Friday, December 9, 2011

Travel Bohol part 3 - Baclayon Church, Tarsier, Loboc river


Our Bohol tour was arranged by my sister through our resort. Itinerary for the whole morning comprises of visiting Baclayon Church, it's museum, looking at big-eyed tarsiers and enjoying a sumptuos lunch at Loboc river. 

bell tower of Baclayon church



Baclayon Church sign

Make sure to dress properly though, people are conservative here so be sure that you're not wearing spaghetti straps or sleeveless or they won't let you inside. I saw a couple of tourists being given shawls or wrap-arounds when they did not comply but I'm not sure if they are for rent or for free. 

dress code at Baclayon church, Bohol
Museum sign at Baclayon church, Bohol
Statues of saints at Baclayon church, Bohol
It was really dark inside the church so my camera is not working properly. But, you can still see the beautiful gold altar with the last supper painted on its high ceiling. 

Baclayon church altar, Bohol
Long old benches line up the walls of Baclayon Church, Bohol
 As we left Baclayon church for the tarsiers, we pass by another old church that is also along the highway. Too bad I forgot the name of the church.

Another Bohol church
 Finally, we got to see a tarsier up close. The Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest nocturnal primates on earth. They are actually classified as endangered so killing them is a big no no. Being that we visited on a day, the one in the picture below is actually asleep, apparently they are non-blinking species so they sleep with their eyes wide open. 

a sleeping Tarsier
There are actually a lot of establishments along the river that offers the tarsier experience for a fee. Just look out for the signs. We simply parked the car by the road and entered these little cottages.

Our tarsier encounter -- Bohol, Philippines
Apart from the tarsiers, there are also flying Lemurs and monkeys

flying lemur - Bohol
my nephew feeding the monkey
We headed off to Loboc river as noon closes in. The cruise is around PHP450 per head, which covers the buffet meal and boat ride. I've read from other blogs that they find it expensive but I think it was worth it. I mean if I compare it to Cabalen's, their buffet costs about PHP300 already, so it's still fair to pay that price since the PHP150 shoulders the boat ride and scenic tour of the river. 

Loboc riverwatch floating restaurant - Bohol, Philippines

time to board the floating restaurant
buffet ---> that's why I'm so happy
Who wouldn't smile when you have a plate like this...:) 
But looking at my husband's plate (just infront of mine), i bet he's also at his happiest mode that day..^_^


There are also cottages stationed at the side of the river where children and adults play their ukeleles and sing local songs for tourists. We did not hesitate to get on with the fun.. :)

You may volunteer to donate any amount of money. I hope you do.
It'll help them a lot.


I must admit, it was really a great experience to be able to tour Loboc river. It is so Filipino-like. Many of the rivers I've seen in the Philippines especially those in the cities are dying or are already dead. I hope that Loboc will remain as it is 40 years or more from now.

Loboc river - Bohol, Philippines

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