An Exclusive Tour to Bohol Countryside with Lunch at Loboc River Cruise | From Cebu City
Explore Bohol’s countryside: visit the Chocolate Hills, walk the Bilar Mahogany Forest, see tarsiers in their conservation area, enjoy a Loboc River cruise with buffet lunch, and visit historic Baclayon Church and the Blood Compact Shrine. Round-trip ferry from Cebu and hotel pick-up are included (terminal fees excluded).
In Collaboration with Explore Cebu Tours & Travel. Updated on February 13, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Explore Cebu Tours & Travel, inspired by the tour An Exclusive Tour to Bohol Countryside with Lunch at Loboc River Cruise | From Cebu City. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Chocolate Hills viewing area (Carmen)
- Bilar Mahogany Forest
- Tarsier Conservation Area (Loboc)
- Loboc River Cruise with buffet lunch
- Baclayon Church and Blood Compact Shrine (Tagbilaran)
Explore all itineraries in Cebu City.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided transfer from Cebu City to Bohol with visits to Chocolate Hills, Bilar Mahogany Forest, Tarsier Conservation Area, Loboc River Cruise (lunch), Baclayon Church, and the Blood Compact Shrine. Round-trip ferry and hotel pick-up/drop-off included. Total tour time approximately 14 hours (starts in the early morning from Cebu City).
Hotel pick-up in Cebu City & ferry transfer to Tagbilaran (round-trip ferry included)
We collect guests from hotels in Cebu City (signage with guest name will be placed in the hotel lobby). Transfer to the ferry terminal and ferry crossing to Tagbilaran are included. Driver will assist during transfer and boarding.
Tips from local experts:
- Have WhatsApp installed and message the operator in advance — ferry e-tickets are sent via WhatsApp (operator will provide instructions).
- Be ready in the hotel lobby at the confirmed pick-up time; pick-up signage will show your name. Pick-up windows may start earlier for certain locations—allow flexibility for traffic.
- Bring a light jacket for the ferry and motion-sickness remedies if your family is prone to seasickness; keep passports/IDs handy for terminal checks.
Chocolate Hills viewpoint (Carmen)
Visit the Chocolate Hills viewing area in Carmen to see the iconic limestone mounds unique to Bohol. Short walk from the parking/viewing platform to vantage points.
Tips from local experts:
- Strollers are difficult on the viewing platform steps — use a lightweight carrier for toddlers or be prepared to carry little ones on short climbs.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat; shaded seating is limited at the main viewing area.
- Allow about 30–45 minutes at the site to see the primary viewpoint and take family photos without rushing.
Bilar Mahogany Forest (drive-through stop)
Short stop at the two-kilometer Mahogany de Silva Forest on the border of Loboc and Bilar for a photo walk beneath the dense mahogany canopy.
Tips from local experts:
- The forest path is mostly flat but shaded; comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for kids to avoid leaf litter and roots.
- This is a short stop (20–30 minutes) — plan photos quickly if your group needs restroom breaks.
- Bring bottled water (provided on tour) and insect repellent for quick comfort while walking under the canopy.
Tarsier Conservation Area (Loboc/Loay Interior Road)
Visit the Tarsier Conservation Area to view Philippine tarsiers in a protected habitat. Visits are quiet-paced; flash photography and loud noise are restricted.
Tips from local experts:
- Maintain quiet voices and follow the caretaker’s instructions — tarsiers are sensitive to noise and bright lights.
- Use a baby carrier rather than a stroller, as paths are narrow and uneven in parts of the sanctuary.
- Restrooms may be limited at the site; plan restroom breaks beforehand where possible.
Loboc River Cruise with buffet lunch
Board a floating restaurant on the Loboc River for a buffet lunch, live local music, and a short cultural performance while enjoying river scenery.
Tips from local experts:
- The cruise includes buffet lunch — advise the guide in advance of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
- Seats are on a first-assigned basis on the boat; families with small children should sit near exits for easy access.
