Chocolate Hills in
Bohol Island offers unique tours that combine stunning scenery, cultural encounters, and memorable activities, perfect for a day of exploration. Here are some must-try tours:
Tour to Chocolate Hills in Bohol Island with Lunch on a River Boat Cruise: Enjoy a scenic journey to the iconic Chocolate Hills, followed by a relaxing lunch cruise along the Loboc River. This tour lets you experience the natural beauty of Bohol Island from both land and water, with a delicious meal on board a riverboat as you take in the lush surroundings.
ATV Ride around Chocolate Hills in Bohol Island: Experience the thrill of riding an ATV through the stunning Chocolate Hills landscape. Navigate the hills and enjoy panoramic views of Bohol Island’s iconic terrain. This exciting adventure offers a unique, up-close look at the famous chocolate-brown mounds, making it a perfect way to explore one of the Philippines’ most incredible landmarks.
Tour to Chocolate Hills & Tarsier Monkey Sanctuary: Discover two of Bohol Island’s most beloved attractions in one tour. After admiring the unique formations of the Chocolate Hills, visit the Tarsier Monkey Sanctuary, home to one of the world's smallest monkeys. The tour also includes a delightful river cruise with lunch, providing a perfect mix of wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
Tour to Chocolate Hills and Bee Farm with Lunch on a River Boat Cruise: This tour combines a trip to Chocolate Hills with a visit to a charming bee farm, where you’ll learn about sustainable farming and bee-keeping practices. The experience includes a river cruise with lunch, adding a relaxing element to a day full of sightseeing and learning.
Each of these tours offers a unique and memorable way to explore Chocolate Hills Island and its nearby attractions. Whether you’re after scenic views, close encounters with wildlife, or a taste of local culture, these tours provide it all. Discover the perfect adventure for you and make the most of your visit by booking a Chocolate Hills tour with Guide to the Philippines for a hassle-free, unforgettable experience.
Chocolate Hills is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines due to its unique geological formations and the stunning color transformation that occurs throughout the year. During the dry season, the lush green hills turn a rich chocolate-brown, creating a captivating sight. This natural phenomenon has made the hills famous, and their distinct beauty is one of the reasons why they are designated as the Philippines' third National Geological Monument.
Tours and activities on Chocolate Hills Island provide excellent value, with prices starting as low as $18, depending on the itinerary and inclusions. Booking in advance is highly recommended. By reserving your tours with Guide to the Philippines before your trip, you can unlock exclusive discounts and special deals, ensuring you get the best rates.
Chocolate Hills is located in the island province of Bohol in the central Philippines, specifically in the town of Carmen. This natural wonder features over a thousand unique, cone-shaped hills spread across the landscape, creating a breathtaking view. The hills turn green during the rainy season and take on a chocolate-brown hue in the dry season, giving them their name. Easily accessible from Tagbilaran City, the province’s capital, Chocolate Hills is one of the
must-see attractions on Bohol Island.
The
best time to visit Chocolate Hills is during the dry season, from
November to
May. During these months, you’ll enjoy clear skies and ideal weather for exploring Bohol Island’s famous hills, with a higher chance of seeing them at their lush, greenest state, especially from November to early
February.
By planning your trip for the dry season, you’ll also have better conditions for other nearby activities, such as river cruises and wildlife tours. To make the most of your visit, consider booking your Chocolate Hills tour in advance with Guide to the Philippines for a smooth, memorable experience.
Chocolate Hills is approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Bohol-Panglao International Airport, located on Panglao Island. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or van, depending on traffic and road conditions. The scenic route to Chocolate Hills offers beautiful views of Bohol Island’s countryside, making the journey a pleasant part of the experience.
Many
guided tours on Bohol Island provide convenient pick-up options, making it easy to explore this iconic attraction as soon as you arrive.
There is no direct public transportation to Chocolate Hills from major cities or towns in Bohol Island. Public jeepneys or buses do not specifically go to Chocolate Hills, making it less convenient to rely on public transport for this particular destination.
However, you can take a jeepney or bus to Carmen, the town where Chocolate Hills is located, and then hire a tricycle or private transport to reach the site. This option, while available, can be time-consuming and less comfortable.
For the most convenient and hassle-free experience, it’s recommended to book a guided tour through services like Guide to the Philippines, which offers direct pick-up and drop-off, making your trip more enjoyable and seamless.
Yes, you’ll find both private and shared tour options to Chocolate Hills. Private tours offer an exclusive and personalized experience, allowing you to customize your itinerary and explore at your own pace. Shared tours, on the other hand, are a more budget-friendly option, where you can join a group of other travelers, creating a social and fun atmosphere as you discover the island’s attractions.
Whether you prefer a private excursion or a shared group adventure, you’ll find a variety of choices in Guide to the Philippines’ extensive selection of best-value tours.
It’s highly recommended to book your Chocolate Hills tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. By booking ahead, you can secure the best rates and availability and guarantee a spot on your desired tours.
With Guide to the Philippines, you can easily arrange your tour in advance and even customize your itinerary to match your preferences. Tailor your adventure to explore Chocolate Hills exactly the way you want, making the most of your visit.
When exploring the Chocolate Hills, it's best to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking or an ATV ride, especially if you plan on participating in an adventure tour. Light, breathable clothing is ideal, as the weather can be warm and sunny. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views and a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour.
Some tours, such as those that combine the Chocolate Hills with the Loboc River cruise, may include meals, typically lunch.
However, other tours, like ATV rides or more focused excursions, might not include meals. Be sure to check the specific details of your tour when booking to know what's included. If meals are not provided, there are often local restaurants or eateries near the Chocolate Hills where you can enjoy a delicious meal after your adventure.
There is a viewing platform at the Chocolate Hills Complex in the town of Carmen, where you can climb a set of stairs to the top of one of the hills. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, with the iconic chocolate-brown hills stretching as far as the eye can see. While not all of the hills are accessible for climbing, the viewpoint offers an incredible experience and is the perfect spot for photos.
Yes! Many operators with Guide to the Philippines offer Chocolate Hills tours from Tagbilaran cruise port, making it easy for cruise visitors to explore Bohol Island’s most iconic landmark within a limited timeframe. These packages typically include roundtrip transfers from the port and stops at key attractions like the Tarsier Sanctuary and the Loboc River Cruise.
If you’re arriving directly by ship, you can also join Chocolate Hills tours from the cruise ship, with convenient pick-up right at the pier. These itineraries are specifically designed to fit cruise schedules, ensuring you’re back on board on time.
For those who prefer exclusivity, there are Chocolate Hills tours for cruise ship passengers offered as private arrangements, allowing you to customize the pace and itinerary. You can even combine the hills with other
shore excursions, such as the Baclayon Church or the Man-Made Forest, for a more complete countryside experience.
