The Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines

The Philippines is a country with rich culture and history, it is where diversity is not only expected but respected as well. It is made up of 7,107 islands with a land area of 115,739 sq. m. The islands are mainly grouped into three; Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The capital is Manila. The Philippines has only two seasons; hot and rainy and there are two official languages; Filipino and English. In a country which honors diversity, there are 8 major dialects; Tagalog (the national language), Cebuano, Ilocano, Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampanga and Pangasineses.

Located in one of the provinces of Visayas, is an island called Bohol. Bohol is comprised of 47 towns and the capital is Tagbilaran City. This province equally boasts of a rich cultural and historical heritage. It is also the home of the world-famous Chocolate Hills.

GETTING THERE

To get to the island of Bohol you can either take a direct flight from Manila to Tagbilaran via NAIA or for those who are coming from the province of Cebu, you can take the short flight from Cebu to Tagbilaran via Mactan Airport. For travelers who are more adventurous, you can take ferries that ply the Cebu-Bohol route throughout the day. It takes aprroximately 90 minutes to get to Bohol on board these ferries which go by such names as Supercat and Waterjet. These "fast cats" depart several times a day from Pier 1 situated a few blocks from Fort San Pedro.

From Tagbilaran City, go to the bus terminal in Dao and catch the bus to Carmen. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Chocolate Hills complex. Once there, you have to walk up a few miles to reach the complex but it will be well worth it. Of course you also have the option of renting private vehicles from rental shops scatterred throughout Tagbilaran City. It is important to note that there are very few places to stay within this area so it's better to just make it a day trip.

THE LEGEND

Based on the legend, the 1,200 hills were made by two giants throwing stones and sand at each other during a fight. In the end the two giants stopped fighting and became friends. They left the island, leaving behind the mess they made. Still others believe that the hills are exposed coral formations transformed to what it is today from being exposed to natural elements for thousands of years. .

THE CHOCOLATE HILLS

Once inside the complex, you have to climb up the 214 stone steps which leads to the top of the overlook where you will have a magnificent view of the world-famous Chocolate Hills.

Chocolate Hills have approximately 1,268 hills which are amazingly simliar in shape and size and stand about 30-50 meters high. During the cool season it is covered with grass but come the dry season it turns into a chocolate-brown color. Thus, the name Chocolate Hills. I assure you that once you see this view you will be filled with such awe that the hairs on the back of your neck will stand. Well, at least that's how i felt when I saw it for the first time.

The Chocolate Hills is but one of the many wonders of Bohol, one that you should see and experience for yourself in order to appreciate its true beauty.