River cruise on the Loboc River! This is one of the activities you can enjoy on the island of Bohol in the Philippines. The cruise turned out to be a rather hectic lunch cruise - not quite as relaxing as we imagined - but still enjoyable.
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
River cruise on the Loboc River
Already during the first days in Bohol, when we did mop trips to the Chocolate Hills and the ghost animals, we saw the cruise boats gliding by on the Loboc River. Then we decided that one day we would do a river cruise on the Loboc River.
The Loboc River flows from the town of Carmen, in the centre of Bohol, south towards the towns of Loboc and Loay.
Taking a river cruise on the Loboc River
So, what is it like to do a river cruise on the Loboc River? When we saw the cruise boats on that first day, we imagined a loose and relaxed glide on the beautiful river for a few hours, but it wasn't quite like that.
The cruise boats are floating restaurants, and there is about an hour spent on board, at least on the cruise we did, starting from Loay. The cruise boats we saw on that first day must have gone higher up the river, probably starting in Loboc.
We took a moped from Panglao, and arrived at the Floating Resto Rio Verde in Luay already at 10 o'clock in the morning. Here we were greeted by a large and well maintained tourist complex with ticket sales, toilets and souvenirs.
A detour to the site to see whale sharks
However, to get our money's worth, i.e. to eat properly at the buffet, we realised that we were a bit early. It was therefore another small trip on the moped ...
We had heard that you can see whale sharks on the coast of Lila, just east of Loay, so we took the mop here to see if it would be something for us. Here, too, we were greeted by a large tourist complex with ticket sales and souvenirs.
We asked about the tour and it turned out that it's a half-hour boat ride where you can both watch and snorkel with whale sharks, for 1500 peso per person (about 300 SEK). But how is it possible to do all this in just half an hour?
Well, our fears were realised. If we understand it correctly, the whale sharks are being fed so that they stay close to land, which disrupts their natural movement patterns in the sea. No, we did not want to contribute to this, so it was moped back to the cruise restaurant.
Time for river cruise on the Loboc River
It was eleven o'clock, we paid 85o peso per person (about 165 kronor) and went on board. Many cruise boats are in the harbour and we had to pass through two boats to get to the outermost, where we each got a seat at a long table. And soon it went away!
All the guests on board, apart from us, were Asian. It is reasonable to assume that many were South Koreans, as that is the largest tourist group here, but there may also have been some Chinese and Filipinos.
The mood was high, with chatter and laughter, lots of selfies and entertainment on the guitar.
Buffet
The buffet was large, with many Asian dishes, such as pancit (Filipino noodle dish), fried chicken, skewers, spring rolls, crab, rice, bananas, melon and many more.
While we were eating, we slipped on the beautiful river, which is surrounded by dense greenery, and it was almost a bit difficult to do everything you wanted - eat, take photos and enjoy the view.
River Loboc
The Loboc River is one of the major attractions on the island of Bohol, offering beautiful views of dense greenery. If you go further, you can also go past places like the town of Loboc, but the lunch cruise didn't let us go that far.
A stop at the Ati Tribe
Suddenly, however, we stopped at a small "stage" in the water, where a group of people came out wearing some kind of "tribal" clothing.
It all felt extremely touristy, and we were not at all comfortable walking across the small gangway to dance or take selfies, as pretty much all the other cruise passengers did.
Upon further reading, it seems that the Ati tribe is an ethnic minority from the islands of Boracay, Panay and Negros. Like many other minorities in the world, they have suffered discrimination and when Boracay became a popular tourist destination, they were expelled.
They don't usually go dressed like the pictures, but like many others they try to make a business out of tourism. There was no extra charge to see them dance, but there was a small box for donations.
Time to go back
After the visit to the Ati tribe, it was time to turn back. If you ask us, we would have liked the tour to be a bit longer, so we could have enjoyed the environment around the river more, but that was not the case.
It was still a nice trip, and we were of course full and satisfied.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
There is more to see and experience in Bohol! If you make a visit here, you don't want to miss out on The chocolate hills and ghost animals. We can also recommend Panglao Island, where you can enjoy beaches and restaurants. Here you will find all our tips on what to do. What to see and do in Bohol.
