Chocolate Hills

Who has not heard of Bohol's Chocolate Hills? The sight of these hills protruding like giagantic women's breasts is impressive to say the least because there's nothing like it in the world. Unlike the other wonders of the world, however, these are not man-made but natural phenomena formed probably millions of years ago by some geologic action before humans had evolved.

There are said to be 1,268 hay cock hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters spread over the municipalities of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan. These hills have become Bohol's signature attraction. One's visit to the province would be sorely incomplete if one does not visit the site and have souvenir photos taken.

Two of the highest hills have been developed, with facilities such as a restaurant, hostel and view deck. From here one may take pictures of the majestic hills whose appearance varies with the season and the time of the day. At sunsets, the view is simply surreal. On summer days, the hills turn brown as chocolate because the cogon grass that grows abundantly on its slopes dry up.

To visit the site, take a bus to Carmen from the bus terminal at Dao, Tagbilaran. The Chocolate Hills complex is 4 kilometers before the town of Carmen. From there, there are motorcycles for hire called 'habal-habal' that will take you to the hill that hosts the viewing deck and hostel.