From Cebu City: Bohol Countryside Tour w/ Loboc Cruise Lunch

Planning a day trip from Cebu to explore Bohol? This full-day guided tour promises a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and authentic local experiences — all packed into about 14 hours. We’ve gathered feedback from travelers who’ve taken the journey to give you a balanced look at what to expect.

What we truly appreciate about this tour is the seamless logistics — with hotel pickup, ferry rides, and guided commentary — making it a practical choice for those wanting a hassle-free adventure. The Loboc River cruise and the Chocolate Hills are clear highlights, offering iconic views and memorable moments. One potential downside, noted by some, is the long day involved, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or shorter excursions.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Bohol’s top sights in a single day, without the stress of planning individual transportation. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided stories, scenic views, and a taste of authentic Filipino culture.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines natural wonders, cultural heritage, and local cuisine.
• Organized and Reliable: Includes transfers, ferry tickets, and a knowledgeable guide.
• Iconic Sights: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier sanctuary, and Loboc River cruise.
• Value for Money: At $149, you get a full day with multiple stops and a buffet lunch.
• Long Day: Expect around 14 hours, suitable for energetic travelers.
• Authentic Touches: Live folk dance, local handicrafts, and a chance to see endangered wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off early, with pick-ups from Cebu City, Mandaue, or Lapu-Lapu hotels starting around 6:00–6:30 AM. This early start is necessary to maximize your time on Bohol, and the group size tends to be small to keep things intimate and manageable. The journey begins with about a 30-minute van ride, followed by a two-hour ferry crossing. Travelers often note how smoothly everything runs, even with the inevitable hiccups like ferry rebooking, which most reviews say was handled well.

The First Stops: History and Heritage

Your guide will likely start with the Blood Compact Shrine, a significant site commemorating Filipinos’ first treaty with Spanish explorers. It’s a compact but meaningful introduction to local history. Next comes the Baclayon Church, which claims to be the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Its age and architecture make it a must-see, and travelers often enjoy wandering inside to appreciate the craftsmanship.

Wildlife Encounters

The highlight for many is the Tarsier Conservation Area. These tiny primates, easily mistaken for plush toys, are fascinating to observe up close. According to reviews, spotting the tarsiers in their natural habitat is a brief but rewarding experience. You’ll need to be quick, as they’re small and tend to rest during the day.

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Scenic Lunch on the Loboc River

One of the most lauded parts of the tour is the Loboc River cruise, where a buffet lunch is served aboard a floating raft while you glide past lush riverbanks. The food receives high praise, with travelers calling it “delicious” and the entertainment “fun.” You may even get to join in local folk dances like the Tinikling, adding an interactive element that many find memorable.

The Iconic Chocolate Hills

No trip to Bohol is complete without witnessing the Chocolate Hills. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of these 1,268 uniquely shaped hills, which resemble chocolate kisses in the sunlight. The scenic drive up is often accompanied by brief photo stops, and reviewers mention that the view is worth the short climb (sometimes 220 steps to the observation deck). The hills are an unforgettable sight and a perfect photo opportunity.

The Man-Made Mahogany Forest

A lesser-known but beautiful stop is the Mahogany Forest, where straight rows of tall trees create a striking landscape. It’s a good place for a quick photo and to appreciate Bohol’s efforts in reforestation and landscape management.

Shopping and Free Time

Depending on your schedule, you’ll get a chance to browse local handicrafts and delicacies—a great way to bring home souvenirs and support local artisans.

Wrap-up and Return

The day concludes with ferry rides back to Cebu, arriving in the evening around 7:40 PM. The trip back is often described as relaxing, with many travelers feeling satisfied by the full spectrum of experiences packed into the day.

What Makes This Tour Worth Considering

Value for money is one of its strongest points. For $149, you gain access to multiple iconic sights, transportation, a guided commentary, and a delicious buffet. The reviews emphasize the tour’s well-organized logistics and knowledgeable guides, who enhance the experience by explaining the significance of each site and adding local color to the journey.

Scenic spots like the Chocolate Hills and Loboc River are truly the main draws, offering stunning vistas that are hard to find elsewhere. The opportunity to see endangered tarsiers in their habitat is a rare privilege, and many travelers appreciate the conservation-focused nature of the visit.

However, keep in mind that this is a long day — approximately 14 hours — which can be tiring for some. Reviewers mention that the schedule is packed, and you might find that certain stops, like the Chocolate Hills viewpoint, are brief due to time constraints. The ferry ride, especially in tourist class seats, might be tight if you’re tall, but an upgrade can improve comfort.

Transport and Comfort

The tour employs air-conditioned vans and includes round-trip ferry tickets, making logistics simpler than doing it solo. The small-group format helps with a more personalized experience, and the guides often double as drivers and storytellers—adding an authentic narrative to your Bohol adventure.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for independent travelers or families who want a rundown of Bohol’s highlights without the hassle of planning. It appeals to those eager to see the most photogenic and iconic sites in a single day, especially if they appreciate guided commentary and cultural insights.

Price and Value

While $149 might seem steep for a day trip, it actually delivers good value when considering transportation, entrance fees, and a substantial buffet lunch included in the cost. The reviews consistently mention that it’s a well-organized and worthwhile tour — even if it involves a long day.

Final Thoughts

This Cebu-to-Bohol tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances natural beauty, history, and culture. The guides’ knowledge and the scenic stops make it a compelling choice for travelers wanting to tick off Bohol’s most famous sights efficiently. If you’re someone who enjoys guided storytelling, iconic landscapes, and cultural encounters, you’ll find plenty to love here.

However, be prepared for a full day of travel and activity. If you prefer a leisurely pace or fewer stops, this might feel rushed. But for those seeking an authentic, hassle-free daytrip packed with highlights, this tour hits the mark.

In essence, it’s a solid investment for a memorable introduction to Bohol’s natural and cultural treasures — especially if you crave an organized, guided experience that covers all the key sights in one go.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, van transfers, and round-trip ferry tickets.

What’s the duration of the tour? Expect around 14 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening.

Are meals included? Yes, a buffet lunch is served during the Loboc River cruise, with bottled water also provided.

What sites will I visit? You’ll see the Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, Tarsier Conservation Area, Loboc River, Mahogany Forest, and Chocolate Hills.

Can I purchase souvenirs? Yes, there is optional time allocated for souvenir shopping, where you can buy local handicrafts.

Are there any additional fees? Entrance fees to sites are included, but you might need to pay separately for personal souvenirs or optional extras.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, families often enjoy the trip, especially with the chance to see adorable tarsiers and enjoy the river cruise.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, especially during peak seasons. The tour offers flexible booking options, and you should confirm ferry reservations if booking less than 10 hours before.

Final Summary

This Bohol countryside tour from Cebu offers a comprehensive, well-organized day filled with breathtaking views and cultural insights. It’s especially suited for travelers craving a structured experience that includes the must-see sights of Bohol in one convenient package. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge stand out as key highlights, making the long hours more engaging and educational.

While the schedule demands energy and patience, the value for the price and the variety of experiences make it a compelling choice for those eager to explore Bohol without the stress of self-planning. It’s perfect for those who want a guided snapshot of the island’s natural wonders, historic sites, and vibrant culture — all in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: