Sunrise at the Chocolate Hills, Bohol Philippines
Tucked away in the vibrant towns of Carmen and Sagbayan, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills await discovery as a captivating natural wonder.
Picture this: a landscape dotted with approximately 1,776 conical mounds, each resembling a scrumptious chocolate treat, sprawled over 50 square kilometers.
These hills aren’t just ordinary mounds; they’re the shining icons of Bohol, proudly showcased on the province’s flag and seal as a testament to its abundant natural beauty and allure.
The hills are dynamic chameleons of the landscape, changing colors with the seasons! During the rainy months, they don their lush green coats, but come dry season, they transform into rows of chocolaty goodness, earning them their sweet name, the Chocolate Hills.
This magnificent landscape is unique only to this small island.
Regarded as one of the Philippines’ most treasured landmarks, the Chocolate Hills hold a special place in the hearts of locals and travelers alike, their enduring charm immortalized on the nation’s currency (the ₱200 bill), and are celebrated as the country’s third National Geological Monument.
How to see the Chocolate Hills:
There are two locations to see the Chocolate hills from: Carmen, and Sagbayan, with Carmen’s Chocolate Hills Complex being the most visited.
This guide will focus on visiting at the Carmen Chocolate Hills Complex.
One of the Hills have been developed for tourism, with an elevated overlook deck providing visitors with sweeping views of the hills extending into the horizon.
To reach the viewing deck in Carmen, visitors must ascend approximately 200+ steps, offering a panoramic 360-degree perspective of the hill formations.
Sagbayan Peak:
Another option to see the famous hills is at Sagbayan Peak, a mountain resort and park located in the town of Sagbayan.
Personally I did not visit Sagbayan, but I have read that the view is slightly better in Carmen.
How to get to the Chocolate Hills:
The complex is located just off the main highway.
On Google maps, there is The Chocolate Hills, and the Chocolate Hills Complex. Make sure you follow the directions to the Chocolate Hills Complex.
The Google map directions to The Chocolate Hills will take you to the middle of nowhere.
Renting a Scooter:
Scooters range in price but usually cost around 400/500 pesos ($8/$10) per day.
The roads to reach The Chocolate Hills are quite winding, and can be challenging in the dark.
Booking a tour:
For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a tour to see the Chocolate Hills.
Booking a tour is one of the most popular ways to visit the Chocolate Hills and explore other top tourist spots in Bohol, all in one adventurous day. Tours typically offer pick-up and drop-off services at your hotel, with lunch often included in the package.
While there are no tours specifically tailored for viewing the Chocolate Hills at sunrise, rest assured that regardless of the time of day you visit, you’ll still enjoy a splendid view of these natural wonders.
The Bohol Countryside Tour offers a great way to see the best of Bohol’s tourist spots. This particular tour is the top-rated tour in Bohol with great reviews.
The Bohol Countryside Tour includes the following:
- Chocolate Hills
- Bohol Bilar Manmade Forest
- Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary
- Loboc River Cruise with lunch
- Baclayon Church
How to see the Sunrise at the Chocolate Hills:
Getting There:
In order to visit the Chocolate Hills Complex for sunrise, you’ll either have to DIY or hire a private car. There are no tours that will bring you there for sunrise.
The best way is to hire a scooter and drive yourself.
The roads to the complex are winding, so driving in the dark requires caution. I recommend having experience and being comfortable driving a scooter before attempting this journey.
It’s also quite cold at that time, so make sure to wear something warm for the drive. Even at the top of the viewing deck, it can be a bit chilly in the mornings.
Opening hours:
Google Maps says the Chocolate Hills Complex opens at 8:30 am, but when we arrived at 5:50 am, there were already staff there collecting the entry fee, and quite a few other tourists.
When you’re arriving that early, you can drive right up to the complex and park up there.
There are around 200 steps to get to the top of the viewing deck.
Seeing the sunrise:
You should plan to arrive at the Chocolate Hills Complex around 5:30-5:45 am to fully catch the sunrise.
The weather can be unpredictable – while some visitors are greeted with a stunning sunrise, others, like us, may encounter thick fog. We waited until about 7:30 am for it to clear, but unfortunately, we only got a brief glimpse of the hills.
Where to stay to see the Chocolate Hills:
Carmen:
Carmen is the closest town to the Chocolate Hills Complex. The distance from Carmen to the Chocolate Hills is about 8 kilometers, taking roughly 15 minutes by private vehicle or scooter.
You can catch both the sunset and sunrise at the Chocolate Hills if you decide to spend the night in or near the area.
To reach the Chocolate Hills Complex for sunrise, you’ll want to leave around 5:15 am.
Loboc:
The distance from Loboc to the Chocolate Hills is about 27 kilometers, taking roughly 45 minutes – 1 hour by private vehicle or scooter.
To reach the Chocolate Hills Complex for sunrise, you’ll want to leave around 4:30am.
Panglao/Taglibaran:
The distance from Tagbilaran City to the Chocolate Hills is about 50 kilometers, taking roughly 1.5 hours by private vehicle or scooter.
If you’re staying in Panglao, it’s about a 65 km ride to the Chocolate Hills, taking roughly 2 hours by private vehicle or scooter.
If driving yourself to the Chocolate Hills for sunrise, you’ll need to leave around 4:00 am to reach the complex in time.
By bus:
Getting to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol from Tagbilaran is relatively straightforward. From the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal, you can catch a bus or van heading to Carmen, the town where the Chocolate Hills are located. The journey takes at least two-three hours.
Sagbayan Peak:
For an alternative view of the famous Chocolate Hills, Sagbayan Peak in Sagbayan town is worth considering. It’s a mountain resort and park spread across 5 hectares, offering a quieter and more spacious experience compared to the bustling Carmen viewpoint.
