Chocolate Hills Bohol – Visitor’s Guide (2024)

//

Chocolate Hills are a must-see destination if you plan to visit Bohol Island in the Philippines.

In saying that, the majority of travelers who visit Bohol just come to see the famous Chocolate Hills, so I am sure it’s already on your itinerary!

There are good reviews and bad reviews of Chocolate Hills Bohol, though don’t let anything you read on the internet deter you from experiencing this other-worldly location.

It’s even better than expected through your own eyes!

bohol tour, panglao bohol, bohol day tour, bohol trip, things to do in bohol, bohol travel, what to do in bohol, where to go in bohol, bohol attractions, places to visit in bohol, bohol island tour, bohol tourist attractions, bohol travel guide, bohol tourist spots list, bohol chocolate hills, what to see in bohol, beautiful places in bohol, bohol spots, places to go in bohol, best places in bohol, places in bohol, bohol guide, bohol pictures, bohol what to do, bohol places to visit, best of bohol, beautiful spots in bohol

QUICK ANSWERS – CHOCOLATE HILLS BOHOL

Let’s start this guide with all the essentials, from the Chocolate Hills’ location to getting there and more.

WHERE ARE THE CHOCOLATE HILLS IN BOHOL?

Chocolate Hills is located in the Carmen region on Bohol Island, Philippines.

From the main tourist area of Panglao, it’s a 70km drive that takes around 1.5 hours to reach Chocolate Hills.

Click here to see the location on Google maps.

chocolate hills bohol map

HOW TO GET TO CHOCOLATE HILLS?

There are a couple of options available to reach Chocolate Hills in Bohol and that is either DIY or with a tour.

DIY:

If you prefer to visit Chocolate Hills DIY it’s best to rent a scooter in the main tourist area of Panglao and make the 1.5-hour drive to Carmen.

Scooter rentals in Panglao are around 300 – 350 pesos per day.

WITH A TOUR:

Alternatively, you can book a Bohol Chocolate Hills Tour which is a full-day tour from Panglao and is a great value for money.

This tour includes Chocolate Hills, Bilar Man-Made Forest, Loboc River Cruise, Tarsier Sanctuary, and Baclayon Church.

chocolate hills bohol, chocolate hills, chocolate hills philippines, chocolate hills of the philippines, philippines chocolate hills, chocolate hills in bohol, chocolate hills bohol philippines, the chocolate hills philippines
Sunrise at Chocolate Hills Bohol

BEST CHOCOLATE HILLS TOUR

chocolate hills bohol, chocolate hills, chocolate hills philippines, chocolate hills of the philippines, philippines chocolate hills, chocolate hills in bohol, chocolate hills bohol philippines, the chocolate hills philippines

The best way to visit is, without a doubt, the Chocolate Hills Tour with Loboc River Cruise, Tarsiers, and more!

It includes popular spots in Bohol, transfers from Panglao, a buffet lunch, and an experienced guide!

CHOCOLATE HILLS ENTRANCE FEE

The entrance fee at Chocolate Hills Bohol is 150 pesos.

chocolate hills bohol, chocolate hills, chocolate hills philippines, chocolate hills of the philippines, philippines chocolate hills, chocolate hills in bohol, chocolate hills bohol philippines, the chocolate hills philippines
Chocolate Hills Viewpoint

HOW WERE THE CHOCOLATE HILLS IN BOHOL FORMED?

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol were formed through a process known as limestone weathering. Millions of years ago, coral reefs in the sea died and accumulated on the ocean floor, forming layers upon layers of limestone.

Over time, tectonic activities — movements within the Earth’s crust — caused the seafloor to rise, bringing the limestone above sea level.

Rainwater, which contains a slight amount of acid, then seeped into the limestone, slowly dissolving it in a process known as chemical weathering.

Over a significant period, this weathering formed the limestone into the dome-like hills that we can see today – the Chocolate Hills.

HOW MANY CHOCOLATE HILLS ARE THERE?

Some reports indicate there are 1,260 Chocolate Hills in Bohol, however, others believe there could be as many as 1,776.

