Carmen Hotels

A visit to Bohol would not be complete without a day trip – or even an overnight stay – to Carmen, home of the world-renowned Chocolate Hills. Visitors from across the globe have marveled at this natural wonder for decades.

How to Go

By plane

To get to Bohol by plane, you can book a flight to the newly opened Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which replaced the Tagbilaran Airport. Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia have regular flights to the island. PAL flies to Bohol from Manila, Clark, Davao, and Seoul, Korea while Cebu Pacific flies to Bohol via Manila, Clark, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.

The new airport is said to be rated to accommodate evening flights, a feature the old Tagbilaran airport does not have. It is also designed with environmentally friendly facilities that could reduce up to 18 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

By boat/ferry

SuperCat and Ocean Jet have daily ferry schedules from Cebu to Tagbilaran. One-way fare starts at P800.

Getting Around

Feeling adventurous? Rent a motorbike to get around Carmen and beyond. Rates start from P350, depending on the type of motorbike and rental period.

You could also arrange to hire a taxi or tricycle for a day and do a DIY tour of Bohol’s top attractions.

Tourist Attractions

Carmen is best known for Chocolate Hills, approximately 1,776 limestone hills with height ranging from 40 to 120 meters spread over an area of over 50 square kilometers. Covered by lush, green grass, the hills dry up and turn chocolate brown during the summer months.

Top Things to Do

Spend half a day admiring the Chocolate Hills, a renowned natural wonder, from the viewing deck of the Chocolate Hills Complex - entrance fee is P100. Prepare with light cardio exercises prior to your visit – the climb up to the viewing deck can give your legs a workout.

See the Chocolate Hills up close and book an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tour. Rates range from P350 for 30 minutes and P950 for a full hour.

There’s the newly-opened Chocolate Hills Adventure Park for thrill-seekers. Conquer your fear of heights and try the Rush Bike Zip, which has bikes suspended mid-air on a 550-meter cable line. Surf over the famous hills on a surfboard hovering 230 feet above the ground.

Meanwhile, the Tony Hawk Tree Top Rope Courses test both mental and physical toughness with its varying degrees of difficulty. Hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and camping grounds are also available for families and groups of friends to enjoy.

Where to Eat

Satisfy hunger pangs at Mamie Letty Grill & Restaurant, which serves classic Filipino dishes.

Nightlife

If you feel like skipping the beachside action in neighboring Panglao, enjoy videoke nights at Jeff’s Bar + Grill – work up the courage to grab that mic and sing to your heart’s content.

You can also opt for a quiet evening at Carmen; spend it enjoying a few bottles of your favorite drink with friends or with the locals before you head out to your next destination.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options in Carmen are modest, homey, and inexpensive. Charming Villa del Carmen Bed & Breakfast has rooms starting at P1,964 per person per night. Rooms at 7P2 Bed & Breakfast start at P884 per person per night.

Travel Tips

• Anywhere between January to June is a good time to plan a visit to Carmen.
• Make the most out of your visit and include the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella and the man-made forest in Bilar as part of your itinerary for the day.
• Stay until the sun sets for magnificent views (and ‘gram worthy snaps) of the Chocolate Hills.