Showing posts with label Tagbilaran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tagbilaran. Show all posts

July 22, 2026

Loboc River Cruise Buffet: A Relaxing Lunch Experience in Bohol

The Loboc River Cruise Buffet was included in the Bohol Countryside Tour that we booked. It was our fourth stop of the day, following our visits to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills, and the Bilar Man-Made Forest.

By the time we arrived, it was already past 12:00 noon, making it the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing lunch while cruising along the scenic Loboc River.

This was actually my husband and my second visit, with our first trip being 17 years ago. This time, however, our experience was even more special because we were joined by our son and two senior citizens in our family. It was wonderful to revisit one of Bohol's most popular attractions together and create new memories across three generations.




I was pleasantly surprised by how much the place has improved over the years. The waiting area is now much larger and more organized, with several convenient facilities, including food stalls, comfortable seating areas, clean comfort rooms, a pasalubong shop, and a photo booth where you can purchase souvenir photos taken during the cruise.

Once aboard, we enjoyed a buffet featuring a variety of Filipino dishes while taking in the lush greenery and peaceful surroundings of the river. It was wonderful to experience the relaxing atmosphere once again. One of the highlights of the cruise was the live cultural performance, where local performers showcased traditional Filipino music and dances, making the experience even more memorable because you could participate. The cruise was also senior-friendly, allowing our elderly companions to comfortably enjoy the sights, delicious food, and entertainment at a leisurely pace.





The river cruise lasted for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving us plenty of time to enjoy our meal, admire the beautiful scenery, and simply unwind.





After the cruise, we stopped by the photo booth to claim our souvenir pictures. The photos cost around ₱150 each. There was quite a long queue since each photo was printed upon request, but it was worth the wait to have a keepsake from our visit.


Overall, the Loboc River Cruise Buffet remains one of the must-try experiences in Bohol. Whether it's your first visit or you're returning after many years like we did, it's a relaxing way to enjoy delicious Filipino cuisine, beautiful river views, and a glimpse of the province's rich culture. It's also an activity that families of all ages, from young children to senior citizens, can enjoy together.

After our delightful lunch cruise, we continued our Bohol Countryside Tour and headed to our next destination, the Mirror of the World.
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July 20, 2026

Day 2: Bohol Countryside Tour + Mirror of the World: Revisiting a Timeless Destination After 17 Years

 "Some places change over the years, while others simply remind you why you fell in love with them in the first place."
 
Seventeen years ago, my husband and I visited Bohol for the first time. It was one of those trips that stayed with us because of the island's natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back charm. Back then, we rented a car for only PHP 2,000 and explored the countryside at our own pace.
 
Fast forward 17 years, and we returned to Bohol, this time with our son and two senior citizens. Revisiting the island while creating new memories with family made the trip even more special. Since we'd already taken the classic countryside tour, we decided to add Mirror of the World, a newer attraction that wasn't around during our first visit.

Initially, I wanted to book our tour through Klook, but when I was planning this trip a couple of years ago, Klook had only limited options for the Bohol Countryside Tour, so I ended up booking through a local travel agency. It worked out well for our family, especially since we were traveling with two senior citizens and wanted the flexibility of a private tour.

As of this writing, Klook now offers several Bohol tour packages, giving travelers more choices depending on their budget and preferred itinerary. Some of the available options include:

If you're planning your trip, it's worth comparing these packages with offers from local travel agencies to find the one that best suits your travel style, group size, and itinerary.

For our group of five, we paid PHP 2,290 per person, which included:
 
Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel
Tourist driver
Entrance fees
Buffet lunch at the Loboc River Floating Restaurant
Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Tagbilaran City or Panglao Island
 
Since Mirror of the World isn't part of the standard countryside tour, we paid an additional PHP 1,000 for the van plus PHP 170 per person for the daytime entrance fee (or PHP 190 for the night tour).
 
Total: PHP13,300
 
Starting Our Day
 
Since we booked the morning tour, we made sure to have an early breakfast at The Bellevue Resort before heading out.


 
Our assigned tourist driver picked us up at exactly 8:30 AM from the resort. The day before the tour, the travel agency had already sent us the driver's details, making everything organized and hassle-free.

 
The entire countryside tour lasted for around eight hours, allowing us to visit all the attractions at a comfortable pace.
 
Our Bohol Countryside Tour Itinerary
 
1. Tarsier Sanctuary


 
Our first stop was the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.
 
This was actually one of the biggest differences I noticed compared to our first visit 17 years ago. Back then, we visited what felt like a private garden where visitors simply gave a donation to see the tarsiers.
 
Today, the sanctuary is much more organized. It has designated walking paths, educational displays, and even museum-like exhibits where visitors can learn more about the Philippine tarsier before seeing them in their natural habitat.
 
These tiny primates remain one of Bohol's most iconic attractions. Visitors are reminded to keep their voices low, avoid using flash photography, and never touch the tarsiers since they are extremely sensitive to stress.
 