Although I didn’t visit Sagbayan personally, I’ve heard that the view in Carmen is slightly better.
Entrance Fee for the Chocolate Hills:
Entry fee was ₽100 per person. ($2.50CAD or $1.75USD)
The complex also houses a restaurant and souvenir shop, as well as a conference room and activity area.
Opening Hours for the Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills Complex is open to visitors every day of the week from the early morning sunrise until after sunset.
Arriving for sunrise? Drive right up to the complex and park your scooters at the top.
For those arriving after 8:30 am, free parking is provided at a designated lot next to the highway, with a complimentary shuttle service available to transport visitors to the viewing complex. (At time of writing, that shuttle service is currently free of charge.)
The best months to visit Chocolate Hills:
To witness the Chocolate Hills fully embrace their name, plan your visit between March and June, the driest months in Bohol, Philippines.
During this period, when rainfall is scarce, the grass-covered hills transform into a rich chocolate brown hue, reminiscent of a beloved confectionery treat. This distinctive coloration, which gives the hills their name, is a result of the dried vegetation blanketing the landscape.
So, for an experience that truly captures the essence of the Chocolate Hills, aim to visit during these months when nature paints the hills in shades of delicious brown.
Can I climb the Chocolate Hills?
No. The hills can only be viewed from the platform decks, whether in the Carmen viewpoint or at Sagbayan Peak.
How were the Chocolate Hills formed:
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are like nature’s own fascinating puzzle.
Millions of years back, coral reefs sank to the ocean floor, forming layers upon layers of limestone. Then, thanks to some earth-shaking shifts, these limestone layers got a lift to the surface.
Here’s where it gets interesting: when rainwater, with a touch of acidity, seeped into these limestone layers, it slowly dissolved the rock. Over time, this dissolved limestone took on the iconic dome-like shape we see today, creating the Chocolate Hills.
And when it comes to size, they’re no small fry – ranging from 30 to 50 meters in height, with the tallest hill standing tall at 120 meters.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply intrigued by Earth’s mysteries, a visit to Bohol to marvel at the Chocolate Hills is a journey worth taking. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most fascinating things in life are right in front of us, waiting to be discovered.
The Chocolate Hills were confirmed as a National geographical monument in 1988. UNESCO also declared these hills a World Heritage Site.
The legends behind the Chocolate Hills:
The legends of the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines are steeped in folklore, with various tales offering explanations of their origin.
One story speaks of two colossal giants engaged in a fierce battle, hurling rocks and soil at each other until exhaustion compelled them to rest. They had forgotten what they were fighting about, and reconciled, but left behind their mess, which turned into the dome shapes mounds we see today.
Another legend tells of a young and powerful giant named Arogo, who once fell in love with a human named Aloya. They loved each other until Aloya became old and died. Arogo mourned, and his giants tears fell to the ground, culminating into mounds that would later become the hills.
Accidents happen, make sure you are covered for all your adventures!
Other attractions nearby the Chocolate Hills:
Bilar Man Made Forest:
As you make your way to the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, you’ll pass through the enchanting Bilar Man-Made Forest. This lush forest, spanning 2 kilometers along the border of Loboc and Bilar, is a sight to behold.
Comprising tall white and red mahogany trees, this man-made marvel is not only a testament to reforestation efforts but also a refreshing pit stop for travelers. The canopy of trees offers a welcome respite from the heat, creating a cool and breezy atmosphere that’s perfect for a quick photo break.
See the famous Tarsiers:
Remember to keep your voice down and refrain from using flash photography to ensure the tarsiers’ comfort and well-being.
Chocolate Hills Adventure Park:
Located next to the Chocolate Hills Complex, the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) is an eco-tourism destination perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Here, visitors can partake in adrenaline-pumping activities such as the Bike Zip and The Wave Runner, offering biking midair and ziplining on a surfboard, respectively.
Additionally, the park boasts a variety of attractions and facilities to explore, including Rope Courses, rock climbing, Yokuzuna Sumo Wrestling, and ATV rides through the scenic terrain. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, opportunities abound to feed chickens and fish, admire butterflies in the “Ang Paru-Paro” Butterfly Garden, go horseback riding, or trek along the Eco-Hiking Trail.
As you journey through the park, be sure to visit the serpentarium, butterfly garden, and souvenir shops nestled along the way to the park’s peak or observation deck. With its range of activities and scenic beauty, the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park promises an unforgettable adventure for all who visit.
Loboc River Cruise:
Embark on a scenic journey along the tranquil waters of the Loboc River in Bohol, Philippines, aboard a traditional floating restaurant. Indulge in a delectable buffet of Filipino cuisine served onboard, accompanied by live music performances by local musicians.
Click here to read our blog post: Explore Bohol: Lunch & Cruise on the Loboc River.
Chase Waterfalls:
Camugao Falls in Bohol, Philippines, offers a serene escape into nature’s embrace. Tucked away in the lush greenery of the island, this hidden gem invites visitors to discover its tranquil beauty.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of crystal-clear waters plunging into a pristine pool below, surrounded by verdant foliage and towering trees. Cool off with a refreshing swim in the natural pool, or simply relax on the banks and bask in the peaceful ambiance.
Chocolate Hills Quick Guide:
Entrance Fee: ₽100 per person
Opening Hours: Sunrise to Sunset every day
Sunrise: Arrive to the complex by 5:45 am
Directions: The Chocolate Hills Complex, Q5X8+GW5, Loay Interior Road, Carmen, Bohol, Philippines
Best time to Visit: March – June
Special notes: It takes around 214 steps to reach the top of the viewing complex
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links that I may receive a small commission from. This is at no additional cost to you. By clicking and/or booking through affiliate links found on this site you are helping to support this website and helping make it even better.
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