Bohol’s Chocolate Hills: A Guide to the Best View Points

• The hills, which consist of leftover limestone deposits, are a product of the dissolution of limestone by rainfall and groundwater, followed by erosion and the uplifting of the hills above sea level.
• This national geological monument consists of more than a thousand hills which turn chocolate brown during the summer season, and hence the name Chocolate Hills.
• It turns green during the rainy season as trees and grasses grow on them but either way, this natural wonder remains picturesque is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Philippines. 

 

If you want more information about this iconic wonder, here are some helpful links:

• Explore Philippines: Chocolate Hills
• Bohol-Philippines.com: Chocolate Hills of Bohol
• National Geographic: Soar Over the Otherworldly Chocolate Hills

The National Geographic drone video is by far my favorite among all videos​ of the Chocolate Hills. Worth the watch!

Filipinos are fond of alamat (legends) as to how things like fruits, trees, anyong lupa (landforms) and anyong tubig (bodies of water) came about. And as a kid in Bohol, I grew up being told several versions of the legend as to how these chocolate hills were formed.

The most famous of them is the one where two giants fought and threw rocks and boulders at each other which then formed the famous site.

Another one I’ve heard of is a more romantic version where a giant fell in love with a mortal who got sick and died. With her death leaving the giant with so much pain and anguish, he cried non-stop and his tears formed the chocolate hills. Interesting to imagine how people in the olden days have crafted these stories to make sense of things or to probably just answer their kids pestering them with such questions or maybe just as mere bedtime stories to entertain their kids with.

I have also found other versions of the Chocolate Hills legend or alamat:

• Bohol-Philippines.com: Chocolate Hills Legend
• Choose Philippines: The Legend of Chocolate Hills​

The Chocolate Hills View Deck is widely regarded as the most popular viewpoint. It’s easy to get to and is usually the viewpoint where tour providers take their guests for various reasons:

• It provides a sweeping vista of the verdant hills and picturesque countryside. 
• You can climb up the steps of the view deck to get a better view of the hills and take memorable photos.
• To climb to the top of the view deck, you have to take 214 steps, not entirely bad. I saw several elderly visitors climb up the stairs, slowly but surely, so it should be possible to bring senior citizens. There’s no elevators but there’s an exit which I think should be okay to take if you are bringing a wheelchair. I took my 80-year old grandmother here back in 2013, a few months before the earthquake. She climbed the steps without breaking a sweat while her children and grandchildren often took few breaks in between. Haha!
• There’s also a restaurant and souvenir shop at the bottom of the hill. 
• Entrance fee to the Chocolate Hills view deck as of 2024 is 100 pesos (about $2). It’s worth noting that the entrance fee may change over time, so it’s best to check the latest information before visiting.

Book your tour to the Chocolate Hills View Deck here: Bohol Countryside Tour by Southwest Tours

 

Sagbayan Peak

Sagbayan Peak is a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning views of the Chocolate Hills from a different elevated vantage point. Details here:

• It is located in the municipality of Sagbayan, which is about an hour drive from Tagbilaran City, and about 30 minutes from the Chocolate Hills View Deck.
• Some tours will take you to Sagbayan Peak but there might be an additional cost as it’s not a usual stop.
• At Sagbayan Peak, visitors can climb up the observation deck, which is located on top of a hill, and take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
• The deck offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Chocolate Hills and the lush countryside that surrounds it, making it a perfect spot for photo ops.
• Aside from the view deck, Sagbayan Peak also offers other attractions such as a butterfly dome, a garden maze, and a mini zoo.
• There are also several dining options available at Sagbayan Peak, including a restaurant that serves Filipino and international cuisine. Visitors can dine while taking in the panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills and the surrounding countryside.

To learn more about Sagbayan Peak, visit: ​Bohol Philippines Sagbayan Peak

There are other less popular viewpoints that you can explore with expectedly lesser crowds, especially since they are relatively new. I’ve listed down 3 of them here:

• ​Taytay Hills – This one is located in the town of Carmen and you can access this via motorbike or van. The view of the Chocolate Hills as a bit farther away as you can see in the photo above. To book your visit, please reach out to them via their Facebook page.
• The Captain’s Peak Garden & Resort – This one is located in Sagbayan and sits right in the middle of the Chocolate Hills. You can also access this via van or motorbike. Since this is a resort, you can book your accommodation here if you would like to stay overnight. To book your visit, message them at their Facebook page.
• Carmen Ridge Camp – This is also located in the town of Carmen. Although it’s located within the town of the Chocolate Hills itself, there’s only a few of these hills you’ll see. But you’ll be able to view mountain ranges and sea of clouds, which they are more popularly known for. As their name implies, they are a camping site so if you would like to stay overnight and experience the sea of clouds during the sunrise, this would be the best place for it. To book your visit, contact them via their Facebook page.

To get to the Chocolate Hills View Deck, you need to first reach Bohol via the Bohol-Panglao International Airport coming directly from Manila, Davao or other domestic and international airport. You can book your plane tickets from Manila here: Book your flight from Manila to Bohol

From the airport, you can take either of the following options:

Private Transportation

The Chocolate Hills is included as part of the Countryside Tour offered by several travel agencies and van rentals. The tour can be completed in one whole day and you can spend around 30 minutes in the Chocolate Hills view deck. Cost of the private countryside tour is normally between P3,000 and P4,000 depending on whether you are getting a sedan or a van and on how many travelers there are.

You have several options to book your private transportation below:

1. To book your countryside tour with a private van, you may call/text our suki contact Kuya John at +639161765683. He is one of the cheapest ones I found in Bohol and is able to offer a car for smaller groups (4 people max) or a van for bigger groups (12 people max). 
2. Alternatively, you can also book your private van/car tour via Klook. This is more applicable for those who would like to customize their tour, book ahead of time and have the reservation saved on their mobile phones. Click here to book through Klook: Bohol Private Car Charter​ ​​

The best time to visit Chocolate Hills in Bohol would be during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it easier to explore the area and enjoy the great outdoors. The peak tourist season in Bohol is from January to April, so expect more crowds and higher prices during this period.

If you’re looking to explore without the bustling crowds, consider visiting during the off-peak season, running from June to November. It’s important to note, however, that this period is also the rainy season; so prepare for occasional showers or thunderstorms which may affect your travel plans.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Chocolate Hills depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. Keep in mind that the weather in the Philippines can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

In terms of the time of day, the best time to visit the Chocolate Hills is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the lighting is soft and warm, and the hills cast long shadows that make for great photo opportunities. If at all possible, it’s best to avoid midday hours when the hills can get crowded with tourists.
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And finally, here are some tips and reminders that we can share:

Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen: The sun can be intense in the Chocolate Hills, especially during peak hours. Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring a hat or umbrella to protect yourself from the heat. And remember to bring water with you all the time and stay cool and hydrated.

Respect the environment and locals: The Chocolate Hills is a natural wonder that needs to be preserved for future generations. When visiting the area, it is important to show respect for the environment and local community by abiding by the laws and regulations and disposing of your trash properly.

Be open-minded and adventurous: One of the best things about traveling is trying out new things and stepping outside your comfort zone. Be open-minded and adventurous, and try out some of the local activities, such as ATV riding or zip lining. You’ll never know what amazing experiences you might discover.