The iconic Chocolate Hills of Bohol absolutely deserve their reputation as one of the Philippines’ most breathtaking natural wonders. From the moment you arrive, the stunning landscape of perfectly rounded hills stretching as far as the eye can see takes your breath away. The rich brown color they turn during dry season (giving them their "chocolate" name) creates a magical view that’s worth every second of the journey to see them.
What makes the experience even better is how well-organized the viewing area is. The local government has implemented an excellent system to manage visitor traffic, with clear pathways and viewing decks that allow everyone to enjoy the scenery without feeling crowded. The smooth flow of people shows thoughtful planning – no chaotic lines or bottlenecks here!
The climb up to the main viewing deck provides just the right amount of exercise – enough to get your heart pumping but not so strenuous that it becomes uncomfortable. Along the way, you’ll find clean rest areas and helpful signage. The 214-step staircase is well-maintained, with sturdy railings for safety. Reaching the top rewards you with the most spectacular panoramic view imaginable.
Every aspect of the Chocolate Hills experience reflects care and attention to detail – from the pristine natural beauty to the efficient visitor management. It’s a shining example of how to showcase a natural wonder while preserving its magic. Without question, this is a 5-star destination that should be on every traveler’s...
Read moreVisiting the Chocolate Hills in Bohol is a breathtaking experience that showcases one of the Philippines' most unique and stunning natural wonders. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous—rolling hills as far as the eye can see, perfectly shaped and covered in vibrant green grass during the rainy season. It’s a surreal, almost otherworldly sight that photos simply can’t do justice.
To reach the main viewing deck, you’ll first purchase your tickets at a clearly marked booth near the entrance. From there, a van shuttle service will transport you up to the base of the hill where the viewpoint is located. The ride is short but convenient, especially considering the steep incline.
Once dropped off, be prepared for a bit of a workout—there are quite a number of stairs to climb to reach the top viewing platform. But the effort is absolutely worth it. From the top, you get a panoramic view of hundreds of the iconic hills stretching across the landscape, each one looking like a giant green Hershey’s Kiss. The lush greenery adds to the magic of the place, especially under a bright blue sky.
One important tip: don’t forget your umbrella or sun protection. The sun can be intense at the top, especially around midday, and there's very little shade once you're out in the open.
Overall, the Chocolate Hills are a must-see when visiting Bohol—an awe-inspiring natural formation that leaves a...
Read morePark rangers won't allow you to bring your vehicle (van, cars, motorcycles) directly to the Chocolate Hills viewing complex. You'll be redirected to a parking area 7 minutes away, where you need to pay P60 environmental fee pax, and ride (included in what you paid for) either a van, jeep, or coaster, to and fro the complex whatever is available at that point in time. Lucky if it's airconditioned otherwise heat would be stifling during summer . The ride back is at the same drop off point. The transporter leaves anytime as long as there are 2 person minimum and there's no need to wait for it to be filled up. I suspect they did this redirection to the parking lot because they will immediately ask you if you want to rent an ATV and drive through an ATV course beside the parking lot. And probably to prevent traffic at the viewing area. But it's too much of a hassle for those with private cars. The view deck is actually on top of a re-formed twin chocolate hills. They offer free use of umbrella if the sun is up and too glaring. Steps going up will take out the wind out of you if you're not fit enough, but you can take your time going up as there are several rest points. The deck provides a 360° view of the surrounding hills. As usual, there's the requisite refreshment area, souvenir stalls, and comfort rooms around, the restrooms are clean, well maintained, and with toilet paper...
Read more