The Bohol Hills, also known as the Chocolate Hills, are giant mounds of land covered with green grass that turn brown when the dry season arrives and are located on the island of Bohol in the Philippines.
There are 1,268 mountains in conical shapes with the vast majority ranging from 30 to 50 meters in height, but some can reach 120 meters in height, and occupy an area of 50 km².
The origin of this unusual geological formation is uncertain.
Experts believe that the hills were shaped by the action of winds over millions of years or could be the result of a sub-oceanic volcanic phenomenon.
Rainwater may also be the forming agent, and experts presume that a series of underground rivers and caves exist under these cone-shaped hills.
Because they are a major tourist attraction, the country’s authorities do not allow excavations on the site and as no relevant examination has been carried out, people question whether the hills could not be the product of humans or other intelligent beings, which generates numerous theories about the unusual formations.
A popular theory revolves around its pyramid-like dome shape, which hints at its artificial nature.
According to this hypothesis, they could be tombs of the ancient rulers of this area, similar to the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, buried along with his Terracotta Warriors.
There are also several local legends to explain the formation of the place.
One of them tells that the hills are actually dried tears of an immortal giant named Arogo, which were shed because of the death of his beloved.
Another Filipino legend tells of giants who started a great stone duel and then left the place, leaving behind their trail of destruction.
Although these are just folk tales, they all talk about giants that gave rise to these unusual formations.
The Chocolate Hills are the most popular tourist attraction on the island of Bohol and are on the UNESCO list to become a World Heritage Site due to their unique aesthetic and geological value in the world.
