The Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines, are one of the most unique and recognizable geological formations in the world. These hills are made up of over 1,200 cone-shaped hills that are spread out over an area of 50 square kilometers. They get their name from the fact that during the dry season, the grass covering the hills turns brown, making them look like they are made of chocolate.
While the Chocolate Hills are the main attraction in Bohol, there are plenty of other things to see and do in the area. Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride to get a bird’s eye view of the hills, go on a river cruise down the Loboc River, or visit the nearby Tarsier Sanctuary to see the world’s smallest primate. There are also several beaches in the area, such as Alona Beach, where visitors can relax and soak up the sun. Additionally, the Baclayon Church is a popular destination for those interested in history and architecture.
Geographical Overview
Chocolate Hills is a geological formation located in the central region of the Philippine island of Bohol. It comprises approximately 1,776 hills, which are spread over 50 square kilometers across the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan.
The hills are conical in shape and are made of limestone. They range in height from 30 to 120 meters, with the tallest being around 120 meters high. The hills are covered in grass, which turns brown during the dry season, making them chocolate-like.
The formation of the Chocolate Hills is believed to have been caused by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rainwater and erosion over thousands of years. The hills are considered a natural wonder and one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist attractions.
The towns of Carmen, Sagbayan, Bilar, Butuan, Sierra Bullones, and Valencia are all located in the vicinity of the Chocolate Hills. Corella, a town known for its tarsier sanctuary, is also nearby. Visitors can explore the Chocolate Hills by taking a tour or by hiking to the observation deck at the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen.
Historical Significance
The Chocolate Hills in the Philippines have a rich history and hold significant cultural and geological value. In 1988, the Philippine government declared the Chocolate Hills a National Geological Monument, recognizing its importance as a geological wonder. Later, in 2015, it was declared as the 3rd National Geological Monument in the country.
The Chocolate Hills are also a symbol of the province of Bohol, as they are featured on the provincial flag. According to local legends, the hills were formed from the tears of a giant mourning the loss of his love. Today, the hills are a popular tourist attraction and considered one of the world’s eight wonders.
The geological origin of the Chocolate Hills is still a topic of debate among scientists. Some believe that they were formed from the uplift of coral deposits, while others suggest that they result from weathering and erosion of limestone. The Chocolate Hills are a unique and fascinating geological formation regardless of their origin.
In 2013, the Chocolate Hills were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, recognizing their potential to be added to the list of World Heritage Sites. Including the Chocolate Hills on this list highlights their cultural and geological significance and underscores the importance of preserving this natural wonder for future generations.
Attractions and Activities
Chocolate Hills Complex
The Chocolate Hills Complex is the first stop for most visitors to the Chocolate Hills. It is a park with various attractions, including a butterfly sanctuary, a mini-zoo, and a restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy ATV rides and zipline adventures. The entrance fee to the Chocolate Hills Complex is PHP 50 per person.
Sagbayan Peak
Sagbayan Peak is a popular tourist attraction offering a breathtaking Chocolate Hills view. Visitors can also enjoy various activities such as horseback riding, zip-lining, and a butterfly sanctuary. There is an entrance fee of PHP 50 per person.
Chocolate Hills Adventure Park
The Chocolate Hills Adventure Park is an outdoor adventure park that offers various activities such as zipline, bike zip, and other adrenaline-pumping adventures. The park is located in Carmen, and the entrance fee is PHP 60 per person.
Loboc River Cruise
The Loboc River Cruise is a popular activity for visitors to the Chocolate Hills. The cruise takes visitors down the Loboc River, where they can enjoy a buffet lunch and live music. Visitors can also see the Bilar Man-Made Forest and other attractions along the river. The cost of the tour is around PHP 550 per person.
Bilar Man-Made Forest
The Bilar Man-Made Forest is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors a glimpse of the natural beauty of the Philippines. The forest is a man-made reforestation project that spans over 2 kilometers. Visitors can take a leisurely drive through the forest and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Panglao Island
Panglao Island is a popular destination for island hopping, snorkeling, and other water activities. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. Private tours are available for those who want a more personalized experience.
Accommodation and Dining
Hotels and Resorts
There are several hotels and resorts in the vicinity of the Chocolate Hills. One of the most popular options is the Chocolate Hills Resort, which is located in Carmen, the town closest to the hills. The resort offers comfortable accommodations, a swimming pool, and a local and international cuisine restaurant. Another great option is the Bohol Bee Farm in Panglao Island, about an hour’s drive from the Chocolate Hills. The resort features unique accommodation options, such as bee-inspired rooms and villas, and an on-site restaurant serving organic and healthy food.
Other notable hotels and resorts in the area include the Amorita Resort, the Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, and the South Palms Resort Panglao. These resorts offer luxurious accommodation options, including private villas, beachfront suites, and amenities such as swimming pools, spas, and restaurants.
