pm, but it also has a night cruise with a dinner buffet from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, which is perfect for firefly watching.
Planning to visit Loboc River in the next coming days? Checkout the weather in Loboc River.
Going to Loboc River is easy, especially with the right directions. You can ride a tricycle to the bus terminal from the Tagbilaran airport to travel by bus to Loboc. You can also take jeepneys or multicabs from Tagbilaran City as local transport. But, if you want some air conditioned transportation, vans and taxis are also possible but usually price 50% more. Most tourists book package tours online, and some hotels or travel agencies have this tourist destination already included in their itinerary.
The Municipality of Loboc is not easy to miss, for its situated near the river banks. The Loboc Church can also serve as your landmark, and immediately opposite it is the Loboc River.
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