Essential Tips for Visiting the Famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol from Our Experiences

As a Filipino, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills were one of the first attractions (our national pride) I ever learned about, thanks to our social studies class. Because of that, for years, though not always, I wondered what seeing them in person would be like, and if they would live up to the hype.

That curiosity stuck around for years, but luckily it did not stretch past my mid-20s before I finally got to scratch that itch. My friends and I took a five-day trip to Central Visayas, and the Chocolate Hills was one place we made sure was at the top of our list.

On that trip, we spent our first day in Bohol and then spent four days in Cebu. Both parts ended up being super memorable. For Bohol, the best parts were easily the Chocolate Hills, of course, and grabbing lunch on the floating restaurant in Loboc.

Truth be told, I was not totally blown away by the Chocolate Hills. Don’t get me wrong, they looked unreal, but compared to how amazed I was on top of Mount Pulag or looking out over the Maligcong Rice Terraces, my reaction to the Chocolate Hills was more of a simple “wow.”

That said, we had a great time visiting the Chocolate Hills. From the viewpoint, seeing dozens of those dome-shaped hills was indeed a sight to behold. We also learned a few things along the way that showed us how we could have made our trip even better in hindsight.

Let me share a few important things we picked up during our trip that work as great tips for the Chocolate Hills. If I end up going back, I am definitely using these same tips to make my next visit even better.

Tip no. 1 — Time of the Day to Visit the Chocolate Hills

During our day trip in Bohol, the Chocolate Hills was the last stop on our itinerary. We specifically went to the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen, where the main viewpoint is located.

Full disclosure: we actually booked a packaged tour for the whole trip since we were super busy and didn’t have time to plan. Because of that, we were not completely aware that the Chocolate Hills would be our final stop, but at the end of the day, we would not have had it any other way.

Visiting the Chocolate Hills in the afternoon had a major perk: not only did we save the best for last, but there were also no long lines at the ticket counter. We pretty much walked right up to the view deck the second we got there.

The twist, though, happened after climbing those 200 steps to the view deck. All the tourists were already up there! We were not surprised, though. It was still mid-afternoon, and tour groups like ours were still taking place.

I will not forget that girl and her friends who spent forever taking photos at the best spot on the deck. She sat on the railing and took enough pictures for a whole week of Instagram posts. But yeah, the crowd started thinning out around 4 PM as everyone on the tours headed back to the port.

Before we left the viewpoint, there were almost no tourists on the deck, and that hit me with a realization.

Late afternoon until sunset is indeed the best time to visit the Chocolate Hills. Apart from having fewer tourists, the view gets better, especially if the weather is on your side. We did not personally see it, but I could imagine how stunning the scenery would be during golden hour.

Tip no. 2 — Sightseeing from the Road

If you travel with me, I am one of the most optimistic travelers you will ever meet. I always hope for the best. However, if stuff goes sideways, I don’t lose my cool. I just brush it off.

Like on the way to the Chocolate Hills from the Tarsier Sanctuary, I hoped we would get a scenic drive with hills on both sides of the road. I got the idea from Google Maps, where the road between Loboc and Carmen is dotted with hills above the rice fields. You can check it yourself if you turn on the Satellite view.

However, our actual drive was nothing like I expected. Not sure if I missed something, but I mostly saw houses and massive trees lining both sides of the road.

Well, I saw some hills, but I doubt they were the actual Chocolate Hills since they were covered in thick trees. Real Chocolate Hills are just covered in grass.

From the main view deck at the Chocolate Hills Complex, though, I realized you really can get that scenic drive. I spotted cars winding along the roads right around the foothills.

Comparing the views to Google Maps, that scenic road seems to head toward Barangay Vallehermoso in Carmen from the complex. I checked Street View, and sure enough, you can see the hills right from the road.

Tip no. 3 — Chocolate Hills Free Alternative Viewpoint

What’s interesting along the road to Vallehermoso are the ‘off the beaten’ view points of the Chocolate Hills.

I think there are a couple of viewpoints, but the easiest one to reach from the main road is called “Chocolate Hills – Free Viewpoint.” The viewpoint is also labelled “TchoupetteChocolateHill Viewpoint.”