MY EXPERIENCE AT CHOCOLATE HILLS BOHOL

We left our accommodation in Panglao at 4 am to make the drive out to the Philippines Chocolate Hills in time for sunrise.

It was a long and chilly motorbike ride to reach the Chocolate Hills viewpoint in Carmen town but we were the first tourists to arrive which made the early journey worth it.

I parked the scooter right at the top of the hill and then climbed the steep set of stairs to reach the Chocolate Hills viewpoint.

At the top of the stairs is a panoramic observation deck boasting extensive views of the 1,268 cone-shaped Chocolate Hills and the surrounding Carmen region.

chocolate hills bohol, chocolate hills, chocolate hills philippines, chocolate hills of the philippines, philippines chocolate hills, chocolate hills in bohol, chocolate hills bohol philippines, the chocolate hills philippines
The main viewpoint

I spent a good hour taking photos of the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines and was not once interrupted by large groups of tourists which is quite common at this Bohol tourist spot.

I would definitely recommend you visit at sunrise and by arriving early in the morning as we did, you’ll most likely have the whole viewing deck to yourself.

The mysterious landscape is very impressive, to say the least, and definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Chocolate Hills also offers facilities such as restrooms, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop.

chocolate hills bohol, chocolate hills, chocolate hills philippines, chocolate hills of the philippines, philippines chocolate hills, chocolate hills in bohol, chocolate hills bohol philippines, the chocolate hills philippines
Philippines Chocolate Hills
chocolate hills bohol, chocolate hills, chocolate hills philippines, chocolate hills of the philippines, philippines chocolate hills, chocolate hills in bohol, chocolate hills bohol philippines, the chocolate hills philippines
Chocolate Hills Bohol Philippines

The BEST Hotel in Bohol

Amorita Resort

Need a place to stay? Amorita Resort is conveniently located in Bohol.

Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Amorita Resort is an excellent option!

BOHOL CHOCOLATE HILLS – INTERESTING FACTS

These limestone Chocolate Hills are covered with grass and appear to be bright green during the rainy season.

However, they turn brown by the end of the dry season, hence their name.

The hills are surrounded by green trees but funnily enough, no trees grow on the hills.

The hills are spread over an area of 50 square kilometers and vary in size from 30 meters to 120 meters in height!

The Chocolate Hills are all spread over the towns of Valencia, Batuan, Carmen, Bilar, Sierra Bullones, and Sagbayan.

We later found out that you can view the Chocolate Hills of the Philippines from two lookouts – one in Carmen which is the one that appears in Google Maps and one in Sagbayan called the Sagbayan Peak.

See More → Awesome Things To Do In Bohol

The formation theory of the hills assumes that they are grass-covered limestones that were once part of the marine floor.

However, the massive uplift of coral deposits and the effects of rain, water, and erosion have created the amazing formation that you see today.

Chocolate Hills are considered to be a national patrimony in the Philippines and this popular Bohol tourist spot is now even featured in the provincial flag and seal of Bohol.

chocolate hills bohol, chocolate hills, chocolate hills philippines, chocolate hills of the philippines, philippines chocolate hills, chocolate hills in bohol, chocolate hills bohol philippines, the chocolate hills philippines
The amazing view
chocolate hills bohol, chocolate hills, chocolate hills philippines, chocolate hills of the philippines, philippines chocolate hills, chocolate hills in bohol, chocolate hills bohol philippines, the chocolate hills philippines
The Chocolate Hills sign

The BEST reusable water bottle for travel!

grayl geopress

The GRAYL GeoPress is a top-rated reusable water bottle perfect for backpacking, hiking, and traveling.

It allows you to purify water from anywhere and keeps you safe from all waterborne diseases.

Get a GeoPress today and never buy single-use plastic bottles again. Mama Earth will thank you for it!

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST

After our visit to the Chocolate Hills, we visited the Bilar Man-Made Forest and the Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary which are both quite close to each other in the same region.

