Chocolate Hills in Bohol Island, Philippines

 

Chocolate Hills is one of the famous places and a recommended tourist destination in Bohol Island. It is an extra-ordinary geological formation and no one really knows how it was formed. The cone-shaped hills are symmetrical to each other which are covered with grass during rainy season and turns into chocolate brown during dry season. These hills look like chocolate truffles or kisses chocolates especially during summer, hence the name.

There are around 1,260 to 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers and the height of the hills ranges from 30 to 120 meters. Chocolate Hills are also featured in the provincial flag and seal and declared as the third geological monument in the Philippines. 


HOW TO GO TO BOHOL CHOCOLATE HILLS

Chocolate Hills is usually included in the tours. We are not really good in DIY's as we both have a short patience (lol) so we took a 3 day tour and Chocolate Hills is included in one of the destinations in the countryside tour. You can either sign up on a tour prior to your trip or right in the island once you're in Bohol. Tricycle or habal-habal drivers usually offer different tours or you can also ask from the hotel where you're staying.



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If you coming from Tagbilaran City, take a tricycle to the bus station at Dao District, just right beside the Island City Mall. Take a bus to Carmen City, fare is around P100 or less and ask the driver to drop you off at Chocolate Hills Complex. From the highway, it's a 10 minute walk to the complex/entrance.

Motorcycle rentals (habal-habal) are also available which you can use to go anywhere in Bohol. If you know how to drive, this will be a good option as you control your own time and on what places to visit anytime, anywhere in the island. Private Car rentals are also available but of course expect it to be a bit pricey. 


THE LEGEND OF CHOCOLATE HILLS

Bohol Chocolate Hills is truly an amazing geographical formation, a real one of its kind. Until now there is no consensus as to how these hills were formed. According to one of the legends, these hills were the result of the furious fight between two giants. They fought furiously throwing mud and stones to each other, the fight was so intense. In their exhaustion the two giants forgot their feud, they became friends and they also forgot to clean their mess. Some says that the two giants died after fighting days and nights leaving all their mess, the Chocolate Hills in which what we are enjoying today.

Chocolate Hills as can be seen from the viewing area on top of one of the hills

On the other hand however, it was believed that the area was submerged in water long long time ago and these hills were corals. As time goes by it was said that the land rises or the water level decreases or both, exposing those corals which became the now called Chocolate Hills.

Either of the two stories hasn't been proven though and until today no one really knows how the hills were formed. I guess that's what make it more interesting and amazing. 

VIEWING AREA

Police are scattered in the area for the safety of the tourists

There is a viewing complex located in one of the hills. One must need to climb a 200+ step stairs to reach the top of the hill. It offers a 360 degrees view of the area giving an incomparable panoramic experience. There are 2 or 3 resting/waiting sheds on the way above the viewing area so you can take a rest though I recommend going on the top area to enjoy the view. 



There's a  wishing well on the viewing deck with on big bell so prepare your coins and wishes. For elderly and PWD's however, walking up the stairs isn't recommended, the view from the parking area is already awesome anyway so they can stay there and enjoy scenic view.

More than 200 steps that lead to the viewing area on top of one of the hills.

The Bell and the wishing well. After making your wish toss the coin into the well and pull the rope to ring the bell.

The area could get really crowded even on a weekday not to mention the scorching heat of the sun. It was noon time when we visited the area so it was really hot and there were a lot of tourists (Koreans, Chinese and students) even it was a weekday. There are also a couple of food kiosks and souvenir shops in the area and even a hotel. 

Group of kids performing to entertain the tourists. Donations are very much appreciated.

The entrance and Parking Area

OTHER THINGS TO DO NEAR CHOCOLATE HILLS

Few minutes away from the Chocolate Hills Viewing Complex is the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. Enjoy different adrenaline rush activities such as zip-lining (superman position), Bike Zip or The Rush as what they call it, Eco-trail and many more. 

The ever mandatory jump-shot, haha

ATV Eco-Adventure Tour is also few minutes away from the viewing complex. If you want to have a close look and experience Chocolate hills in a muddy adventure then this one's good for you. We tried this one and it was my first time driving an ATV and it was an hour drive so I really enjoyed it. I think ATV driving is gonna be one of new hobbies now, haha. 

My first ATV ride and it was fun!

It was my first time seeing the infamous Chocolate Hills and indeed it was an amazing experience. I'm looking forward of going back hopefully either during sunrise or sunset, I couldn't imagine how beautiful the view might be.