After a good night’s slumber, we were off to see Bohol. The first stop on our Bohol countryside tour was the Chocolate Hills. We just passed the town of Bilar when we saw these little mounds of land suddenly emerging on our sides. Soon, we were going uphill.
Kuya Tata, our driver for the day, dropped us off at the entrance to the Chocolate Hills viewing deck. He told us that he would need to wait at the bottom of the hill, then we’d inform the dispatcher when we’re ready to be picked up.
Slowly, we climbed the steps leading to the viewing platform, occasionally stopping to catch our breath! The stairs are narrow, such that when a group stops in front of you, you have to stop or overtake them using the descending lane (which is quite a task when there are people going down). I wondered how these people didn’t utilize the rest stops available – so that they need not bother others!
Soon, we reached our destination: the top. In front of me was this giant hill – well, giant compared to the others – but it wasn’t green nor brown. It was almost white, with some grass sprawled across its surface.
Then you’d see the other mounds of (green) chocolate across the horizon. Our visit wasn’t the perfect timing – the hills were green instead of brown. 🙁 I didn’t feel the same fascination as I used to feel when I see a place for the first time.
We went down via the paved path at the side of the hill. This enabled us to see more chocolate hills at a distance. While I particularly enjoyed this feat, I was disappointed at how I cannot capture these hills using my camera – not only because its zoom quality is not too good, but also because there’s a building hovering over the view when you try to zoom too much!
We asked Kuya Tata to pick us up. Upon his arrival, he informed us that no matter how many times he’s brought clients to this place, he has never been up the viewing deck himself – a fact that stabbed my heart. He’s like Dwi, our driver in Yogyakarta who’s never seen the royal tombs. If only we knew earlier…
Anyway, more on this Bohol Countryside Tour next time. Tarsiers will be next. Happy travels! 🙂
Eventhough the hills are lush and green it is still a spectaculat sight!!
In some way, yes it is. I just wished that we had a higher viewing point so we could see more hills!
Next time, go visit White Chocolate Hills in zamboanguita for the mini-version! so cute!
I will! Thanks for the info! 🙂