Cebu: Bohol Countryside and Loboc River Cruise Day Tour

Exploring Bohol from Cebu: A Complete Guide to the Countryside and River Cruise Tour

If you’re craving a full day of scenic views, cultural insights, and a taste of the Philippines’ natural beauty, the Cebu: Bohol Countryside and Loboc River Cruise Day Tour offers a well-rounded experience. This tour, offered by Cebu Tours for around $142 per person, provides a chance to see some of Bohol’s most iconic sights while enjoying a relaxing river cruise and delicious lunch.

What makes this trip special? First, the chance to visit the famous Chocolate Hills and interact with adorable Tarsiers at the sanctuary. Second, the Loboc River cruise, which combines scenic views with a buffet lunch on a floating restaurant. Third, the variety of stops including historic sites like the Blood Compact Shrine and Baclayon Church.

One consideration? The tour involves a fair amount of traveling — including a ferry crossing from Cebu — so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy schedule and some travel time. This experience is perfect for travelers who want to see Bohol’s highlights without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Covers cultural, historical, and natural attractions
• Comfortable Transport: Includes air-conditioned van, ferry tickets, and hotel transfers
• Authentic Experiences: Visit Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills, and historic churches
• Relaxing Cruise: Loboc River buffet lunch with scenic views
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later with full details sent after booking
• Suitable for: Most travelers, excluding those with back problems or seasickness

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour offers a well-structured day packed with highlights, ensuring you get a good mix of scenery, history, and wildlife. Starting in Cebu City or Mactan Island, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the ferry terminal, with round-trip tickets included—meaning no hidden costs or logistical worries. The ferry ride itself, which takes you from Cebu to Bohol, offers scenic glimpses of the sea, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Once in Bohol, your guide (or driver with optional licensed guide service for an extra fee of P2,500) will lead you through the first stops: the Blood Compact Shrine and Baclayon Church. The Blood Compact Shrine commemorates a significant historical event—a symbolic treaty between Filipino and Spanish explorers—and provides a poignant photo opportunity. Then, you’ll explore Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, with an entry fee of P150.

Next, you’ll have the chance to meet the Bohol Biggest Python — a fun, if slightly intimidating, experience that appeals to animal lovers. This stop is often praised as a quirky highlight for travelers wanting some hands-on wildlife encounters.

The Loboc River Cruise is undoubtedly the centerpiece. You’ll board a floating restaurant and enjoy a buffet lunch while drifting along the calm waters surrounded by lush greenery. Reviewers mention the delicious food and peaceful environment, making it a perfect midday break. One guest noted, “The scenery from the boat was stunning, and the buffet had a good variety of local dishes.”

Following lunch, your tour continues with visits to the Tarsier Viewing—a chance to see one of the world’s smallest primates up close. The sanctuary aims to protect these tiny, endangered creatures, and it’s a highlight for many visitors. The St. Peters Ruins and Batuan Shiphaus add historical and cultural depth to the day, with the latter often described as a unique, artistic structure.

As the afternoon progresses, you’ll explore the Mahogany Man-Made Forest, a stretch of dense, towering trees offering excellent photo opportunities. The Butterfly Garden provides a peaceful detour, with vibrant butterflies fluttering around you.

Finally, no trip to Bohol is complete without seeing the Chocolate Hills. These iconic, conical formations are best viewed from designated lookout points, and their unique appearance makes for memorable photos. The tour notes that the order of visits might shift depending on traffic and crowd levels — a practical detail that shows the flexibility of the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour covers most essentials: air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, ferry tickets, entrance fees, and the lunch buffet. The included sightseeing stops give you a broad overview of Bohol’s history, wildlife, and landscapes.

Additional options include requesting a licensed guide (for P2,500), or tipping the local guides who often provide insightful commentary. Not included are optional entry tickets like the Baclayon Church fee of P150 and the Batuan Shiphaus, which costs P50 but can be admired from outside for free.

Practical Tips for Your Day

To make the most of this experience, pack comfortable shoes for walking, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection, and water to stay hydrated. The tour involves a fair amount of moving around, so dressing in light, breathable clothing helps.

Note that the tour isn’t suitable for travelers with back problems or those prone to seasickness, given the ferry crossing and some walking. The tour’s flexible booking policy lets you reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans aren’t yet set.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

One reviewer shared, “The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.” Another mentioned that the Loboc River surroundings were so peaceful that it felt like a mini escape from the busy world—truly a highlight. Several appreciated the well-paced itinerary, which allowed enough time at each stop without feeling rushed.

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Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced blend of nature, history, and culture, making it a great choice for first-time visitors to Bohol. The combination of scenic river cruises, wildlife encounters, and iconic sights like the Chocolate Hills provides a comprehensive snapshot of what the island has to offer.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want a full, curated experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. The inclusion of transport, ferry, and entrance fees simplifies budgeting, and the overall value is clear when considering the variety of attractions covered in one day.

While it does involve a fair bit of travel, the comfort of air-conditioned transport and the scenic ferry ride help make the experience pleasant. Just remember that if you’re sensitive to seasickness or prefer a more relaxed pace, you might want to consider how this fits into your travel style.

This tour can be a fantastic way to see Bohol’s highlights in a single day, especially if you’re short on time but want an authentic, well-organized adventure.

FAQs

Is transportation provided for the entire day? Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned van or car transportation, including pickup and drop-off at your hotel or residence in Cebu City or Mactan Island, plus round-trip ferry tickets.

What’s the typical duration of the tour? The tour spans a full day, starting from Cebu early in the morning and returning by evening, with flexible stops depending on traffic and crowd conditions.

Are meals included? Yes, a buffet lunch is served on the Loboc River cruise, offering a variety of local dishes in a scenic setting.

Can I request a licensed tour guide? You can request one for an extra P2,500, subject to availability. Otherwise, your driver may serve as your guide.

Are entrance fees included? Most entrance fees are included, like the ferry and some site entries, but specific sites like Baclayon Church require an additional P150.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, water, and light, breathable clothing are recommended for the day.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, it’s generally suitable for most travelers, but not ideal for those with back problems or seasickness.

How flexible is the booking? You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with full details sent after booking. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the best time to take this tour? The tour operates year-round, but mornings are preferable for avoiding crowds and midday heat, especially at the Chocolate Hills.

Are there any hidden costs? No, the tour price covers most expenses, but optional guide services and specific site entries might incur additional charges.

This comprehensive trip to Bohol from Cebu promises a day filled with memorable sights, engaging wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty—all designed for travelers eager to see the best of the Philippines with ease and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: