Tourist Spots

         Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills are probably Bohol's most famous tourist attraction. They look like giant mole hills, or as some say, women's breasts, and remind us of the hills in a small child's drawing. Most people who first see pictures of this landscape can hardly believe that these hills are not a man-made artifact. However, this idea is quickly abandoned, as the effort would surely surpass the construction of the pyramids in Egypt. The chocolate hills consist of are no less than 1268 hills (some claim this to be the exact number). They are very uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 meters high. They are covered with grass, which, at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate brown. From this color, the hills derive their name. At other times, the hills are green, and the association may be a bit difficult to make.

Legend has it that the hills came into existence when two giants threw stones and sand at each other in a fight that lasted for days. When they were finally exhausted, they made friends and left the island, but left behind the mess they made. For the more romantically inclined is the tale of Arogo, a young and very strong giant who fell in love with an ordinary mortal girl called Aloya. After she died, the giant Arogo cried bitterly. His tears then turned into hills, as a lasting proof of his grief. 

                                                                                                  Hinagdanan Cave

Located 2 kilometres from the town proper of Dauis, the Hinagdanan Cave is almost an all natural attraction since certain areas have been modified in order to ease up its accessibility, but none the less the cave is still a must-see site. The cave was discovered by a farmer who was cutting up the weeds to give way for his planting when he accidentally discovered a large hole.  Thinking that it might lead to something else, the farmer dropped a stone to find out if there is a surface below.  But to his surprise, he heard the sound of water.  That immediately made him conclude that this was not an ordinary hole but it was a hole leading to a cave.

Hinagdanan Cave

Since the hole was too small for him to pass through, he tried to find another hole that can serve as a passageway to the cave and found it indeed.  The cave is an underground type, which required a ladder to aid in accessing it. Later on, a cemented staircase was permanently made, which is known as hagdanan in the native tongue. Soon the added structure became associated with the cave eventually causing the cave to be known as the Hinagdanan Cave(A Cave with a Staircase).

For cave exploration enthusiasts, one can study the alluring stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave.  One can also take a dip in the pool found in the middle of the cave that is more than 10 feet deep.  A professional lifeguard is available for the safety of the swimmers.  There are only two fluorescent lamps that provide light for the visitors for better viewing inside the cave.  However, one can bring a flashlight or a battery-operated torch for additional lighting while exploring the cave.

Legend has it that the townspeople long time ago could borrow house utensils from the supposed elves that reside in the cave.  However, the benevolent relationship between the people and the supernatural beings ended when the borrowers neglected to return what they borrowed from the magical beings.

What is unique about the cave is that the water of the pool is a mixture of salty and groundwater creating an effect of a smell of piss.  But the cool temperature of the pool offers a stress-releasing benefit for anyone who wants to take a dip in its waters.

Entrance Fee: Adult: Php 15.00 / Children/Students: Php 10.00
Parking Fee (Any type of vehicle): Php 15.00
Location: Dauis—6km from Tagbilaran City