Going with the Flow: Loboc River

 Bohol Countryside Tour Part 2

Every now and then, we cannot help but wish for a peaceful vacation after whole weeks of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life or even just working all day at home. We would daydream of just sitting amid the comfort of nature with lovely music playing in the background all the while being served with good food and a refreshing drink...

The heat of the afternoon sun finally caught up with us as we began our excursion within the island of Bohol. Early in the day, we have visited the famous Chocolate Hills, saw the miniature Philippine tarsiers, and passed by the towering trees of Bilar Manmade Forest. We haven't had a meal since we landed in Bohol. Fortunately, our itinerary would bring us to where we will have our lunch—Loboc River.

Bohol and Loboc River

Bohol is a province located in the middle of the Visayas group of islands. It is a place of rich history and beautiful natural resources as exemplified by the the Chocolate Hills, its numerous beaches, and our next destination Loboc River.

Loboc River is one of the major rivers that traverse a large portion of Bohol. Springing from the town of Carmen at the heart of the province, the river drains down south into Bohol Sea. We couldn't find official numbers, but a rough Google maps measurement would give the river a distance of at least 40 km.

Since ancient times, Loboc River has provided life to locals, providing drinking water and a navigable waterway. It is not surprising that the town of Loboc grew around the river. Today, Loboc River serves as the town's main tourist destination with regular cruises along a portion of the river aboard barges that serves as floating restaurants. The river is also a go-to place for kayaking and stand-up paddling (SUP).

Getting to Loboc River

As Loboc River was part of our itinerary, getting there had been a breeze for us. However, it is easy to get to Loboc as there are buses and jeepneys that will pass by the town on the way to Carmen. Most of the public transport hails from the Dao Terminal in Tagbilaran City, around half an hour ride away from Bohol Panglao International Airport. It will also be not difficult to arrange a tour of Bohol countryside from the numerous tricab drivers in Panglao and Tagbilaran.

Lunch at Loboc River Cruise

It was exactly 11:00 in the morning when we arrived at Loboc Tourism Complex to register for the lunch/cruise along Loboc River. The food and ride all together costs Php 850 per person. The complex is spacious enough, perhaps to accommodate large number of tourists on peak days and also has a mini-gallery depicting native Bohol subjects.

Interior of Loboc Tourism Complex

Rates for the River Cruise

Some of the local art displayed in the complex

We did not wait long before we are led to the boats docked on the river bank. We did, however, wait for a while before the other guests arrived. The boat, or rather barge, is large enough to serve as a floating restaurant with dining tables, a buffet table, and an entertainment area where performers were preparing as we stepped into the boat. Had we not been floating on Loboc River, we would have thought we have entered a typical dampa-style restaurant.

Barges docked at Loboc River

Interior of the boat

The buffet table was laid out on one side of the barge while we were seated on the other side which is a good viewing spot for us. The fare for the day, among others, included tofu sisig, inadobong chicken inasal, humbang nangka, and ensaladang guso (local seaweed). We were already very hungry at the time that we didn't bother taking picture of the food.

Well, we did take one... a testament to our hunger

We also had cold cucumber iced tea as well as fruits on the side. It was a good day.

As the guests settled down as they ate lunch, the engine of the boat started to rev up and we began our navigation along Loboc River. The band began to pick up their instruments and soon we were cruising along with the music of Bee Gees playing in the background. 

The river is very wide and can accommodate at least two barges on either side. The water is not crystal clear but rather has characteristic green hue. The banks for the most part are lined by shrubs and tall trees. We were thankful that the sky was clear at the time so we can admire the contrast of the green river and banks against the blue sky. Then again, perhaps the river has a certain charm that coasting along while a light drizzle falls might have also been cozy.

Every now and then, returning barges would pass us by as well as other tourists who opted to navigate the river by kayaking or by stand-up paddling.

About halfway through the cruise, we stopped by a platform on one of the banks where several locals, dressed in native attire, were waiting. A cultural presentation would be underway and shortly after, the sound of guitar rang in the air and the performance began.

Cultural presentation at Loboc River

Partway through, the visitors were invited to participate even in the tinikling dance. Foreigners are more than willing to oblige.

Tinikling—don't get your feet trapped in those bamboo poles

Not long after, we reached the far end of the river and we began to head back. The band continued to play their repertoire including renditions of local songs in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese.

As we made our way back, we passed by the Church of San Pedro, otherwise known as Loboc Church.

Loboc Church

Up Next

I'd say the cruise was one of the most memorable experiences that we had. Everything was appealing to the senses—the beautiful river, the good music, the tasty dishes, the merry vibe. No wonder Loboc River cruise is one of the must-have experiences in Bohol.

It was almost one in the afternoon when the trip ended. We were at the river for almost two hours—two hours well spent. With no time to be idle, we found Kuya Jason was waiting to pick us up. In the final leg of our countryside tour, we will visit the remaining destinations closest to the capital city.