You can visit all three of these Bohol tourist spots on a single-day trip from Panglao.

bilar man made forest, bilar man-made forest, loboc man made forest, bilar forest, man made forest bohol, man made forest in bohol
Bilar Man-made Forest

WHERE TO STAY IN BOHOL

Panglao in Bohol is the main tourist hub on the island with hundreds of accommodation options to choose from.

I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.

LUXURY: AMORITA RESORT

Experience 5-star luxury at Amorita Resort in Panglao Bohol, featuring ocean views, an outdoor infinity pool, an in-house dive shop, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, and breakfast included.

The rooms are elegantly furnished each with large comfortable beds, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, a private ensuite bathroom, and a minibar.

Amorita Resort is the perfect place to stay for couples or families on a luxury budget.

100099 17073113160054778801

MID RANGE: ALONA VIDA BEACH RESORT

Centrally located on Alona Beach in Panglao, Alona Vida Beach Resort features an outdoor pool, direct beach access, massage services, and watersport activities.

They have many room options to choose from including standard, deluxe, superior, and family rooms to suit all travelers.

Rooms are spacious with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, air-conditioning, a balcony with pool views, flat-screen TV, and a minibar.

285552 15061513000029518442

BUDGET: MOON FOOLS HOSTEL

Located right in the middle of the tourist hub of Panglao, Moon Fools Hostel is a modern, green, and eco-friendly hostel perfect for budget backpackers.

It’s within walking distance of local restaurants, cafes, and a convenience store, and public transport is easily accessible.

Breakfast is included for all guests and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

1061900 16082719130045860719

For More Options, See My Complete Guide On Where To Stay In Bohol

BOOK A BOHOL TOUR

Another great way to see all of the best Bohol tourist spots is to book a Bohol Countryside Tour

This particular tour is the top-rated tour in Bohol with great reviews.

I can’t recommend this amazing tour enough, especially for first-timers to Bohol!

The Bohol Tour includes the following:

  • Chocolate Hills Bohol
  • Bilar Manmade Forest
  • Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary
  • Loboc River Cruise with lunch
  • Baclayon Church
tarsier sanctuary bohol, tarsier bohol, tarsier in bohol, bohol tarsier, tarsier monkey, tarsier sanctuary, tarsier conservation area, what is a tarsier, tarsier pictures, tarsier sanctuary in bohol, tarsier monkey bohol, philippines tarsier sanctuary, bohol tarsier sanctuary, tarsier eyes, tarsier images, tarsier philippines

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE PHILIPPINES

When visiting the Philippines, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you.

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden Money Wallet

anti theft money belt

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!


Reusable Water Bottle

grayl geopress

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!


Travel Backpack

Nomatic 20L Bag

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!


Quick-Dry Travel Towel

travel towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!


Portable PowerBank

anker powerbank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Philippines Travel Guides

siargao island hopping, siargao tourist spots, daku island, guyam island, naked island, what to do in siargao, things to do in siargao, siargao island tour packages, siargao travel guide, siargao itinerary

Click the button below to view all articles related to the Philippines!

FINAL THOUGHTS – CHOCOLATE HILLS BOHOL

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about Bohol Philippines Chocolate Hills, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

Fb Community Image

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

bookingcom

Search and book accommodation worldwide.


logos 3

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.


logos 7

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.


logos 14

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.


discover cars

Search all rental cars in your next destination.


hey mondo

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically.

Many thanks!

6 thoughts on “Chocolate Hills Bohol – Visitor’s Guide (2024)”

  1. Great article ! Very helpful indeed as we’re also interested in a sunrise discovery of Chocolate Hills and thus avoid crowds. (Just a question : where did you take your pictures on top of the empty hill ? Was it an extra stop to enjoy the view ?)
    Thanx in advance.

    Reply
    • you’re most welcome, thanks for reading. the picture is taken at the main viewpoint. hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

      Reply
  2. You’ve been very helpful in planning our trip to Bohol this November. Especially this article since we really want to visit the hills during sunrise but the information available online are confusing. This helps clarify things. Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Hey, the ticket office was not open but I was still able to pass through the entrance and visit the viewpoint and then paid the entrance fee upon departure from Chocolate Hills. Enjoy 🙂

      Reply

Leave a comment