Chocolate Hills on Bohol Island: Complete Guide

When I first heard about the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, I’ll admit I didn’t fully understand what all the hype was about. Sure, the name sounded intriguing, but how impressive could a bunch of hills be, right? Little did I know, they would quickly become one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever visited. Located in the heart of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills are one of the Philippines’ most iconic natural landmarks, and after spending a day there, I’m convinced they’re something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

HOW TO GET TO CHOCOLATE HILLS

Getting to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol is relatively easy, whether you’re coming from Panglao, Tagbilaran, or other parts of the island. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reach this iconic destination:

From Panglao: If you’re staying in Panglao, one of the most popular tourist areas in Bohol, it will take you about 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, depending on traffic and the mode of transportation. Here’s how you can get there:

• By Private Car: Renting a car or hiring a private driver is one of the most convenient options. This gives you flexibility and allows you to enjoy the scenic drive at your own pace. Just follow the signs for Carmen, and the Chocolate Hills will be well-marked once you get close.
• By Motorcycle (Habal-Habal): If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to get there, you can hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi). This is an affordable and fun way to get to the Chocolate Hills, though the ride can be bumpy, so make sure you’re comfortable with this form of transport.

From Tagbilaran: Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol, is another common starting point for travelers heading to the Chocolate Hills. The distance from Tagbilaran to Carmen is about 50 kilometers, or a 1.5-hour drive.

• By Private Car: Again, renting a car or hiring a private driver is the easiest and most comfortable way. It’s a straight shot via the main highways, and the roads are well-maintained, though you should still be ready for some winding, uphill sections as you approach the hills.
• By Public Transportation: If you’re on a budget, you can take a public bus or jeepney from Tagbilaran City to Carmen. From there, you may need to hire a habal-habal or take a tricycle to reach the viewing area. This option is more time-consuming and less comfortable but still affordable.

Book a tour: If you prefer a guided experience, you can book this Bohol Countryside Tour that includes the Chocolate Hills along with other nearby attractions like the Tarsier Sanctuary and Loboc River. Many hotels and resorts in Bohol offer these tours, which are convenient because they handle all the logistics and transportation for you. This option is especially good if you want a more organized experience with a knowledgeable guide.

One of the best ways to visit Chocolate Hills is with a Bohol Countryside Tour. This tour is great because you get to do a lot just in one day for under $30! In just one day your countryside tour will take you to the following places.

• Visit the historical Blood Compact Shrine, and learn about the story behind its name
• Marvel at the Neoclassical architecture of the Baclayon Church, which was completed in 1727
• See the world-famous Chocolate Hills with its 1,268 cone-shaped hills that turn brown in the summer
• Stroll through the beautiful Bilar Manmade Forest, a mahogany forest stretching in 2 kilometers long
• Enjoy a delicious local buffet lunch on a floating restaurant that cruises through the Loboc River
• Meet the tarsiers at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, which was built to protect the world’s smallest primates

WHERE ARE THE CHOCOLATE HILLS

The Chocolate Hills are located in the central part of Bohol, Philippines, specifically in the town of Carmen. The hills are spread across several towns in the region, including Batuan and Sagbayan, but the most popular viewing area is in Carmen. This area is about 50 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, Bohol’s capital, and around 1.5 to 2 hours away from Panglao, a popular tourist destination on the island.

WHAT MAKES THE CHOCOLATE HILLS SO UNIQUE?

The Chocolate Hills are a collection of over 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped hills scattered across the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan in Bohol. They vary in size but generally range from 30 to 50 meters high, with some peaks rising even higher. The unique shape of the hills is what initially piqued my interest, but what truly sets them apart is their color transformation throughout the year. During the dry season, the grass that covers the hills turns a rich brown color, giving them their famous “chocolate” appearance. I was lucky enough to visit during the dry season, and standing on top of the viewing platform, the view of these seemingly endless, perfectly shaped hills blanketed in chocolate brown was absolutely mesmerizing.

But the true magic of the Chocolate Hills isn’t just in their color. It’s in their mystery. There are many theories about how these hills were formed, but no one really knows for sure. One popular explanation is that the hills are actually limestone formations created millions of years ago when the region was submerged under the sea. Over time, the sea receded, leaving behind these unique conical shapes. Another theory suggests that the hills were formed from the erosion of coral deposits. Whatever the true origin is, standing there, gazing out at this incredible landscape, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in the presence of something that transcends human understanding.

THE CHOCOLATE HILLS ENTRANCE FEE

1. Entrance Fee

To access the Chocolate Hills Viewing Complex in Carmen, there’s a small entrance fee:

• ₱100 per person (~$2 USD)
• Kids under 6 years old can usually enter for free

This fee helps maintain the site and its facilities.

If you visit Sagbayan Peak, another viewing spot, you’ll need to pay a separate entrance fee, which varies but is generally around ₱50-100.

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning (7 AM – 9 AM) or late afternoon (4 PM – 6 PM) is the best time to visit to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight.
• Sunrise and sunset offer stunning views, with golden light hitting the hills perfectly.
• During the dry season (December to May), the hills turn their iconic brown color. In the wet season (June to November), they remain lush and green.

Viewing platforms at Chocolate Hills in Bohol

There are two main places where tourists can view the Chocolate Hills:

A. Chocolate Hills Viewing Complex (Carmen, Bohol) – The Most Popular Spot

• Located in Carmen, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Panglao or Tagbilaran
• Requires climbing 214 steps to reach the main viewing deck
• Has a 360-degree panoramic view of the hills
• Facilities: Restrooms, souvenir shops, a small café, and parking

B. Sagbayan Peak – A Less Crowded Alternative

• Located in Sagbayan, about 30 minutes from Carmen
• Offers a different perspective of the hills
• Includes a children’s playground and small wildlife enclosures
• Less touristy than the Carmen viewing deck

Other things to know about visiting Chocolate Hills

Tourist Crowds

• Peak hours: 10 AM – 3 PM (when most tour groups arrive)
• Best strategy: Arrive early or visit just before sunset to avoid crowds

Parking

• Ample parking space is available at the Chocolate Hills Viewing Complex
• Parking fees are minimal (usually ₱20-₱50 depending on the vehicle)

Food and Drinks

• There’s a small café at the Carmen viewing deck, but options are limited
• It’s best to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you’re visiting during midday when the sun is strong

Drone Policy

• Drones are allowed, but you need to be mindful of other visitors
• Some areas may have restrictions, so check with the local staff before flying

I hope you enjoyed this guide to Chocolate Hills on Bohol and have a great visit!

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY BOHOL SERIES

• I’ve been to Bohol twice and both times I explored extensively on my motorbike to the popular tourist spots and to locations many people have never heard of. I document it all in my Bohol Travel Guide: 27 Awesome Things To Do
• Are you a waterfall chaser? I’ve put together a list of My Favorite Waterfalls and Cave Pools on Bohol with detailed directions and photos.
• Maybe you are an adrenaline junkie like me and want to find out the Best Cliff Jumping spots on Bohol.
• The popular tourist area where most people stay is Panglao Island. I’ve put together a blog post guide about the Best Things to do on Panglao Island
• If you aren’t quite sure whether you want to stay on Panglao Island or venture north to Anda, I’ve written a blog post about the Best Places to Stay on Bohol, which helps you decide what region is best for you depending on your preferences.
• One of the best activities on Bohol is the island-hopping to Balicasag and Virgin Island. I’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know about the adventure here: Virgin Island and Balicasag Island Hopping Tour Review
• If you’re a backpacker, check out my complete list of the 12 Best Hostels on Bohol

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