Our Bohol River Lunch Cruise

Hey Hive!
Have you ever had the unique experience of dining on a floating restaurant? To be more precise, not just a floating restaurant, but one that cruises along a river. Today, I'm excited to share my experience with you in this blog post.

Our Bohol trip included a memorable lunch at a floating restaurant. This unique dining experience took place on a modified boat, designed to hold roughly 50 guests. During our visit, the boat was bustling with activity, primarily from a large group of Korean visitors who were also with us in the floating cottage or restaurant.

The floating restaurant displayed a remarkably natural and rustic atmosphere, achieved through the use of locally sourced native materials. It was quite innovative, I thought, how they incorporated these elements. The overall effect was one of simple elegance, seamlessly blending the dining experience with the surrounding environment.

The lunch was served in a buffet setting, serving mostly Filipino food and delicacies. It was fascinating to see the foreign tourists' genuine excitement in trying the local dishes. Adding to the lively ambiance of our river cruise was the soothing melody of an acoustic band, serenading us as we enjoyed our meal.

Finally, it was our turn to hit the buffet table! I loaded up my plate with a little bit of everything that caught my eye. Respecting the clean plate policy. I always start small, and if something's a winner, I'm back for seconds. That's my buffet strategy. It was already past lunchtime, and I was so hungry that snapping photos for the blog completely slipped my mind. And, to be honest, the crowd made me a bit too shy to take pictures anyway. The only food photo I took was the picture of my plate after getting my food at the buffet table. lol

The gentle cruising wind and the soothing melodies of the acoustic band created a tranquil atmosphere, promptly sending my toddler into a peaceful nap during our lunch. This perfect timing allowed us to savor our meal. Of course, we woke him up before the buffet ended because he was not going to miss out on the food!

We enjoyed the meal, finding it satisfactory, if not extraordinary. One dish, though, the 'Tinolang Bisayang Manok,' was a definite exception. The distinct flavors of the native chicken and the aromatic lemongrass made for a wonderfully comforting soup. But honestly, the best part of the meal was the experience of cruising while we ate.

We had just concluded our lunch when we spotted a second floating restaurant approaching. What ensued was a delightful display of impromptu friendliness. Guests from both boats began waving to each other with genuine enthusiasm, creating a sense of shared adventure. We couldn't resist waving back, it was too much fun.

Our cruise included a stop where we witnessed a cultural dance performance by a local group—I'm afraid I've forgotten their tribal name. Guests were encouraged to take photos, but we chose simply to watch and immerse ourselves in the rhythmic drumbeats and the dancers' movements.

After the tribal performance, the boat turned around, a clear signal that we were heading back to the base port. We used the remaining time to take photos and enjoy the peaceful cruise back and soak in the tranquil river scenery, since we'd already finished our meal.

Preparing to disembark the floating restaurant, we collected our belongings, and I seized the moment for a few final photographs. Stepping onto the dock, we were met with a vibrant traditional dance, a warm welcome for the returning passengers.

From the traditional dances to the local cuisine, our floating restaurant experience was a beautiful glimpse into Bohol's culture. It's a reminder of how travel can connect us to new places and experiences in such meaningful ways.

Thanks for joining me and my family on this journey.
Until next time!

❤️❤️❤️

_{All photos are my own, unless stated otherwise.
The lead image was edited using Canva.}