Bohol: Choco Tour with Lunch Buffet and Sikatuna Mirror

Exploring Bohol: The Choco Tour with Lunch Buffet and Sikatuna Mirror

When it comes to seeing the best of Bohol, a well-organized day tour offers a fantastic way to tick off the island’s top sights without the hassle of planning. From cultural landmarks to natural wonders, this tour packs a lot into 8 hours, making it a popular choice for first-time visitors.

What we love about this experience is the chance to cover key highlights like the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, and the Loboc River cruise—all in one seamless trip. The lunch buffet onboard adds a relaxing touch, and visiting the Blood Compact Shrine brings a meaningful historical perspective.

One point to consider is that the tour’s schedule is quite packed, so if you’re looking for a more leisurely exploration, some parts might feel rushed. Still, for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Bohol, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who want an efficient, guided overview of Bohol’s highlights, especially if they’re short on time but eager to see a wide range of attractions with minimal fuss.

Good To Know

Comprehensive coverage of Bohol’s must-see sites in one day
Cultural insights at important historical landmarks like the Blood Compact Shrine and Baclayon Church
Scenic experiences including the Chocolate Hills and Man-Made Forest
Wildlife encounters at the Tarsier Sanctuary
Relaxing lunch aboard the Loboc River floating restaurant
Convenient transport with hotel pick-up and drop-off included

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An In-Depth Look at the Bohol Choco Tour

This tour offers a structured yet diverse experience that balances cultural, natural, and culinary highlights. It’s all about showcasing what makes Bohol special—without the need for you to organize each stop yourself.

Starting Point and Convenience

The tour begins with pick-up options from four locations: Bohol, Panglao, Dauis, or Tagbilaran City. This flexibility is helpful, especially if you’re staying in one of these areas. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a blessing given the tropical heat, and the driver is an English speaker, making communication straightforward.

Guests are advised to be ready 5-10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time, ensuring the day runs smoothly. The tour runs for about 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day of sightseeing.

First Stops: Cultural and Historical Landmarks

Blood Compact Shrine in Tagbilaran is the tour’s first major stop. This monument marks the historic “Sandugo” treaty—a symbol of friendship between Spanish explorers and Bohol’s Datu Sikatuna. The simple yet meaningful monument offers a good photo opportunity, with about 15 minutes allocated. Expect a quick but insightful overview of Bohol’s colonial history.

Next, the Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, invites visitors to appreciate Spanish colonial architecture and religious relics housed in its museum. The 15-minute stop is brief but enough to appreciate the church’s historic significance. The church is well-preserved, and its setting in a quiet town provides a peaceful contrast to the busier sites.

River and Nature Experiences

The Loboc River cruise is often highlighted as the tour’s highlight. You’ll board a floating restaurant for a 1.5-hour meal featuring local dishes, along with live music and cultural performances. Guests have noted the delicious buffet and the relaxing cruise as memorable parts of the day. The gentle cruise offers a different view of Bohol’s lush landscape, and the performances add a vibrant touch.

Afterward, a drive through the Man-Made Forest offers a photogenic moment—an avenue of towering mahogany trees creating a cool shaded canopy. It’s a short 15-minute stop, but it’s a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike.

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Wildlife and Unique Landscapes

The Tarsier Sanctuary is a vital stop for wildlife enthusiasts. Here, you can observe the tiny, endangered Philippine tarsiers in their natural environment. The sanctuary emphasizes conservation, and many visitors appreciate the chance to see these creatures up close—despite the short visit. One reviewer noted, “Watching the tarsiers in their natural habitat was a highlight, and the guide explained conservation efforts clearly.”

Next, the famous Chocolate Hills provide a panoramic view of the geological formation. During the dry season, the hills turn a chocolate brown, hence the name. The hour-long stop at the complex is perfect for photos and learning about their formation, which is often described as both fascinating and surreal.

Unique Cultural Highlight: Sikatuna Mirror

The Sikatuna Mirror of the World area offers a peaceful walk and a photo opportunity at this cultural site. It’s a less-known spot compared to the other attractions but provides a reflective moment and a chance to appreciate Bohol’s cultural heritage in a serene setting.

Ending the Tour and Drop-Off

The tour concludes with drop-off options in four locations: Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Dauis, or Panglao. This flexibility helps travelers plan their day or evening activities without worry.

The Value and Experience

At $99 per person, this tour offers good value considering the number of attractions covered, the inclusions like the lunch buffet, and the convenience of door-to-door service. The lunch aboard the Loboc River cruise is particularly praised for its buffet of local dishes, which provides a taste of Bohol’s culinary offerings in a scenic setting.

While the schedule is tight, it allows travelers to see a broad spectrum of what Bohol has to offer—from iconic sights like the Chocolate Hills to cultural sites and wildlife sanctuaries. The guided format means you’ll learn about the sites without the need for separate research, and the small group size (private) ensures a more personalized experience.

Several reviewers mentioned the professionalism of the driver and guide, noting they added helpful insights and kept the trip running smoothly. The inclusion of entrance and environmental fees simplifies the process, so you don’t have to worry about additional payments on the day.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The tour is not suitable for those with back problems, as the day involves multiple stops and some walking.
• The schedule is quite packed, so early starts are recommended if you want to maximize your experience.
• It’s best to be prepared for photos at each stop—especially the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary—so bringing a camera or smartphone with enough battery or storage is wise.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a rundown of Bohol without the hassle of organizing transportation and tickets. It suits those who enjoy a mix of cultural history, natural beauty, and light wildlife encounters.

If you’re short on time but want to see the highlights, this tour provides a practical, engaging, and scenic day out. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who prefer guided experiences that include transportation, meals, and entry fees, making it a stress-free way to see Bohol.

However, if you prefer a slower pace or deep dives into specific sites, you might find this tour a bit rushed, and might want to consider customizing your own itinerary or seeking smaller, more focused tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the tour?
The tour covers pick-up and drop-off at your hotel within Panglao or Tagbilaran, entrance and environmental fees, an air-conditioned vehicle, a guided driver, and a buffet lunch onboard the Loboc River cruise.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, with scheduled stops at key attractions around Bohol.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, it’s not suitable for people with back problems or those who may find a full day of sightseeing tiring.

Can I customize the tour?
This tour is a set itinerary, but you can discuss specific needs or preferences with the provider beforehand. However, the schedule is quite packed to include all highlights.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a water bottle. Be prepared for some walking, especially at the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary.

How do I book?
Reservations can be made through the provider, with a flexible policy allowing cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In essence, the Bohol Choco Tour with Lunch Buffet and Sikatuna Mirror offers a well-rounded, value-packed way to experience the Philippines’ beloved island. It’s a smart choice for travelers wanting to see Bohol’s highlights efficiently, with the added comfort of guided transport and included meals. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or cultural explorer, this tour provides a balanced snapshot of what makes Bohol special.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby