Loctob Spring

Overview

Loctob Spring (also spelled “Loktob Spring” in some sources) is a cold spring in Barangay Gotozon, Loboc, Bohol, classified under Health and Wellness in the BPTO tourism inventory. Bohol has numerous cold springs fed by rainwater filtered through the island’s karst limestone geology; these are used locally for bathing, swimming, and recreation.

A first-hand 2017 visitor account describes reaching the spring directly from the Loboc River by swimming/wading across a river crossing, then entering a spring pool with strong, cold water flow, submerged aquatic plants, and one section roughly 7 feet deep where the spring’s upward flow is noticeably felt; water visibility inside the spring was limited (around 1 foot). At that time, admission was free, with rental huts available on-site, and a local commenter (a Gotozon native) recalled the spring as a childhood swimming spot (“summer bathroom”).

Since 2024–2025, the spring has taken on a significant new role: it is the water source for the newly built Loctob Water Treatment Plant in Barangay Gotozon, a facility capable of producing at least 5 million litres of potable water per day, supplying the towns of Baclayon, Loboc, Sikatuna, and Alburquerque (with a planned additional link to Panglao/Dauis/Tagbilaran via the Sikatuna Water Tank). This is a substantial change in the site’s use and management since the recreational descriptions above were written, and local reporting has also noted community and DENR concerns over the water facility’s construction near the spring. [FACT NEEDED: whether the spring remains openly accessible to visitors for swimming today, or whether public access has been restricted or altered by the treatment-plant development — this requires current, on-the-ground confirmation before advising visitors to swim here.]

Location

Barangay Gotozon, Loboc, Bohol. Gotozon is one of the interior barangays of Loboc municipality. The spring sits directly on the Loboc River corridor, reachable historically by wading/swimming from the river itself. The Loctob Water Treatment Plant and Loctob Water Inc.’s office are now also located at the spring site (“Gotozon, near Loctob Spring”).

Getting There

From Loboc town center, local transport (habal-habal) serves interior barangays including Gotozon. A first-hand account reached the spring on foot/by wading along the Loboc River rather than by a direct road approach — current, standard visitor access (if any) should be confirmed locally given the site’s redevelopment as a water utility facility.

Practical Info

Historically (as of 2017) admission was free, with rental huts on site. [FACT NEEDED: current entrance policy, operating hours, and whether the site remains open to recreational visitors given the 2024–2025 water treatment plant construction.]

What to Expect

A cold freshwater spring typical of Bohol’s interior, with a documented strong, cold upward flow and a deep (~7 ft) submerged section in at least one part of the pool. The surrounding landscape includes riverside and secondary forest vegetation. Given the site’s recent development into an active water-utility source, visitors should confirm current access and appropriateness of swimming before planning a visit.

Notes

Source: Bohol Tourism Profile Eco Dev2025.pdf (BPTO Table 11 — Inventory of Tourist Attractions). Exploring Busay Falls, Loktob Spring And Jimili-An Spring, accessed 2026-07-17 — first-hand description of spring access, depth, water flow, free admission and huts (2017). Bohol water treatment facility to benefit 300,000 residents | Philstar.com, accessed 2026-07-17 — Loctob Water Treatment Plant inauguration, capacity, and served municipalities. Loboc, LWI over troubled water – Bohol Island News, accessed 2026-07-17 — local/DENR concerns over construction at the Loctob spring site. Loctob Water, accessed 2026-07-17 — utility company’s own site, confirms Gotozon, Loboc location and ongoing infrastructure work at the spring.