Welcome to Bohol, home to one of the planet’s most delightful geological mysteries: the Chocolate Hills.
Yes, they sound delicious. No, you cannot eat them (trust us, we’ve checked). But what these iconic, candy-like mounds lack in cocoa content, they more than make up for in sheer, head-scratching wonder.
Let’s dive into the fun facts and essential details that make this a must-see.
A Legend in Every Lump
Before science had its say, local legend offered a far more dramatic origin story. One tale tells of two giants who fought for days, hurling rocks, sand, and boulders at each other. When they finally made peace and left the island, they left behind a messy battlefield of hills.
Another, more romantic version, speaks of a giant named Arogo who fell in love with a mortal woman. When she died, his endless tears fell and hardened into the hills we see today. Whether it was a giant brawl or a giant’s broken heart, it’s a more exciting story than “geological uplift and erosion,” don’t you think?
By the Numbers: Hills, Visitors & Vistas
For the fact-lovers, here’s the scoop. During the rainy season, the hills are cloaked in vibrant green grass. But come the dry summer months (roughly February to May), the vegetation turns a rich, chocolatey brown—hence the name! The official count is estimated at 1,268 to 1,776 individual hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers. They’re almost perfectly uniform in shape, ranging from 30 to 120 meters tall.
This natural marvel is the #1 tourist attraction in Bohol, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually before the pandemic, with numbers soaring back. The main and most famous viewing deck is in the town of Carmen. For a less crowded alternative with additional attractions like a zoo and pool, check out Sagbayan Peak in the nearby town of Sagbayan.
More Than Just a Photo Op: What to Do Up There
The primary activity is, of course, to gawk and take approximately 500 photos. The Carmen Viewing Deck features a steep 214-step climb to a panoramic platform—worth every huff and puff.
Beyond the epic selfie, take a moment to simply marvel at the symmetry. It looks like a landscape designed by a playful, giant architect. Many tours combine a visit here with other Bohol classics, making it a efficient and breathtaking stop.
Take a Piece of the “Chocolate” Home
You can’t pack a hill in your suitcase, but you can grab some charming souvenirs. Popular picks include Chocolate Hills truffles (actual, edible chocolate this time!), t-shirts with clever slogans, magnets, keychains, and handicrafts made from local materials. It’s the perfect way to support local artisans and give your friends a tasty, non-geological souvenir.
Fueling Your Adventure: Bites Near the Hills
You’ll work up an appetite after all that gazing. While dining options right at the viewing complex are basic (think snacks and drinks), the nearby towns offer fantastic local flavor. Don’t miss the chance to try:
Crispy Ugas: A unique local river fish, deep-fried to perfect crunchiness.
Chicken Binakol: A soothing chicken soup cooked in coconut water with lemongrass.
Fresh Buko (Coconut): The ultimate refreshment, hacked open right before your eyes.
For a fuller meal, many tour groups stop at restaurants along the loop road back to Panglao, serving hearty Filipino buffets and fresh seafood.
Pair Your Visit: The Perfect Bohol Day Trip
The Chocolate Hills are the star, but they’re surrounded by a supporting cast of amazing attractions. A classic “Countryside Tour” will typically bundle your hill visit with:
The Wide-Eyed Tarsier: Visit a Tarsier Sanctuary to see the world’s smallest primate (please, no flash photography!).
A Loboc River Cruise: Enjoy a serene floating lunch with views of the jungle and local performances.
The Bamboo Hanging Bridge: Test your balance on a fun, wobbly walk across the river in Sevilla.
A Historic Church: The Baclayon Church is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines.
So, while the Chocolate Hills won’t satisfy your sugar craving, they will absolutely feed your sense of adventure. They are a playful, puzzling, and profoundly beautiful reminder of nature’s magic. Just remember to bring water, wear a hat, and save the real chocolate tasting for the souvenir shop