The Chocolate Hills

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The Chocolate Hills is the main attraction in the island of Bohol, Philippines. It’s an unusual geological formation of at least 1,268 to about 1,776 individual hills scattered throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan. These coned-shape hills are almost symmetrical in shape and are covered in green grass that turns brown during dry season, hence the name. It pretty much appears like a row of Hershey’s chocolate kisses or peanut kisses (one of Bohol’s delicacies).

Chocolate Hills

Since the Chocolate Hills is famous attraction in the island, they are featured in the provincial flag and seal which symbolizes the abundance of natural attractions in Bohol. They have also been declared as the Philippine’s third National Geological Monument. They also purported for the inclusions in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Chocolate Hills vary in sizes from 30 to 50 meters high and the largest hill measures 120 meters high. Two of the largest hills have been developed to serve as a viewing deck. They’ve also built a restaurant, souvenir shops and comfort rooms. The view deck is situated at the apex of a 214-step hill, which enables the viewer to have a panoramic vista of the exquisite beauty of the hills.

It’s astonishing how the magical hands of nature molded these unique mound-shaped hills. Geologists are baffled on how these hills were formed. The only theory that is accepted is that these hills are the weathered formations of a marine limestone on top of an impermeable layer of clay.

Legend has it that the Chocolate Hills were formed because of two giants that are fighting. They threw sand and stones at each other, which lasted for days. They eventually got worn-out and later became friends. They left the island and forgot to clean up the mess.

Others say it’s a story of a powerful giant named Arogo who fell in love with Aloya who was a humble and simple mortal. Aloya died and Arogo was devastated and could not stop crying. When his tears dried, the hills were formed.

Whatever the reason behind the formation of the Chocolate Hills, it only convey one thing – it’s nature’s expression of beauty, mystery and romance. It’s definitely an attraction within an attraction nestled in between a twin chocolate hill. It has helped place the island of Bohol in the tourism map, thus becoming the signature tourist attraction of the island.

The Chocolate Hills is included in the itinerary when you avail of any affordable Bohol tour package. It’s incomparable and one of the country’s spectacular sceneries that you don’t want to miss out. Look for the best tour package you can get and enjoy every bit of it.