The Chocolate Hills are one of the most famous and iconic natural landmarks in the Philippines, located in the province of Bohol. This unique geological formation consists of at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers.
Key Features:
- Distinctive Appearance: The hills are conical and symmetrical, varying in height from 30 to 50 meters, with the tallest standing at around 120 meters. During the dry season, the grass covering the hills turns brown, resembling chocolate drops, which is how they got their name.
- Geological Formation: The Chocolate Hills are believed to have formed from marine limestone on top of a clay base. Over thousands of years, weathering, erosion, and dissolution of the limestone created the current landscape of hundreds of hills. Various theories suggest that they could be the result of the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rainwater and erosion.
- Seasonal Changes: While the hills are brown in the dry season, they are covered with green grass during the rainy season, creating a striking contrast between the two seasons.
Points of Interest:
- Chocolate Hills Complex: This is the main viewing area for the Chocolate Hills, located in the town of Carmen. The complex includes a viewing deck that offers panoramic views of the hills, making it an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing.
- Sagbayan Peak: Another popular viewing site located in the town of Sagbayan. Besides providing excellent views of the Chocolate Hills, Sagbayan Peak also features additional attractions such as a butterfly dome and a children’s playground.
- ATV and Buggy Rides: For those seeking adventure, ATV and buggy rides are available, allowing visitors to explore the hills up close and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
- Chocolate Hills Adventure Park: This park offers various activities like zip-lining, mountain biking, and other outdoor adventures set against the backdrop of the Chocolate Hills.
Cultural Significance:
The Chocolate Hills hold cultural importance for the local communities. They are often featured in Boholano folklore and legend. One popular legend tells of two giants who fought for days, throwing rocks and earth at each other, and when they made peace, they left the mess behind, which became the Chocolate Hills.
Visitor Information:
- Location: Central Bohol, Philippines, primarily in the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from November to May, is the best time to visit to see the hills in their iconic chocolate-brown color. However, visiting during the rainy season offers a lush, green landscape.
- Accessibility: The Chocolate Hills are easily accessible by road from the provincial capital, Tagbilaran City, with various tour operators offering day trips and guided tours.
The Chocolate Hills are a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Bohol, offering a unique and mesmerizing landscape that is both a natural wonder and a significant part of the local heritage.