Nature's Sweetest Masterpiece in Bohol, Philippines
1,268 conical hills spanning over 50 km²
Rating and review count synced from Google Maps user reviews · September 2026 · View all Google Maps reviews ↗
Conditions at the hills right now, plus the coming week — so you know what to pack.
Now
24°C
Overcast
High / Low: 27° / 23°
Updated 07:32 PM
Risk alerts
These suggestions are tuned to this landscape: an exposed hilltop viewing deck reached by 214 steps, inland roads, and island boat trips.
Today
26
27°
23°
Severe thunderstorms
99%
Sun
27
29°
23°
Thunderstorms
99%
Mon
28
27°
23°
Thunderstorms
100%
Tue
29
29°
22°
Severe thunderstorms
100%
Wed
30
28°
22°
Drizzle
100%
Thu
1
28°
23°
Thunderstorms
100%
Fri
2
27°
22°
Drizzle
100%
Welcome to Chocolate Hills Complex, widely recognized as the central Chocolate Hills. Located in the heart of Carmen, Bohol, Philippines, this destination serves as a primary hub for travelers visiting the region.
The Chocolate Hills Complex is one of the Philippines' most iconic natural landmarks — a surreal landscape of 1,268 cone-shaped hills spread across over 50 km² in central Bohol.
Rising 30–120 meters and shaped like giant truffles, these limestone formations are covered in grass that turns lush green during the rainy season and golden-chocolate brown during the dry season (January through May) — giving them their beloved nickname.
Geologists believe the hills are the eroded remnants of ancient coral reefs uplifted from the seabed millions of years ago, sculpted by rainfall and time. Locals tell a gentler legend: two giants fell in love, and when their tears dried on the earth, the hills remained.
Beyond their postcard looks, the hills hold geological, legal and cultural significance for Bohol and the Philippines.
Geologists read the hills as the weathered remains of ancient coral reefs that were uplifted from the seabed and sculpted by rainfall over millions of years — a rare, textbook example of conical karst topography.
The hills were placed under national protection on 1 July 1997, when Proclamation No. 1037 established them as a national geological monument. Counts differ by method: government surveys commonly cite 1,268 hills in Carmen, while the proclamation describes about 1,776 mounds across Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan.
Chocolate Hills Natural Monument was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2006, and it remains one of the Philippines' most recognizable natural icons — appearing on the provincial flag and seal of Bohol.
Historical and protection status summarized from public government and UNESCO listings; see Sources & References below.
These stories are part of local folklore, passed down orally in Bohol. The geological account below is the scientific explanation.
One telling says two giants fought over the land, hurling boulders, sand and mud at each other for days. When they finally tired and made peace, they left the heaps behind — and those heaps became the hills.
A gentler version tells of the giant Arogo, who wept inconsolably when his beloved Aloya died. Where his tears dried on the earth, the rounded hills remained.
The hills are textbook cockpit karst: marine limestone laid down on an ancient seabed was uplifted above sea level, then dissolved by slightly acidic rainwater along joints and fractures, leaving near-symmetrical cones separated by star-shaped depressions. The famous brown colour is purely seasonal — the grass cover dries out in the dry months and greens up again with the rains.
Click any photo to enlarge
The Chocolate Hills Complex viewing deck is open daily (including holidays), 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Fees are payable at the entrance.
₱100
Non-resident
₱50
Non-resident
Free
With valid ID
Philippine residents enjoy lower rates with valid government-issued ID. Prices subject to change without notice.
The hills turn golden-brown during the dry months — the iconic "chocolate" look. Clear skies make for the best panoramic photos.
Early morning offers the softest light, coolest temperatures, and fewest visitors. The 6 AM opening is ideal for photographers and peace seekers.
Allow 15 minutes for the climb, at least 30 minutes at the viewing deck, and extra time for the café and gift shop. Combine with nearby attractions for a full day.
Bohol has a pronounced dry season (roughly December to May) and wet season (June to November). This table combines climate patterns with what they mean on the ground: hill colour, visibility, water and wildlife, and crowd levels.
Seasonal patterns summarised from PAGASA climate normals for the Visayas together with protected-area guidance. Weather varies from year to year — check the forecast above before you travel.
Typhoons can affect Bohol between June and December. Always check official PAGASA bulletins and local advisories before travelling inland.
Nearest airport: Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) (~70 km, ~1.5 hours by car).
