Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise

Imagine a day packed with scenic views, cultural gems, and adorable wildlife—all within one well-organized trip from Cebu. This Bohol Countryside Day Tour offers a comprehensive look at what makes Bohol special, from iconic natural wonders to historical landmarks. While it’s clearly designed for those eager to maximize their time, the experience also comes with some travel hours, which is worth considering.

What we love most about this tour? First, the expert guidance that makes each stop feel engaging and informative. Second, the stunning landscapes like the Chocolate Hills and lush Mahogany Forest that truly live up to the hype. Lastly, the delicious lunch on the Loboc River cruise, which balances culture with relaxing scenery. A potential downside? The day is quite packed, and the ferry ride can be long and sometimes less comfortable, which might challenge those prone to motion sickness or seeking a more leisurely pace.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Bohol in one day—ideal for first-timers or those with limited time. If you’re a culture lover, wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about the Philippines’ countryside, this experience offers great value. Just prepare for a long day of travel, and you’ll leave with fantastic memories and plenty of photos.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Transfers, ferry, lunch, and entrance fees are covered, making logistics straightforward.
• Variety of Stops: From natural wonders to historic sites, the itinerary balances scenic beauty with cultural insights.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Max 30 travelers, which allows for a more intimate and flexible experience.
• Guided Insights: Knowledgeable guides enhance each stop, often sharing interesting facts and local stories.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned vehicles and assigned ferry seats improve travel comfort.
• Time-Intensive: The long ferry ride and packed schedule mean a full, sometimes tiring, day.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Start Early and Prepare for a Full Day

The tour kicks off at around 6:00 am, so expect an early start. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, and the journey begins with a ferry ride from Cebu to Bohol. Reviewers mention that ferry timings and comfort can vary—some find the seats a bit tight for the two-hour ride, but overall, the boat is described as fairly comfortable. This initial transit is unavoidable but sets the tone for a day filled with sightseeing.

Chocolate Hills Natural Monument

The first stop, the Chocolate Hills, is often the highlight. These iconic limestone formations turn a chocolate-brown during the dry season, creating a surreal landscape. It’s a quick 30-minute visit—enough time for photos and to marvel at this natural wonder. Reviewers mention that the site is definitely worth the visit, with one adding, “The Chocolate Hills lived up to expectations,” confirming it’s a must-see.

Bilar Mahogany Forest

Next, a 30-minute walk through the Bilar Mahogany Forest offers fantastic photo ops and a chance to appreciate the lush greenery. While the forest is man-made, it’s a striking stretch of dense, tall mahogany trees that line the road and provide some welcome shade. No entrance fee is charged, making it a quick but scenic stop.

Tarsier Conservation Area

The Tarsier Conservation Area is a crowd favorite, especially since these tiny primates are genuinely adorable and fragile. Spending about 30-45 minutes here, you’ll observe these small creatures sleeping inside leaves or quietly sitting in trees. Multiple reviews praise the guide’s knowledge, with one noting that the guide, Elba, was “very knowledgeable” and added context about their behavior and conservation. Seeing these tiny primates up close makes for a memorable experience, and it’s clear that the guide’s insights make a difference.

Loboc River Cruise with Lunch

Arguably the most relaxing part of the day, the Loboc River cruise lasts around 1.5 hours. The floating restaurant offers a buffet lunch featuring local flavors, often accompanied by live music and dancing. Reviewers mention that the lunch is delicious, and the cruise’s natural setting makes it a calming break from the busy sightseeing. One reviewer called it “very nice as a nature experience,” and many appreciated the opportunity to unwind while enjoying traditional music and a scenic river view.

Baclayon Church

Next, a brief 30-minute visit to Baclayon Church, one of the oldest in the Philippines. Its quiet, historic ambiance offers a glimpse into the country’s colonial past. The guide provides context about the church’s age and significance, which adds depth to the visit. Reviewers note that this stop is a quick look but worth the effort, especially for history buffs.

Blood Compact Monument

The tour wraps up with a visit to the Blood Compact Monument, symbolizing the historic Filipino-Spanish friendship. It’s a quick stop for photos and a chance to learn about a traditional ritual that cemented alliances in the past. It’s a meaningful, if brief, ending to the sightseeing.

What the Reviews Say: Authentic Insights

Numerous travelers highlight the professionalism of the guides and drivers. One reviewer gushed about Raiza, describing her as a “wonderful tour guide,” while others praised Janice and Genesis for making the long day enjoyable. The guides’ friendly, knowledgeable approach seems to elevate the experience, making the visits more engaging.

Food also gets high marks. The lunch on the Loboc River cruise is frequently described as tasty and well-organized. Guests appreciate the chance to enjoy local dishes while taking in the river scenery. One reviewer said, “The lunch cruise was very nice as a nature experience,” emphasizing the value of combining sightseeing with relaxed dining.

However, a few reviews mention the long travel times—the ferry ride, shuttle transfers, and waiting periods can eat into your day, making it feel rushed. One guest pointed out that with a total transit time of around 5 hours, the day is demanding, but many agree that the highlights make it worthwhile.

Comfort and Logistics

Transportation is generally praised, with air-conditioned vans and smooth transfers. Still, some travelers suggest that the ferry ride could be more comfortable, especially for those sensitive to motion. The small group size ensures a more personal experience and better flexibility, but it also means that timings are tight.

Value for Money

At $145 per person, the tour offers a lot in terms of sites and included meals, but some reviewers feel it’s a bit pricey, especially considering the long travel hours and the quick stops. Yet, many agree that the convenience of all logistics being handled—ferry, transfers, entrance fees, and lunch—adds value, especially for first-time visitors unfamiliar with local arrangements.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Bohol Countryside Day Tour from Cebu stands out as a solid choice if you want a rundown of Bohol in one day. It’s ideal for those who prefer guided comfort, don’t mind a busy schedule, and want to see the key attractions without fussing over logistics. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides make a big difference in making the experience engaging and informative.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns, the long travel hours and quick stops might be challenging. Travelers who value detailed exploration or want to linger longer at each site might prefer an overnight stay or smaller, more leisurely tours.

This trip offers excellent value for those eager to tick off Bohol’s main sights, especially if you appreciate a mix of natural beauty, cultural history, and local flavors. It’s a whirlwind adventure that leaves most guests with plenty of photos, stories, and a newfound appreciation for Bohol’s diverse landscape.

FAQs

Is transportation provided from Cebu?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transfers by land and ferry, with pick-up offered from your Cebu hotel.

What’s included in the price?
The $145 fee covers all site entrance fees, taxes, bottled water, round-trip ferry tickets (based on available seats), a professional guide, lunch on the Loboc River cruise, and a Bohol souvenir.

Are there any additional costs?
You’ll need to pay terminal fees in Cebu and Bohol, as these are not prepaid, and these are not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, hat, camera, and possibly a light jacket. Be prepared for a full day, so packing a small bag with essentials is wise.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry ride from Cebu to Bohol is about 2 hours, with some reviewers mentioning that the seats might be a bit tight or the ride slightly uncomfortable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers indicated that “most travelers can participate,” and children who can manage the long day and travel might enjoy the experience. However, consider the lengthy transit if traveling with very young kids.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a prearranged tour with set stops, customization isn’t typically available. However, the small group setting allows guides some flexibility based on group preferences.

To sum it up, the Cebu to Bohol Countryside Day Tour offers a well-rounded, hassle-free way to see some of the Philippines’ most beloved sights. It balances scenic landscapes with cultural richness, making it a great pick for first-time visitors or those short on time. Just be ready for a long, busy day—your efforts will be rewarded with unforgettable views and warm local hospitality.