The Chocolate Hills of Bohol
A visit to the wondrous Chocolate Hills on the island province of Bohol, the Philippines.
The Chocolate Hills
On the island of Bohol in the Philippines, over 1,200 round, treeless hills dot a region spanning some 50 square miles. These natural formations are known as the Chocolate Hills, named for their grassy slopes that turn brown each dry season—typically between December and May. They are the result of limestone erosion, a type of landscape known as a karst. The hills’ limestone contains the remains of ancient, fossilized sea life from the floor of a prehistoric coral reef. Over time, this soft fossiliferous stone can erode unevenly, leaving behind remarkable rock formations. Karsts can be found across the globe, but few are as visually striking as the Chocolate Hills. The region covers several provinces, with towns and farms nestled into the low-lying areas.
Besides the scientific explanation of their origins, stories have long been told about these hills. Giants are the most common culprits in their creation, either lobbing huge chunks of earth at each other or weeping rocky tears.
Conserving the Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are widely recognized as a natural wonder, and they draw many tourists to Bohol every year. But because they are so widely distributed, the hills are not protected everywhere. Quarries seeking easy access to limestone have hollowed out or leveled the hills in some areas, despite protests from local activists and protective legislation. In the coming years, the government of the Philippines must seek to find a balance between natural preservation, the tourism industry, and the local economies making a living in and around the Chocolate Hills.
Despite these challenges, the Chocolate Hills are likely to remain a point of pride for the island of Bohol for generations to come. The hills adorn the province’s flags and have been considered as a future UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you wish to visit this fascinating region for yourself, the most common tourist destination can be found in the Municipality of Carmen, near the very center of Bohol.
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