Bohol: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, & Loboc River Shared Tour

Travelers eyeing the Philippines often dream of lush landscapes, unique wildlife, and iconic sights like the Chocolate Hills. This shared Bohol tour, offered by GoPanglao Travel and Tours, aims to tick all those boxes in a single day — and all for just $19 per person. It’s a popular choice, boasting a solid 4.3-star rating from over 80 reviews, which suggests most guests find incredible value and memorable moments.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines visual marvels like the hills and tarsiers with cultural insights at the museum and historic sites. Plus, the scenic Loboc River cruise with a buffet lunch is a highlight that adds a relaxing, tasty touch to a busy day. The only thing to keep in mind: with a packed itinerary and optional add-ons, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a good schedule but also like some flexibility.

If you’re after an affordable, well-organized introduction to Bohol’s best sights, this tour hits the right notes. It’s especially suitable for first-timers, budget travelers, and those who want a taste of the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Incredible Views: The Chocolate Hills are truly spectacular, especially from the viewing deck.
• Wildlife Encounters: The Tarsier Sanctuary offers a chance to see the tiny primates in their natural habitat.
• Cultural Insights: The National Museum and Blood Compact Monument deepen your understanding of Bohol’s history.
• Scenic Cruise: The Loboc River buffet cruise delivers relaxing waterside views and enjoyable local cuisine.
• Flexible Itinerary: You can opt for different stops or optional activities like ziplining or ATV rides.
• Value for Money: For around $19, the tour provides a comprehensive experience with all major sights covered.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Well-Structured Day with Rich Content

This tour begins with convenient hotel pickups around 8:00 to 8:30 AM, with two pickup points—either in Tagbilaran City or near Panglao. The relaxed start time allows you to settle in and get ready for a full day. The journey is comfortably managed with a climate-controlled vehicle and a guide who doubles as your driver.

The first stop is the National Museum of the Philippines in Bohol, where a guided 1-hour tour introduces you to the island’s cultural artifacts and artworks. We liked this because it sets a foundational understanding of Bohol’s history—something often missing from quick sightseeing trips. The exhibits are well-curated, giving a glimpse into the local past, and the guide’s insights help bring the displays to life.

Next, a short drive takes you to the Blood Compact Monument, a powerful symbol of the historic treaty between Spanish and Filipino leaders. The guided 20-minute visit makes this site more meaningful, with stories that help you appreciate Bohol’s role in regional history.

The Baclayon Church follows—a beautifully preserved example of Spanish colonial architecture. A 30-minute guided tour here offers a peek into the religious and architectural history of the island. While some may find the church’s age and significance fascinating, others might view the time spent as enough for a quick look.

A highlight for many is the Tarsier Sanctuary, where you’ll get 45 minutes to observe these tiny, wide-eyed primates. Travelers often comment on how adorable and delicate these creatures are—“so cute” was a common phrase. The sanctuary emphasizes conservation, making this stop both fun and educational, especially with the guide explaining the tarsiers’ ecological role and conservation challenges.

The Man-Made Forest is another interesting stop—this 2-kilometer stretch of carefully planted trees creates a shady corridor. It’s a quick but lush stop, providing excellent photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs.

Then comes the Chocolate Hills, arguably the star attraction. You’ll spend an hour here, enjoying panoramic views of the famous formations. During the dry season, the hills turn a chocolate-brown, which is truly a sight to see. The viewing deck provides ample space for photos and takes in the rolling landscape. Many reviews praise this stop for its “breathtaking” views and the opportunity to capture some great pictures.

Finally, the tour includes a two-hour drive back to your starting point, passing through areas of farmland and scenic countryside, giving a glimpse into everyday life on the island. The tour concludes with drop-offs in Tagbilaran or Panglao.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The balanced mix of cultural, historical, and natural sights makes this tour appealing. For example, the visit to Bohol’s National Museum and the Blood Compact monument provides context beyond just pretty scenery. The Tarsier Sanctuary gives you a chance to see one of the world’s smallest primates up close, which is both adorable and important for conservation awareness.

The scenic river cruise is a definite highlight, especially since it’s paired with a buffet lunch. Guests consistently praise the delicious local food and the relaxing atmosphere on the Loboc River. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the lush surroundings and take a break from the busy sightseeing schedule.

