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Unwrapping the Mystique: A Chocolate Hills Adventure in Bohol, Philippines

Introduction

One meaningful adventure is necessary. And yes, you need it. You need to find a place to captivate you. You may be thinking of Bohol in the Philippines where a geological wonder – the Chocolate Hills – seems plucked from a whimsical dream. As the sun sets over this enchanting landscape, you begin to imagine the undulating hills transforming into a sea of chocolate-brown mounds, creating a breathtaking panorama that has charmed adventurers for generations.

Day 1: A Sweet Arrival

Begin your Chocolate Hills adventure with a sweet touchdown at Tagbilaran Airport. From there, embark on a scenic journey through quaint villages and lush rice terraces, setting the stage for the awe-inspiring experience that awaits.

Upon arriving in the charming town of Carmen, where the Chocolate Hills are concentrated, check into one of the local eco-friendly resorts. Allow the peaceful surroundings to envelop you as you unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Rise and Shine

As the roosters glorify and herald the dawn, grab a robust breakfast before heading to the Chocolate Hills Complex. Your first stop is the viewing deck, which presents a panoramic marvel of the 1,268 conical hills that dot the landscape.

Engage with the local guides who, with infectious enthusiasm, share the folklore surrounding the formation of these mysterious hills. Legend has it that these hills were formed from the tears of a giant who mourned the death of his unrequited love.

Day 3: Trekking and Zip-lining Amidst the Hills

Strap on your hiking boots and embark on a trek through the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. Traverse the undulating terrain, feeling the crunch of the earth beneath your feet, as you navigate your way to the Chocolate Hills’ heart.

For adrenaline seekers, the Adventure Park offers a thrilling zip-lining adventure. Soar above the hills, embracing the surreal beauty from a bird’s-eye perspective. The wind whispers tales of age-old times as you glide over the iconic landscape.

Day 4: Bohol’s Chocolate Kisses – A Tasting Experience

Explore the local culture and flavors with a visit to a nearby cacao farm. Delve into the complexities of chocolate-making as you witness the journey from cacao beans to scrumptious chocolate treats. Engage in a tasting session, savoring the distinct notes and textures of Bohol’s finest chocolates.

Day 5: Cycling through Bohol’s Backroads

Rent a bicycle and pedal your way through the idyllic countryside, discovering hidden gems nestled between the Chocolate Hills. Engage with locals, share smiles with children playing by the roadside, and relish the warm hospitality that defines Bohol.

A Bittersweet Farewell

As your adventure in Bohol’s Chocolate Hills draws to a close, reflect on the rememberings assembled amid the undulating hills and warm-hearted locals. Leave with a heart full of appreciation and a promise to return to this magical destination that has, in every sense, been a bittersweet treat.

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5 Best Travel Destinations in the Philippines

The Philippines has been popular for its tourist destinations around the world. It offers numerous beautiful tourist spots that surely captivate the hearts of guests and visitors. As well, it crafts a landmark in the world and puts the country in the global spotlight. Because of this, we are so proud to introduce our top-five tourist destinations in the country, which we personally choose. The selection of these sites does not undergo a critical evaluation of how each of them ranks. The position, as well as the ranking of these spectacular travel destinations, comes to light based on the subjective choice of the writer. Please continue reading to find out why such rankings transpire.

Fortune Island – Batangas

A Greek-like Fortune Island is a resort island of Batangas province in the Philippines. Wikipedia says that the 27-hectare island lies about 14 kilometers off the coast of Nasugbu in Batangas.

Local and foreign travelers around the world can confirm the beauty of Fortune Island. They can witness that the whole island appears to be a replica of Greek’s famous Parthenon of the ancient Greece. If they try to look at it closely, they can see the Greek relics and ruins plus the Grecian pillars and statues that tower the sea. The overlooking Grecian pillars above the sea, for instance, will remind them of the magnificent splendor of Greek power and might. Down below is the 100-foot cliff at the edge. If they try to dive into the water, they have to go to the blue holes down below. The management of Fortune Island does not allow divers to take a plunge from that cliff to the ocean. Divers have to go down and enjoy the cold refreshing beach waters. As they go down, they can see that the island has a ridge with two holes with five (5) feet in diameter. If they choose to enter into the holes, they can witness the grandeur of the cave. Also, they can go somersaulting into the blue waters and do picture-taking in its Greek-like structures. Perhaps, they can just stopover at the MV San Diego Warship Museum after performing some beach activities. Because this place represents Greek’s replica, this spot becomes first in the rank.

Banaue Rice Terraces – Ifugao, Mountain Province

A Lavish Green Rice Field at Banaue Rice Terraces in Mountain Province

The Banaue Rice Terraces is not the usual destination for you to swim and dive or even hike along the mountain top and then relax at the swimming pools. The reason why we choose this one because it is the Filipino pride. The UNESCO World Heritage Group considers this site an undamaged and raw natural charm. The Ifugao natives who live there are warm and hospitable. They welcome day-trippers and vacationers and even serve them with great food in a tribal cuisine. They offer you genuine Ifugao meals, made of and prepared from the organic rice from the terraces. Well, they also serve local Filipino food. Finally, we choose this site as an adventure location since people can look for something exciting and exotic experiences. This is second on the list since it gives tourists a refreshing mountainous trip.

