Loboc iRiver is one of the most interesting spots one can visit in Bohol.
Many will think that Loboc River has become too "touristy," however, I think it should still be at the top of your list whenever you're visiting Bohol. It is all the way up there with the famed Bohol Chocolate Hills.
It was to be a rainy day when we visited Bohol, and that there was a heavy downpour the day before, we were told.
Our first stop was Loboc River, and as a first-timer, I was more curious than amazed at seeing fairly huge boats (or more like huge rafts) lined up in a designated spot in the river. The crowd was already sizable and it seems everyone is there for the experience of dining on board these floating restaurants.
Interestingly, the downpour made the color of the water turn light green, instead of muddy brown tinge.
Our small group was already at the queue, at around 11:30 a.m., following the advice of a few "contacts."
The floating restaurant is actually a modified platform, large and wide, decorated with pennants Filipiniana style. A nice buffet of native food is spread at the center of the restaurant. A singer garbed in a native costume serenaded diners. The platform is tethered to a rather small motorized banca.
The small boat pushes the floating restaurant gently around the Loboc River.
Residents take pride in maintaining the cleanliness of the river, and it showed.
The river bank is lined by lush vegetation and coconut trees towering above.
A few, very small fish cages are can be seen and a few small boats tied to makeshift bridges and walkways made of bamboo. There were a few bamboo huts.
At the end of the river was a small waterfalls. The floating restaurant and river cruise was definitely "touristy" but if you are in Bohol, trying it is a must.
Many will think that Loboc River has become too "touristy," however, I think it should still be at the top of your list whenever you're visiting Bohol. It is all the way up there with the famed Bohol Chocolate Hills.
It was to be a rainy day when we visited Bohol, and that there was a heavy downpour the day before, we were told.
Our first stop was Loboc River, and as a first-timer, I was more curious than amazed at seeing fairly huge boats (or more like huge rafts) lined up in a designated spot in the river. The crowd was already sizable and it seems everyone is there for the experience of dining on board these floating restaurants.
Interestingly, the downpour made the color of the water turn light green, instead of muddy brown tinge.
Our small group was already at the queue, at around 11:30 a.m., following the advice of a few "contacts."
The floating restaurant is actually a modified platform, large and wide, decorated with pennants Filipiniana style. A nice buffet of native food is spread at the center of the restaurant. A singer garbed in a native costume serenaded diners. The platform is tethered to a rather small motorized banca.
The small boat pushes the floating restaurant gently around the Loboc River.
Residents take pride in maintaining the cleanliness of the river, and it showed.
The river bank is lined by lush vegetation and coconut trees towering above.
A few, very small fish cages are can be seen and a few small boats tied to makeshift bridges and walkways made of bamboo. There were a few bamboo huts.
At the end of the river was a small waterfalls. The floating restaurant and river cruise was definitely "touristy" but if you are in Bohol, trying it is a must.