The tour’s moderate price point makes it very accessible, but the value isn’t just in the cost; it’s in the quality of the experienced guides, the well-maintained vehicle, and the carefully curated stops. Multiple guests have appreciated the knowledgeable guides who made each site engaging, and some have praised the flexibility and ease of the process.

Practical Considerations: What to Expect and What to Bring

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting early in the morning. The schedule is well-paced but full, so wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, and stay hydrated. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, which simplifies logistics—just be sure to provide your exact accommodation pin and contact info when booking.

Since entrance fees are not included, you’ll want to bring cash for sites like the Tarsier Sanctuary (Php 150) and the Chocolate Hills View Deck (Php 100). Optional activities, such as ziplining or ATV rides, are available at extra costs, and you’ll need to inform your guide if you wish to include any. Many reviews mention that waiting for other guests or optional add-ons can extend the day, so if you have tight schedules afterward, consider a private tour or specific arrangements.

What should you pack? Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, camera, and a reusable water bottle are essentials. Also, a change of clothes can be handy if you plan to do optional activities or get caught in unexpected weather.

The Value for Money

At just $19, the tour is remarkably affordable considering the number of sights visited. It offers a rundown of Bohol’s highlights, guided by local experts who enhance the experience with stories and insider tips. The included stops are well-selected, giving you a balanced itinerary that covers nature, history, and culture.

The reviews reflect this value, with travelers noting how the tour managed to include key highlights without feeling rushed. The lunch cruise stands out as a great way to relax and enjoy traditional Filipino dishes amidst stunning views, though it’s priced separately if you choose to add it on.

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Authentic Experiences and Guest Feedback

Many guests appreciate the knowledgeable guides that make each site more meaningful. For example, one reviewer mentions their guide Gerry as “fantastic,” while others highlight how the guides help with photo assistance and managing the itinerary smoothly, preventing long waits.

The stunning landscape views at the Chocolate Hills and the adorable tarsiers are often cited as unforgettable moments. Guests also mention enjoying the local community guide who shares insider tips, making the tour feel more authentic.

Some feedback points out that waiting times can occur, especially if other guests join late or opt for add-ons. The two-hour drive back can be long, but it’s a small price for the breadth of experiences packed into the day.

This tour is ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking a well-rounded overview of Bohol’s top sights. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want a structured, guided experience without the hassle of planning. Families, solo travelers, couples, and small groups will find it flexible and enjoyable.

If you’re short on time or have specific activities in mind—like ziplining or ATV riding—this tour offers options to customize your experience for an additional fee. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or private arrangement, exploring tailored options might be better.

If you’re after a cost-effective way to see the best of Bohol, this tour delivers excellent value, plenty of stunning sights, and knowledgeable guides who make every stop engaging. The highlights—the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary, and the Loboc River cruise—are genuinely memorable and well worth experiencing.

The arrangement strikes a good balance between structure and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy key attractions without the stress of logistical planning. It’s especially suited for those wanting a comprehensive introduction to Bohol’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, all at an affordable price.

While the day can be busy and optional activities cost extra, the core experience remains strong and rewarding. The positive reviews underscore how many travelers leave with lasting impressions and happy memories from this well-organized day trip.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour covers transportation, a knowledgeable guide who serves as driver, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and guided visits at various sites. Entrance fees and optional activities are not included.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting around 8:00-8:30 AM, with pickups from Tagbilaran or Panglao.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since it includes wildlife viewing and scenic stops. Keep in mind the long day and walking involved.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, you can choose to include or exclude optional stops like ziplining, ATV rides, or visiting different attractions—just inform your guide.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, water, change of clothes, cash, and personal medication.

Are meals included?
No, meals are at your own expense, but you can enjoy a buffet lunch during the Loboc River cruise for an additional cost.

What is the best time of year to visit?
While not specified, the Chocolate Hills are most striking during the dry season when they turn brown.

Are the stops crowded?
Popular sites like the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary can get busy, especially during peak times, but the guided nature of the tour helps manage waiting times.

What are the optional activities?
Ziplining, ATV rides, and the Loboc River cruise are available at extra costs—inform your guide if interested.

Whether you’re after an affordable intro to Bohol or an efficient way to tick off the main sights, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that’s hard to beat for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here: