Chocolate Hills are very unique geological formations located in Bohol, Philippines. It is named the Chocolate Hills and the reason is this: 1176 cone-shaped hills are extended over an area of 50 square kilometers which are covered with green grass that turns brown during the dry season and they look like endless row of chocolate kisses.
These conical and almost symmetrical hills are from 30 to 50 meters high, while the largest one is 120 m high. Dominated by hard grass species, the Chocolate Hills are made by interesting combination: dissolution of lime stones by rainfall, surface water and ground water and their erosion. Considered as an extraordinary example of conical karst topography, the Chocolate Hills are separated by flat plains and include various caves and springs. There are similar hills in limestone regions in Croatia, Slovenia, Puerto Rico and Cuba, but the Chocolate Hills site is indeed outstanding.
Via Flickr by efrenefren
Legend says that Hill are made by a tears from a giant who cried when his love died.
The Chocolate Hills are popular tourist location of Bohol, and in the same time the most important tourist destination in the Philippines and are excellent place to spend cheap holidays. Two hills are turned into resorts for tourists, the most famous is located in Carmen and it is called Chocolate Hills Complex. The most recent one is called Sagbayan Peak located in Sagbayan.
Via Flickr by ppborla
Thank to its tourist and scientific importance and particular characteristics, the Chocolate Hills are included into protected areas in the country. Beside that, the hills are declared as national geological monument and there are many efforts to maintain the natural wonder and its surrounding. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on May 16, 2006, suggested the Chocolate Hills to the UNESCO World Heritage for adding it to the list as a natural monument.
Hills are even featured in the provincial flag and seal which is proof of importance of the hills for the country.
Via Flickr by Robert Fabros
Information are taken from the Bohol Board and Bohol Insider web sites and their eBooks.