One of the most enjoyable activities when in Bohol is having lunch in a floating restaurant while on a fascinating boat cruise along the scenic and winding Loboc River.

These floating restaurants are actually motorized bancas (local boats) that consist of two banca hulls over which is a large wooden platform that holds the buffet table and a space where a live band plays music.

The cruise departs from the Loboc Tourism Complex, located near the Loboc Church, and travels up to Busay Falls before returning. The entire roundtrip takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

The boat ride is truly exciting, the surroundings very refreshing, and the buffet of native cuisine (typically lechon kawali, grilled fish, pansit, shrimp, and vegetables) is sumptuous. Desserts and drinks are part of the package, though soda and alcohol are charged separately.

There is a short stopover at a floating stage along the way, where guests can enjoy amusing local folk performances.

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season (from December to April), preferably around noon to fully savor the buffet experience.