Boracay Beach – Boracay

An Enchanting Cerulean Blue Combined with the Turquoise Beach Water in Boracay

Well, the Philippines has abundant islands to go for travel. More than 7,000 islands are available there and become the playground among tourists and vacationers. On the other hand, some islands remain untouched. Other islands in the country are ready for discovery. Of course, we can make more exciting excitement and fun if we want to discover more beach resorts. We can, also, find bounteous prospects for boating, snorkeling, and other water activities. Local and foreign tourists mushroom the area that makes Boracay the most popular destination in the country. The local government units and the management of Boracay work well to improve the services and to provide viable customer services among guests and tourists. Boracay is third on the list because it seems exciting after the local government units and the management of Boracay make some improvements in the area.

Palawan Islands – Palawan

A Mesmerizing Turquoise Blue Water for Beach Activities like Diving in Palawan

Well, local and foreign tourists alike know what and where Palawan is. They know that Palawan as the biggest island in the Palawan Province, particularly in the western Philippines, houses various tourist spots, such as Port Barton in El Nido; Barracuda Lake, Malcapuya Island, and Kayangan Island in Coron; Subterranean River and Sabang Beach in Puerto Princesa; and more. Well, the capital of Palawan is Puerto Princesa. Additionally, Puerto Princesa holds Subterranean River National Park, Honda Bay, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Local and foreign vacationers spend their weekends enjoying the area with its exciting beach activities. Palawan is in fourth place despite its wonder. It is because more and more people usually go there that the place appears to be crowded during the summer season.

Chocolate Hills – Bohol

A Exciting Grab of Homegrown Experience at the Slopes of Chocolate Hills in Bohol

Holidaymakers and vacationers love the Chocolate Hills due to the geological formation. The Local Government Unit and the Department of Tourism work together to make Chocolate Hills one of the best destinations aside from beach resorts. This area in the Bohol province of the Philippines has, at least 1,260 hills. There may be more than the number of hills in the province that allow us to enjoy hiking and walking. Well, some may ask why chocolate hills are not brown. Of course, the lavish green grass that covers the hills will turn brown during the summer season. Perhaps, this makes Chocolate Hills fifth on the list.

At this point, we have to express our thanks to the following websites, such as A Mary Road and Planet Ware. Please click on the link of A Mary Road, Smarter Travel, and Planet Ware for more details.

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The Chocolate Hills: A country’s wonder to explore

You may be thinking why I feature the Chocolate Hills. Well, even if this beautiful spot is far from Misamis Oriental, I cannot deny the fact we love this place. Some people may not have the chance to glimpse the stunning view of the Chocolate Hills and its geological formation in the Bohol province of the Philippines. As such, this feature article takes you to the Chocolate Hills and its historical narrative and geologic formation.

Well, the Chocolate Hills has been the celebrated tourist attraction of Bohol and in the Philippines. These hills are even highlighted in the regional flag and seal to signify the lavishness of natural attractions in the province. As the Philippine Tourism Authority submits a list of tourist destinations in the Philippines, it includes the Chocolate Hills because of its wonder. The Chocolate Hills as pointed out becomes the third National Geological Monument, and the country proposes for addition in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In other words, the Chocolate Hills become the third National Geological Monument by the National Committee on Geological Sciences on June 18, 1988, in respect of its unusual features, scientific significance, distinctiveness, and extraordinary picturesque value.

A Small Leaping Primate known as Tarsier Found in Bohol

Additionally, tourists may ask us how many hills in the place. Most likely, there have been at least 1,776 hills in the area in which tourists can enjoy hiking and walking. These hills that spread over an expanse of more than 50 square kilometers can be the best place to sightsee and witness the splendor of the venue. Well, we can see tarsier in Bohol. These tarsiers are from the family of Tarsiidae, any of six or more species of small leaping primates found only on various islands of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. Tourists will discover and know that tarsiers are in-between in form between lemurs and monkeys. Surprisingly, these primates measure only about 9–16 centimeters or 3.5–6 inches long. Of course, we do not include the tails in the measurement of about twice that length. These hills called chocolate hills since they become chocolate-brown during the dry season. During the rainy season, green grass covers the hills.

Moreover, rumors of legends spread like wildfire. According to legends, the chocolate hills come into existence due to the two disagreeing titans who tossed boulders, rocks, and sand at each other. Legends continue that these hills become Chocolate Hills. When the fight between these two giants is over, the huge mess of hills becomes the Chocolate Hills.

Jagna Port in Bohol

Finally, if we are from Cagayan de Oro City, we just need to go to Cagayan de Oro Port. We then book a ticket for only ₱700.00 plus or minus and then take a ferry from Cagayan de Oro to Jagna Port. From Jagna, Bohol, we can go directly to Tubigon via Carmen City to the Chocolate Hills. Perhaps, we can take a bus to Carmen at the Tubigon bus terminal. As well, we can find the bus terminal 1 kilometer away from Tubigon Port. Additionally, the road takes 1-2 hours and costs ₱30 – 80 pesos.