Chocolate Hills of Bohol
The Chocolate Hills is one of the Philippines most visited tourist destination found in the province of Bohol. From Metro Manila, tourists may take daily flights to Tagbilaran City. Once in Tagbilaran City, there are plenty of tour operators found in the airport or in the hotels that offer day trips to the it. However, for tourists who do not want a well organized tour, you may head directly for the bus terminal near the public market of Tagbilaran City. Tourists must then take a bus ride to the town of Carmen, some 2 hours travel time from Tagbilaran City. As a precaution, it is advisable to inform the bus driver that you will be going down in the Chocolate Hills Complex's drop off.
One must notice, what is so special with these in Bohol. It is one of a kind geological wonders created from ancient coral limestone. Its name was derived from the green grass species that covers its surface. During the dry season, between the months of March and May, these grass turns into burnt or dark brown just like the color of chocolate.It composes of 1, 776 cone-shaped mounds, spread over an area of 50 square kilometers. Its size varies from each hill to another, from a high of 120 meters, to as short as 30 meters in height. The best time to see it is in any given day is during the sun rise, when the sun shines on the hills, and thus transforming their shadows and waking them to a brand new day.
For tourist who would like to spend a night to witness the amazing beauty' spectacular scenery during the sunset and sunrise, they could check in on either the Chocolate Hills Complex or Sagbayan Peak. The Chocolate Hills Complex, owned and controlled by the local government, has several amenities like rooms, conference rooms, restaurants, a souvenir shop, a swimming pool, and the magnificent view. From the Chocolate Hills Complex, one can experience a 360 degrees view of the entire Chocolate Hills landscape. On the other hand, the Sagbayan Peak, just like the Chocolate Hills Complex is a mountain resort and recreation center located in the town of Sagbayan. The resort also offers a 360 degrees perspective view of it including a distant view of the blue sea.
Once considered as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Chocolate Hills is now recognized by both the National Committee of Geological Science of the Philippines and the UNESCO World Heritage as one of the natural monuments of the world distinguished for its outstanding beauty, one of a kind natural phenomenon, and its universal value.