Based on Google Maps, it’s a 3-minute drive from the Chocolate Hills Complex. If you’re coming from Loboc, you can find the junction to this viewpoint before you reach the Chocolate Hills Complex.

Many travelers who have visited mention that the location is a true hidden gem. When they visited, no one else was at the viewpoint. One of the tourists who posted a review even mentioned wondering why everyone goes to the tourist trap Chocolate Hills complex, waiting in line for hours, when a free, much better viewpoint exists right here.

Before you go, reviews mention you must prepare for a quick hike. You’ll be climbing an actual chocolate hill, literally. The hike to the top takes a quick 5-10 minutes, but the trail gets muddy if it rains. So be careful.

Also, other travelers mentioned the trail was officially closed, but they still hiked up to the viewpoint anyway.

For the landmark for this viewpoint, I didn’t see any except a simple muddy footpath along the roadside on Google Maps street view. But based on reviews, a small food stall sometimes pops up near the trailhead. Photos show a local lady named Arlena selling homemade cookies and fresh coconut drinks.

Tip no. 4 — How Much Time to Spend

Based from our experience, visiting the Chocolate Hills complex won’t take more than an hour.

That is assuming you get an ideal situation like we did. I mean no long lines and no plans to hang out at the resting platforms along the stairs, the snack kiosks, or the souvenir shops.

At minimum, set aside 30 minutes. That covers climbing the stairs, taking in the 360-degree view, snapping photos, and checking out the souvenir shop.

However, if your trip falls during the rainy season, adding extra buffer time to your schedule makes sense. Having extra time lets you wait out sudden downpours right at the complex. Seeing rain clouds roll in during our visit showed us how important that extra time is.

You might also want to stay longer if you plan to try other activities nearby, like having fun at the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park.

Tip no. 5 — Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

When we visited the Chocolate Hills Complex, we had no idea it had its own adventure park.

We only found out at the observation deck after overhearing other tourists say they missed the ATV rentals. It caught our attention since we wanted to pack as many activities as possible into our Central Visayas trip.

None of us had the courage to ask those tourists where to find the ATVs. Thankfully, our guide was right there with us and filled us in on everything about the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP).

It’s an eco-tourism destination located two to three kilometers down the main road from the Chocolate Hills view deck. If traveling from Loboc toward Carmen, you’ll pass the junction for CHAP before reaching the complex.

CHAP is famous for ATVs and a unique zip line called “The Rush.” This zip line sits nearly 150 feet in the air. Riding it gives you an amazing 360-degree view of the iconic mounds.

The thing is, there are more challenges to try, perfect for adventurous travelers like us and perhaps you as well. There are high-ropes obstacle courses, tree-top climbing challenges, and more. To learn more about the park, including admission tickets, unlimited ride options, and different challenges, check out the CHAP section on my Bohol Travel Planning Page.

Good to know there’s another adventure park option in Bohol. Check it out first before you decide to visit CHAP.

Tip no. 6 — Day Trip to the Chocolate Hills

After our Bohol Day Trip, I realized how incredibly smooth the whole itinerary turned out.

Imagine landing in Bohol around 10 am and visiting five or six attractions by 4 pm: the Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, Xzootic Animal and Butterfly Sanctuary, Loboc River Cruise Floating Restaurant, Tarsier Conservation Area, and Chocolate Hills.

I could not imagine how our trip would go if we toured the island by ourselves and relied on public transportation to move around. We would have run out of time to cover everything if we tried exploring on our own!

I’m sharing this because joining a group tour makes a lot of sense if you want to see the Chocolate Hills with a group with other highlights. If traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group of three, you can easily sign up as a joiner on a tour.

To be fair, those spots we visited are on the way to the Chocolate Hills. They’re located in Baclayon, Loay, Loboc, and Bilar, which you’ll pass right through on your way to Carmen. Following our itinerary is a piece of cake if you want to do a DIY trip.

That said, I think this itinerary can still be a little challenging for groups trying to pull off a DIY trip, but solo travelers or couples can totally make it work because they have more flexibility.

I mean, they can just rent a scooter and skip dealing with bus schedules or haggling with tricycle drivers for a better rate.

Tip no. 7 — Other Essential Travel Information

Here are the most frequently asked questions about visiting the Chocolate Hills.

