Bohol's Chocolate Hills: A Guide to Exploring this Iconic Natural Wonder

 
The Chocolate Hills, the most famous icon of the Bohol province, dot the lands of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan. This unique natural wonder that draws visitors from all over the world gets its name from the chocolate-colored appearance during the dry season and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Philippines. This iconic natural wonder consists of more than a thousand hills which turn brown during the summer season, and hence the name Chocolate Hills. It turns green during the rainy season as trees and grasses grow on them but either way, this natural wonder remains picturesque. But to truly appreciate their beauty, it's important to know where to find the best views. The most famous view deck is located in the municipality of Carmen but there are other viewpoints where you can enjoy these majestic hills.  In this guide, we'll rank the top viewpoints for the Chocolate Hills and provide tips for getting there and taking great photos.

If you want more information about this iconic wonder, here are some helpful links:
The National Geographic drone video is by far my favorite among all videos​ of the Chocolate Hills. Worth the watch!
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One of my photos of the Chocolate Hills back in 2013 (Photo © iHeartPH 2013)

Legends and History


Filipinos are fond of alamat (legends) as to how things like fruits, trees, anyong lupa (landforms) and anyong tubig (bodies of water) came about. And as a kid in Bohol, I grew up being told several versions of the legend as to how these chocolate hills were formed. The most famous of them is the one where two giants fought and threw rocks and boulders at each other which then formed the famous site. Another one I've heard of is a more romantic version where a giant fell in love with a mortal who got sick and died. With her death leaving the giant with so much pain and anguish, he cried non-stop and his tears formed the chocolate hills. Interesting to imagine how people in the olden days have crafted these stories to make sense of things or to probably just answer their kids pestering them with such questions or maybe just as mere bedtime stories to entertain their kids with.

I have also found other versions of the Chocolate Hills legend or alamat:​

Best Viewpoints to See the Chocolate Hills


The Chocolate Hills can be seen from several viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the hills and the surrounding countryside. Some of the top viewpoints include the more famous sites such as Chocolate Hills View Dec, Sagbayan Peak, Chocolate Hills ATV and Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. But there are also some off-the-beaten path sites which has lesser crowds which I have listed down below.
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1) Chocolate Hills View Deck


The Chocolate Hills View Deck is widely regarded as the most popular viewpoint. It's easy to get to and is usually the viewpoint where tour providers take their guests. It provides a sweeping vista of the verdant hills and picturesque countryside.  You can climb up the steps of the view deck to get a better view of the hills and take memorable photos. To climb to the top of the view deck, you have to take 214 steps, not entirely bad. I saw several elderly visitors climb up the stairs, slowly but surely, so it should be possible to bring senior citizens. There's no elevators but there's an exit which I think should be okay to take if you are bringing a wheelchair. I took my 80-year old grandmother here back in 2013, a few months before the earthquake. She climbed the steps without breaking a sweat while her children and grandchildren often took few breaks in between. Haha! Aside from the view deck, there's also a restaurant and souvenir shop at the bottom of the hill.  Entrance fee to the Chocolate Hills view deck as of 2021 is P50 or about $1.

Book your tour to the Chocolate Hills View Deck here: Bohol Countryside Tour by Southwest Tours
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2) Sagbayan Peak


Sagbayan Peak is a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning views of the Chocolate Hills from a different elevated vantage point. It is located in the municipality of Sagbayan, which is about an hour drive from Tagbilaran City, and about 30 minutes from the Chocolate Hills View Deck. Some tours will take you to Sagbayan Peak but there might be an additional cost as it's not a usual stop. At Sagbayan Peak, visitors can climb up the observation deck, which is located on top of a hill, and take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The deck offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Chocolate Hills and the lush countryside that surrounds it, making it a perfect spot for photo ops. Aside from the view deck, Sagbayan Peak also offers other attractions such as a butterfly dome, a garden maze, and a mini zoo. There are also several dining options available at Sagbayan Peak, including a restaurant that serves Filipino and international cuisine. Visitors can dine while taking in the panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills and the surrounding countryside.

To learn more about Sagbayan Peak, visit: ​Bohol Philippines Sagbayan Peak

3) Chocolate Hills ATV


If you want to explore the Chocolate Hills from a different perspective, you can try ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) riding. Chocolate Hills ATV allows visitors to explore the unique landscape of the Chocolate Hills in an exciting and adventurous way. If this is a new term for you - ATV  is a four-wheeled vehicle that is specifically designed to navigate rough terrain, making it the perfect vehicle for exploring the rugged hills. Visitors can rent one in Bohol and follow a guide through a designated trail that takes them through the hills and surrounding forests. It will take visitors through a 21-kilometer route that covers the hills, farmlands, and forest areas. Along the way, visitors will encounter streams, mud, and other obstacles that add to the excitement and challenge of the adventure. The experience is not only thrilling but also gives visitors a closer look at the stunning natural formations and diverse flora and fauna of the area. Chocolate Hills ATV is suitable for all ages and skill levels, but safety gear is provided, and a guide will accompany visitors throughout the entire ride.

To know more, visit: Chocolate Hills ATV
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4) ​Chocolate Hills Adventure Park


​Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) is another way to view and experience Chocolate Hills. It's an outdoor adventure destination located in the town of Carmen, which is about an hour's drive from Tagbilaran City. It offers a variety of thrilling activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, most popular of which is the Rush Bike Zipline. It is a unique zip-lining experience where visitors ride a bike across a 550-meter round trip cable line, making it the only one of its kind in the Philippines. The bike zip is perfect for adrenaline junkies who want to take their zip-lining experience to the next level. Another popular attraction is the Wave Runner Surf Zipline where you can enjoy the view on a surfboard over the hills 230-feet high . For those who prefer a more relaxed activity, CHAP also offers a boulder climbing wall, a rope course, and an eco-walk. In addition to its adventure attractions, CHAP also has a restaurant and a souvenir shop. The restaurant serves Filipino and international cuisine, while the souvenir shop offers a variety of items, including t-shirts, keychains, and other Chocolate Hills-themed merchandise.

