One of the most amazing natural places to see in the Philippines is the Chocolate hills. The Chocolate Hills are a group of unusually shaped hills located in the center of the island of Bohol in the Philippines.
The landscape is amazing and unique. I have never seen a landscape like it. In this post I talk about what the Chocolate Hills are like, how to visit them and what else to see on the island of Bohol.
CHOCOLATE HILLS, A NATURAL WONDER TO SEE IN BOHOL
The landscape we find in the Chocolate Hills is unusual. It is a landscape with mounds, treeless hills that protrude from an immense lush jungle. The exact number of hills in total is unknown. Although it is estimated that there are almost 1,800 hills and they spread over an area of 50 square kilometers. They come in different sizes, between 20 and 120 meters high.
The Chocolate Hills have been declared the third National Geological Monument of the Philippines.
Depending on the time of year when you travel to the Philippines, you will find an intense green landscape or a more brown landscape. Hence its popular name.
The origin of the Chocolate Hills
The real origin of the Chocolate Hills is unknown, but there are many legends told regarding its creation. The most popular legend that most guides tell you is that two giants who were fighting threw sand and stones at each other, and when they fell to the ground they turned into chocolate hills. Another legend is that a giant fell in love with a human girl. When this woman died, the giant cried very much for her loss and these tears became the Chocolate Hills. And then there is the most official version but which also has no scientific basis, but which they have taken to be the “most coherent” and that is why it is written on a bronze plaque at the main viewpoint and says that the hills were formed by the uplift of the coral deposits and the erosion caused by rainwater. Which version do you stick with?
THINGS TO DO IN THE CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL
The Chocolate Hills are located in the interior of the Island of Bohol. From the island's main airport, Panglao, to the observation deck of the protected area you have an hour's drive by car. As soon as you arrive in this area you have several things you can do:
See the Chocolate Hills of Bohol
The two most famous hills of the almost 1,800 that you will find on the entire island are two located in the town of Carmen. A viewing platform has been built on these two hills from where you will have spectacular views of the environment and the surrounding hills. The entrance to this platform costs 50 pesos and is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Other viewpoints on the island to see the Chocolate Hills to consider are the viewpoints along the roads that surround this area and the Sagbayan Peak viewpoint, located in the city of Sagbayan.
Hot air balloon ride over the Chocolate Hills
If you want to watch the sunrise or sunset from above, flying over the Chocolate Hills is one of the best things to do in Bohol. The flights are 25 minutes and cost around €150 per person. There are local companies that offer this activity.
Zip line in Bohol
If you feel like a bit of adrenaline there is an adventure park with a very long zip line.
Located in the town of Carmen, the zip lines use unusual props such as bicycles and surfboards. The same company has other activities such as cycling or climbing routes.
Once you jump down the zip line you will have beautiful views of the lush vegetation of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills and the river.
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I hope you enjoy your trip to the Philippines very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!