Chocolate Hills Tour 2025: Tarsiers & Loboc River Lunch Review

Okay, so you are thinking about going on a tour of Bohol’s famed Chocolate Hills, seeing those super teeny tarsiers, and gobbling up a buffet lunch as you drift along the Loboc River? I mean, it definitely sounds like a jam-packed half-day! It’s like your typical tourist checklist but promises some beautiful views and some unique experiences, at least from the sound of it.

What To Actually Expect From a Chocolate Hills Tour

The Chocolate Hills, alright, so this is definitely the headliner. These dome-shaped hills, often it’s said around 1,260 of them, spread across the heart of Bohol. The color of the hills? They are this almost-chocolatey brown during the dry season, which typically that falls somewhere between February and May, and gives them this very cool name. If you visit during other times, the hills will, I believe, likely be green.

Typically, you go to one of the main viewpoints, like the one in Carmen, for instance, to actually get a panoramic view. So, if you want a view that is picture-perfect, just you should know that means potentially battling the crowds, especially during peak season. That said, it’s the sort of view you will not soon forget.

Read our full review: Chocolate Hills Bohol Full Review and Details

Getting Up Close and Personal With Those Tiny Tarsiers

The Philippine tarsier is that almost-unbelievably small primate that only lives in this region. These teeny critters, are actually only about the size of your hand. With their big ol’ eyes, so they have an almost cartoonish look to them. You should see them, they’re very captivating.

I think responsible tours take you to sanctuaries. Here, they are like, focused on protecting them. You can see them in an setting that is, very well, less stressful for these super sensitive creatures. Just so you are aware, tarsiers are nocturnal, so just expect them to be sleeping during your visit. It’s almost, in a way, better since that means they are less stressed.

The Loboc River Buffet Lunch: More Than Just Food

Having lunch while floating on the Loboc River could be viewed as sort of, your typical experience. This tour commonly features this lunch option. This involves hopping onto a floating restaurant or some kind of boat. The boat is typically cruising down the river as you eat.

There are pretty typical Filipino dishes usually on offer in a buffet. Think of some things like grilled seafood, lechon (roast pig), and pancit (noodles). The food can be, well, it’s kinda hit-or-miss. You do get treated to some local musicians, who sometimes perform on board. The true star is, so to speak, the scenery as you float past this like, lush, tropical landscape.

Read our full review: Loboc River lunch cruise Full Review and Details

What To Really Consider Before You Go

Alright, so, timing really is just everything. Bohol tends to get pretty humid all the time. Visiting during the slightly drier months (December to May) might just make your trip much, much nicer. If seeing those Chocolate Hills actually brown is that important to you, go sometime between February and May, so that, too, the dry season happens.

Something I found very interesting: tour operators actually change things around. Making you need to really check the itinerary prior to booking. So too it’s always wise to confirm exactly what you are going to get and how long you have at each spot.

Oh! And think about bringing some cash. Some of these locations don’t accept cards. This is that old problem with lots of more like, underdeveloped tourist destinations. Having a little Philippine Peso in your pocket can just, alright, make things easier.

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Making Certain Your Tour Respects Those Little Tarsiers

When I did my research, what I discovered is that not all tours actually, literally treat the tarsiers the best they can. I think these critters are fragile, and bright lights and a whole bunch of noise can really cause them, more or less, anxiety. So, that may literally kill them! Do your best to only choose tour operators, in that case, take you to proper sanctuaries. You will also be helping support, arguably, better animal welfare practices, so it would seem. If you happen to see other tourists getting like, all up in the animals’ faces, in some respects, speak up.

What to Pack for a Half-Day in Bohol

Being comfortable matters, arguably more than a bit. I’d say you will probably want: lightweight clothing. Bohol can be kind of warm, like most of The Philippines. A good rule of thumb is light colored natural fabrics. Of course, a camera is important too. The Chocolate Hills and those teeny tarsiers, right, are something that is perfect for snapping a photo of. I would advise wearing sunscreen and sunglasses.

Those tropical sun rays, in short, can be brutal. Don’t forget those mosquito repellants too. In the Philippines, like your typical tropical climate, there can be a fair few bugs.

Bringing a bottle of water is so key. It can actually get really hot! Having water with you helps prevent the misery that may happen otherwise. Consider maybe a light rain jacket or small umbrella. It could just be raining at any given time.