Mesmerized by the Stunning Chocolate Hills of Bohol

Two months ago, my wish to see the famed Chocolate Hills finally came true. It felt surreal to see those natural wonders up close because they looked far more splendid in real life.

That day, my family and I requested that our tour guide and driver make the Chocolate Hills our first stop. Since we only had 6 hours to tour Bohol, we decided to complete the highlights as soon as possible and save the minor destinations for later, in case time wasn't on our side.

                                       Steep steps lead to the Observation Deck.

To see the Chocolate Hills at a good angle, we had to climb 214 steps to the observation deck. Oh my! 

                       Breathtaking Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines

A gasp of much-needed oxygen interpersed with a few seconds of rest here and there got me through the climbing ordeal. However, when I saw the Chocolate Hills up close, I immediately forgot about my sore legs and feet. My initial reaction was that they looked so much lovelier than in the postcards I once saw them in.

Chocolate Hills resemble the world's favorite brand of chocolates, Hershey's Kisses!

I can't believe that the hills I was looking at were just part of the projected 1,268 hills in the region. Even in the absence of their signature brown hue, the mountain still looked phenomenal! 

When I looked at the other side of the observation deck, I saw some hills donning sharper tips instead of the usual rounded ones. During that moment, I couldn't help but think about how these wonders came to be. 

According to most geologists, the most likely explanation would have to be, "the hills are the weathered formations of a kind of marine limestone on top of an impermeable layer of clay." 

A few moments later, I looked down from the deck and saw some foreigners fighting it out for the best poses! 

That served as my cue to have my picture taken, too. Thanks to my official photographer, my left hand, for this photo. Take a moment to watch my video of the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol. 

                                                Taken from my YouTube Channel

              

For this walkway, going down was easier than the trek up.

Chocolate Hills

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Entrance Fee: PHP 50 per head

Stopover included in the standard Bohol Countryside Tour Package