Cruising at the Loboc River

Enjoy a fascinating boat ride in the serene waters of Loboc River, starting from Loay Bridge which is the outlet of the river, and along the palm-fringed banks inland.

The ride via motorized pump boat ends near the Tontonan water falls, where several falls with cascading water provides a pleasant bathing session
A cruise along Loboc River starts either from Loay Bridge (20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City) or from Poblacion, Loboc which is about 25 kilometers from the city.

A motorized boat or a floating restaurant will take cruisers upstream passing by large vegetations of nipa (palm tree), coconuts and other tropical flora. The two main destinations are the Tontonan Falls and the Busay Falls. Two islets in the middle of the river are ideal picnic sites. A resort nearby accommodate tourists.

The town of Loboc, less than 30 minutes away from Albur, is known not only for its floating restaurant and captive tarsiers, but also for its beautifully preserved church established in 1602, the second oldest church in Bohol.

Loboc River is where several floating restaurants carry visitors to the awesome source of the river. The water is blue. Its bed is lined by smooth white rocks and fine light-colored sand.

After a relaxing river trip, you may also visit the Loboc Church, first established in dedication to San Pedro Apostol. The church, however, was badly destroyed by fire sometime in 1660. But the parishioners did not lose hope. In 1670, the present church was built from the ruins of the old church, and it was completed in 1734.Inside the church, remarkable native paintings on the ceilings and walls tell fascinating stories of the past. The Spanish coat of arms can also be found in the stone wall near the entrance of the convent. Snugly nestled in the compound of the ancient building of God is Museo de Loboc where the well-preserved historical artifacts and a few old statues of saints are kept.

Also an interesting sight is the separate octagonal bell tower located a few meters away from the main church structure. According to parishioners, the bell tower was purposely detached from the church after the first church was razed by fire. The priests thought of building the tower away from the church so that the bell could be used to alarm parishioners in case another fire takes place.

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Manila:
Take a plane trip to Bohol
There is a daily flight to Tagbilaran City, Bohol's Capital
via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific

From Cebu City:
Take a fast craft for Tagbilaran
Wessam Express is docked at Pier 4
Ocean Jet is docked at Pier 1
Fast crafts travel to Tagbilaran at least 4 times a day

From Tagbilaran:
At the airport or seaport, you will be greeted by van drivers
who offer commissioned trips to Loboc town, the site of the
Loboc River.