Bohol Choco Tour with Loboc River Lunch (Shared Tour)

Bohol Choco Tour with Loboc River Lunch (Shared Tour) – A Practical Look

If you’re looking for a full day of Bohol sights—from historic landmarks to natural wonders—this shared tour offers a convenient way to hit the highlights. For $66 per person, you get roughly 8 hours of sightseeing, including stops at Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, plus a buffet lunch on a Loboc River cruise. The tour runs from McDonald’s Panglao, making it easy to meet up and return, with a driver and guide included.

What we love about this tour is how it combines cultural history with scenic beauty, especially the Loboc River cruise, which many find breathtaking. Also, the guide’s friendliness seems to be a highlight, making the long day more enjoyable. However, a consideration is the size of the group and some less-than-ideal stops, like the animal park, which critics say should be avoided. This experience suits travelers eager to see Bohol’s most famous sights without fuss—perfect for first-timers or anyone with a limited schedule.

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Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covers major attractions in Bohol.
Value for money includes entrance fees, lunch, and transport.
Tour duration is about 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day.
Group size is limited to around 12 people, keeping it relatively intimate.
Some stops (notably the animal park) receive mixed reviews for ethical concerns.
Guide quality seems to be a positive aspect, adding friendliness and local insight.

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A Detailed Look at the Bohol Choco Tour

The Basics: What’s Included and How It Works

This tour is organized by Bohol JAG Travel and Tours, starting at 8:00 AM from McDonald’s Panglao. The vehicle is shared, with a driver and guide who speak English, making transportation straightforward. You’ll visit eight key spots over the course of the day, with most stops lasting between 30 minutes to an hour, plus a leisurely two-hour lunch cruise.

The cost of $66 covers entrance fees, environmental fees, and the buffet lunch during the Loboc River cruise. You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, camera, and casual clothes, as well as extra cash for souvenirs. Not included are any optional extras or additional food and drinks outside the meal.

The Itinerary: Step-by-Step

Starting Point: McDonald’s Panglao

The day begins here, where you meet your small group of around 12 travelers. The tour then proceeds to Blood Compact Shrine, a significant historic monument, where you get about 30 minutes for photos and a brief visit.

Blood Compact Shrine

This monument commemorates the blood compact between Spanish and Filipino leaders—a symbol of friendship. It’s a good spot for photos, but don’t expect much more than a quick look.

Baclayon Church

Next, you’ll visit Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. Expect about 30 minutes to explore the church’s architecture and interior. This offers a peek into the country’s colonial past, and many find the craftsmanship impressive.

Xzootic Animal Park

This stop is controversial. Critics say the animal park is more of a zoo with animals kept in small, concrete cages with little vegetation, which many find upsetting. One reviewer explicitly states, “Seeing how animals are treated there made me sick,” and suggests avoiding this stop if animals’ welfare concerns you.

The Man-Made Forest

A quick 30-minute photo stop in this tall, dense forestry is a crowd favorite. We loved the way this stretch of forest creates a sense of stepping into another world—cool, shaded, and a perfect spot for nature photos.

Loboc River Cruise and Lunch

The highlight for many: a two-hour cruise along Loboc River with a buffet lunch. The boat gently glides past lush scenery, with traditional Filipino dishes served on deck. Several reviews praise the delicious food and the breathtaking views, making this part of the day feel special.

Tarsier Sanctuary

After lunch, you’ll visit the Tarsier Sanctuary, where you can see these tiny, wide-eyed primates up close. Expect about one hour for photo opportunities and a brief look at conservation efforts. Many travelers find the tarsiers adorable and worth the stop, though some note the setting is quite touristy.

Chocolate Hills

Next, you’ll visit the famous Chocolate Hills, a geological formation of over 1,200 cone-shaped hills. About an hour here allows for sweeping photos and a quick walk around. The views are iconic and well worth the visit if you’re into natural wonders.

Return to McDonald’s Panglao

The tour wraps up here, with a return trip that takes approximately one hour. Some reviews mention feeling exhausted after such a long day, especially in the heat.

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What Travelers Are Saying: Honest Feedback

The reviews reflect a mixed experience.

One traveler praises the friendly guide, the delicious buffet, and the breathtaking Loboc River, calling the floating restaurant a highlight. However, they strongly advise skipping the animal park, describing it as “disgusting” and “disappointing.”

Another reviewer expressed frustration over the long travel time—about 10 hours—and felt the attractions were overly touristy. They also found the food delicious but crowded, and the animal zoo to be a “monkey show,” not a genuine wildlife encounter.

A third reviewer dismisses the tour as a “big tourist trap” with no guide commentary on many stops. They felt the stops were designed to encourage spending money and criticized the overall experience.

These honest opinions highlight that while the scenery and food can be lovely, the quality of stops varies, and some may find certain attractions ethically questionable or overly commercialized.

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Analyzing the Value and Experience

For $66, you get a broad overview of Bohol’s highlights, including entrance fees and a river cruise with buffet lunch. For travelers seeking an easy, all-in-one day trip, this package offers a lot of value. It’s especially useful if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer guided transportation and explanations.

However, the discrepancies in reviews serve as a caution. The animal park has been criticized for animal welfare concerns, and some find the stops too touristy or lengthy. The group size of around 12 helps keep things manageable, but the lack of detailed commentary might leave some wishing for more educational insights.

The scenic highlights—Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, and Tarsiers—resonate strongly with visitors, and the delicious lunch is often praised. Still, if you’re looking for authentic wildlife experiences or less commercialized attractions, this may not be the right fit.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour works well for first-time visitors to Bohol who want a rundown in a single day. It’s great if you appreciate scenic views, historic sites, and delicious food, and don’t mind some touristy stops. The friendly guide can make the experience more personable, even if detailed commentary is limited.

However, travelers concerned about animal welfare or seeking less commercialized experiences might want to consider alternatives. If you prefer more personalized or eco-conscious tours, this may not meet those expectations.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Bohol Choco Tour with Loboc River Lunch offers a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s most famous sights, combined with a delicious river cruise and a taste of local history. The value is fair, especially if you’re eager to tick off key attractions efficiently. However, the mixed reviews highlight that it’s not perfect; some stops and aspects could be improved or avoided.

This tour best suits first-timers or those on a time-limited schedule who want to see Bohol without fuss. If you’re comfortable with touristy stops and prioritize scenic beauty and good food, you’ll likely enjoy it. But if you’re after more authentic wildlife experiences or less commercialized attractions, you might want to look elsewhere.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is this a private or shared tour?
It’s a shared tour with about 12 people, which helps keep costs lower but means you’ll be with other travelers.

What’s the start and end time?
The tour begins around 8:00 AM, with pickup at McDonald’s Panglao, and ends back there after approximately 8 hours.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, entrance fees and environmental fees are included in the price.

Do I need to bring extra cash?
Yes, for souvenirs or additional snacks, it’s good to have some extra cash.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a buffet lunch during the Loboc River cruise is included.

Can I skip any stops?
The tour is pre-arranged, so skipping stops isn’t typically an option, but you might want to avoid the animal park based on reviews.

Are the attractions suitable for children?
Most stops are family-friendly, especially the river cruise and Chocolate Hills, but consider the animal park’s ethical concerns.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable shoes, casual clothes, and a camera for photos. The tour involves walking and outdoor stops, so dress for the weather.

To sum it up, this tour offers a practical, scenic, and culturally rich day on Bohol, suitable for those eager to see the island’s highlights with minimal hassle. While it’s not without its flaws, especially regarding some stops and ethical concerns, it provides a fair value for a comprehensive experience—especially if guided tours and a set schedule suit your travel style best.