- Bring a light sunhat and camera; the riverbanks are shaded but sunlight can be strong on the water.
Baclayon Church (Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception)
Visit Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, to see colonial-era architecture and historical artifacts.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress modestly when entering the church (shoulders and knees covered); bring a light cover-up for children if needed.
- Supervise children around old stone steps and relic displays — some areas have low lighting and uneven flooring.
- Allow about 20–30 minutes for a quiet walk-through and photos outside the church precinct.
Blood Compact Shrine (Sandugo) — Tagbilaran City
Stop at the Blood Compact Shrine in Tagbilaran City to learn about the historic Sandugo pact — a short visit suitable for family photos and a brief cultural note.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a short, easy stop (about 15–20 minutes) — plan photos and a quick walk along the waterfront area.
- There are shaded areas near the shrine; keep children close as the site is adjacent to roadways and promenades.
- Terminal fee and local port formalities may be required before boarding the return ferry — keep small change ready as those fees are not prepaid.
Return transfer: Tagbilaran to Cebu & hotel drop-off
Transfer to the Tagbilaran pier for the ferry back to Cebu, then return hotel drop-off in Cebu City (end of tour). Assistance provided for boarding and luggage.
Tips from local experts:
- Be punctual for the return transfer; ferry boarding closes in advance of departure — guide will confirm boarding time during the day.
- Terminal fees for Cebu/Bohol are excluded and usually collected at the terminal — keep small Philippine peso notes and coins available.
- Expect arrival back in Cebu in the evening; have contact details and the same WhatsApp thread available in case of any minor timing updates.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Culture |
Why this experience
A day trip from Cebu to Bohol transports you to one of the Philippines' most surreal landscapes — the Chocolate Hills, where thousands of steep, dome-shaped formations turn chocolate-brown in dry season and create an otherworldly sight. You'll visit a tarsier sanctuary to see these tiny primates up close, then glide down the Loboc River on a floating restaurant where local dishes arrive course by course. The Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, rounds out a day steeped in natural wonder and colonial history. This itinerary suits couples, families, and anyone seeking a break from city pace. It's a full day but extraordinarily memorable — one trip that covers geology, wildlife, culture, and food in a single arc.
Before you go
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time | Dry season for clear views of the Chocolate Hills; wet season makes them green but visibility is reduced |
| Budget | Ferry to Bohol and lunch cruises are typically included; plan for small purchases at the tarsier sanctuary |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate — mostly driving and sitting, with short walks at each stop |
| What to bring | Camera with zoom lens for wildlife, sunscreen, hat, light jacket for boat breezes |
| Getting there | Hotel pickup in Cebu City, ferry from Cebu port to Tagbilaran (Bohol), then overland transport to each stop |
| Accessibility | Tarsier sanctuaries have uneven ground; Loboc River boats have stairs to board |
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Bohol day trip? Expect 10–12 hours total, including travel time from Cebu City. Most departures leave early morning (7:00–8:00am) and return by 6:00pm.
Is the Loboc River cruise meal good? Yes — you'll enjoy local Filipino dishes served course by course as your boat floats downriver. Vegetarian options are usually available with advance notice.
Will we see tarsiers and the Chocolate Hills? Absolutely — both are core stops on every Bohol itinerary. Tarsier sightings are nearly guaranteed as they're kept in sanctuaries. Chocolate Hills visibility depends on season.
Who should book this tour? Couples, families, and anyone curious about nature and culture. It's less strenuous than island-hopping but covers a lot of ground — not recommended for travelers with mobility challenges.
Can I extend the trip to overnight in Bohol? Many operators offer multi-day versions; ask during booking. TheNextGuide can connect you with operators who specialize in Bohol overnight packages.
Complete your trip in Cebu City
Balance Bohol's countryside charm with Cebu City's urban culture — explore the full-day private tour of Cebu Island highlights, savor street food and heritage with the solo cultural and food walk, or unwind at modern cafes and museums with the solo-friendly discovery day.
Browse all Cebu City itineraries at TheNextGuide.
