Loboc River Cruise: Floating Restaurant in Bohol | Price, Buffet, Schedule, Booking
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Loboc River Cruise is a boat ride experience with buffet lunch and live music on the Loboc River, near Loboc town in Bohol. It stretches around 1.5 kilometers one way, passing through lush greenery on both sides of the river. The experience feels like the world has paused, and you're drifting through calm, silent emptiness - a true paradise.
important Loboc River is one of Bohol’s most popular tourist destinations, stretching 58 km from the mountains of Valencia, passing through Sevilla, Loboc, and ending in the Bohol Sea at Loay.
Loboc River Cruise offers a captivating scenic view of nature from a floating restaurant, where a buffet of delicious food from Bohol-style seasoning and beautiful music makes the moment memorable. The Cruise journey starts at the Loboc Tourism Complex, which is located in Loboc town.
Important Loboc Tourism Complex is just a 10 to 12-minute walk from the main road in Loboc. If you prefer, you can take a tricycle for around 20 to 50 PHP, but generally, walking is a good option. As for reference points, the complex is located just a short distance from San Pedro Church (Loboc's oldest Church).
How to reach the Loboc Tourism Complex
From Bohol's Capital, Tagbilaran City:
From Tagbilaran, Loboc town is about 25 km from Tagbilaran, and it takes around 40-45 minutes to reach.
Loay Interior Road connects Tagbilaran, Loay, Loboc, Bilar, and Carmen. To reach Loboc, you can take a private car or taxi, which will cost around 1,000 PHP to 1,400 PHP for a round trip.
Besides this, public transport like buses and vans - locally known as V-Hire (Van for Hire, usually Toyota HiAce) are also available from the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran. These vans travel toward Carmen and pass through Loboc, and fares for Loboc are around 30 PHP to 80 PHP, taking about 40–50 minutes.
For those who enjoy biking, renting bikes is also a good option. You can rent a bike from Tagbilaran City or Panglao Island for around 200 to 400 PHP per day. The ride to Loboc takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace, and offers scenic countryside views along the Loay Interior Road.
From Panglao Island :
Loboc is located about 36 kilometers from Panglao, and you can reach it via Tagbilaran City. A private car or taxi from Panglao to Loboc will cost around 1,200 to 1,600 PHP.
There is no direct public transport from Panglao Island to Loboc, so first, you need to reach the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran, which is about 16.8 kilometers from Panglao. You can get there by van or tricycle.
From the bus terminal, take a bus or V-Hire (Van for Hire) going from Loay to Carmen, which passes through Loboc. In this way, you can reach Loboc in two steps - first from Panglao to Tagbilaran, and then from Tagbilaran to Loboc.
Alternatively, you can rent a scooter or bike directly from Panglao. Scooter rentals (like Honda Click or Yamaha Mio) are widely available and cost around 300 to 600 PHP per day. Bicycles are also available but less common, and usually cost 50 PHP/hour to 400 PHP per day. Riding a scooter is a convenient and flexible option to reach Loboc on your own.
From Cebu City:
To reach Loboc from Cebu, you first need to get to Bohol Island. The easiest way is by ferry. From Cebu City’s Pier 1, you can take a fast ferry like OceanJet or SuperCat to Tagbilaran City (Bohol). The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around 800 to 1,200 PHP. From Tagbilaran, you can reach Loboc as we discussed earlier.
Flights from Cebu to Bohol–Panglao Airport are also available, but they are more expensive and less commonly used, since the ferry is more convenient and frequent.
From the Capital City, Manila
To reach Loboc from the capital city, Manila, you first need to fly to Bohol. Direct flights from Manila to Bohol–Panglao International Airport take about 1.5 hours. From the airport, Loboc is around 30 km away. You can take a private taxi or car directly from the airport, which costs around 1,200 to 1,600 PHP round trip. Or, you can first go to Tagbilaran City and take a V-Hire van (50 to 80 PHP one way) or bus to Loboc.
| Route | Mode | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tagbilaran → Loboc | Bus/V‑Hire/Jeepney | 40–60 min | p 30–50 one way |
| Tagbilaran → Loboc | Private taxi/van | ~45 min | p 600–800 one way |
| Cebu → Tagbilaran | Fast ferry | ~2 hrs | p 600–1,200 |
| Panglao → Tagbilaran | Tricycle/van | ~15 min | p 150–300 |
| Panglao → Loboc | Two-step public route | ~1.5–2 hrs | ~p 230–350 total |
How to Book & Get Seated on the Loboc River Cruise
Generally, the boats are buffet cruises, which include a buffet meal, live music, and a cultural performance.
