Chocolate Hills

Location: The Chocolate Hills are located in the central part of Bohol Island, Philippines. They are spread over the towns of Carmen, Batuan, Sagbayan, Bilar, and Valencia.
Opening hours: Open from 8:00 to 23:00 all year round
Entrance fee: 100 PHP per person. 
Reason to visit: A must-see attraction in Bohol to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature wonder. 

Located in the island province of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills are a geological formation of over a thousand cone-shaped hills that cover an area of more than 50 square kilometers. They are called Chocolate Hills because they turn from green to brown during the dry season, resembling huge chocolate kisses. In this article, you will learn why the Chocolate Hills are a must-see attraction in Bohol, how they were formed, how to enjoy them, and some practical information for your visit.

The Formation of Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills are a natural phenomenon that resulted from the weathering and erosion of limestone over millions of years. The limestone was once part of the coral reefs that covered the seafloor. Due to tectonic movements, the seafloor was lifted above sea level and exposed to the elements. Rainwater, which contains a slight amount of acid, dissolved the limestone and created cracks and fissures. The surface water and groundwater also eroded the limestone and carried away the sediments. This process formed the hills into their conical and almost symmetrical shape. The hills are covered with grass that grows during the rainy season and turns brown during the dry season, giving them their chocolate-like appearance.

Best Viewing Points: Chocolate Hills Complex and Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

The first place we recommended to enjoy the beautiful views of the hills is Chocolate Hills Complex. This is the most popular and accessible viewing deck for the Chocolate Hills. It is in Carmen, about 55 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol. The complex has a hostel, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the hills. To reach the deck, you have to climb 200+ steps, but the effort is worth it. Besides, it is windy on the viewing deck, so it is better for girls not to wear skirts.

The second viewing point is the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP), as well as an interesting park for both adults and kids. It is a 5-hectare mountaintop resort and recreation center, also in Carmen. CHAP offers over 30 exciting activities for adults and children, such as zip lines, rope courses, wall climbing, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and more. One of the highlights is the Rush Bike Zip, where you can pedal your way across a 550-meter cable suspended 150 feet above the ground, while enjoying the view of the Chocolate Hills. 

Location: Camanayon, Barangay Buenos Aires, Carmen, Bohol, Philippines 6319
Opening hours: Open daily from 8:30 to 17:30
Entrance fee: 80 PHP

Ride an ATV Car to Explore the Chocolate Hills

Another fun and adventurous way to see the Chocolate Hills is to ride an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) car. You can drive through the countryside, pass by rice fields and rivers, and get up close to some of the hills. The ATV car rental fee ranges from 600 to 1,500 pesos per hour.

Explore the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument. 

The Chocolate Hills Natural Monument is a protected area that covers 5 towns in Bohol: Carmen, Batuan, Sagbayan, Bilar, and Valencia. The natural monument has several viewing decks, hiking trails, and camping sites that allow you to experience the hills in different ways. You can also see the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area. The natural monument is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee and a Ramsar Wetland Site candidate.

How to get there

From Tagbilaran City or Panglao Island: You can rent a car, a van and drive to the Chocolate Hills. The travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the traffic and the route you take. You can also join a guided tour that includes the Chocolate Hills and other attractions in Bohol. You can also take a public bus or van from the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran City to Carmen or Sagbayan town.

From Carmen or Sagbayan, you can take a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to the Chocolate Hills Complex or the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. The fare is about 50 to 100 pesos per person, and the travel time is about 15 to 20 minutes.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Chocolate Hills is during the dry season, which lasts from February to May. This is when the hills turn brown and look like chocolate, giving them their distinctive charm and appeal. The weather is also sunny and pleasant, with less chances of rain and typhoons. The dry season is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit the Chocolate Hills early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is also better for photography.