Chocolate Hills

The Basics

The easiest way to visit the Chocolate Hills is as part of one of the day trips that depart from Panglao Island, Tagbilaran City, and even Cebu City. As well as ample time at the Chocolate Hills vista point, tours typically include stops at the Man-Made Mahogany Forest, the 16th-century Baclayon Church, a tarsier sanctuary to see the world’s smallest primates, and the Loboc River, where you can enjoy a buffet lunch and live music during a river cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Day trips departing from Cebu can last up to 12 hours.

• The Chocolate Hills are a must-visit for nature lovers and keen photographers.

• There’s also an observation deck at the top of Sagbayan Peak.

• You can rent an ATV and drive around the landscape with a guide.

• The hills were created from coral deposits and underwater reefs that shifted with erosion.

How to Get There

From Panglao Island or Tagbilaran City, you can reach the Chocolate Hills complex by taxi or by renting a motorbike. From Cebu City, you need to take a 2-hour ferry followed by a 1-hour taxi ride to the hills. In order to travel among the Chocolate Hills in air-conditioned comfort, most visitors opt for a guided tour.

When to Get There

The color of the Chocolate Hills depends on the time of year. To see the hills truly live up to their name, visit between March and June, which are the driest months on Bohol and guarantee the brown color of the hills. If you want to beat the crowds, try to arrive at the vista point as early as possible.

The Myths of the Chocolate Hills

Several local legends seek to explain the creation of this geological formation. One story puts the color of the hills down to a pair of feuding giants, who threw mud at each other during a fight, while another claims that the hills are the dried tears of a star-crossed lover. Another less romantic myth holds that Bohol was used as a toilet by dinosaurs, and that the hills are fossilized deposits of dino dung.

What is the best time to visit Chocolate Hills to see them at their most picturesque?

If you want to see the Chocolate Hills at their most picturesque, visit between March and June when the weather in Bohol is driest, and the hills look the most chocolatey. Try to get there as early as possible in the morning to beat the crowds.

Are there guided tours available for exploring Chocolate Hills and the surrounding area?

Yes, guided tours are available for those who want to explore the Chocolate Hills and the surrounding areas. Many tours departing from Cebu include visits to area attractions such as the Bilar Mahogany Forest and the Tarsier Conservation Area, along with a cruise on the Loboc River.

What are the Chocolate Hills named after?

The Chocolate Hills get their name for a straightforward reason: During the dry season, they turn a brown color reminiscent of chocolate. This is because the mounds, covered with grass, don't get enough rainfall to maintain their otherwise lush, green appearance, so they turn brown.

How do I obtain tickets for specific dates to ensure availability for Chocolate Hills tours?

If you want to guarantee that you’ll see the Chocolate Hills, your best bet is to book a Chocolate Hills tour online before your trip. Book as soon as you know your dates to guarantee your spot, particularly if you want to visit during the busy dry season or on a weekend.

Can I combine a visit to Chocolate Hills with other nearby attractions in the Philippines?

Yes, you can combine a visit to the Chocolate Hills with other nearby attractions in the Philippines. Many tours of the area make stops at several different attractions, including the Tarsier Conservation Area—a must-see for wildlife lovers—and the Bilar Mahogany Forest.

What is the geological explanation behind the unique formation of Chocolate Hills?

While there are many legends and origin stories around the emergence of the Chocolate Hills, geologists believe they were formed millions of years ago when Bohol was still under the sea. The theory goes that tectonic shifts pushed coral reefs upwards and that these reefs were subsequently eroded to form the mounds.