Quick Facts

• Over 1,270 similarly cone-shaped hills creating a sea of hills over 20 square miles (50 sq km)
• Located in Bohol, Philippines
• Heights typically range from 98 to 160 feet (30 to 50 m) with the highest reaching 390 feet (120 m)

Hershey Chocolate Kisses

National Geological Monument

The Chocolate Hills was declared Philippines’s 3rd National Geological Monument (together with Taal Volcano, and Hundred Islands National Park) and recently included in the nomination for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and also proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Photo by wisdoc

The name Chocolate Hills actually was spawned by the famous Hershey treat given the fact that during the dry season the grass on the cone mounds browns and resembles rows of chocolate ripe for the picking. This coincidentally is also one of the best times of the year to visit the Chocolate Hills if you want to stay dry during your visit since there is a constant influx of precipitation during the rainy season.

Photo by maxchu

Photo by coolnumber9

In fact, while some people question man’s ancient influence scientists dismiss the option as the integrity of the mounds would surpass the Egyptian pyramids by far. The exact formation of the Chocolate Hills is unknown although the most commonly accepted theory in the area is that erosion and coral reef uplift from a major geological plate shift could have caused the mounds to simply erupt from the ground.

May Peace Prevail On Earth!
Photo by maxchu

Other explanations include volcanic action under the land or that the limestone mountains are the result of a massive volcano centuries ago. Of course, as with any monumental structure that is thought to be naturally caused there is folklore that surrounds the Chocolate Hills area as well that many natives will happily be willing to share with you during your stay.

Photo by putografer

Photo by randyg

UNESCO Tentative List

Justification for Outstanding Universal Value

It has been declared the country’s 3rd National Geological Monument on June 18, 1988.

The hills are in the Philippine Tourism Authority’s list of tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Photo by lizza22

Photo by storm crypt

Getting There

Chocolate Hills is located at Bohol – How to get to Bohol

Article Sources

WIKIPEDIA – Bohol Chocolate Hills
UNESCO World Heritage – Chocolate Hills Natural Monument

Answer: Hi there. There are MANY waterfalls in Bohol, some are even not registered on tourist sites, and only known to the locals! You can try asking around, and have the joy of discovering them! Do bear in mind that, the hike to these lesser known waterfalls are rated “difficult”, and it will be very slippery and muddy after a rainfall. So do proceed with caution!

Here are some of them:
Mag Aso Falls & Inambacan Falls (easy hike from Antequera)
Kawasan Falls – Barangay Candasig, Balilhan (medium hike)
Pahangog Falls – Barangay Guingoyuran (medium hike)
Kilab Kilab Falls – (difficult)

Answer: Yup, that’s definitely doable. You can try up calling Delta Fast Ferries, they will have the rates for you. It should be ~ 1200 php. Have fun riding!

Delta Fast Ferries (and Car Ferry)
Located at PMart
Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Telephone: Booking: (035) 422-9292

Delta Fast Ferries (and Car Ferry)
Located at Pier #3
Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Telephone: (035) 420-1111 or (035) 420-0888

In the hills of Corella, where tarsiers were once abundant, there are only about 1,000 tarsiers left. What was once considered common to spot a tarsier by the roadsides has turned into a struggle to save what remains of this species. It is feared that the tarsier population is critically declining as their forest habitats frighteningly disappear. Though the species is not yet threatened with extinction it may become so if appropriate conservation measures are not carried out.

Our conservation program addresses this urgent call to save and protect the Philippine tarsier. The establishment of a a forest reservation in the island of Bohol shall serve as a sanctuary of the Philippine tarsier and the conduct of research on the ecology and biology of the tarsier and its habitat.

We may not be able to completely bring back what was lost, but much can be done to save and protect this species from possible extinction.

From the town center of Corella to the Sanctuary entrance is a mere four kilometers away. Existing in the area now is a spacious 3,667 sq. m. net-fenced area where “tarsier man” Carlito Pizarras, who at the outset caught and sold specimens to collectors, hobbyists and tourists for a living but has since become an enthusiastic environmentalist, keeps several of the specie for breeding and display. Pizarras is now employed by the Foundation, which has likewise assumed responsibility for the maintenance of the netted area and its inhabitants.