Address: Q5X8+FX4, Loay Interior Road, Carmen, Bohol, Philippines 6319 · Coordinates: 9.7988, 124.1648
Fly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) from Manila, Cebu, Davao, or Clark. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia operate daily flights.
OceanJet, 2GO, and Lite Ferries serve Tagbilaran from Cebu (2 hr fast ferry), Dumaguete, and other Visayan ports.
Take a Ceres bus from Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran bound for Carmen. Journey takes 60–90 minutes. Fare: ~₱80–120.
Vans depart from Tagbilaran City to Carmen. Private car hire or taxi from Tagbilaran costs ₱2,000–3,000 one-way.
From Carmen town proper, take a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to the Chocolate Hills Complex (~10 min, ₱50–100). Also available from Tagbilaran for the adventurous (~1.5 hrs).
Tricycles from Carmen town to the viewing deck take approximately 10–15 minutes, costing ₱100–150 round trip.
Rent a scooter in Panglao or Tagbilaran (₱350–600/day). The scenic 1.5-hour ride passes through Bilar Man-Made Forest.
Step-by-step routes to the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen, with indicative journey times and fares for each option.
How to do it
After a late arrival, overnight in Panglao or Tagbilaran and travel inland the next morning — last-mile transport thins out after sunset.
How to do it
Fast ferries from Cebu arrive early enough to reach the hills before the midday crowds if you travel light.
How to do it
Services thin out in the late afternoon — ask for the last return departure before you start the day.
How to do it
Ride-hailing coverage is concentrated around Tagbilaran and Panglao; inland Carmen relies on tricycles and charters.
How to do it
Ideal if you arrive by bus: agree the return fare first so you are not stranded after your visit.
How to do it
Carry a licence and helmet, watch for tractors, dogs and cattle on inland roads, and slow down on rain-slicked bends.
How to do it
Convenient and efficient, but schedules are fixed — choose a small-group tour if you want time for photography.
Fares and timetables are indicative and change without notice — confirm locally or through your accommodation before you set out.
On-site Parking Available
Spacious parking lot for buses, vans, cars, and motorcycles
Q5X8+FX4, Loay Interior Road, Carmen, Bohol
Address: Q5X8+FX4, Loay Interior Road, Carmen, Bohol, Philippines 6319 · Coordinates: 9.7988, 124.1648
For official updates and regional tourism information, visit Philippines / Bohol Official Tourism Portal
Local Filipino
Located at the complex itself. Serves Filipino comfort food and refreshments with a view.
Filipino Buffet
Enjoy a buffet lunch while cruising the scenic Loboc River. A classic Bohol experience. ₱850/person.
Organic Café
Bee-farm inspired café serving organic ice cream, salads, and pastries with sea views.
Filipino Fine Dining
Heritage house turned restaurant. Famous for crispy pata, kinilaw, and seafood platters.
Local Filipino
A homegrown eatery popular with locals. Serves affordable meals like adobo, sinigang, and grilled fish.
Local Filipino
Simple carinderia-style dining. Great for a quick, budget-friendly meal after visiting the hills.
Make the most of your Bohol adventure — these attractions are all within driving distance of the Chocolate Hills.
When visiting Chocolate Hills Complex, visitors can easily explore surrounding historical landmarks and points of interest, including Chocolate Hills Adventure Park and Bilar Man-Made Forest.
Zipline, bike zip, and rope courses with hills views. The "Bike Zip" ride is a highlight. Entrance from ₱100.
A 2-km stretch of dense mahogany trees along the highway. Beautiful photo stop and ecological landmark.
See the world's smallest primates — Philippine tarsiers — in a protected sanctuary. Entry ₱60.
Floating restaurant cruise with live music through the scenic Loboc River. Includes buffet lunch.
Bamboo suspension bridge across the Loboc River. Souvenir shops and fresh buko (coconut) juice at both ends.
One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines (1727). A National Cultural Treasure near Tagbilaran.
Limestone cave with a natural underground pool. Great for a refreshing swim. Entrance ₱50.
White-sand beaches, diving, island hopping, and vibrant nightlife. The perfect beach complement to the hills.
A type-by-type overview of what to expect at the complex and in Carmen town. This is an independent, non-commercial reference site: we describe categories of service, not individual businesses.
Public restrooms are available at the complex near the entrance and parking area, with further facilities at the café.
