Excursion Bohol natural treasures - chocolate hills & tarsier sanctuary tour at Tagbilaran

Visit two of the major icons of Bohol, Chocolate hills and Tarsier.

Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills is the famous natural attraction on the island province of Bohol and is a mystery to many. The geological explanation about the hills, which is composed of limestone were formed by underwater currents some thousands of years ago. There are at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square km (20 square mi). They have been declared the country's third Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO National World Heritage List. The Chocolate Hills form a rolling terrain of haycock-shaped hills - mounds of a generally conical and almost symmetrical shape. The cone shaped or dome shaped hills are actually made of grass covered limestone. The domes vary in size from 30-50 metres (98-164ft) high with the largest being 120 metres (390ft) in height. These unique mound shaped hills are scattered by the hundreds throughout various towns. However, these hills are located at the center of the island. It got its name from the famed "hershey's chocolate kisses" since the grass that grows on these hills turns brown during the dry season.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Re-board the coach and proceed to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, a nocturnal primate which is now endangered. It is a non-profit, non-stock corporation established in 1996 to conserve, promote research and establish a sanctuary for the Philippine Tarsier. It is an entirely private sector initiative.

Organized by local businessmen in Bohol, an island of 1.2 million people, the foundation operates a 8.4 hectare (20.7acre) sanctuary or forest reservation, nestled within a larger protected forest where it is estimated a thousand other Tarsier are believed to live. At the reserve you can view the Tarsier in its natural habitat, in an enclosure. Get a glimpse of this smallest primate in the sanctuary before returning to the port.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking with 220 steps up to chocolate hill's viewing deck (optional) and a few to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended.