Tarsier Sanctuary Bohol:
Where to See Philippine Tarsiers in Bohol
The Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world and one of the most fascinating animals visitors can encounter in the Philippines. With their enormous eyes, tiny bodies and almost silent movements, these nocturnal creatures often become one of the most memorable moments of a trip to Bohol.
However, not all places where tourists can see tarsiers offer the same level of protection or respect for the animals. For travelers who want to see them in a responsible and ethical way, the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is widely considered the best place to visit.
This guide explains where to see tarsiers in Bohol, why the sanctuary in Corella is the recommended option, and what visitors should expect when visiting.
If you are planning your trip to the island, you can also read our Bohol travel guide to understand how the island is organized and how to plan your visit.
Table of Contents
What is the Philippine tarsier?
The Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest primates on Earth, measuring only around 10 to 15 centimeters in length.
Despite their tiny size, they have some of the largest eyes relative to body size in the animal kingdom. Each eye is almost as large as their brain.
Tarsiers are nocturnal animals that spend most of the day sleeping in trees and become active at night to hunt insects.
Because they are extremely sensitive animals and easily stressed by human interaction, protecting their natural habitat has become an important conservation effort in the Philippines.
Where to see tarsiers in Bohol
The most recommended place to see tarsiers in Bohol is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella.
The sanctuary is located in a protected forest area where tarsiers live in a natural environment. Visitors walk along a quiet forest path where guides help locate the animals resting in the trees.
Most travelers reach the sanctuary from Panglao, which is about a 40–50 minute drive depending on traffic conditions.
A visit to the sanctuary is often combined with other stops in the interior of Bohol such as the famous Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River.
If you want to see how this visit fits into a full day on the island, you can check our Bohol itinerary.
Why the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary is recommended
The sanctuary in Corella was created as part of a long-term conservation effort to protect the Philippine tarsier and its natural habitat.
The conservation program focuses on several key goals:
protecting forest areas where tarsiers live
conducting scientific research on their behavior and ecology
educating visitors about the species
involving local communities in conservation efforts
The sanctuary is managed by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a non-profit organization that works together with environmental authorities and tourism agencies to promote responsible ecotourism.
Because the animals live in a protected forest environment and visitor access is carefully controlled, the sanctuary offers one of the most respectful ways to observe tarsiers in the wild.
What to expect during your visit
A typical visit to the sanctuary takes around 30 minutes.
Visitors walk along a short forest trail where guides help locate the tarsiers resting in the vegetation. Because the animals are very small and remain almost motionless during the day, the guides play an important role in helping visitors spot them.
Many visitors are surprised by two things when they see a tarsier for the first time:
how tiny the animal actually is
how large and expressive its eyes are
Seeing these animals quietly resting in their natural habitat is a unique experience that often becomes one of the highlights of a visit to Bohol.
Important rules when visiting the sanctuary
Because tarsiers are extremely sensitive animals, visitors must follow several important rules.
These include:
remain quiet during the visit
do not touch the animals
no flash photography
keep a safe distance from the tarsiers
Respecting these rules helps protect the animals from stress and allows them to continue living safely in their natural environment.
Visiting hours and important tips
Travelers should plan their visit carefully because the sanctuary has specific visiting hours.
The site open at 8:30am and usually closes early in the afternoon, and visitors are generally advised not to arrive after 3:30 pm.
The sanctuary may also close during certain major holidays such as Christmas, New Year or Holy Week, so checking the schedule in advance is recommended.
How to include the Tarsier Sanctuary in your itinerary
Most travelers visit the sanctuary as part of a route exploring the interior of Bohol.
This typically includes stops such as:
the Chocolate Hills
the Man-Made Forest
the Loboc River
Many travelers explore these places through a private tour in Bohol, which allows them to visit the sanctuary, the Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River at the best time of the day while avoiding the busiest moments.
If the tarsier sanctuary is part of your inland day, you can also choose between the classic countryside route and the Bohol Nature Tour.
FAQ
Are tarsiers endangered?
Yes. The Philippine tarsier is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures.
Can you touch a tarsier?
No. Visitors must never touch tarsiers because they are extremely sensitive animals.
How long does the visit take?
Most visits last around 30 minutes.
Seeing the Philippine tarsier in its natural environment is one of the most special experiences in Bohol.
Many travelers include the sanctuary as part of a their private tours in Bohol, which combines the visit with other highlights such as the Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River.