To know more, visit: CHAP Official Website
To book a ticket, go to: Bohol Chocolate Hills Adventure Park Ticket

5) Other Viewpoints


There are other less popular viewpoints that you can explore with expectedly lesser crowds, especially since they are relatively new. I've listed down 3 of them here:
  • ​Taytay Hills - This one is located in the town of Carmen and you can access this via motorbike or van. The view of the Chocolate Hills as a bit farther away as you can see in the photo above. To book your visit, please reach out to them via their Facebook page.
  • The Captain's Peak Garden & Resort - This one is located in Sagbayan and sits right in the middle of the Chocolate Hills. You can also access this via van or motorbike. Since this is a resort, you can book your accommodation here if you would like to stay overnight. To book your visit, message them at their Facebook page.
  • Carmen Ridge Camp - This is also located in the town of Carmen. Although it's located within the town of the Chocolate Hills itself, there's only a few of these hills you'll see. But you'll be able to view mountain ranges and sea of clouds, which they are more popularly known for. As their name implies, they are a camping site so if you would like to stay overnight and experience the sea of clouds during the sunrise, this would be the best place for it. To book your visit, contact them via their Facebook page.

How to Get to the Chocolate Hills View Deck


To get to the Chocolate Hills View Deck, you need to first reach Bohol via the Bohol-Panglao International Airport coming directly from Manila, Davao or other domestic and international airport. From the airport,  you can take either of the following options:
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  1. Private Transportation. ​The Chocolate Hills is included as part of the Countryside Tour offered by several travel agencies and van rentals. The tour can be completed in one whole day and you can spend around 30 minutes in the Chocolate Hills view deck. Cost of the private countryside tour is normally between P3,000 and P4,000 depending on whether you are getting a sedan or a van and on how many travelers there are. To book your countryside tour with a private van, you may call/text our suki contact Kuya John at +639161765683. He is one of the cheapest ones I found in Bohol and is able to offer a car for smaller groups (4 people max) or a van for bigger groups (12 people max). 
  2. Private Van via Klook (Online). Alternatively, you can also book your private van/car tour via Klook. This is more applicable for those who would like to customize their tour, book ahead of time and have the reservation saved on their mobile phones. Click here to book through Klook: Bohol Private Car Charter
  3. Joiner Tours (Best for Solo Travelers). If you are traveling alone however, chartering a van/car might not be the best option. I would suggest to book a joiner tour still via Klook for a cheaper joiner fee where you also get a chance to see other places in Bohol apart from the Chocolate Hills. Click here to book: Bohol Countryside Tour
  4. Public Transportation. If commuting is your thing and you don't want to take a van tour, private or otherwise, Chocolate Hills should also be easy to get to via public transport. If you're coming from the Bohol-Panglao Airport or any point in Panglao or Tagbilaran City, you can ride a bus going to Dao Bus Terminal. From the terminal, you need to catch a bus going to the municipality of Carmen. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at the Chocolate Hills complex, where you will need to walk for about 10 minutes to reach the foot.
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A more recent photo I took of the Chocolate Hills in 2017 (Photo © iHeartPH 2017)

Best Time to Visit the Chocolate Hills


The best time to visit Chocolate Hills in Bohol would be during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it easier to explore the area and enjoy the great outdoors. The peak tourist season in Bohol is from January to April, so expect more crowds and higher prices during this period.

If you're looking to explore without the bustling crowds, consider visiting during the off-peak season, running from June to November. It's important to note, however, that this period is also the rainy season; so prepare for occasional showers or thunderstorms which may affect your travel plans.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Chocolate Hills depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. Keep in mind that the weather in the Philippines can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

In terms of the time of day, the best time to visit the Chocolate Hills is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the lighting is soft and warm, and the hills cast long shadows that make for great photo opportunities. If at all possible, it's best to avoid midday hours when the hills can get crowded with tourists.

Where to Stay near the Chocolate Hills

Staying overnight near the Chocolate Hills is not very common as most tourists would stay in Panglao and just do a countryside tour during their stay. There are other guests, however, that would prefer to bit the crowds and get to the Chocolate Hills early in the morning or witness this magnificent beauty during dawn and sunrise. Just note that these are not your usual hotels but instead, these are either camping areas or homestays, so the nightly rates tend to be quite cheap. Here are some of your options:

​1) Villa del Carmen Haven Bohol
2) The Acacia Glamping Park
3) Casa Aguelo
4) Annie's Backyard
5) Matilde B&B
6) Mioki Hometel
7) Klerrjohn Guesthouse
8) Fely's Homestay
9) Lhoyjean Garden Hostel
10) Bohol Hammock Hostel

Tips and Reminders

And finally, here are some tips and reminders that we can share:

Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen: The sun can be intense in the Chocolate Hills, especially during peak hours. Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring a hat or umbrella to protect yourself from the heat. And remember to bring water with you all the time and stay cool and hydrated.

Respect the environment and locals: The Chocolate Hills is a natural wonder that needs to be preserved for future generations. When visiting the area, it is important to show respect for the environment and local community by abiding by the laws and regulations and disposing of your trash properly.

Be open-minded and adventurous: One of the best things about traveling is trying out new things and stepping outside your comfort zone. Be open-minded and adventurous, and try out some of the local activities, such as ATV riding or zip lining. You'll never know what amazing experiences you might discover.

If you have any comments or questions, feel free to post them here:
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