Chocolate Hills: A Stunning Natural Wonder

Beyond the capital city of Tagbilaran, much of Bohol remains refreshingly rural, an island province endowed by nature itself with spectacular beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, forest-fringed rivers, countless caves, vast mangrove reserves, and a rare double barrier reef regarded as the cradle of ocean biodiversity. However, the otherworldly landscape of the Chocolate Hills is quite unlike anything else in the world. As such it is one of the places you really should not miss.

The otherwordly landscape that is the Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills is composed of more than 1,700 nature-perfected conic hills. The hills are scattered over an area covering the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. There are several popular legends of the origin of the hills. In one story, the hills grew from the tears of Arogo, a giant who had been heartbroken from the death of his love Aloya. In a second story, the hills were the result of the mess brought by two feuding giants who hurled boulders at each other for days. In a third legend, the hills were dried feces of a giant carabao who plagued the town by eating everything on its path. 

However, according to geologists, the hills were formed by the uplift of coral deposits from the sea. These were eroded and shaped by natural elements for thousands of years resulting in the nearly symmetrical conical hills that we see today. 

The hills in vivid green colors

The hills can be visited any time of the year with equally impressive views of the landscape in brown colors resembling chocolate kisses during the dry season and in vivid green colors for the rest of the year.   

Being one of the highlights of Bohol, we decided to go straight to see the Chocolate Hills from the airport. It is located approximately 55 kilometers away in the town of Carmen. As we approached the town, we noticed that the terrain changed. The landscape was soon dominated by huge conical hills interspersed with small villages and swathes of rice paddies.   

The 200-plus stairs to the Chocolate Hills Complex Observatory

After about an hour on the road, we reached the government-run Chocolate Hills Complex. It is perched on top of one of the larger hills where an observation deck can be accessed. We paid the mandatory entrance fees of PHP50 per person, bought cold water, and ate some snacks. It turned out to be a great way to begin as getting to the viewing deck requires a climb of more than 200 steps. 

The complex charges entrance fees of PHP50

Climbing felt painstakingly long and we found ourselves winded halfway. However, when we reached the top, we were overcome by a sheer feeling of accomplishment and happiness. The deck has unrestricted views of the grass-covered hills. From there we viewed the landscape in awe of the natural wonder that stretched out below us and outward to the horizon.

We took more than an hour enjoying the site and taking photos. When the heat continued to build up towards lunchtime, we retreated back to the comfort of our private van and hit the road again to continue our tour of the Bohol countryside. 

Know Before You Go:

• The Chocolate Hills is located in the center of Bohol's main island.
• It covers an area of more than 50 square kilometers and spread over the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan.
• The Chocolate Hills has been declared as the Philippines' third National Geological Monument.
• The hills vary in sizes from 30 to 50 meters high.
• The hills cannot be climbed and visitors can only marvel at their beauty and the mystery of their formation. 
• The hills can be viewed from two lookout locations - the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen or the Sagbayan Peak in Sagbayan.  
• To get to either of the two lookout locations, visitors can take public buses from Tagbilaran City, take a private van, or book an organized tour.

Are you planning a visit to the Chocolate Hills? Leave your questions below and we'll try to help out. If you find this useful, please share on social media. Thanks!

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Bohol Bee Farm: What's The Buzz About?
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