+91-8929175340
The Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol is one of the island’s most intimate and unforgettable wildlife experiences. The sanctuary protects the Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta), a tiny nocturnal primate famous for its enormous eyes, delicate hands, and shy, watchful behaviour. Visiting the sanctuary is a chance to see these gentle creatures in a protected forest environment while supporting conservation and education efforts run by local organisations.
The main Tarsier Sanctuary and conservation area is located in Corella (near Loboc and Bilar) on the island of Bohol. From Tagbilaran City — the island’s main hub — the sanctuary is roughly 13–15 km away and can be reached by taxi, rented scooter, tricycle, or as part of an organised day tour.
Typical routes: if you arrive at Bohol–Panglao International Airport, you can take a taxi to Tagbilaran and continue onward, or hire a van or scooter for a flexible self-drive visit. Many visitors combine a morning or afternoon stop at the tarsiers with nearby attractions such as the Loboc River, Chocolate Hills, and local heritage churches.
Bohol has a tropical climate with a dry season (roughly November to April) and a wetter season (May to October). Tarsiers are nocturnal and tend to be more active at dawn and dusk, so early morning or late afternoon visits increase your chance of seeing them awake and moving. Avoid visiting during heavy rainstorms, both for your own safety and because tarsiers are less visible and the forest trails can become slippery.
Sanctuary opening hours vary slightly by source and season, but most visitor information lists the sanctuary as open during daytime hours — commonly around 8:30/9:00 AM until mid-afternoon (about 3:00–4:00 PM). Guided visits inside the sleeping/feeding areas usually last 20–60 minutes and are led by a local guide who explains the tarsier’s behaviour and rules for respectful observation.
The Philippine tarsier is one of the world’s smallest primates and an iconic species native to the Philippines. Bohol’s sanctuary is famous because it protects a viable population in a natural, semi-wild enclosure while educating the public and supporting conservation research. The tarsier’s unusual appearance — oversized eyes, long fingers, and ability to rotate its head nearly 180 degrees — makes it an instantly memorable animal for travellers and wildlife lovers.
On arrival visitors usually pay a modest entrance fee and watch a short orientation video before joining a guided walk into the forested area where tarsiers live. Rules are strictly enforced: no flash photography, soft voices only, no touching the animals, and staying on the designated paths. Guides will point out tarsiers clinging to trunks or low branches and explain why the animals are sensitive to disturbance.
Expect the guided portion of the visit to last between 20 and 45 minutes. The sanctuary area is kept deliberately natural — paths may be uneven or muddy — so wear comfortable footwear and bring a lightweight rain layer during the wet months. There are usually small donation boxes, a visitor centre with educational displays, and basic visitor facilities.
The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary and the organisations behind it grew from conservation efforts in the 1990s aimed at protecting the tarsier’s dwindling habitat. Local foundations and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) partnered with communities to set aside forest parcels, build visitor facilities, and train guides who could monitor the animals and educate visitors.
Architecturally, the sanctuary avoids imposing modern structures on the landscape. Visitor facilities are small and low-rise: interpretive centres, simple walking trails, thatched or wooden shelters, and modest pathways that blend with the forest. The goal is minimal intervention — protect habitat, reduce stress to the animals, and provide opportunities for community-based tourism rather than large-scale development.
The tarsier sanctuary is often part of a half-day or full-day Bohol itinerary. Nearby activities include a scenic Loboc River cruise with lunch, visiting the Chocolate Hills viewpoint, exploring centuries-old churches in Baclayon, and trying local food at small eateries. If you’ve rented a scooter or car, the island’s scenic backroads make for a pleasant tour between attractions.
• The Philippine tarsier is a small, nocturnal primate with huge eyes adapted for night vision. It feeds mainly on insects and small vertebrates.
• Tarsiers are solitary and territorial; they do not thrive in captivity and are sensitive to stress and handling.
• Sanctuaries in Bohol aim to maintain natural conditions and discourage keeping tarsiers as pets — a practice that harmed wild populations in the past.
• A responsible visit supports conservation: entrance fees, donations, and offering respectful behaviour all help maintain the sanctuary.
• Go early or late in the day for better sightings and cooler weather.
• Keep voices low and avoid sudden movements; tarsiers are easily stressed.
• Do not use flash photography — it harms the animal’s sensitive eyes and may cause lasting stress.
• Wear covered shoes and bring a raincoat during the wet season; paths can be muddy.
• Support the sanctuary by paying entrance fees, buying small souvenirs from the visitor centre, or donating if a donation box is available.
Visiting the Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol is a quiet, reflective wildlife experience. It’s an opportunity to see a rare and delicate species in a setting designed for their protection and long-term survival. With simple respect and good visitor practices, your visit can be rewarding and help support local conservation efforts.
