Chocolate Hills
Over a thousand cone-shaped grass hills, 30 to 120 meters high, dot the landscape evenly. They turn brown in the dry season, making them one of the Philippines' most famous geological wonders.
The Chocolate Hills are spread across the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan in central Bohol. Over roughly 50 square km, some 1,200 to more than 1,700 almost identical conical hills are scattered about. Most are 30 to 50 meters high, and the tallest is about 120 meters. Formed from marine limestone through long-term dissolution and weathering, the hills are covered only by grass. In the dry season, the grass turns brown and the whole range looks as though it has been dusted with chocolate, hence the name. In the rainy season, it is lush green. The site is a National Geological Monument of the Philippines and is on the tentative list for World Heritage. The main viewpoint, the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen, requires climbing about 214 steps to reach the observation deck at the top, which offers 360-degree views of the rolling hills. The light is softest in the early morning or evening. A small environmental fee or admission charge applies. Nearby is the Sagbayan Peak viewpoint, and you can ride an ATV through the hills. Getting there: the site is about 55 km from Tagbilaran or Panglao. A hired car takes about 1.5 hours, and it is usually combined with the Tarsier Sanctuary and the Loboc River in a day tour. It is very hot at midday, so guard against heat.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Simply Butterflies Conservation Center
- Sagbayan Peak
- Danao Adventure Park (E.A.T. Danao)
- Bilar Man-Made Forest
- Loboc Church
- Loboc River Cruise
- Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
- Can-umantad Falls