The Chocolate Hills Bohol
Have you heard of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol? We hadn’t before we planned our trip, but now we are in awe! Standing atop a viewpoint, gazing out at over a thousand perfectly cone-shaped hills stretching as far as the eye can see is like a scene from a movie, except its real life!
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the Chocolate Hills, answering all the important questions and providing insider tips to make your visit unforgettable. Whether you’re wondering about their mysterious formation, the best tours to take, or simply why they’re called “Chocolate” Hills (spoiler: it’s not because they’re made of chocolate!), we’ve got you covered.
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Where Are The Chocolate Hills Located?
The Chocolate Hills are nestled in the heart of Bohol, a stunning island province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. Specifically, they’re spread across Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan municipalities. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with these names; most tours will pick you up from popular areas like Tagbilaran City or Panglao Island, making it easy to access this natural wonder.
How To Visit The Chocolate Hills?
We visited the Chocolate Hills by taking a guided tour! Several fantastic tours allow you to see many great sites in Bohol, which are really great value!
We also know it is possible to visit by scooter and make your own day tour. This is usually what we love to do! However, we were told the drive to the Chocolate Hills from the main tourist region in Pangalo is rather tricky. The journey is over 2 hours with quite a lot of traffic and steep hills. So bear this in mind when picking how to visit.
The Best Chocolate Hills Tours
For the ultimate Chocolate Hills experience, we recommend booking a tour that includes a visit to the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen. This site offers the most iconic views and has well-maintained facilities. Many tours combine the Chocolate Hills with other Bohol attractions, like the Tarsier Sanctuary and Loboc River cruise, giving you a full day of adventure.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider an ATV tour that lets you get up close and personal with the hills. Just imagine zipping between these natural wonders on your own four-wheeler – it’s an adrenaline rush you won’t forget!
How Were The Chocolate Hills Formed?
This one is actually fascinating! The Chocolate Hills were formed millions of years ago through a process called karst topography. Essentially, the hills are the eroded remains of an ancient sea bed that was lifted above sea level through tectonic activity. Over time, rainwater and erosion sculpted these limestone formations into the uniform, cone-shaped mounds we see today.
While this scientific explanation is widely accepted, local legends offer more colourful stories. One tale speaks of a giant who fell in love with a mortal woman and cried massive tears that dried into hills. Another involves two feuding giants who hurled boulders at each other, leaving behind the hills we see today. We’ll let you decide which version you prefer!
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Why Are They Called The Chocolate Hills?
Despite what your sweet tooth might hope, the Chocolate Hills aren’t made of cocoa. They get their name from their appearance during the dry season (typically from November to May) when the grass covering the hills turns from lush green to a rich brown colour, resembling rows of chocolate kisses. During the rainy season, the hills return to their vibrant green hue, offering a completely different but equally stunning view.
How Many Chocolate Hills Are There?
At least 1,200 individual Chocolate Hills are spread over an area of about 50 square kilometres! Some estimates even put the number as high as 1,700. The hills are remarkably uniform in shape, with heights ranging from 30 to a staggering 120 meters, offering stunning panoramic views.
What are the Chocolate Hills known for?
The Chocolate Hills are renowned for their unique geological formation and stunning visual impact. They’re considered one of the Philippines’ most iconic natural landmarks and have even been featured on Bohol’s provincial flag. In 1988, the Philippine government declared The Chocolate Hills a National Geological Monument, recognizing their scientific importance and natural beauty.
Beyond their geological significance, the Chocolate Hills have captured the imagination of travellers worldwide. They’ve become a symbol of the Philippines’ natural wonders and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Southeast Asia.
Where To Stay In Bohol
Looking for where to stay Bohol? Here are our top recommendations depending on your budget and the vibe you are going for!
Hostels:
Hotels:
Looking for a more relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of hostels? Here are our top hotel recommendations in Bohol from Agoda:
The Best Time To Visit The Chocolate Hills
The best time to visit the Chocolate Hills is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, the hills turn their famous brown colour due to the heat turning the grass brown. This time of year also brings the least rainfall and more predictable weather so its a fantastic time to check out some of the other great things to do in Bohol.
You can check out our complete guide on all the best things to do in Bohol here: 7 Absolute Best Things To Do In Bohol Philippines
Shoulder Seasons: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting visiting the Chocolate Hills during the shoulder seasons of May or November when the crowds are fewer and the weather is still pleasant.
When we visited: We visited in the shoulder season in May and we were very lucky with the weather. However, bear in mind May is very hot in The Philippines, so plan ahead if you are not a big fan of the heat!
Average Monthly Rainfall In The Philippines
Conclusion
Overall, we loved our trip to the Chocolate Hills, but there are many other amazing things to see in Bohol, some of which we feel are even better! It was super interesting to visualise the sea floor above the surface and learn how this landscape has changed over time! The Chocolate Hills are also a fantastic place to capture some drone footage. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip and learn a bit more about what to expect.
Don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below!
Big Love
Beth and Denz
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