2. Chocolate Hills




Next, we headed to the iconic Chocolate Hills.
 
After 17 years, I was surprised by how much the area has improved. There are now more facilities and several dedicated photo spots for visitors.
 
While I appreciate all the improvements, I still have a soft spot for our first visit. Back then, there were fewer barriers, and we were even able to take those classic "flying broomstick" and jump shots with the Chocolate Hills stretching behind us. Those photos remain some of my favorite travel memories.
 
Since we visited during the summer, there were significantly more tourists, which meant longer lines at the different photo spots. If you're planning to visit during peak season, expect to wait a bit if you want to take photos at the most popular viewpoints.
 
3. Bilar Man-Made Forest
 
From Chocolate Hills, we passed through the famous Bilar Man-Made Forest.


Even after all these years, driving beneath the towering mahogany trees still feels magical. The cool shade provides a refreshing break from the tropical heat, making it one of the most scenic stretches of the countryside tour.
 
Although it's usually just a quick stop, it's definitely worth taking a few photos.
 
4. Loboc River Cruise with Buffet Lunch
 
By lunchtime, we arrived at the Loboc River Cruise.
 
This remains one of my favorite parts of the countryside tour because you get to enjoy a relaxing river cruise while having a buffet lunch featuring Filipino dishes.



One thing I noticed that's new is the onboard photography service. Staff members take souvenir photos of guests during the cruise, and after the trip, you can choose to purchase digital copies, printed photos, or both if you'd like a keepsake of your experience.
 
As always, the live music, cultural performances, and peaceful scenery along the Loboc River made the experience enjoyable.
 
5. Mirror of the World
 
Since this was a revisit, we wanted to include something we hadn't experienced before, Mirror of the World.
 
This attraction features miniature replicas of famous landmarks from different countries, making it a fun place to explore and take photos.



 
Because we visited in the afternoon, it was quite hot. If you're planning to include Mirror of the World in your itinerary, you may want to bring an umbrella, wear comfortable clothing, and stay hydrated. Visiting later in the afternoon or during the night tour might also be more comfortable.
 
Despite the heat, it was a nice addition to our itinerary and gave us something new to experience after revisiting Bohol's classic attractions.
 
6. Baclayon Church



Our next stop was the historic Baclayon Church.
 
One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, it continues to impress with its centuries-old architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Having survived earthquakes and undergone restoration, it remains an important historical and religious landmark in Bohol.
 
7. Blood Compact Shrine


Our final tourist stop was the Blood Compact Shrine.
 
The monument commemorates the historic Sandugo or blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565, symbolizing friendship between the Filipinos and Spaniards.
 
It's a quick stop, but it's a nice way to end the countryside tour while appreciating a significant chapter in Philippine history.
 
Back to The Bellevue Resort
 
After around eight hours of sightseeing, our driver brought us back to The Bellevue Resort.
 
After spending the entire day exploring Bohol, we took some time to rest before ending the day with a relaxing night swim at the resort. It was the perfect way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.



 
Final Thoughts
 
Revisiting Bohol after 17 years reminded me that while destinations naturally evolve, the memories they create remain timeless.
 
The Chocolate Hills now have better facilities, the Tarsier Sanctuary has become more educational and organized, and attractions like Mirror of the World give returning visitors something new to experience.
 
Whether it's your first trip or your second (or even third!), The Bohol Countryside Tour continues to be one of the best ways to experience the island's history, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty in a single day. Traveling with our son and two senior citizens also proved that it's a family-friendly itinerary that's enjoyable for travelers of all ages.
 
Travel Tips for the Bohol Countryside Tour
 
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your countryside tour:
 
Dress comfortably. Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes, especially if you're visiting during the summer months. Some attractions require a bit of walking, and it can get quite hot in the afternoon.
 
Bring extra clothes if you're doing the ATV adventure. If you plan to add an ATV ride at Chocolate Hills, expect to get dusty or muddy depending on the weather. A change of clothes and washable footwear will come in handy.
 
Dress appropriately for church visits. Since the itinerary includes historic churches like Baclayon Church, it's a good idea to wear modest clothing. If you're wearing shorts, a short skirt, or a sleeveless top, bring a shawl or light cover-up out of respect for the church's dress guidelines.
 
Baclayon Church is closed on Tuesdays. If your tour falls on a Tuesday, most tour operators substitute another historic stone church instead. You can still stop by Baclayon Church to admire its exterior and take photos of the grounds.
 
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. We visited Mirror of the World in the afternoon, and it was quite hot. Bringing a reusable water bottle, umbrella or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen will make your tour much more comfortable.
 
Expect a full day of sightseeing. Our countryside tour lasted around eight hours, so it's best to have a hearty breakfast before your 8:30 AM pickup and keep some light snacks on hand, especially if you're traveling with children or senior citizens.

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July 15, 2026

4 Days in Bohol with Senior Citizens: A Relaxing Family Getaway Itinerary

I know I'm not done with my Taiwan series yet, but after watching Fresh off the Sea in Calape, a Korean travel variety show filmed in Bohol, I couldn't resist revisiting our own trip. Watching four Korean celebrities experience the island's laid-back countryside reminded me of our memorable family vacation there two years ago.
 