Booking ticket
1. Walk-In (Most Common) : You can book your ticket on the spot by visiting the Loboc Tourism Complex. The ticket information center is located on the left side of the ground floor, and right beside it is the waiting lounge.
After booking, you’ll receive a boarding pass that includes your boat number and departure time. Inside the complex, there are displays showcasing Bohol’s traditional arts and culture, which you can explore if there’s a wait for your cruise.
There is also a small souvenir market nearby where you can buy items made from local Boholano crafts and materials.
2. Direct Booking (Recommended on weekends): Loboc Riverwatch doesn’t offer online cruise booking, but you can reserve by phone (+63 38 537 9076) or through their Facebook page at least one day in advance. For details, visit lobocriverwatch.com. Advance booking is recommended during weekends and peak seasons.
3. Through Tour Packages: Many hotels, resorts, and tour agencies in Panglao and Tagbilaran offer packages that include the Loboc River Cruise. Booking through these packages is convenient—they handle the tickets, schedule, and even transportation, making your trip hassle-free.
Loboc River Cruise Ticket Prices :
- Regular adult rate: ₱1,000 per person, including buffet lunch and cultural show
- Senior citizens: ₱800 per person (valid ID required)
- Children 3–4 ft tall: ₱412 per person
- Children under 3 ft: Free of charge
important: Extra drinks are not included in the ticket price and must be paid for separately. Ticket prices were last updated in late 2024.
Cruise operating time:
- Monday to Friday: Boats operate from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: Extended to 2:30 PM
- Cruises usually depart every 30 minutes
- Each cruise lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour (round trip)
- Some dinner buffet cruises also operate, but they’re occasional, not regular.
- Arrive at least 15–30 minutes before departure to secure your boarding.
Best Time to Visit
From November to May is the best time to visit the Loboc River Cruise. In these months, pleasant weather, calm river conditions, and clear skies are ideal for sightseeing, dining, and cultural performances.
Ideal Time of Day:
- Late morning or around noon is best for buffet cruises and scenic daylight views.
- Early afternoon is slightly less crowded and offers a more relaxed experience.
- Some cruises may also offer sunset options, providing a peaceful and romantic atmosphere.
When to Avoid:
- Rainy season (June to October) can bring unexpected showers and river swelling, which may affect cruise schedules.
- Weekends and public holidays are typically crowded, so it's better to arrive early or go on weekdays for a quieter experience.
What to Expect After Booking:
After buying your ticket, you’ll get a boarding pass where the boat number and departure time are written. Then you have to wait in the lounge or near the riverside. When your boat is ready, the staff announces the boat number either on the speaker or by calling out.
At the entrance from the lounge to the docking area, staff check your boarding pass before allowing you through. There are a total of five docking gates, connected by a covered walkway, and staff are stationed along the way to guide passengers.
As you walk toward the gate, you’ll often be greeted by locals playing welcome music along the path. There is usually a donation box near them - you may contribute if you wish.
Throughout the walkway, friendly staff assist and guide you. Once you reach your designated gate, the staff stationed there will check your ticket and help you find your seat on the assigned boat. note- seats are distributed on the basis of first-come come first-served serve so come early to get best view place
Buffet Lunch on a Floating Restaurant: A Taste of Delicious Filipino Cuisine
The cruise is essentially a floating restaurant, with beautiful tables set along both sides and a buffet in the center where delicious Filipino cuisine awaits you. A live singer performs romantic songs, adding to the unique atmosphere and making the experience truly special. this one-hour journey will be one of the most memorable moments of your life.
So don’t stop yourself go ahead, take your lunch . You have to take your lunch by yourself, but there are staff members around to help you if needed.
