Chocolate Hills

The purpose of my trip to the island of Bohol in the Philippines is, among other things, a visit to the so-called Chocolate Hills. In fact the main attraction of the island.

Make it very easy for myself this time and hire a car with a driver who will drive me around Bohol for a day for a very reasonable price to see the most important sights.

At the stroke of 9 o'clock Joy is ready as agreed and briefly tells me what I can see today. Not only the Chocolate Hills but also the world's smallest tarsier, a lunch on the Loboc river and of course several churches with a piece of history. We set off and while driving Joy tells a hundred stories about the island and the places we pass. Be told that Bohol is 10^e is the largest island of the Philippines and has a total of 48 places with 1.3 million inhabitants.

On the way, at my request, a short stop at a company where some men forge large knives. A little later we see the famous hills looming from afar. At the town of Carmen, a path gradually ascends to the point from where you have the best view.

In the middle of an almost flat plateau, conical hills of about 50 to 30 meters high rise in an area of ​​more than 50 square kilometers. They are mostly covered with grass that takes on a brown tint during the dry season. The hills are somewhat reminiscent of giant chocolate mountains.

This special geological phenomenon is caused by the weathering of limestone. The hills are almost identical in shape to each other. Because the limestone is on the surface, a chemical weathering has occurred due to the acidic properties of the rainwater.

Myth

Another beautiful explanation is that two giants fought against each other for days with stones and sand. More romantic is the story of Arogo, a strong and young giant who fell in love with the girl Aloya. When Aloya died in the giant's palm, his tears turned to the hills. The giant must have shed a lot of tears because if one has used the abacus correctly, the Chocolate Hills contain no less than 1268 of these hills. To be honest, I have not seen all of them, but the view is very special.

We drive on and pay a visit to the tarsiers about which more in a next story. The stomach starts to growl so we make a stop at the Loboc river where a number of boats are ready where lunch is served on board and then a short trip on the river. A bit touristy with 2 guitar players on board and a little further a short stop where the group is serenaded by a group of ladies.

Old church

In the Philippines it is almost impossible not to be confronted with church life. So Joseph also has to believe in entering a few centuries old church that is used as a 'museum'. The text at the entrance You have not been to Baclayon if you have not seen the museum help me over the threshold. A composition of many statues, old hymnals, crucifixes and you name it all the stuff you encounter in the Rich Roman Life. My stomach turns and it is limited to a very short visit because I have less pleasant Roman memories of my early Rich Life.

Joy wants to show me another very big python but my thoughts go way back and thank him kindly. Great guy and if you come to Bohol then I can recommend him as a pleasant and knowledgeable guide and driver. Joy Pacot: 09207486456