At that time, my mom was spending a few months in the Philippines, so we wanted to make the most of her stay with another domestic trip. She had already enjoyed her first adventure outside Luzon when we visited Davao in 2023, so it was time for a new destination.
 
Since we were traveling with two senior citizens, we wanted a place that offered a good balance of sightseeing and relaxation. I narrowed our choices down to destinations my husband and I had already visited, including Coron and Bohol.
 
Because this was a last-minute trip, I expected airfare to be expensive. After comparing flights, Bohol turned out to be the more affordable option. I booked our round-trip Philippine Airlines tickets from Manila to Tagbilaran just a few weeks before departure for PHP 9,430 per person.


Staying at Bellevue Bohol Resort
 
For our accommodation, I chose Bellevue Bohol Resort in Panglao. They were offering a PHP 23,999 nett package for a two-night stay that included:
 
Buffet breakfast for two
Round-trip airport transfers
PHP 1,500 tour rebate
One-hour full-body massage for two at Azurea Spa
 
Instead, I booked a Deluxe Room for PHP 9,500 per night, with an additional PHP 2,500 per night for an extra person. Since I'm not really into spa treatments and we had already planned to book our tours through another travel agency, the regular room rate worked better for us.


Our room rate included:
 
Daily buffet breakfast for two
Complimentary round-trip airport shuttle
Use of the swimming pool and gym
Free kayak use
Access to the game room
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Welcome drinks
Access to the children's activity center
 
Day 1: Manila to Tagbilaran
 
Our trip didn't exactly start as planned. We arrived at the airport before 6:00 AM, only to find out that our flight had been moved to 12:00 noon. Spending six extra hours at the airport wasn't ideal, but Philippine Airlines provided Chickenjoy meals as compensation.

 
Fortunately, we had intentionally kept our first day free, so the delay didn't affect our itinerary.
 
By the time we arrived in Bohol, it was already check-in time. After settling our bill, we headed straight to our room, where we were pleasantly surprised to learn that the hotel had upgraded us.
 
That evening, we treated ourselves to Bellevue's Luau Night Buffet, which cost PHP 1,288 per person.


Planning Our Bohol Tours
 
On my previous visit to Bohol, I promised myself that I would include island hopping the next time I returned. However, since we were traveling with two senior citizens who preferred a slower-paced vacation, we decided to skip it this time.
 
Initially, I planned to book our tours through Klook, but the available options were mostly limited to the standard Countryside Tour and Panglao Tour. A few days before our trip, I came across Happy Trails and Tour, whose itinerary suited us much better.
 
We booked a private package that combined the Bohol Countryside Tour and Panglao + South Farm + Abatan Firefly Tour.
 
For our group of five, the package cost PHP 4,588 per person, which included:
 
Private transportation
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Entrance fees
Resort pick-up and drop-off
 
I paid a 50% deposit to secure the reservation and settled the balance after the tours.
 
Looking back, I couldn't help but remember my first visit to Bohol in 2007, when renting a car for the Countryside Tour only cost us around PHP 2,000. Times have certainly changed.
 
Day 2: Bohol Countryside Tour + Mirror of the World

 
Our guide picked us up at 8:30 AM for a full day of exploring Bohol's most iconic attractions.
 
Our itinerary included:
 
Blood Compact Shrine
Baclayon Church
Tarsier Sanctuary
Loboc River Cruise with buffet lunch
Bilar Man-Made Forest
Chocolate Hills
Mirror of the World
 
The tour lasted around eight hours and offered a great introduction to Bohol's history, culture, and natural beauty.
 
Day 3: Panglao, South Farm, and Firefly Watching

 
Our second tour started at 2:00 PM and lasted around six hours.
 
We visited:
 
Panglao Church and Watchtower
Hinagdanan Cave
Dauis Church
South Farm
Abatan River
Firefly watching by boat
 
It was a more relaxed itinerary, making it ideal for our family. The peaceful boat ride along the Abatan River, surrounded by glowing fireflies after sunset, was easily one of the highlights of our trip.
 
Day 4: Tagbilaran to Manila
 
Since our flight back to Manila wasn't until the evening, we considered exploring more of Bohol on our own. In the end, we decided to simply enjoy the resort instead.
 
We joined one of Bellevue's complimentary activities, a 20-minute glass-bottom boat ride, before having lunch at the hotel.

 
After checking out, we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the lobby until it was time to head to the airport.
 
Unfortunately, our return flight was delayed once again. This time, though, there was no complimentary meal waiting for us.
 
Despite the flight delays, our four days in Bohol turned out exactly as we had hoped: a slow-paced, enjoyable vacation that allowed everyone, especially our senior travelers, to appreciate the island without feeling rushed.
 
In my upcoming posts, I'll be sharing more detailed guides and experiences from each day of our Bohol adventure.

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