If you are coming to Bohol to see tarsiers, there is one simple, serious and animal-friendly place to do it: the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. This is where you should go.
The sanctuary is managed by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a non-profit organisation established in 1996. The tarsiers live in a semi-wild forest, without cages, in their natural environment. You observe them along a small forest trail, accompanied by a local guide who knows the favourite trees of each individual.
Why this sanctuary and not another
Bohol has several places where you can see tarsiers, particularly along the tourist road toward the Chocolate Hills. These sites are best avoided. The animals are often stressed, kept in poor conditions, and animal welfare is not a priority.
The tarsier is an extremely sensitive animal, easily disturbed by noise and artificial light. A poorly managed environment can seriously affect its health. The Corella sanctuary is the only place on the island where visits are genuinely supervised with the animal's wellbeing in mind.
What you will see
The tarsier is nocturnal. During the day it sleeps, clinging to a thin trunk, eyes half-closed, motionless in the vegetation. What you observe is therefore a resting animal, but its presence is striking: it fits in the palm of a hand, its eyes are proportionally the largest of any mammal, and it can turn its head almost 360 degrees.
Around a hundred tarsiers live near the centre, but only a portion are in the observation area. The guides know them individually and bring you directly to them.
Rules to follow
Flash photography is strictly prohibited. Tarsiers are extremely sensitive to artificial light. Use a camera in silent mode with a high ISO if you want to come away with photos.
Speak softly and move slowly. Do not touch the animals. These guidelines are not symbolic; they are essential for the health of the tarsiers.
When to go
The best time to visit Bohol runs from December to May, during the dry season. Trails are walkable and the weather is stable. January to March are particularly pleasant months.
The sanctuary is open from 8am to 5pm. Arriving between 9am and 11am generally gives the best observation conditions: the tarsiers have just finished their night and have settled onto their favourite perches.
Getting there
The sanctuary is located in Corella, about 14 km from Tagbilaran City. By private vehicle or motorbike, allow 20 to 25 minutes.
Entry is free, with a contribution going directly to the foundation.
Combining with the rest of Bohol
Bohol lends itself well to a nature-focused week. From Tagbilaran, you can easily combine the sanctuary visit with several other experiences: a trip down the Loboc River by kayak or boat, a stop at the Chocolate Hills with their 1,200 perfectly round limestone mounds, or the waterfalls nestled among rice fields, ideal for a swim after a morning in the forest.
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