The Chocolate Hills are a naturally occurring geological formation found in the Bohol province of the Philippines. There are as many as 1,776 hills spread out over an area of 20 square miles. The hills are covered in green grass that turn brown once the rain stops, giving the hills their unique name. The hills are also nicknamed “Hershey Kisses” by the locals.
The hills are a famous tourist attraction in Bohol, and even feature on its provincial flag. They are the country’s third National Geological Monument, and have been nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
According to a plaque located on the site, “The unique land form known as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol was formed ages ago by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rain water and erosion.” That would be the scientific explanation.
The legendary explanation for the unique hills, as told by locals, is that the hills are a result of a historic feud between two giants who hurled rocks at each other. The fighting lasted for days and the two giants were exhausted. After the fighting, the giants became friends, although they left their mess behind. It has been speculated that the story of giants Brogy and Dorry, in the anime series One Piece, is based off of this legend.
