After an intense round of adventures in Bohol, it was time to recharge.
The peaceful, beautiful encirclement of the Loay River was the ideal place to recharge with great food.
We moved to a mode that was more gentle and gradual, giving the environment the chance to help us in getting back the strength for the activities of the day that would follow.
Transition from Adventure
After almost 3 hours of doing extreme activities Loay River welcomed us with basking calmness and vibrant green water.
The whole atmosphere turns gentle as the beautiful surroundings of Loay River are already hinting at a less busy, nature part of my Bohol trip.
Entering Rio Verde Floating Restaurant
Rio Verde is conveniently located just 34 minutes from Tagbilaran Port, approximately 51 minutes from Carmen, home of the iconic Chocolate Hills and 45 minutes away from Panglao.
We have reached the dock of Rio Verde Floating Restaurant for lunch, I felt the lively mood right away with the music and accomodating staffs of the restaurant.
The beauty of the place made me feel as if I am in another world after overseeing the beauty of Chocolate Hills.
The boat is the main attraction of this experience, with its tortoise or “pawikan” roof down to its every inch of polished wood that gives off a warm tropical vibe.
It may be simple, yet it imparts a certain nature warmth that most tourist attractions do not have. A free, comfy, and local feeling.
Duration of the Tour: Approximately 1 hour and 30 Minutes
Fee: ₱950
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 14:40
Lunch Along the Loay River
The moment we stepped onto the boat, all I smell was the great smell of new dishes from the buffet.
The variety of food is simple yet plentiful, food made with according to everyone’s taste!
My most favorite was their pork barbecue. It’s a must-try!
After clearing my plate, I immediately moved on to dessert!
They served fresh kakanin and fruits.
As we were enjoying our lunch, the boat then moves smoothly over the clear green water of the Loay River.
@zel_in_paradise Rio Verde Floating Restaurant in Loay Bohol ❤️ #CapCut #bohol #floatingrestaurantinbohol
♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – Koy Routine – Koy Routine
A row of coconut trees pushes its branches almost down to the water, and the shimmering surface is the mirror that reflects the trees.
The slow but steady pace of the river gives the time for every moment to be experienced fully.
And as we were moving slowly, we hear the strumming of guitars playing the very same old songs, and have short talks.
An Authentic Cultural Encounter
Midway through the journey, we were surprised by an encounter with indigenous people called Ati.
There, the members of the indigenous community were waiting for the boat to dock. They were wearing their traditional clothing and were welcoming the passengers with enthusiastic drumming, vibrant dancing and warm smiles.
What was first thought to be a kind of a performance set up, later, our guide confirmed it to be an actual cultural interaction.
These were the real representatives of the local indigenous community who were literally giving way their skills, music and culture to the travelers who were passing by.
It was a short but sincere connection that melted the boundaries between the visitor and the local people.
As a Filipino, the rest of the trip became a moment to reflect and immerse myself in the seamless blend of nature, culture, and hospitality of Bohol.
A must-include in Any Bohol Itinerary
Bohol has a lot of attractions but the Rio Verde Floating Restaurant Cruise is an exception for it has perfected the essentials of hospitality, culture, and atmosphere.
In the evening, Rio Verde also has Firefly Watching, a very beautiful and magical experience.
Moreover, it makes sure that every tourist has a personal and significant memory of the island to take home.
Explore curated Bohol Tour Package for a smooth trip with CSP Travel and Tours
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Did you know that Loay and Loboc River system is considered one of the cleanest and most well-conserved river ecosystems in the Visayas?
A unique experience not found anywhere else in the central Philippines!