Himontagon Hills

Overview

Himontagon Hills — also known as Morning Hills — is a cluster of hills in Barangay Botoc Occidental, Loay, about 20 km from Tagbilaran City. The hills rise to approximately 200 metres above sea level and overlook central Bohol and the Bohol Sea. On clear days, sightlines extend toward Camiguin Island, Negros, and Siquijor. The site is popular for sunrise and sunset viewing, trekking, hiking, and camping, and is reached within roughly 20 minutes from Loay town centre.

Location

Barangay Botoc Occidental, Loay municipality, Bohol. The site is approximately 20 km from Tagbilaran City along the road toward Loay and the Loboc River valley.

Getting There

From Tagbilaran City, take a jeepney or bus toward Loay (approximately 30–40 minutes). From Loay town centre, the hills are reached by habal-habal or on foot in roughly 20 minutes. Private vehicle hire from Tagbilaran is an alternative for those combining the visit with Loboc River or Loay area sites.

Practical Info

• Elevation: approximately 200 m above sea level
• Best viewing: sunrise and sunset
• Activities: trekking, hiking, camping
• Suitable for couples, families, and groups

[TO ENRICH: entrance fee or land access arrangement; nearest facilities; trail condition and length; whether camping permits are required]

What to Expect

Himontagon draws a lighter crowd than Bohol’s better-known highland viewpoints, which makes the early climb worth it for sunrise without competing for space at the summit.

The hills sit close enough to Loay’s river circuit — firefly watching after dark, the Bohol Cultural Village by day — to fold into a single Loay–Loboc itinerary rather than standing as a separate trip.

Notes

• Sources: bisayatraveler.com (2017-03-21), chasingxcollective.wordpress.com (2017-03-06)
• BPTO taxonomy: Nature — Hills, Camping Ground
• The local name “Morning Hills” reflects its association with early-morning visibility conditions