Loboc is an interior town within a valley through which its rivers bend. This is also a site of a Spanish church with a separate belfry and a place where one of the biggest mistakes in infrastructure planning is visible with its incomplete bridge, almost crossing the river. If it would have been completed, the church would have been demolished. Instead, this hanging bridge has been converted into an esplanade - a place where people can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city to a quiet and secluded place. The historical background of Loboc is just as fascinating as its challenging pursuits, celestial music, and captivating scenery. Read on for the best things to do in Loboc, Philippines.
1. See Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol
If you’re a history lover, then visiting Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol should be part of your to-do list for your Loboc trip. Originally built in 1602 and then rebuilt in 1638 after a fire destroyed it, this church is the second oldest church in all of Bohol, and it’s also a product of the Spanish occupation in the country. For that reason, everything about Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol speaks of the past — from the wooden furniture to the architectural style to the paintings on the ceiling.
Because of its cultural and historical significance, Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol has become an icon in the province of Bohol. For Catholic Filipinos, this is now considered a pilgrimage attraction that they want to visit one day. Meanwhile, for foreign tourists, this is a historical landmark that deserves to be beheld.
Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol
Address: Brgy. Poblacion Ondol, Loboc, Bohol
Opening hours: Depending on the mass times
Price: Free
2. Admire nature from Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge
Stretching for about 40 m (13.12 ft) above the Sipatan River, the Twin Hanging Bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bohol. The natural scenery is the primary selling point for this attraction — the bridge is surrounded by lush greenery, and when you glance down below, you can see the blue-green waters of the river itself. As a result, when you’re walking along the bridge, it feels as though you’re transported to a different world.
The only thing you have to bear in mind is the fact that this place can get crowded with all the tourists. If you don’t want to get stuck with a packed crowd, you might want to visit the bridge early in the morning. There’s practically no one around at that time — so you can have the place all to yourself.
Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge
Address: M2GX+457, Loboc, Bohol
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: 35 PHP (0.67 USD)
3. Join a stand up paddle tour
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
SUP Philippines. Paddling Loboc River in Bohol, Philippines with SUP Wilderness Adventures. #travel #adventure #sup...
Posted by SUP Wilderness Adventures on Thursday, April 14, 2016
Bohol is a little paradise in the Philippines and one of the leading tourist destinations in the country. Located in the southern part of the province, you will find a place where you can just relax and take in the view of the breathtaking features of the land and water. Just glide through the still and calm waters with a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Tour. Loboc SUP tour will give you time to work on your body while enjoying the sights of the Busay Falls - not really much in terms of height but quite striking for a waterfall. The sights will not disappoint here and it’s a great way to take in the local nature.
Loboc Stand Up Paddle Tour
Website: Loboc Stand Up Paddle Tour
4. Visit Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park
[DIA 4] Turismo em Bohol - vista do teleférico
Posted by Julia Oliveira Zany Schimmelpfeng on Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Eco-tourism aims to observe wildlife, while also conserving it and it has been widely implemented on the island of Bohol. This is because apart from the beautiful landscape, the province is also home to one of the smallest known primates in the world, the tarsier. Taking advantage of its gift of rivers, trees and irregular terrain, Loboc has designed activities that test the mind, body, and willpower with its 520 meter (1706 foot) long, 120 meter (393.7 foot) high zipline. If you can’t stand the challenge, take in a majestic aerial view of the place, without the onerous experience, through the cable car.
5. Visit Loboc Man-Made Forest
Posted by JT Tanangonan on Sunday, December 4, 2016
Bohol, facing rising demands for work, increase in poverty and threat of climate change, has been lobbying for the preservation of its trees. Mahogany is a straight-grained, reddish-brown timber which is actually not endemic to this area. The government’s effort to plant these tall trees has resulted in many visitors from afar, who come here to catch a glimpse of these big, brown, towering pillars and their green canopies. Apart from the benefits of tourism, the man-made forest also contributes to a fresh scent in the air and cool refreshing temperatures, underneath.
Loboc Man-Made Forest
Website: Loboc Man-Made Forest
6. See the tarsiers at Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area
Bohol has several conservation areas for the tarsiers - one of the smallest primates in the world. Loboc has one of these conservation areas that houses these tiny primates. Tarsiers are very queer animals with their heads that turn 180 degrees, their nocturnal nature and the strange way they live, making them interesting creatures to learn about and see. They have become endangered due to several human activities and predators and the province has tried its best to preserve their environment and help them thrive through the years. They are quite an interesting sight to behold.
Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area
Address: Upper Bonbon, Loboc, Bohol 6316
More Information: Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area
7. Cruise Loboc River
One of Loboc’s main features is its winding river that originates from the town of Carmen, in the center of the province. The river takes a westerly course for about 1.5 kilometers (.9 miles) and heads south to the Bohol Sea where it drains throughout an area of approximately 520 square kilometers (201 square miles). The region is bordered by a range of horseshoe shaped mountain peaks of about 800 meters (2625 feet) elevation. This nature scape has allowed the inhabitants and the local government to create a means to attract both local and international tourists to visit the area and contribute to the development of the region, hence, the Loboc River Cruise and the Floating Restaurant.
Inhabitants and businessmen from this area have designed a bamboo raft with a roof, complete with chairs and tables. Surrounded by native accessories and crepe paper flowers, it looks like a town fiesta on a river. Native food and Filipino cuisine are served on this floating restaurant, but it doesn’t stop there. While you are dining, local entertainers showcase old and contemporary music and play their guitars while you take a trip along the emerald colored waters. The entertainment continues with Philippine folk dances performed by the natives of Loboc and you can even dance with them or meet them when they take their break for a meal or just plain rest.
The evenings on the tour are the most anticipated part of the cruise. This is when you can hear the angelic voices of the world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir on the evening cruise, during dinner. These children have been carefully screened and practice every single day for a chance to get a good education. The gifted singers use their talents as their passport to enable them to learn more about music, go to different countries and a get a chance at a formidable but gratifying way to a good future.
Loboc River Lunch/Dinner Cruise
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Have an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on the large rafts while cruising the lush and vibrant Loboc River in Bohol. The photos attached show the presidential villa of Eskaya Resort, which effortlessly accommodates six guests. Large doors from the common living room open up to the wrap-around deck. A part of the deck has glass floors perfect for photo ops while the rest of the deck allows you to lounge in an outdoor dining table, sun loungers, a big pool with a built-in hot tub, and a cushioned and shaded day bed. Take the stairs beyond the deck and it will take you down to the water and your very own private dock. While you're here, take time to visit the Tarsiers (a mammal that's unique to the Philippines) and the Chocolate Hills to see what makes Bohol unique.
Quiet rivers that flow
The true experience of Loboc is encompassed in the Gandhi quote: ‘In a gentle way, you can shake the world.’ With quiet rivers that flow gently, the enchanting sounds of the children’s music and the exhilarating thrills of the water and aerial activities leads you to one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. There is nothing more fulfilling than experiencing something new.
History
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