Chocolate Hills | Tagbilaran

Information

Landmark: Chocolate Hills
City: Tagbilaran
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Chocolate Hills, Tagbilaran, Philippines, Asia

The Chocolate Hills are a geological formation consisting of at least 1,260 symmetrical, cone-shaped hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers in Bohol. They are the province's most famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visual Characteristics

During the dry season, the grass covering the hills dies and turns a chocolate brown color, giving the formation its name. In the rainy season, the hills are vibrant green. They are remarkably uniform in shape and size, typically ranging from 30 to 50 meters in height, with the highest reaching 120 meters.

Location & Access Logistics

The hills are spread across the municipalities of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan.

Main Viewing Deck: Located in Carmen, approximately 55 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.

Transport: Reachable via "Carmen" or "Sierra Bullones" bound buses from the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran (approx. 1.5–2 hours). Private vans and rental motorbikes are common.

Operating Hours: The Carmen View Point is generally open 08:00–18:00.

Fees: Entrance fee is approximately PHP 100 per person.

Geological Origin

The hills are composed of late Pliocene to early Pleistocene marine limestone. They were formed through the uplift of coral deposits and the subsequent effects of erosion by rainwater and groundwater over millions of years. This process is known as cockpit karst topography.

Key Highlights & Activities

Viewing Deck: A climb of 214 steps leads to the observation platform in Carmen for a 360-degree view.

Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP): Located nearby, offering "bike ziplining" across the hills.

ATV Tours: Guided All-Terrain Vehicle tours through the base of the hills in the town of Carmen or Sagbayan.

Sagbayan Peak: An alternative viewing area that features a butterfly dome and leisure park.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: Includes a government-run hotel and restaurant at the Carmen site, restrooms, and souvenir shops.

Connectivity: 4G signal is generally stable at the viewing decks.

Accessibility: The climb to the main viewing deck in Carmen is steep; there is no elevator, making it difficult for individuals with severe mobility issues.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (December to May) is essential if the goal is to see the hills in their "chocolate" brown state. Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic shadows and lighting for photography.

Facts & Legends

Local legends attribute the hills to the dried tears of a giant named Arogo who mourned the death of his mortal lover. Another legend suggests they are the remnants of a battle between two giants who threw boulders and sand at each other. Logistically, the hills are protected under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).