Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines and is chock full of fun. Usually, tourists gravitate to the white beaches of Panglao Island or the jungles when seeking activities. On this trip, we head deep into the lush green jungle to find plenty of Awesome things to do in Bohol at Loboc River Resort.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.
Where is Loboc River
The Loboc River is an amazingly scenic jungle river, with placid blue-green water and palm tree-lined banks. Loboc River is tranquility at its finest. The river is wide and deep making it easy to navigate by boat. Accordingly, there are loads of boat tour options available near the township of Loboc.
Downstream of Loboc is where you find the Loboc River Resort. In this stretch of the river, the restaurants and tour operators give way to jungle interspersed by local houses. It is the peaceful stretch of the Loboc River.
Getting to Loboc River Resort
As you leave the quaint capital city of Tagbilaran City, just out of town you will pass the famous Baclayon Church, the oldest church in Bohol. This Roman Catholic Church dates back to 1596 and is still standing, even after surviving the devastating 7.3 earthquakes of 2013.
From the capital city Tagbilaran City, Loboc River Resort is about 30-40 minutes drive. The drive is mainly along the south coast of Bohol where you are treated to spectacular views of the ocean, beaches and nearby islands.
Activities
Swimming Pool
Loboc River Resort has a resort-style infinity pool right near the river bank. It even has a waterfall! The main pool is 5′ 2″ deep and there is a smaller kiddies pool which is 2′ deep. There’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in the resort style pool after a big day of activities on the river.
Cruising along the River in a Banca (Filipino outrigger boat)
We opted for the standard 2-hour cruise up the river on the traditional Filipino outrigger boat, which you can hire directly from the resort. The boat can comfortably seat 10 people, and it is a cool refreshing way to admire the river on a hot day.
Along the way, you will pass the historic Loboc Church, built in 1734. You will also pass the main tourist areas of Loboc River, along with many floating restaurants.
Swimming in Twin Falls
After about 50 minutes of cruising up the river in your Banca, you get to a waterfall, and you can’t travel any further. What to do? That’s easy – go for a swim under the waterfall.
On the other hand, you can duck behind the waterfalls to see what mysteries lie within or just go for a relaxing water massage.
Swimming in the Cold Spring
On the way back to the Loboc River Resort you pass by a small inlet which is a cold spring feed creek. There is a swimming hole there where you can stop off for a refreshingly cool swim.
Kayaking Along the Loboc River
Kayaking is another fun activity along the river. At the resort, there are one seater and two seater kayaks available, and plenty of lovely jungle scenery to explore.
Stand up Paddle Boards along the River
If kayaking is not your thing, try the stand-up paddle-boards. It’s not quite as fast as a kayak, but Loboc River is all about peace and tranquility.
Fishing and Crabbing
Kitong (Rabbit Fish) are plentiful in the Loboc River. Kids can purchase some bait for 30 pesos and go fishing off the floating pontoon. With any luck, they will catch some Kitong and convince the chef to make a meal of them.
Using the same fishing rods, kids can also delight in catching crabs right from the restaurant in the Loboc River below.
Feeding the Monkeys at Monkey Island
Each day at 4 pm there is a guided tour of the local attractions, and one of them is “Feeding the monkeys at monkey island”. You follow the guide along a canal to the island, then he crosses the river in his little Banca to get to the island.
All of a sudden you hear splashes as the monkeys jump from the overhanging trees into the canals and swim across to monkey island for their free meal. In fact, these mangrove monkeys (macaques) are native to Bohol and are a lovely spectacle to see up close in their natural environment.
The Hanging Bridge
Just downstream of the Loboc River Resort is the new Hanging Bridge. You can see many school children crossing these daily as they make their way to school. Before this new bridge was constructed they used to cross the river by boat. The bridge is just a 5-minute walk from Loboc River Resort and well worth a look.
Caribou Riding
On the daily tour, you have the option of riding a fully grown caribou. And before you start feeling sorry for the caribou, I don’t think they even feel the weight of the kids on their back.
Firefly Watching
Probably the highlight attraction here is the Firefly Watching, which can be done at night by boat.
Must go firefly watching in #Bohol soon!! 💛💛💛
Location: Loboc River, Bohol
📸: @hobopeeba pic.twitter.com/wfXGOsyZxS
— DiscoverMNL (@DiscoverMnl) April 15, 2018
Bicycle Riding
There are a couple of nice mountain bikes for use by the guests. Why not go for a ride along the many tracks and hiking trails.
Badminton & Table Tennis
There’s a great little sports area near the pool with a badminton court and table tennis table.
Restaurant on the River’s Edge
For me, the highlight of the Loboc River Resort is an amazing Filipino restaurant. Here diners are treated to an amazing 180-degree panorama of the Loboc River and the surrounding jungle. Also, the food here is simply sensational and very affordable.
To give you an idea, we had 12 people in our party and dinner with non-alcoholic drinks came in at around 3,300 pesos. Not bad. And best of all, we had complimentary breakfast
Massage
There is a massage room right behind reception, why not enjoy a lovely 1-hour traditional massage for just 450 pesos.
The Accommodation
The huts are modern nipa hut style, which captivates the river and jungle views. Not to mention if you are on the riverside you will get the chance to sit on your riverside balcony and watch the river pass by.
Inside they may not be super elegant but they are supremely comfortable. Complete with Aircon and LCD TV complete with cable TV. Mobile signal strength was strong using Smart, but alas Globe was quite weak. Wi-fi was good in the reception area but non-existent in our room.
Is It Expensive?
Check out the room rates on Agoda, we booked 2 days out and secured around a 40% discount off the standard room rate, which is 3,500 pesos for a river view room including breakfast.
Things to Do in Bohol – Loboc River Resort Summary
If you want a truly unforgettable experience and to check out the truly Boholano culture, then Loboc River Resort is for you. Especially as the atmosphere is friendly and the staff are lovely – you will be treated to warm smiles all through your stay. The food is magnificent and the prices are reasonable. All in all, we give it a 9 out of 10, this place is superb.
Even so, don’t come here if you’re looking for 4 or 5 star resort-style luxury. But definitely come here if you want to experience the river, the forest, delicious food and the warm Boholano spirit.
Would you like a free copy of our Ultimate Bucket List?
Not sure where to travel to next? We have created the Ultimate Bucket List to help you plan your next trip. 1170 awesome travel destinations in 167 countries. And we want you to have it for FREE.
