Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary on Postcard

"Tarsier: The Philippines' Big-Eyed Primate in Bohol The province of Bohol seems to encourage the bizarre. It contains one of the world’s strangest landscapes, a collection of some 1,700 hills in a 20-square-mile area called the Chocolate Hills. It is also home to a peculiar creature called the Philippine tarsier (locally referred to as the mawmag or mamag ), one of the smallest known primates, no larger than an adult man’s hand, with giant round eyes and a tail that is longer than its body. These adorable beasts are spread across various islands in the southeast of the Philippines , surviving in rain forests with thick vegetation. They are nocturnal, can leap as far as 10 feet from tree to tree, and (like owls) are able to turn their heads 180 degrees. Unfortunately, habitat destruction via logging and mining threatens the Philippine tarsier with extinction. The best place in Bohol to see them and support their conservation at the same time is at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella. Run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to tarsier conservation and education, this small but successful sanctuary provides the best possible environment to allow these tiny creatures to survive and thrive."

The Best Things to Do in the Philippines

test

@afar

"Tarsier: The Philippines' Big-Eyed Primate in Bohol The province of Bohol seems to encourage the bizarre. It contains one of the world’s strangest landscapes, a collection of some 1,700 hills in a 20-square-mile area called the Chocolate Hills. It is also home to a peculiar creature called the Philippine tarsier (locally referred to as the mawmag or mamag ), one of the smallest known primates, no larger than an adult man’s hand, with giant round eyes and a tail that is longer than its body. These adorable beasts are spread across various islands in the southeast of the Philippines , surviving in rain forests with thick vegetation. They are nocturnal, can leap as far as 10 feet from tree to tree, and (like owls) are able to turn their heads 180 degrees. Unfortunately, habitat destruction via logging and mining threatens the Philippine tarsier with extinction. The best place in Bohol to see them and support their conservation at the same time is at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella. Run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to tarsier conservation and education, this small but successful sanctuary provides the best possible environment to allow these tiny creatures to survive and thrive."

The Best Things to Do in the Philippines

test

Dena James

Google

There are over 100 of these adorable animals in the large property. Course in are 3 to 5 that will be shown to visitors. Be quiet and respectful as daytime is their nighttime. Lots of facts provided, amazing creatures.

Valerie Oberreiter

Google

I’m always kinda sceptical when it comes to exotic-animals-sanctuarys, but I had a really good feeling about this one. You can only go in with a guide, the whole “excursion” takes around 15-20 minutes and you’re not allowed to get up to close to the animals. If you want a closer picture, the guides offer to take your phone and take a photo of them for you - so the tourists aren’t disturbing them, since they’re super sensitive and can even get suicidal when they’re stressed out too much. What a great place 🫶🏻

DOKUSEI

Google

The Tarsier Sanctuary is a delightful and enchanting experience! Seeing these adorable, wide-eyed creatures up close in their natural habitat is a treat for any wildlife lover. The sanctuary is beautifully maintained, with a peaceful, jungle-like setting that ensures the tarsiers are protected and undisturbed. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about conserving these unique animals, providing insightful information while ensuring visitors respect the tarsiers' need for quiet. It’s a short yet memorable visit, perfect for families, friends, or solo travelers looking to connect with nature. A must-visit when in Bohol – five stars for this wonderful sanctuary!

Lillianna Hoffman

Google

Certainly a get in & get out experience, but worth it to see the tarsiers! You pay 150 to watch a short video then walk a paved path to see the sleeping tiny primates with a guide. They find them in the early morning then take a select group to walk quietly to where they are sleeping and help you to take photos. It’s nice that they care about the animals safety & habitat, but of course that means the viewing is brief and very much a take a photo & move on experience. For me it is absolutely worth it to pay for this experience rather than one where the animals are exploited – it’s better to see them healthy & naturally.

Salome D'Cunha

Google

Awesome experience seeing tarsiers in their natural habitat. The guide was fun and informative. We arrived at opening and had a pleasant experience but it got way busier and more crowded by 9:30am (not sure if that’s because it was on the weekend). We also enjoyed pursuing the small exhibit area after the brief walk about to find and photograph the tarsiers. They also have clean restrooms and a small gift shop. Overall, we enjoyed our time here and found that an hour was plenty of time to enjoy this place.

