My family and I went to Bohol for the first time last February 2007. We went to the Chocolate Hills as part of our day tour.

We went there at around 2PM so it was very hot. I was glad that I brought an umbrella and had sunblock on.

The hills can already be seen from the road but the best view, we were told was from a lookout near Carmen. There was a minimal entrance fee of about P10 per person. The lookout itself is on top of one chocolate hill. There is a small restaurant and some souvenir shops.

There were two viewing decks at the top and one can either climb the stairs or go the easier way through the winding path. At the top, we were treated to a breathtaking view. Hundreds of hills, all similar in shape and size (ranged from 30-50 meters). It was mind-boggling for me! We were told that there are different theories about the origin of these hills like maybe, they were limestone weatherings, or sub-ocean volcanisms, etc. Whatever. In my opinion, this was one one of the best sights I've ever seen.

The hills were still green and will turn brown towards the end of summer. My husband and I agree that we will surely go back to Bohol see those hills again in May.

By the way, on the road going to the chocolate hills, there was a manmade forest. Thousands of mahogany trees were planted in the 1960's. Now they line the road and their branches and leaves were "cathedral-like" in formation. We took a lot of pictures there. And since it was a forest, the air was cool and sweet.