If you’re visiting Bohol, the Loboc River Cruise will almost certainly end up on your itinerary and it should. It’s one of Bohol’s top attractions. We did it on our trip, and while I have mixed feelings about parts of it, the experience as a whole is something I’m genuinely glad we didn’t skip.
Our Experience
We arrived at the Loboc Tourism Complex around 2 in the afternoon.
After registering at the tourism desk, we were assigned a table and a boat. The process was straightforward.
We waited until our group was called for boarding, then it’s a short walk to the dock area.
Once we boarded, the floating restaurant started moving, and that’s when it clicked for me why this place is so popular.
The Loboc River is gorgeous. The water is a deep jade green, lined with tall trees and thick vegetation on both sides. It’s quiet and slow, and after days of touring around Bohol, that pace felt welcome.
The cruise runs for about an hour. It travels along the river and turns around near a small waterfall — Busay Falls then we head back to the dock area. I’ll be honest: the route is short. By the time we reach the falls, we’re already on our way back. If you’re expecting a long, sprawling river journey, adjust that expectation. But the scenery along the way is genuinely beautiful, and there’s enough happening on board to keep you engaged.
One of the highlights for me was the cultural performance. At one point, the boat makes a stop at a floating bamboo stage along the river where local musicians and dancers perform.
Audrey ended up dancing with them. She enjoyed it and it was one of those moments she won’t forget. Fun, a little silly, and completely worth it. Just remember to tip the performers.
There are also photographers on board capturing the cruise, so if you want photos without having to manage your own camera the whole time, that’s an option.
About the Loboc River Cruise
The Loboc River Cruise is a motorized floating restaurant that travels along the Loboc River in Bohol, one of the most scenic waterways in the Visayas. It comes with a lunch buffet featuring Filipino dishes, live music, and a cultural performance stop mid-cruise. The whole thing lasts about an hour.
The buffet spread is generous. Here’s what was on the menu when we went:
For appetizers, they had vegetable fritters and kani canapés — toasted baguette topped with crabstick, mayonnaise, and sriracha. The salad bar came with three dressing options: honey balsamic vinaigrette, thousand island, and sesame. The soup was sinigang na isda sa pakwan — tuna in tamarind broth with radish, kangkong, and watermelon, which is an interesting take on a classic.
The mains included beef caldereta, pork barbecue, halabos na hipon, pritong manok with lemongrass gravy, grilled fish, pansit bam-i bisaya, vegetable kare-kare, chili garlic cabbage, pork chao fan, and plain rice. For desserts, they served fresh fruits, choco banana muffin, maja blanca, coffee jelly, and assorted kakanin.
It looks like a lot — and it is. But I’ll say this honestly: the food didn’t wow me. There were plenty of options, and the variety was there, but the taste was just okay for most dishes. The staff were friendly and attentive throughout, which helped. Drinks are not included, so you pay for those separately.
Tickets and Rates
The Loboc River Cruise with lunch buffet is priced at PHP 1,000 per person for the regular rate. Seniors and PWDs pay PHP 800. Kids between 3 to 4 feet tall are charged PHP 412, and children below 3 feet get in free.
Drinks are on a pay-as-you-order basis, so budget a little extra if your group drinks juice, soda, or anything beyond water.
Planning Your Visit
The cruise operates from 10 AM to 3 PM. We arrived at 2 PM and still made it on board, but I’d recommend coming earlier if you want more time to settle in and enjoy the full experience without feeling rushed.
Registration is done at the Loboc Tourism Complex. Once you sign in, they assign your table and boat, and you wait to be called for boarding. The walk from the registration area to the dock is short.
Would I do it again? Probably not. The route is short, the food is average, and once you’ve done it, you’ve done it. But for a first visit to Bohol? Absolutely do it. The river views, the cultural performance, the dancing, the whole experience is memorable in its own way, and that’s what travel is for.
Contact Information
Location: Loboc Tourism Complex, Loboc, Bohol, Philippines
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Facebook: Loboc River Cruise Bohol
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