Rick Bartel

Google

Out of the 3 different Tarsier Sanctuaries located in Bohol, this is by far the best location! Here, the Tarsier Foundation goes above and beyond to actually protect this endangered species. I always enjoy my visits here...plus I get great up close opportunities to see these amazing creatures in their native habitat.

Daniel Reiter

Google

The Animals seemed to be placed there on purpose on the trees. Guides take care of them and people keep quite. However, some of the tarsiers seem awake even on day time and there is a selfie spot with one of the Tarsier, which is for sure not the natural habitat of the animal. This is more like a zoo for tourists, rather than a sanctuary.

Kaja Štritof

Google

it was worth it. they are adorable! entrance fee was only 150p/person, you will have to watch 5 minute long video but is very informative. you will get a tour guide because you would never find them on your own. they are tiny and they sleep during the day. it won't take long, you will see three of them but it is nice if you can't see them at your home country.

Dena James

Google

There are over 100 of these adorable animals in the large property. Course in are 3 to 5 that will be shown to visitors. Be quiet and respectful as daytime is their nighttime. Lots of facts provided, amazing creatures.

Valerie Oberreiter

Google

I’m always kinda sceptical when it comes to exotic-animals-sanctuarys, but I had a really good feeling about this one. You can only go in with a guide, the whole “excursion” takes around 15-20 minutes and you’re not allowed to get up to close to the animals. If you want a closer picture, the guides offer to take your phone and take a photo of them for you - so the tourists aren’t disturbing them, since they’re super sensitive and can even get suicidal when they’re stressed out too much. What a great place 🫶🏻

DOKUSEI

Google

The Tarsier Sanctuary is a delightful and enchanting experience! Seeing these adorable, wide-eyed creatures up close in their natural habitat is a treat for any wildlife lover. The sanctuary is beautifully maintained, with a peaceful, jungle-like setting that ensures the tarsiers are protected and undisturbed. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about conserving these unique animals, providing insightful information while ensuring visitors respect the tarsiers' need for quiet. It’s a short yet memorable visit, perfect for families, friends, or solo travelers looking to connect with nature. A must-visit when in Bohol – five stars for this wonderful sanctuary!

Lillianna Hoffman

Google

Certainly a get in & get out experience, but worth it to see the tarsiers! You pay 150 to watch a short video then walk a paved path to see the sleeping tiny primates with a guide. They find them in the early morning then take a select group to walk quietly to where they are sleeping and help you to take photos. It’s nice that they care about the animals safety & habitat, but of course that means the viewing is brief and very much a take a photo & move on experience. For me it is absolutely worth it to pay for this experience rather than one where the animals are exploited – it’s better to see them healthy & naturally.

Salome D'Cunha

Google

Awesome experience seeing tarsiers in their natural habitat. The guide was fun and informative. We arrived at opening and had a pleasant experience but it got way busier and more crowded by 9:30am (not sure if that’s because it was on the weekend). We also enjoyed pursuing the small exhibit area after the brief walk about to find and photograph the tarsiers. They also have clean restrooms and a small gift shop. Overall, we enjoyed our time here and found that an hour was plenty of time to enjoy this place.

Rick Bartel

Google

Out of the 3 different Tarsier Sanctuaries located in Bohol, this is by far the best location! Here, the Tarsier Foundation goes above and beyond to actually protect this endangered species. I always enjoy my visits here...plus I get great up close opportunities to see these amazing creatures in their native habitat.

Daniel Reiter

Google

The Animals seemed to be placed there on purpose on the trees. Guides take care of them and people keep quite. However, some of the tarsiers seem awake even on day time and there is a selfie spot with one of the Tarsier, which is for sure not the natural habitat of the animal. This is more like a zoo for tourists, rather than a sanctuary.

Kaja Štritof

Google

it was worth it. they are adorable! entrance fee was only 150p/person, you will have to watch 5 minute long video but is very informative. you will get a tour guide because you would never find them on your own. they are tiny and they sleep during the day. it won't take long, you will see three of them but it is nice if you can't see them at your home country.

Janice C.

