Chocolate Hills
Over a thousand grassy hills rolling to the horizon in the heart of Bohol, an easy day or overnight trip from Cebu by fast ferry, with tarsiers and the Loboc River on the way.
The Chocolate Hills are Bohol's most famous sight: well over a thousand smooth, cone-shaped hills spread across the middle of the island. Most are about 30-50 metres tall and covered in grass, which turns brown in the dry months, giving them their name. They are just across the sea from Cebu, so you can see them on a long day trip or, better, as part of a relaxed night or two in Bohol.
Why go to the Chocolate Hills
- A landscape found nowhere else, with hills rolling all the way to the horizon.
- An easy viewing deck in Carmen with wide views in every direction.
- Nearby stops like the tarsier sanctuary in Corella and the Loboc River.
- Close to Cebu City, with frequent fast ferries to Tagbilaran.
The viewing deck in Carmen
The main viewpoint is the government-run Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen, about 55 km from Tagbilaran City. From the parking area, you climb a little over 200 steps to a deck on top of one of the hills. It takes most people about 10-15 minutes at an easy pace. There is a small entrance fee, which changes from time to time, so check the current rate at the gate.
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for softer light and fewer tour groups. Sagbayan Peak, in the next town, is another viewpoint if you want a different angle.
A protected landscape
The Chocolate Hills are a protected natural monument and part of Bohol's UNESCO Global Geopark. In 2024, a resort built at the foot of the hills went viral and caused a national outcry. The government confirmed it had been ordered to stop for lacking an environmental clearance, and stricter checks on buildings inside the protected area followed. As a visitor, stick to official viewpoints, do not climb the hills off the marked paths, and leave no trash.
Things to do nearby
- Tarsier sanctuary in Corella: the Philippine Tarsier Foundation runs a forest sanctuary where these tiny primates live in the wild. Keep your voice low, never touch them and do not use flash. Choose this kind of sanctuary over places that keep tarsiers in cages.
- Loboc River: floating restaurant cruises glide along a green river with lunch and live music, a classic Bohol stop.
- Bilar Man-Made Forest: a short stretch of road under tall mahogany trees, nice for a quick photo stop.
- ATV rides: several operators near Carmen run ATV and buggy trails with views of the hills. Wear a helmet, follow the guide and stay on the trail.
Where is Chocolate Hills?
Carmen, Bohol
Directions open in Google Maps, starting from where you are. Its travel times are estimates, and ferries and island boats may not be included.
Getting there from Cebu
- Take a fast ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol's capital. The trip takes about 2 hours. See our Cebu to Bohol ferry guide for operators and tips.
- From the port, ride a tricycle or taxi to the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran.
- Take a bus or van to Carmen and ask to get off at the Chocolate Hills. The ride takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on stops.
- From the main road, walk or take a short motorbike ride up to the viewing complex.
The easier option is a countryside tour from Tagbilaran or Panglao by private car or van. These usually combine the Chocolate Hills, a tarsier stop, the man-made forest and a Loboc River lunch in one day. Agree on the stops and the price before you go.
Where to stay and eat
Most visitors stay on Panglao Island or in Tagbilaran and visit the hills as a day tour. If you want sunrise at the deck, look for simple countryside stays around Carmen and nearby towns. Lunch is easy along the Loboc River or at small eateries near the complex.
When to go
For the true chocolate colour, visit in the dry season, usually from about February to May, when the grass dries out. During the rainy months the hills turn green, which is still beautiful. Clear mornings give the best views, and storms from around June to November can cancel ferries.
Tips for a good trip
- Catch an early ferry if you are doing a day trip from Cebu.
- Bring water, a hat and sunscreen. The deck has little shade.
- Carry small cash for fees, snacks and transport.
- Be kind to wildlife: no touching or flash photos of tarsiers.
- Check the last bus and ferry back before you set out.
Planning your crossing? Start with our Cebu to Bohol ferry guide. Back in Cebu, the hills of Osmeña Peak make a lovely contrast.
Photo gallery
Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.
Watch before you go
Photo: "Bohol Hills, Chocolate Hills, Philippines" by Vyacheslav Argenberg, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Banner video: "Chocolate Hills from above" by DaniloAcosta on Pixabay, Pixabay Content License.
Last updated October 16, 2026
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