What’s Included in the Buffet Lunch Menu
In this cruise, the buffet lunch is full of delicious Filipino food waiting for you. You’ll find popular local dishes like grilled fish, chicken adobo, pancit (Filipino-style noodles), rice, sautéed vegetables, and sometimes spring rolls or native soup. For dessert, they usually serve fresh tropical fruits like watermelon or banana slices. The food may change a little day by day, but the taste always feels homemade and full of flavor. It’s self-service, so you can take what you like, and yes, you can go back for more!
Here's what you’ll usually find, grouped by type:
1. Main Dishes
- Chicken Adobo (Filipino-style soy garlic chicken)
- Grilled Fish
- Fried Chicken or Pork
- Sweet and Sour Vegetables or Fish
2. Noodles & Rice
- Pancit (Filipino stir-fried noodles)
- Steamed White Rice
- Sometimes Garlic Rice
3. Side Dishes
- Chopsuey (mixed sautéed vegetables)
- Spring Rolls or Fried Lumpia
- Native-style soup (optional, varies)
4. Desserts & Fruits
- Fresh watermelon or banana slices
- Filipino native kakanin (rice cake or local sweets – sometimes)
5. Drinks
- 1 glass of iced tea or juice is sometimes included
Note: Extra drinks like soda or bottled water are paid separately
Tinikling: Traditional Filipino Bamboo Dance on the Floating Stage – Cultural Joy
Loboc River Cruise is not just about the buffet lunch it also introduces you to cultural joy through traditional dancing with bamboo on a floating stage.
During the Loboc River Cruise, the boat makes a short stop at a floating platform, where guests are greeted with a heartwarming cultural performance by local youth.
Young girls and boys, dressed in traditional Filipino attire, perform alongside their dance master. They begin with a warm welcome dance, offering smiles and graceful movements to honor and entertain visitors.
Tinikling, or Bamboo Dance, is a traditional Filipino folk dance where two performers kneel on either side and beat long bamboo poles against the ground and each other in rhythmic patterns. Meanwhile, young dancers gracefully jump in and out between the clapping poles with perfect timing.
The dancers often start slow, then gradually increase the pace, showcasing their agility, coordination, and rhythm. Each step is timed to avoid getting caught between the fast-moving poles, making the performance both thrilling and mesmerizing to watch.
With live folk music and festive energy in the background, the dancers smile and move with confidence, sometimes even balancing baskets or scarves to add flair. Toward the end, they often invite guests to join in, adding fun and laughter to the experience.
Live Band Music :
Live band music on the Loboc River Cruise adds a special charm to the whole experience. During the cruise, local singers perform slow and soft songs that make the lunch feel peaceful and relaxing. They often play old Filipino songs, romantic tunes, and even some popular hits. You can also request your favorite song or sing along with them, which makes the entire journey more fun and memorable.
Overall Experience of Loboc River Cruise
The Loboc River Cruise offers a hassle-free, peaceful yet vibrant experience that blends natural beauty, culture, and relaxation. As you glide along the calm, green river surrounded by lush forests, you enjoy a buffet lunch with Bohol-style flavors while a live acoustic band plays soft music in the background. Midway, the boat stops at a floating stage where locals perform traditional dances like Tinikling, adding a cultural touch to your journey. The entire cruise lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour, leaving you with a deep sense of calm, joy, and connection to the local way of life.
Final Word by QF.Travel
On one side, there's grand, delicious food; on the other, soft live music; and on the third, the calm flow of the river, with greenery on both sides that captivates the heart — what more could you ask for? All of this together is more than enough to lose yourself in the moment.
Not only that - on a floating stage in the middle of the river, an enthusiastic group of children is waiting to present their traditional dance and folk culture. Their way of welcoming you truly touches the heart.
So believe this - this one hour isn’t just a boat ride; it’s a complete experience filled with all the colors of life that make it truly beautiful: nature, food, music, and dance.
This is not just a cruise — it’s a hope that you will come, an excitement to welcome you, and a deep satisfaction when you arrive, and the Loboc River and its people embrace you with open hearts.
Maybe you have to spend a little money for this, but far more valuable than that is the love, culture, and warmth that is waiting there — just for you.