Yelp

I learned that Tarsiers were an endangered species during science class while growing up in Manila. I never really imagined that I'd see them after I moved out of the motherland, but I'm so happy I did. My family booked a private driver to bring us to Bohol's top sights and he said that the work done at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is the real deal. Entrance fee is P60 per person. You're given the talk about what to expect, how Tarsiers look like, behave, what not to do, etc. Please listen to your guides, don't use flash photography as it stresses the little creatures and we don't want that. The sanctuary is an enclosed gated piece of the forest, but it's maintained by the workers quite nicely. They'll remind you to be quiet since sudden, loud noises are also stressful to the Tarsiers. There were certain hiding spots where they hang out, so we just followed our guide, observed in silence and watched them in pure awe. They're about the size of your hand with big, curious eyes. They can jump from one tree branch to another with the blink of an eye. The whole thing is over in 15 minutes and after you exit, there's a souvenir shop where you can buy keychains, snacks and water. New to the Philippines? make sure to get iced candy on your way out.

Livia S.

Yelp

I heard of the Tarsiers from my science classes during my elementary years and have always been curious to see one. Being that I am in the province where these little Yoda-like creatures reside, I made sure that I visited their sanctuary and learn about them. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary was our first stop during our day tour. As soon as you enter the premises, there were signs as to what is expected from visitors -- no camera flash, no loud noises, and other facts you need to know about these little primates. The tour in their sanctuary is very quick, you're done in more or less than 15 minutes. You will be greeted by tour guides and again remind you of not using flash and not creating too much noise as it does create stress on the Tarsiers. Our tour guide pretty much let's us know where can we find them in the very lush forest-like sanctuary. We were told that before they open the sanctuary for visitors, they actually have to find the Tarsiers first so that they know where to direct guests. Apparently, these little primates don't like too much sun nor too much rain -- so they hide well underneath the trees. As much as you want to hold them or take them as pets, they cannot be held captive or cannot be taken away from their natural habitat as they are very territorial. The sanctuary is working on saving them from extinction as there are between 5,000 to 10,000 of them left in the world. After the tour, there is a small souvenir section where you can purchase Tarsier stuffed toys, magnets, key chains, and other little trinkets -- all for affordable prices. And because the area can be very humid, there are also refreshments available for purchase.

Cristito C.

Yelp

Boy, they are small. There a couple of places to see them. They are small & hide well in the trees. Good thing the place we went to had kids standing by pointing the tarsier out to you. We actually saw 6 of them, which turns out to be a good amount!!! Had a good time & took some great photos. Enjoy.

Jessica S.

Yelp

The Philippine tarsier is essentially the smallest primate/ ape (NOT monkey) in the world, and due to habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade, the species is now endangered. This sanctuary in Corella is run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation and it is the only official sanctuary in Bohol supported by the Department of Tourism and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. You want to go here and NOT to the one in Loboc which isn't recognized as a sanctuary whatsoever. Entry is 60 pesos per person. After paying, a volunteer briefs you on the tarsier behavior and physical features, along with the rules each visitor should abide by while on the grounds. The research and development center where you start should be explored as there are plenty of informational cards on the tarsier. Wander off to the left and you'll find yourself on the Tarsier Trail. The grounds are enclosed to keep out predators, but the tall bamboo, palm, and mahogany trees do enable the tarsiers to climb out should they desire to. The main rule to follow is to keep your voice down to barely a whisper and to take photos without flash and at a distance. You don't want to startle these emotionally sensitive animals as they are easily stressed and have been known to commit suicide! I can't believe the Loboc sanctuary allowed you to hold and pet them in the past; perhaps another reason why you should not go to that one. There were about 4 tarsiers we could see visibly and at eye-level, another was hiding in the branches up above which a volunteer pointed out to us. A good sign was that they were all sleeping and seemed relatively at ease. Crowds were minimal however there was a group that I would have deemed too large and that lingered greedily for too long at each spot. Some might complain that they don't have "many" tarsiers, but this was a somewhat more natural setup. There was one though that seemed staged as a volunteer was nearby to take pictures of a conveniently placed tarsier in the foreground while you crouched in the back. I also didn't like how she waved at the tarsier to get it to open its eyes for the pictures. Overall, the visit was a positive one. Seeing these creatures up close was definitely something to marvel and wonder over. They really were SO small and cute with their googly eyes. Perhaps they will become the next panda as the cute species we want to legitimately make efforts to save.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Photos

Highlights

You might also like