Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills are an unusual geological formation found in Bohol, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It is found that there are 1,776 hills spread on an approximate 50 square kilometer area. Depending on the season, the Chocolate Hills change in color, varying from green to chocolate brown.

The Chocolate hills are the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. The Chocolate hills were featured in the Philippine Tourism Authority’s list of Philippine tourist destinations and are the Philippines’ third National Geological Monument. Proposals to include the Chocolate hills in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list are currently being conducted.

The Chocolate Hills look like women’s dress, or giant mole hills, or something out of a child’s drawing. The unusual thing about it is that it is a natural phenomena! Geologists believe that the hills were formed from marine limestone on top of a clay layer. The Chocolate hills are uniform in shape, some standing from 30 to 50 meters high. They are usually covered with grass the year around, but turn brown during the dry season, thus the name. You can see the magnificent view by climbing 214 steps to an observation outpost above the hills.

You can get to the Chocolate Hills on your own or by joining a day tour. From Tagbilaran, go to the bus terminal in Dao, and take a bus to Carmen. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at Chocolate Hills, located 4 km before you reach Carmen. If you get lost you can always ask help from the locals who are very hospitable and friendly.

The Chocolate Hills is indeed one of the Philippines’ most amazing destinations. The Chocolate Hills Complex has: a hostel, swimming pool, restaurant, and an observation deck to view the amazing hills. You can also view the hills at Sagbayan Peak in the town of Sagbayan.