From Cebu: Bohol Countryside Private Tour with Buffet Lunch

This full-day private tour takes you from Cebu to the island of Bohol for a carefully curated experience of some of its most iconic sights. You’ll visit the Chocolate Hills, meet the adorable Tarsiers at their sanctuary, cruise along the Loboc River, and enjoy a buffet lunch on a floating restaurant. The trip is designed to be comfortable and flexible, with hotel pick-up and drop-off, and the entire day lasts about 10 hours.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its focus on authentic natural sights and personalized attention. With a private guide/driver, you get ample time at each stop, and the chance to ask questions or take photos without feeling rushed. The inclusion of ferry tickets, entry fees, and the river cruise makes it a convenient all-in-one package.

However, a couple of points are worth noting. The ferry schedule can vary, so if you’re on a tight schedule, it’s good to keep that in mind. Also, while the tour includes some stops like the Butterfly Farm and Man-Made Forest, these are relatively brief. This trip suits travelers who love nature, culture, and picturesque scenery, and who prefer a paced, personalized experience over large group tours.

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Key Points

Comfortable transportation: Air-conditioned vehicles and hotel pickups make the day hassle-free.
Natural highlights: The Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary offer unforgettable photo opportunities and close encounters with wildlife.
Cultural experience: The Loboc River cruise combines scenic views with a buffet and cultural performances.
Flexible itinerary: The private setup allows you to enjoy each stop at your own pace.
Value for money: All entry fees, ferry tickets, and the river cruise are included, making it easy to budget.
Active options: You can add an ATV ride at the Chocolate Hills, which many reviews recommend for thrill-seekers.

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A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting from Cebu: Convenience and Comfort

The tour begins with pick-up from your hotel in Cebu City, Mactan, or Lapu-lapu. The private vehicle whisks you across the Cebu Strait via a round-trip ferry—a smooth two-hour ride that offers scenic views and anticipation of the day ahead. We found that the ferry schedule can sometimes vary, so it’s helpful to confirm the timing with your guide or tour operator in advance. The ferry experience is often described as comfortable, especially if you opt for business class seating, which you might want to request for that extra comfort and reserved air-conditioned space.

The Chocolate Hills: Nature’s Perfect Cones

The Chocolate Hills are undoubtedly Bohol’s most famous geological feature. At the Chocolate Hills Complex, you’ll have the chance to walk around and enjoy panoramic views from the viewing deck. Climbing up provides a true sense of scale and allows for some fantastic photos of what look like a giant stack of upside-down chocolate truffles. The review mentions that the ATV ride is a fun option; although it’s not a full tour of the hills’ winding paths, it offers a speedy, looping drive around the base, which is loved by younger travelers and those craving a bit of adrenaline.

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Meeting the Tarsiers: Small but Significant

Next, a visit to Tarsier Sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s smallest primates. The guided tour ensures you learn about conservation efforts and observe these tiny creatures in their natural habitat. Many reviews highlight how adorable and endearing the tarsiers are, making it a highlight for families and animal lovers alike. The guided nature walk is educational and respectful, which helps to dispel some of the misconceptions about these delicate animals.

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The Butterfly Farm and Man-Made Forest: Brief but Beautiful

Stops at the Butterfly Farm and Man-Made Forest are relatively short but memorable. The butterfly farm is a chance to see a variety of colorful species fluttering in lush surroundings, perfect for photos and small walks. The Man-Made Forest offers a peaceful stroll among tall mahogany trees, created as a reforestation project. These stops are perfect for quick, scenic breaks but don’t expect extensive activities at each.

Loboc River Cruise: Scenic and Cultural

The Loboc River cruise is the tour’s highlight for many. Sailing on a floating restaurant, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch surrounded by greenery, with occasional cultural performances by local artists. The sound of the river flowing, coupled with live music and delicious food, creates a relaxing atmosphere. Several reviews praise the experience, noting it as a “great way to unwind” and “a perfect blend of nature and tradition.” The cruise lasts about an hour and offers beautiful viewpoints of the river and surrounding hills.

Additional Stops and Context

Other stops, such as the Bohol tour itself, offer additional insights into the island’s landscape and local life. The entry fees for the various sites are included, removing the hassle of separate payments. For those interested, there’s an optional ATV ride at the base of the Chocolate Hills, which many find a fun addition.

The Return Journey

After visiting Bohol’s highlights, the tour returns via ferry and comfortable vehicle back to Cebu, with drop-offs at your hotel or a designated location. The entire day is about 10 hours, allowing you enough time to enjoy each spot without feeling exhausted.

Analyzing the Value and Practicalities

At $148 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: hotel transfers, ferry tickets, entry fees, and the river cruise with lunch. Many travelers appreciate the private tour format—it means more flexibility and a relaxed pace, unlike crowded group tours. The reviews frequently mention the knowledgeable guides, who enhance the experience with local insights and helpful tips, like requesting the business class ferry seat for extra comfort.

The tour’s timing is flexible, but it’s worth being aware that ferry schedules can influence the itinerary. The optional ATV ride, priced at 1,400 pesos, adds a bit of adrenaline and a chance for lively photos, especially loved by teens and young adults.

Who will love this tour?

Travelers seeking a comprehensive and personalized day, with a focus on natural beauty and cultural insight, will find this tour ideal. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and relaxed river cruises. Families, couples, or small groups who prefer a private experience and want to avoid the hassle of organizing individual tickets will benefit most.

The Sum Up

This From Cebu to Bohol private tour strikes a nice balance between sightseeing, comfort, and culture. The inclusion of key attractions like the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, and Loboc River cruise, combined with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, makes it a straightforward choice for travelers wanting a full day of memorable sights.

The guides’ knowledge and the flexibility of a private tour help elevate the experience beyond a simple sightseeing checklist. Plus, the value is solid, especially considering all that’s included—ferry, entry fees, lunch, and transfers. For those who enjoy natural wonders, wildlife, and scenic cruises, this tour offers a genuine taste of Bohol.

While it may not be perfect for travelers seeking extensive exploration or adventure activities like driving through hills or longer hikes, it’s well-suited for visitors wanting a balanced, relaxed day with plenty of photo opportunities and local flavor.

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic day trip that showcases some of Bohol’s best features without rushing, this tour checks all the boxes.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and lunch.

What is included in the tour price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip ferry tickets, entrance fees for the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Man-Made Forest, and Sikatuna Mirror, plus the Loboc River cruise with buffet lunch.

Can I request a specific ferry class?
Yes, it’s recommended to request Business class for a reserved, air-conditioned seat to enhance comfort during the ferry ride.

Is the ATV ride included?
No, the ATV ride at the Chocolate Hills is an optional add-on priced at 1,400 pesos per person, available on-site.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a buffet lunch is included on the floating restaurant during the Loboc River cruise.

Are there any other stops?
Yes, the tour also includes visits to the Butterfly Farm and the Man-Made Forest, each about 30 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who enjoy wildlife, scenery, and boat rides will likely enjoy the experience, especially the Tarsier Sanctuary and river cruise.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a powerbank for your devices.

What if I want to customize my experience?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with your guide—perhaps spend more time at a certain site or add activities like the ATV.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This well-rounded journey to Bohol offers a taste of the island’s natural charm and cultural highlights, all wrapped in a private, easy-to-join package. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, it’s a memorable way to see the best of Bohol from Cebu.