Loboc Church facade
One of the more popular destination in Bohol is the municipality of Loboc. More famous for its musically talented and award winning Loboc Children’s Choir, the place also holds the 2nd oldest church in Bohol, a scenic cruise along its river and another world famous primate, the Tarsiers. Here recounts our brief exploration of Loboc, the oldest town in Bohol.
Loboc Church with monument
Also known as the Church of San Pedro, Loboc Church is the 2nd oldest church in Bohol. The original church which was eventually burnt to ashes was built in 1602. Then on 1638 a new church was built by the river, but suffered some occasional floods before. A more recent mis-planning of a bride crossing over the Loboc River almost threatened the church, good thing the bridge was discontinued.
The Loboc Church Clock/bell Tower across the street
The facade of the Loboc Church is one of the nicest I’ve seen on churches. Quite unique are some emblems of the Jesuits on its walls. The entrance to the church is no longer located on this side but on the backside near the attached Convent. It was a bad timing since we got to explore the church already late in the afternoon where the museum and the convent was already closed. We also wanted to see the Loboc Children’s Choir which we could hear rehearsing but the convent is already closed. The church has huge interiors with impressive paintings on the ceiling. Located 100 meters from the church, across the street is the bell tower.
Floating restaurant beside the Loboc Church, Convent and Museum
Just beside the church you’ll find another attraction which Loboc got famous for, it’s Loboc River Cruise. For around 200 Pesos per head one can enjoy a buffet meal on the floating restaurant while it cruises down the river towards the busay falls. Currenlty there are 19 of these floating restaurants operating at the river.
Children taking pictures of the scenery while on a cruise
Personally I find this cruise a Tourist Trap. Well okay, it’s a nice cruise along the river which takes around an hour back and forth. But the food is just ok and ordinary and one major disappointment is the Busay Falls which I was raring to see. At the end of the river I only found a small, somewhat 2 foot falls at the end.
Loboc Children Singing their heart out
Also at the end of the river is a group of Loboc Children singing their hearts out. It was a performance to elicit donations for an NGO catering for these children. It was a pretty entertaining performance with their havanas. We went back to where our floating restaurant started and alighted from there. I learned that the original owner, the one who started this restaurant business already sold his 4 floating restos and is planning a new business attraction there in Loboc. Something new to look forward to.
Tarsiers in slumber
Also along Loboc River, is where you can find the smallest primate in the world, the Tarsiers. These cute beings are known for their big eyes and delicate physique since they have no skulls. I wanted to take a pic of them with their big glassy eyes wide open but it was already late in the afternoon my photos turned blurry. I was also annoyed with some of the foreigners blatantly using flash from their cameras when it wasn’t allowed. Poor Tarsiers.
The Hill Top Cottage at Loboc
At day’s end we retired at one of Loboc’s accommodation, the Hill Top Cottage. It’s a pretty nice resort, with very basic ameneties. When I say BASIC, I mean BASIC. It has rooms air conditioned large, home food and a pool. But I’m wondering why they didn’t have doors to their bathrooms. I mean, anyone can just barge in while taking a leak or a poop or even having a shower when sharing rooms. Hehe. They also don’t have TVs, which I’m not really keen in looking for a resort but it’s a nice distraction when you’re out on a remote place with no establishments for miles.
Beautiful old church. Dapat talaga ma-preserve ang mga old historical churches sa bansa natin.
when i was there a month ago, our floating restaurant docked not ont the barge of loboc childrens choir but on a group of singing and dancing townsfolk. Sayang, tyak na mas magaling yung choir. Maybe next time.
Nice set. I like the full view of the church, simple pero ang ganda ng cloud formation.
i still have to see bohol, i am not sure when pero mararating ko rin sya. mahaba na ang listahan ko ng mga pupuntahan pero ang budget tuldok pa lang hehehe.
I remember holding on to that Monkey. It looks like a rat…at least the tail does.
sobrang ganda ng pagkakuha! we didn’t see the cottage when we went to Loboc. Sabagay, day tour lang naman.
All in all, Bohol is a must-see destination.
Hi Ferdz, very nice photos. Never been to Bohol, thanks for a very detailed description of your recent trip. My kid wants to have tarsier as his pet daw, ha ha. Pwede ba bumili nun or bawal…My former boss has one.
so that’s what Bohol looks like.
Love the hilltop! 
Try Visiting Cebu go to West Coast of Cebu near the Atlas Mining (aboitez group) pretty nice view of surrounding islands.
Tagum in Davao is also nice lots of Bananas and the famous Tagum Beach Resort.
There’s a Black Sand beach in that area can’t remember what part
Excellent shots of the old churches.
I love the pic of these little monkey creatures – so pretty and authentic looking indeed
Beautiful travelogue, Ferdz! Love the church pictures. Oh, those poor Tarsiers. Why didn’t anyone stop those foreigners from using their flash units?
angdami mo na talagang nalibot
ako kaya kelan makakarating dyan?siguro decade pa aabutin hehe.nice photos as usaul.
kind regards!
What a great church! Its so old and yet still standing. I would love to visit it one day.
Ferdz, I envy you! Going to so many places! I wish I can do that to
Very nice pictures and I love the text that comes with every post 
Thanks for sharing!
Bohol is indeed a great place. I remember this very church when I were still a student. We have a subject where we go around drawing great architectural edifices. Among those we draw were this church, Baclayon’s and Dauis.
Anyway, is the bridge that’s supposed to go through this church still in sight there? That’s the silliest idea ever made there. good thing they never allowed the church to be demolished.
Thanks for featuring our place Loboc in your blog bro. Its true we have lots of beautiful spots, like loboc river, the tarsier, our famous loboc children’s choir, the old church etc.. Now, we have new group to be proud of, the Loboc Youth Ambassador band who is now playing in the childrens palace every friday and saturday nights. we are also opening our night cruise going to the falls, im sure you guys will enjoy the lights, but make sure you’ll bring along with you, your special someone. Im proud to be a Lobocanon!!!
bohol is such a lovely place.
can’t wait to go back.
thanks for sharing your photos..