Restaurants in Malapascua in the Philippines - 7 tips
Restaurants in Malapascua are what we can tell you about today. We have eaten at some of the finer places...
Bounty Beach in Malapascua - lovely beach in the Philippines
Bounty Beach is a beautiful beach on the island of Malapascua in the Philippines, and also the most...
Sikatuna's Mirror of the World in Bohol, Philippines
Sikatuna's Mirror of the World and Botanical Garden is a theme park located on the island of Bohol,...
What to do in El Nido, Palawan - 12 tips for travelling in the Philippines
What to see and do in El Nido, Palawan Province, Philippines? This Filipino...
Boat trips in El Nido - fabulous islands in Palawan, Philippines
When visiting Palawan in the Philippines, you don't want to miss out on boat trips in El Nido....
Philippine ghost animal - 2 places to see them on Bohol Island
The Philippine ghost animal, or tarsier as they are called in English, is a tiny animal with enormous...
Snorkelling at Malapascua in the Philippines - a wonderful trip
Now that we've tried snorkelling on Malapascua in the Philippines, we understand why this island...
Boracay in the Philippines - tourist paradise
Boracay in the Philippines is an island paradise with a long, beautiful sandy beach and plenty of hotels, restaurants and...
Departure with Dotche - now the boat trip in the Philippines begins
It's finally time for the departure of the boat Dotche, which means that we start our...
Himokilan Island in the Philippines - cave and encounters with the locals
The island of Himokilan, or Himoquitan as it is sometimes spelled, is one of four Philippine islands that together...
Preparing for a boat trip - an adventure in the Philippines
We are currently preparing, as some of you know, for a boat trip among the islands of...
Things to do in Boracay, Philippines - 15 tips
What to see and do in Boracay, Philippines? Boracay is a small Philippine island,...
Tulang Diot in the Philippines - a cosy little island
Tulang Diot is a cosy little island in the Philippines, located in the municipality of...
Sinulog festival in Malapascua, Philippines
The Sinulog Festival, or Santo Niño Festival as it is also known, is an intense and colourful festival...
Kalanggaman in the Philippines - an island paradise
Kalanggaman is an island paradise in the Philippines, with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and swaying palm trees. This is...
River cruise on the Loboc River in Bohol, Philippines
River cruise on the Loboc River! This is one of the activities you can enjoy on the...
Pacijan Island in the Philippines - beautiful Camotes Islands
Pacijan Island is a beautiful island in the Camotes Islands in the Philippines. Here you will find among...
Islands in the Philippines - these 30 we've visited
There are many, many islands in the Philippines. The whole country is made up of larger and smaller islands and...
Things to do in Malapascua, Philippines - 12 tips
What to see and do in Malapascua, Philippines? Malapascua is a small and stunning...
Tabango on Leyte Island - island hopping in the Philippines
Tabango is a small town in the Philippines located on the island of Leyte. This was our first...
Sabang and Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Philippines
Have you visited Sabang and Puerto Galera in the Philippines? These two resorts are located on the northeastern...
Marina Point Bay Resort in Panglao, Philippines
Marina Point Bay Resort, on the island of Panglao in the Philippines, is a really nice place that offers...
Some observations and reflections from the Philippines
Today we wanted to share some observations and reflections from the Philippines. We have told you about...
Apid Island in the Philippines - a small island where few tourists find it
The island of Apid is one of four Philippine islands known collectively as the "Cuatro Islas", i.e....
Our trip to the Philippines - from Stockholm to Cebu
Let's tell you about the start of our trip to the Philippines! We have left...
Manila in the Philippines - exciting city despite bad reputation
Manila in the Philippines is a capital city where many people land by plane, only to travel on...
Journey from Coron to Boracay in the Philippines - 3 boats and 1 bus.
Travelling from Coron to Boracay in the Philippines! Today we are not going to tell you about all the beautiful...
Fishing in the Philippines - with a Filipino family
Now we have tried fishing in the Philippines, together with the Filipino family we got to know....