Numerous sightings of the tarsier within and around the site confirm that it is most suitable for the stated purpose. In addition to being extensive, it is largely uninhabited and isolated enough from settlements that neither population pressure nor pollution in any form is foreseen to be a problem. While certain parts are open and relatively bare, the whole vegetation is adequately lush, mostly with the kind of secondary-growth trees, bamboo clumps, tall grass patches, and thick bushes that the tarsier prefers. For the visitor, the hilly terrain offers bucolic vistas of green rolling fields, low-lying mountains, and still dense forests.

Amid such scenery, the Tarsier Research and Development Center was constructed. Aimed at introducing guests to the Philippine tarsier, the Philippine Tarsier Conservation Program and the Sanctuary, this building houses, among others, a reception and souvenir counter, an exhibit area, an audio-visual room, restrooms, and administration offices. Outside will be a lounge deck, and nearby a parking lot, beyond which no vehicles will be allowed.

Elsewhere on the premises of the research center will be a fully equipped laboratory, veterinary clinic, library, offices and conference rooms, staff quarters and storage. This is intended to provide suitable if limited accommodations for visiting scientists and technicians. Access to this center will naturally be restricted. Adjacent to it, is a sizable enclosure which will hold a small colony of the species for both public viewing and study.

From the Research and Development center, trails and pathways will spread out to various other parts and corners of the sanctuary, where the tarsier can be observed in its natural habitat either with the naked eye or through binoculars. A series of viewing decks will be erected at ground level or atop elevated platforms. On the walking tours that the visitor will be guided through, there will be ample opportunity to become acquainted with a wide variety of other fauna and flora, with signages of their scientific name, place of origin, geographical distribution, and briefly explaining their properties and traditional applications.

Parallel to and in aid of wildlife conservation, the Foundation envisions reforestation as another priority. To this end, it plans to allot a substantial portion of the property for the cultivation and propagation of hardwood that Bohol was renowned for among shipbuilders, carpenters and furniture makers in centuries past; of bamboo which has become synonymous with Asian handicrafts and housewares; of palms and ferns that have always provided sustenance and shelter to the Filipino apart from being decorative; and of plants, herbs and flowers, which are either medicinal or have commercial value.

Answer: The Tarsier center is a combination of research center, museum and visitor center, however it is in Corella, off the tourist path. An alternative way to see the tarsiers is along the Loboc river banks enroute to Chocolate Hills in Carmen Town. There’s no entrance fees even if you don’t sign up for the Loboc river cruise.

Answer: You don’t have to worry as there are hotels near the airport in Tagbilaran City, The beach resorts in Panglao Island are not that far away, about 30 minutes taxi ride. However, as April is the peak season, i will recommend you to book ahead!

Answer: Hi there. There are many food selections in Bohol, there are definitely lots of choices even if you are on a tight budget.

Grocery shopping & home cooking: Php 100 – 200 a day

Quick eats in small scale Restaurants: Php 350 a day

Fast food: Php 500 a day (Jollibee, McDonald)

Franchised Restaurants: Php 600 a day (Sun Burst, Mang Inasal etc)

High Class Restaurants / Cafes in Hotels & Resorts: > Php 1500++ a day easily (Garden Cafe, Bohol Bee Farm, Cafe Atanacio, JJ’s Seafood)

Answer: I was in Bohol just a couple of weeks ago, and everything seems great there! Lovely & friendly people, i definitely feel at ease (and safe) during my vacation. But yup, common safety sense still applies anytime you travel! Do not “showcase” your money, watch your belongings, there will always be cases of theft when it seems the safest! My advice is that always keep your belongings on hand, strap is around the legs of chairs / tables when you are sitting for a meal etc. The most common theft is the use of distraction, and any kind of deterrent will be GREAT!

I’m carrying my big DSLR, and never felt a threat. There are alot of people using DSLR these days, becoming quite common, so just make sure you practice the common safety watch, and it should be fine!