Facilities are basic and busiest mid-morning — carry tissues and hand sanitiser.
A large on-site lot serves cars, vans, motorbikes and tour buses, with attendants directing traffic.
Budget ₱20–50 per vehicle and arrive before 9 AM on weekends and holidays.
An on-site café serves simple Filipino meals, snacks and cold drinks; Carmen town (5–6 km away) has small local eateries.
Vegetarian, halal and allergen-specific options are limited inland — eat first if your requirements are strict.
Bottled water is sold at the complex; refill points are limited, and shade is mostly at the lower complex and café.
Bring a refillable bottle — the stairway to the viewing deck is fully exposed.
Most visitors stay in Tagbilaran or Panglao (70–80 km away). Carmen and nearby inland towns also have small inns, guesthouses and homestays.
Reserve ahead for December to May; inland rooms are few and usually family-run.
Small neighbourhood stores in Carmen town sell water, snacks, basic toiletries and mobile load; full supermarkets are in Tagbilaran.
Stock up in Tagbilaran if you need specific items such as baby supplies or sports drinks.
Fuel stations operate along the Tagbilaran–Carmen road and in Carmen town. Public charging for electric vehicles remains very limited in inland Bohol.
Fill up before heading inland, and plan charging around Tagbilaran or Panglao.
Entrance fees, parking and tricycle fares are paid in cash. ATMs and banks are concentrated in Tagbilaran and larger towns.
Bring small bills; mobile signal at the complex is usable but data speeds vary.
Basic first-aid assistance is available at the complex; pharmacies are in Carmen town and hospitals are in Tagbilaran.
Carry personal medication and a small kit — the nearest hospital is more than an hour away.
The lower complex, parking area and café are step-free; the 214-step stairway to the viewing deck is not wheelchair accessible.
Visitors with limited mobility can still enjoy ground-level views — ask staff about the flattest routes and rest points.
Stalls near the entrance sell handicrafts, T-shirts and Bohol food specialties such as calamay and peanut kisses.
Town markets usually price the same items lower than attraction-side stalls.
Facilities change with the seasons and during holidays; treat distances and prices as indicative only.
Two ready-made loops from Tagbilaran or Panglao, built around opening hours, daylight and inland road conditions.
Best if you are based in Panglao or Tagbilaran and want a beach afternoon
Best if the hills are the highlight of your Bohol day
Inland roads are unlit and the complex closes at 5:30 PM — plan to be back on the main highway before dusk.
Pick the plan that matches who you are travelling with and how much of the day you want to spend.
Travelling with children under 12
Half day, 3–4 hours
Photographers, birders and geology enthusiasts
Half day to full day
Wheelchair users, seniors, anyone avoiding stairs
1–2 hours at ground level
Check off the spots you want to visit. Your selections are saved on this device only — no data leaves your browser.
A protected landscape rather than a playground. Knowing how the hills formed explains why a few simple rules matter.
The hills are textbook cockpit karst: marine limestone laid down on an ancient seabed was uplifted above sea level, then dissolved by slightly acidic rainwater along joints and fractures. What remains is a field of near-symmetrical cones separated by star-shaped depressions. The famous brown colour is purely seasonal — the grass cover dries out during the dry months and greens up again with the rains.
Proclamation No. 1037 (1997) established the hills as a national geological monument, and the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2006. Protection covers the landform itself: quarrying, digging, building and climbing the cones damage surfaces that took thousands of years to form.
This is an independent, non-commercial reference site. We do not sell tickets or tours and are not affiliated with the site operator or any government body.
4.5 out of 5 · 10,410 reviews
Google Maps rating
Reviews from Google Maps users · View all Google Maps reviews
Rating and review count synced from Google Maps user reviews · September 2026 · View all Google Maps reviews ↗
Synced from Google Maps user reviews, synced September 2026; copyright belongs to the original authors and Google Maps.
Only the aggregate rating and review count are shown here. Review text remains on Google Maps and is not reproduced on this page.
View all reviews on Google MapsThis guide is compiled from public, authoritative sources. Ratings and reviews are quoted from Google Maps and are not submitted through this website.
Synced from Google Maps user reviews, synced September 2026; copyright belongs to the original authors and Google Maps.
View all reviews on Google MapsPhilippines / Bohol — Philippines / Bohol Official Tourism Portal