When it comes to an exciting holiday in the Philippines, many imagine an exotic landscape with scorching sun, white sand beaches and clear waters. However, there is one natural attraction that will change all travelers' ideas about a tropical paradise.
An amazing corner with fantastic views reminiscent of alien landscapes has become a popular tourist destination.
Cone-shaped hills
On the island of Bohol (Bohol) there is a unique natural formation, about which the locals add legends. The area, dubbed the Chocolate Hills, is causing a lot of controversy among scientists.
This unusual attraction is adored by travelers from all over the world who dream of enjoying magical beauties.
Many still find it hard to believe that more than a thousand hilly geological formations, inside which there are no karst caves, are not the work of human hands. Perfectly shaped brown cones at first bore the name Carmen Hills, until onea vacationer from America did not compare them with chocolate truffles, since then the name Chocolate Hills has taken root, and the popularity of the island has grown several times.
Ancient legends about the origin of the attraction
Indigenous people keep several legends about how the Chocolate Hills actually appeared. Once upon a time, the Philippines was a territory where giants lived, who staged a real battle for the right to be the winner. For many days they threw huge boulders at each other, competing to see who could throw the furthest. In the end, the giants reconciled without cleaning up after themselves, and traces of their fierce battle remained on the island in the form of a pitted surface, on which mountains of sand and stones rested, covered with grass over time.
There is another, very romantic legend about a strong giant who fell in love with an ordinary girl. And when the young beauty died, the grief of the young man was so great that he cried non-stop, remembering how happy he was with his beloved. His tears froze and turned into large mountains, reminiscent of a terrible loss.
Multiple versions of scientists
Geologists studying the Chocolate Hills also cannot unequivocally say about their origin. The main version is as follows: natural formations in the form of an ideal cone consist of hard limestone, which is not subject to weathering, and beneath them lies a deep layer of clay that is resistant to groundwater.
According to another theory, such hills were formed after the eruption of active volcanoes, andtraces of their vital activity were covered with bark. Some experts believe that millions of years ago this area was the bottom of the ocean, on which lime deposits grew. After draining the reservoir, torrential downpours and strong winds made their contribution, sharpening the Chocolate Hills in the form of cones.
The not-so-popular but valid opinion of scientists is that the coral deposits at this site have gradually risen under the influence of soil erosion, becoming covered with vegetation and limestone bark. But no one has yet come to a general conclusion about the appearance of amazing slides, the only thing that all experts agree on is the miraculous nature of grassy hills. It is believed that no civilization could have created such a majestic creation.
Natural Formations
The chocolate hills (Philippines), scattered in a chaotic manner, varying in height from 50 to 150 meters, have a smooth shape without any protrusions. Green shoots grow on their surface, and after the hot rays of the sun dry it, perennial grasses change their hue to a brownish, which gave the name of the local attraction.
Resembling real chocolate slides formations against the backdrop of dense emerald forests seem very bright and impressive. Tourists visiting the island for the first time cannot even believe that this is a natural beauty that people have not put their hands on.
Pride of the Philippine government
One of the most breathtaking landscapes of the island nation is undoubtedly the disturbingimagination Chocolate Hills. The Philippines even applied to be included in the list of new wonders of the world. Now natural formations are under the protection of UNESCO and are the pride of the islands. And the government is opening new resorts for everyone who comes from the farthest corners of the globe to enjoy the stunning scenery firsthand.
Beautiful scenery
The landscape, of course, does not differ in particular variety, but it does not always look the same. At sunrise or sunset, the sun's rays fall on the dark mountains, giving them delicate shades. And in the light of the moon, the already incredibly beautiful sight seems to be an extraterrestrial landscape: mysterious long shadows fall on the hills, changing ideas about reality. Illuminated in silver, the geological formations attract the eyes of all lovers who specially visit the romantic area.
Besides, the Chocolate Hills (Philippines), the photos of which really resemble mountains of finely grated cocoa, are loved by children who sincerely believe in the reality of what is happening.
And from the height of a specially equipped observation deck at any time of the day you can admire the picturesque panorama of an extraordinary miracle of nature.
Chocolate Hills (Philippines): how to get there?
Cone-shaped relief formations, recognized as a national monument, are of great interest to scientists and ordinary tourists, are applied to the coat of arms and the flag of the island of Bohol. On your own, not as part of a tour, you can get to them along the highway from the administrative centerTagbilaran to the village of Carmen, which is not only a local attraction, but also a luxurious resort.
The concrete road that bisects the island is always busy, and local buses run every 20 minutes. The cost of an exciting excursion is 50 pesos.
Located on the plains, the Chocolate Hills captivate with their charm everyone who visits the fabulous territory. Fantastic views of formations overgrown with grass are remembered for a long time, because in nature there are no analogues like this.
