No Juan Is An Island

The Chocolate Hills are unique geological formation spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers in Carmen, Bohol, Philippines.  It is said that there are around 1200 (or more) hills which are covered with grass that eventually turns into brown during the dry season looking like undulating chocolate kisses. To date, it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country.

The rolling terrain of this spectacular mounds in conical and surprisingly in an almost symmetrical shape has drawn the attention of both local and foreign tourists. These karst hills are said to be made of limestone, each with a range of 98 to 164 feet in height.

This Philippine attraction can be visited anytime of the year as they will be just as spectacular during the rainy season as during the dry one. The thought if standing atop one of the hills maybe pretty delightful however, no one is allowed to climb the hills. Nonetheless, a great way to marvel at these natural beauties is through a viewing deck put up by the local authorities. I believe that this is also a great means of preserving these wonders. The viewing deck is accessible by stairs so one should be patient enough to walk their way to the area.

How to Reach Carmen, Bohol:

From Manila, fly your way to Tagbilaran City, Bohol’s capital. If by boat, access points are in ports around Bohol like Tagbilaran, Tubigon, Jagna, Ubay, Talibon, and Jetafe which are connected to Cebu, Manila, Leyte, Siquijor, Negros and even some Mindanao provinces. The most popular option is to get to Cebu city via the airport and from there to take a 90 minute ferry to Tagbilaran.

Once in Tagbilaran City, take a ride to the central part of the island, to the town of Carmen. Most common way tourists do is to rent a car or a jeepney in Tagbilaran. If you want to ride a scooter or a small motorbike you will be able to rent one for a day for 400 pesos.

Recommended Place to Stay in Bohol: The Barn

Don’t be a wasted soul, be ‘juan’derlust. Take it easy ebri’juan’.