Restaurants
When it comes to dining in the Chocolate Hills area, visitors have plenty of options to choose from. The Chocolate Hills Resort’s on-site restaurant serves various local and international dishes, including seafood, grilled meats, and pasta. On the other hand, the Bohol Bee Farm’s restaurant specializes in organic and healthy food, such as salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
Other popular dining options in the area include the Loboc River Cruise, which offers a buffet lunch while cruising down the scenic river, and the Gerarda’s Place, which serves traditional Filipino dishes in a cozy and rustic setting. Visitors can also head to the nearby town of Tagbilaran, which has a range of restaurants serving different cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Italian.
Transportation and Accessibility
Getting to the Chocolate Hills is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. Visitors can choose from tricycles, habal-habals, scooter rentals, shuttles, and integrated bus terminals, depending on their preference and budget.
For those coming from Cebu, the most convenient way to reach the Chocolate Hills is by taking a two-hour ferry ride to Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol. Visitors can hire a tricycle or habal-habal to take them to the hills.
Scooter rentals are also available for those who want to explore the area independently. However, it is important to note that the roads leading to the Chocolate Hills can be steep and winding, so scooter riders should have some experience in riding.
Shuttle services are available from Tagbilaran City to the Chocolate Hills for those who prefer a more convenient option. Visitors can also take the integrated bus terminal located in Dao District, Tagbilaran City, which offers regular trips to the hills.
For those coming from Manila, there are direct flights to Bohol-Panglao Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from the Chocolate Hills. Visitors can hire a tricycle or habal-habal to take them to the hills.
Overall, visitors to the Chocolate Hills have several transportation options available to them, making it easy to get to this natural wonder. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills easily and conveniently, whether by tricycle, habal-habal, scooter rental, shuttle, or integrated bus terminal.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chocolate Hills is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this period, the hills turn their famous brown color due to the dry weather and lack of rain. However, during the wet season, the hills will be more of a green color due to the rain.
Visitors should note that the Chocolate Hills result from weathering, a natural process that occurs over time. While the hills are a beautiful sight to behold, they are not immune to the effects of weathering. As such, visitors should be mindful of the weather conditions during their visit.
For those who want to witness the sunrise or sunset over the Chocolate Hills, visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended. Visitors can book a hot air balloon ride with Sky’s the Limit Balloon Rides to get a bird’s eye view of the hills during sunrise.
The best time to visit Chocolate Hills is during the dry season, when the hills turn their famous brown color. Visitors should be mindful of the weather conditions and plan their visit accordingly.
Photography and Views
Chocolate Hills is a popular destination for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The unique geological formation of the hills, which are cone-shaped and covered in green grass, offers a stunning backdrop for photos.
Visitors can take advantage of the many observation decks located throughout the area to capture the best views of the hills. The Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen provides the best 360-degree views of the geological wonder. Here, visitors can climb up to the observation deck and take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the hills. The observation deck is equipped with binoculars for visitors to get a closer look at the hills.
For those who want to capture the hills in their entirety, the Sagbayan Peak is the perfect spot. The peak offers a bird’s eye view of the hills, and visitors can even take a cable car ride for a more unique perspective.
The best time to take photos of the Chocolate Hills is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this time, the hills turn chocolate brown, making for a more dramatic and striking photo.
Visitors can also take advantage of the many activities offered in the area to capture unique photos. For example, visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the hills for a one-of-a-kind view and photo opportunity. Additionally, visitors can take a horseback ride through the hills, which offers a more rustic and natural way to explore the area.
Interesting Facts
The Chocolate Hills are a natural wonder in the Philippines that has amazed visitors for generations. Here are some interesting facts about these cone-shaped hills:
- The Chocolate Hills are made up of over 1,200 hills that are consistent in shape and size, making it a unique geological formation worldwide.
- The hills are symmetrical and have a conical shape that is similar to a chocolate kiss, hence the name Chocolate Hills.
- The hills are made of limestone covered in grass, and during the dry season, the grass turns brown, giving the hills a chocolatey appearance.
- The Chocolate Hills are estimated to be between 1,268 to about 1,776 individual mounds, and they are spread over an area of 50 square kilometers.
- The Chocolate Hills are not the only mogote in the world, but they are one of the most consistent in shape and size.
- The Chocolate Hills are the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol and are featured on the provincial flag and seal.
- The Chocolate Hills are believed to have formed over 2 million years ago due to the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rainwater and erosion.
- The Chocolate Hills are home to various endemic species of plants and animals, including the Philippine tarsier, a small primate native to the Philippines.
In conclusion, the Chocolate Hills are a fascinating natural wonder worth visiting for anyone interested in geology and nature.
