Chocolate Hills, Bohol

The Chocolate Hills are a geological formation in the Philippines which are known for its conical shape and uniformity. The Chocolate Hills are located in the Bohol province of the Philippines in the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. The Chocolate Hills get their name from the color of the grass that covers them during the dry season when it turns a chocolate brown color. These Chocolate Hills were formed from uplifted coral deposits and then fractured by rainwater, streams, and groundwater. It is known to be the Philippines' third national geological monument and is featured on the provincial flag and seal. They are also a popular tourist destination. 

Where is Chocolate Hills located?

The Chocolate Hills are located in the Bohot province of the Philippines in the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. They are a top tourist attraction featured on the provincial flag and seal. At least around 1,260 hills spread over more than 50 square kilometers. The Hills are wrapped in green grass that turns into the brown during the dry season. These hills are covered in green grass that turns into a chocolate-like brown during the dry season, hence the name. These hills are featured in the provincial flag seal to symbolize the abundance of natural attractions in the province. So, if you want to have some new experience, you must visit this place as there is a lot to explore and you will witness the beautiful views. 

How were the Chocolate Hills formed?

A combination of tectonic activity, erosion, and weathering formed these Chocolate Hills in the Philippines. The hills were originally underwater limestone deposits that were uplifted above the sea level by the tectonic movements. In the erosion process, the rainwater, surface water, and groundwater dissolved the limestone, and the streams eroded the formalities after they were uplifted. When you read weathering, then you must know that the limestone was exposed to the weathering processes, which caused the hills to take on their current conical shape. During the dry season, the exposed limestone rocks turned brown and washed away the surface soil and vegetation, giving rise to the name of the "chocolate hills." 

These hills are wonderful examples of conical karst topography. They are made of thin to medium, sandy to rubbly marine limestone that contains fossils of coral, mollusks, algae, and shallow marine foraminifera. The hills are separated by flat plains and contain many caves and springs. 

Best Time to Visit Chocolate Hills

The best time to visit the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines, depends on your preferences for the crowds, weather, and the activities you want. If you want to know more about the season for the Chocolate Hills, you can follow the information below, and you will be able to learn about the best time or month to trek to the Chocolate Hills. So read the following information which are as follows and understand the timing about the same:

• January-May: it is the peak season with warm weather, festivals, and lots of tourists. So you want to visit during the season when many people visit and want to enjoy the warm weather or this place, then you must visit during the mentioned time, which is January-May. 
• June-August: this is the moderate season with fewer crowds, lower prices, and the occasional rain. You can also visit these Chocolate Hills during this time, and you will have an amazing experience during the rainy season. 
• September-December: This is the off-season when fewer tourists frequently rent at discounted rates. So, according to some people, the best time to visit is at the end of a sunny afternoon for the perfect light. So you can also visit this place during this time and have an amazing experience. 

How to Go to Chocolate Hills

to reach these hills, you will need to travel to Bohol Island in the Philippines, where the main viewing point is located at the Chocolate Hills complex in Carmen, which is accessible by taking a trip from the capital city, Tagbilaran, and you can also view the hills from the Sagbayan Peak in the nearby town of the Sagbayan. The best way to reach them there is usually by hiring a car or taking a tour from Tagbilaran. There are two plates for getting there; read about them, which are as mentioned below:

• From Tagbilaran: take a car or join a tour to reach the Chocolate Hills complex in Carmen. so you can choose this way to reach the Chocolate Hills.
• From Cebu City: You can also take a fast craft to Tubigon and then transfer to a bus to Sagbayan. Yes, you can also select this one to go to the Chocolate Hills.
• Chocolate Hills Tours and Activities

There are various tours and activities that you must know about as mentioned below; so if you want to know about the various activities and tours that you can do there in Chocolate Hills, then you can read the following information which is given below: 

• Bilar Man-Made Forest: The Bilar man-made forest in Bohol, spanning around 50 hectares, was initiated as a reforestation project in the early 20th century. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, serene landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Located northeast of Lboc, Bilar offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of its beautiful surroundings. 
• Danao Adventure Park: it is a place for the people who are thrill seekers; Danao Adventure Park is a must-visit destination in Bohol. It is located in Barangay Magtangtang, and it is where the longest and the tallest zip line in the Philippines is found, humorously called the "sui-slide," among the other adrenaline-packed activities. 
• Chocolate Hills Adventure Park: The Chocolate Hills Adventure Park in Bohol is the ultimate destination for thrilling zip lines, serene nature trails, and high rope courses. So yes, this park offers various activities you can experience if you love adventure. This is the best place for people who love doing adventurous things. You can visit this adventure park and have a fantastic time there. 
• Pahangog Falls: Dimiao Twin Falls, also known as the Pahangog Falls, is one of the best waterfalls in Bohol. Its Gatorade-colored rock pools and jungle surroundings make this place worth visiting. Here, you can see a stunning view that you will definitely love. 

Travel Tips 

Before going to this place, there are some travel tips that you must know about, which will help you during your travels. So, read the following travel tips. So you must read the following travel tips, and you will be able to get an amazing travel experience at the Chocolate Hills. 

• Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds, and bring a camera for the stunning shots.
• You must wear comfortable shoes for walking as here you will have to do a lot of walking so it is very important to wear comfortable shoes. 
• You can take the bus from Loboc for 35 pesos per person. Other than this, you can also drive to the hill entry park 50 meters down the road, where you can pay and get the free shuttle bus to the top. 
• You can walk up the 220 steps to the viewing deck. According to people, it takes about 15 minutes to walk up. 
• Food and toilets are present at the summit.
• You can also take a tricycle from Alona Beach to the airport for 100-150 pesos.
• You can also book a tour of the Chocolate Hills, such as the private Bohol and Chocolate Hills with the Loboc tour.

Follow the following tips and enjoy the panoramic views from the Chocolate Hills complex or the Sagbayan Peak. During the dry season, the hill turns into chocolate-brown and looks more stunning for photos. You can also hike up to the observation decks for the best views and learn about the legend behind these natural formations, which look so amazing and are worth visiting. 

How much does it cost to go to the Chocolate Hills?

The entrance fee to visit the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines, is typically around 100 Philippine Pesos (PHP) per person, which is roughly equivalent to approximately 2 USD. The visitors then need to climb up around 200+ steps to reach the viewing deck, which is mounted on two actual chocolate hills and offers a 360-degree view of the magnificent hill formations. The entrance fee already covers entry to the private resort's restaurant, butterfly park, playground, and, of course, also the viewing deck. So, if it is the place that you want to visit to have an amazing experience and memorable vacation, then you can visit and explore the Chocolate Hills. 

How many Chocolate Hills are found in Bohol?

These chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines, are estimated to have between 1,260 and 1,776 hills. The actual number of the hills is unspecified. The hills cover over 50 square kilometers, and they range from 100 to 165 feet tall, with the tallest hill being about 395 feet. There is no doubt that these hills are popular tourist attractions that attract over a million visitors each year. The visitors can climb the hills including the 2 kilometer-long Three Sisters Hill. Other activities include horseback riding, cycling, caving, hiking, and ATV riding. There are also two viewing decks, one at the Chocolate Hills Complex and the other at the Saghayan Peak. 

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