Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary: Meeting the World's Smallest Primate

Embark on a unique wildlife encounter in the heart of Bohol, Philippines, at the renowned Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary. This dedicated conservation center offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe the Philippine tarsier, one of the world's smallest and most captivating primates, in its protected natural habitat.

Discovering the Philippine Tarsier

The Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta) is a nocturnal creature known for its incredibly large eyes, which are fixed in their sockets and cannot move. To compensate, the tarsier can rotate its head almost 360 degrees, allowing it to scan its surroundings effectively. These fascinating primates measure only about 4 to 5 inches (10-12 cm) in body length, with a tail often twice as long, making them truly miniature marvels of the animal kingdom.

Endemic to the southern Philippines, particularly the islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, the tarsier plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Its diet primarily consists of insects and small invertebrates, helping to control pest populations. However, habitat loss and illegal pet trade have led to a significant decline in their numbers, making conservation efforts like those at the Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary crucial for their survival.

The Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary: A Haven for Conservation

The Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is not a zoo; it's a dedicated conservation area focused on protecting the Philippine tarsier and educating the public about its plight. Operated by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, this sanctuary provides a natural, undisturbed environment where tarsiers can thrive away from human interference and predators.

Unlike some commercialized "tarsier viewing" spots, the sanctuary prioritizes the welfare of these delicate animals. Tarsiers are highly susceptible to stress, and excessive noise, touching, or flash photography can cause them severe anxiety, leading to self-harm or even death. The sanctuary strictly adheres to ethical viewing practices, ensuring that visitors observe these creatures responsibly and respectfully.

Ethical Wildlife Viewing

To ensure a positive experience for both visitors and tarsiers, the sanctuary has specific guidelines:

Maintain Silence:Speak softly or remain quiet to avoid disturbing the nocturnal animals, who are usually sleeping during the day.
No Flash Photography:Flash photography can temporarily blind tarsiers and cause immense stress. Turn off your camera's flash before entering the viewing area.
No Touching:Never attempt to touch a tarsier. Their fragile bodies are easily injured, and human contact can transfer diseases.
Keep Your Distance:Observe tarsiers from a designated distance, usually a few feet away, as guided by sanctuary staff.
Stay on Designated Paths:Wandering off paths can disturb other wildlife and potentially harm the delicate ecosystem.

Tip for Tarsier Viewing:Remember that tarsiers are nocturnal. During your visit, you'll typically see them clinging to branches, eyes closed, in a state of rest. This is a natural behavior, and observing them peacefully asleep is part of the authentic sanctuary experience.

Your Visit to the Sanctuary: What to Expect

Upon arrival at the Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary, you'll find a visitor center where you can learn more about the tarsiers through informative displays. Knowledgeable guides will then lead you along a tranquil, shaded path into a lush forest area where the tarsiers reside. These guides are adept at spotting the camouflaged creatures and will point them out, ensuring you get a good view without disturbing them.

The experience is typically quiet and serene, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings while observing the tiny primates. You'll likely see several tarsiers, each clinging to a branch or leaf, often appearing as tiny, furry balls. After your viewing, you can browse the souvenir shop, where proceeds contribute directly to the sanctuary's conservation efforts.

Getting There: Navigating to the Tarsier Sanctuary

The Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary is located in Corella, Bohol, approximately 10 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol. It's easily accessible and often included in standard Bohol day tours.

From Tagbilaran:You can hire a tricycle, a taxi, or a motorbike. Travel time is usually around 20-30 minutes.
Organized Tours:Many tour operators in Bohol offer packages that combine the Tarsier Sanctuary with other popular attractions like the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise, and the Bilar Man-Made Forest. This is often the most convenient option for first-time visitors.
From Cebu:Travelers often come to Bohol via a fast ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran. From Tagbilaran port, transportation to the sanctuary is readily available.

Beyond the Tarsiers: Exploring Bohol's Wonders

Bohol is an island paradise brimming with diverse attractions, making it an ideal destination for a multi-day adventure. After your visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary, consider exploring some of the island's other iconic sites:

The Chocolate Hills:Witness the unique geological formations that turn chocolate brown during the dry season.
Loboc River Cruise:Enjoy a scenic lunch cruise along the tranquil Loboc River, often accompanied by local music.
Bilar Man-Made Forest:Drive through an enchanting canopy of mahogany trees, a result of a reforestation project.
Panglao Island:Relax on the pristine shores of Alona Beach or discover vibrant marine life through snorkeling and diving.
Hanging Bridge:Experience a thrilling walk across a bamboo suspension bridge over the Sipatan River.

Combining these attractions with your tarsier encounter creates a comprehensive and unforgettable Bohol itinerary.

Plan Your Bohol Adventure

The Philippines generally experiences two main seasons: the dry season (November to May) and the wet season (June to October). The best time to visit Bohol, and consequently the Tarsier Sanctuary, is during the dry season, when the weather is typically sunny and pleasant for touring. However, visits are possible year-round.

When preparing for your visit, remember to bring:

Comfortable Walking Shoes:You'll be walking on natural paths.
Insect Repellent:Especially important in forested areas.
Water Bottle:Stay hydrated.
Camera (without flash):To capture memories respectfully.
Lightweight Clothing:The weather in Bohol is consistently warm.

A trip to the Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary is more than just seeing an animal; it's an educational journey into conservation and a rare chance to connect with one of nature's most extraordinary creations. By choosing to visit this ethical sanctuary, you contribute directly to the protection of the Philippine tarsier for generations to come.