Best time of year to visit the Chocolate Hills

There’s one reason why I’d return to the Chocolate Hills. Its color.

We had our trip in November, which falls during the rainy season. And because of that, the grass covering the hills was bright green. The chocolate hills looked more like matcha hills, not chocolate.

If you want to see the chocolate hills turn brown like real chocolate, visit during the peak of the dry season from March to April. Although I must warn you that it can be scorching hot in the Philippines during that time. Wear light, breathable clothes to stay cool and comfortable.

And oh, remember to book your flight early to save money before prices go up.

How to get to the Chocolate hills

If you want to catch the sunrise for better lighting and drone shots, renting a car or scooter is your best bet.

If timing doesn’t matter as much, you can catch a bus from the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran City heading to Carmen. Once you get dropped off, hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) or a tricycle to take you the rest of the way to the Chocolate Hills complex.

The whole trip takes about 2 to 3 hours. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and prefer not to drive, joining a group tour is another great option.

Click the button below to check out local tour options and car rentals.

Where to stay in Bohol to see the Chocolate Hills

Tagbilaran City is where you grab the bus to Carmen and meet up for most tour groups. It’s super convenient as a base, but I’m skipping it for my next trip to Bohol. I’m going to stay in either Panglao or Loboc instead, which is what I advise everyone to do.

Loboc sits much closer to the Chocolate Hills, so it’s awesome if you want to fill your days with inland nature spots like CHAP, the floating restaurant, rice terraces, and the hills. But if you’re after awesome sunsets, beach activities, and fun nightlife, go with Panglao.

Honestly, where I end up staying next time just depends on who’s tagging along. If my friends/family wants non-stop adventure, we’ll pick Loboc. Otherwise, it’s Panglao all the way.

Click the button below to see the best hotels in Panglao and Loboc for every budget.

Is it possible to visit the Chocolate Hills from Cebu

Totally possible.

From our experience, the ferry ride from Cebu to Bohol only takes two hours each way. In fact, travelers staying in Cebu often take a day trip to Bohol. Their itinerary looks pretty much the same as ours.

Anyway, the first ferry leaves Cebu for Bohol at 5:10 am. For the return trip, the last ferry leaves Bohol for Cebu at 5:40 pm. Roughly, you’ll have eight hours to explore, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the highlights of Bohol.

Good to know, if you need an idea of how to spend a day in Cebu City or four days in South Cebu, I have plenty of Cebu travel guides to help you avoid mistakes and make the most of your trip. Check them out!

Conclusion

As a Filipino, seeing the Chocolate Hills in person is truly a fulfilling experience. But the feeling may not be complete if you just go to the view deck and take in the scenery from there. Personally, I felt like the hills were calling me back for an epic adventure or a sunset that makes you realize how beautiful the world really is.

Also, if you visit the Chocolate Hills and don’t catch them when they’re green, something small still feels missing, even if they look amazing.

With all this in mind, I really suggest that, if the Chocolate Hills is the main reason why you’re visiting Bohol, plan well the timing and the activities involved during your visit. It is a special place in the Philippines, not to mention it is the country’s only Global UNESCO Geopark, and I truly believe that the Chocolate Hills can be more than a backdrop for the photos we post online.

Anyway, I hope that you enjoy your trip to Bohol.

All the best!

Planning a Trip to Bohol?

Bohol is one of the highlights of the Philippines. Don’t miss out on what makes this island so special. Here’s our itinerary to spark some inspiration.

If it’s your first time visiting Bohol, you’ll definitely find everything we discovered and learned on our trip helpful. Learn what to avoid, what not to miss, when to visit, how long to stay, and so much more. Read all my tips so you can have a truly wonderful time in Bohol. Hit the button below.

View my maps for a visual guide to discovering attractions.

Important: Organizing your trip, like booking tours, ferry tickets, places to stay, or vehicle rentals, shouldn’t feel overwhelming. That’s why I created my Bohol Travel Planning Page to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure. It serves as your complete guide to remove the stress so you can focus on getting excited.

Hit the button below to start planning.

Explore Central Visayas

There’s more to see in Central Visayas.

Give Cebu a closer look. There’s so much to discover! Check out my maps.