When visiting the Chocolate Hills, travelers will be overwhelmed by the thousands of rolling hills that stretch endlessly.
Located on Bohol Island, Philippines, the Chocolate Hills consist of a group of unusually shaped hills. It is hard to believe that this spectacular site is not man-made. All of it is a product of nature, and this unique landscape can only be found in Bohol.
Chocolate Hills – A Natural Wonder
According to Unusual Places, it is estimated that there are a total of over 1,268 hills spread across an area of about 51 km2, including the towns of Batuan, Sagbayan, Bilar, and Carmen.
There are over 1,268 hills spread across an area of approximately 51 km2.
The hills vary in size, with heights ranging from about 30 to 50 meters, and the tallest hill reaching up to 120 meters. Yet, from a distance, they appear perfectly aligned. So much so that many people believe they are the work of an ancient civilization.
When visiting this place, travelers will be amazed by the thousands of rolling hills that seem to stretch on forever, resembling brown chocolate candies. This is why they are called the Chocolate Hills.
Typically, during the rainy season, the hills are covered in lush green grass, but they turn brown during the dry season, resembling chocolate. Interestingly, there are no trees growing on these hills, only grass.
There are no trees growing on this hill area, only grass.
Since 1997, the Chocolate Hills have been recognized as a geological monument of the Philippines. This area is protected and has become a tourist destination.
On May 16, 2006, the Chocolate Hills were nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This tourist site is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
This area is protected and has become a tourist destination.
The Unsolved Mystery of the Chocolate Hills
The formation of the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines remains a mystery. Even geologists have not reached a consensus on the formation of this natural phenomenon.
A widely accepted geological hypothesis is that the mounds were formed from marine limestone. They sit atop a hard clay base that has eroded over thousands of years.
The formation of the Chocolate Hills remains a mystery.
Scientists continue to study to find a satisfactory explanation for this seemingly otherworldly natural landscape. Meanwhile, the local people of Bohol still pass down several folklore stories about the formation of the Chocolate Hills.
1. One local legend tells that the hills were formed from a battle between two giants that lasted for many days. During the fight, the giants threw stones, sand, and dirt at each other until they grew tired and could no longer fight. They became friends and eventually left the island, leaving the chaos behind.
2. A more romantic legend tells of a giant named Arogo, who was young and strong. He fell in love with a mortal named Aloya. However, the sudden death of Aloya caused Arogo great sorrow, and his tears dried up, leading to the formation of the Chocolate Hills.
Chocolate Hills.
3. Many believe in the story of a giant named Miguel, who ate everything he saw.
One day, he happened upon the beautiful Adrianna, which prompted him to lose weight. The giant expelled everything he had eaten, leading to the formation of the large brown hills, which won him the affection of the girl.
Regardless of the origins of the Chocolate Hills, they remain one of the most bizarre landscapes in the world, well worth a visit.