From Cebu City to Malapascua Island in the Philippines
Although it was interesting to experience Cebu City, it is the quieter life...
10-hour journey - from Mindoro to Boracay
We have now travelled from Mindoro to Boracay in the Philippines. We were picked up by car...
Facts about river cruise on the Loboc River
- Starting point: We started at Clarin Bridge in Loay. There is another river cruise, which starts higher up the river, in Loboc if we understand it correctly.
- Booking: There is no need to book in advance. You can just turn up. The river cruise is also included in various packages and tours that can be booked.
- Times: The boats run every day, between 10:00 and 14:30.
- Time consumption: Approximately one hour
- Price: 850 pesos per person (around £165) 2023
- Included in the price: Boat trip, buffet and entertainment. Drinks are not included and are paid separately.
You might also like:
Digyo Island in the Philippines - in the Cuatro Islas archipelago
Pandanon Island in the Philippines - village and dreamy beaches
Underground river in Puerto Princesa - Unesco heritage in the Philippines
Things to do in Coron, Philippines - our top 11 tips
Islands in the Philippines - these 30 we've visited
Things to do in Bohol in the Philippines - 15 tips
English (UK) 
Svenska 
Deutsch 
Suomi 
Polski
Anna Nilsson Spets says:
No but hey, feed the whale sharks so they stay, GOOD decision to refrain. Had a similar experience on Mafia island, where a number of boats ringed a poor whale shark, I asked my skipper to turn around, he did.
12 April 2023 - 6:30
Helena says:
Yes, I'm sure this happens in many places. There is so much money in tourism .... This is the downside, unfortunately, where people want change.
14 April 2023 - 1:13
Lena in Wales and a bit everywhere says:
A nice cruise with good food and lots to see.
Sometimes it can feel a bit touristy, but some people like it that way too.
Horrible displacement of people who don't fit in with tourism, but not entirely uncommon, unfortunately.
Take care!
12 April 2023 - 7:45
Helena says:
Of course it is! Sometimes you have to adjust to the fact that it's a bit touristy, and that can also be nice in its own way.
14 April 2023 - 1:18
BP says:
Reminds me of a "quick trip" with Birka Line to Åland. But the archipelago cannot be compared to the greenery around the river. And you got your money's worth - food, that is. You are really brave to eat buffet food in that heat. Guess your stomachs have "acclimatised" by now...?
12 April 2023 - 19:19
Helena says:
Haha yes, there may be some similarities, on another part of the planet only 😉 We have eaten buffet food a few times and it has gone well. Of course, the stomachs have been a little "worried" a few times in between during the trip, but no major danger.
14 April 2023 - 1:24
Aboro says:
Sometimes you just have to accept: I AM a tourist. We Scandinavians often want to believe that we are somehow above tourism... but the definition of a tourist is "a person who travels for pleasure". And that makes us tourists! Having said that, we may be a little further along in terms of reflecting on what we want to see and how we want to travel. We are able to identify tourist traps and seek something more unique (which can sometimes also be a drain on the earth's resources and on sustainability when it is full of people everywhere who seek "unique experiences" and want to "live like the population" and other things). I myself have a hard time seeing groups being pushed around to these traps that the travel agencies deal with. But for those who travel in the group, it is certainly above all safe, comfortable and for the participants a suitable level. Not everyone wants to go off the beaten track. It's hard to write down my thoughts here, but I made an attempt.
14 April 2023 - 5:35
Helena says:
Good and articulate thoughts! I understand exactly what you mean, and I agree. All this is always a balancing act. As you say, we who travel ARE tourists. Personally, I don't mind doing activities that are arranged just for tourists, as long as I don't think it's harmful to animals, nature, local people (not always easy to know). On this trip it was perhaps rather obvious that Asian tourists sometimes (a generalisation of course) appreciate a different type of activities (not better or worse, but different) than perhaps many Scandinavians would appreciate in the first place. The tour would probably have been just as touristy if we had moved at a slower pace and with less loud music, but that might have suited us better 😉 Anyway, good reflections!
14 April 2023 - 5:56