Meeting Bohol’s Big-Eyed, Whisper-Quiet Superstar
Forget the celebrities of the animal kingdom—the lions, elephants, and giraffes. Bohol is home to a true A-lister of the miniaturized world: the Philippine Tarsier.
This tiny, bug-eyed primate is so famous it has its own sanctuary, a strict “no selfie” policy, and a fan club of visitors who travel from all over just to witness its silent, shy majesty. Get ready to meet the furriest, most sensitive resident of the island.
The “Living Fossil” in Your Palm
Let’s get the mind-blowing stats out of the way. The Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta) is one of the smallest primates on Earth. An adult is about the size of a human fist, typically 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) in body length, with a tail longer than its body!
But their most famous feature? Those enormous, saucer-like eyes. Each eyeball is roughly the same size as its brain and is fixed in its skull. To see around, a tarsier must rotate its head—which it can do a spooky 180 degrees, just like an owl. They are ancient nocturnal hunters, surviving virtually unchanged for 45 million years (they’re older than the Himalayas!), making them true living fossils.
Shhh… Sanctuary Rules: Look, Don’t Touch!
The most important thing to know before you visit is that tarsiers are not pets. They are incredibly sensitive, wild creatures. Stress from loud noises, flash photography, or touch can be fatal, causing them to commit suicide by bashing their heads against trees. This is why the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is the gold-standard ethical place to see them.
Absolute Silence & No Flash: Guides will enforce this. Speak in whispers.
Keep Your Distance: Stay on the paths and let your eyes do the work.
No Touching, Ever: They are not for cuddling.
This responsible approach ensures these fragile creatures thrive. The Corella sanctuary cares for tarsiers in a large, natural forest enclosure and participates in vital conservation and breeding programs.
Planning Your Whispered Encounter
The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is located in the town of Corella, about a 30-40 minute drive from Tagbilaran. It’s a standard and essential stop on nearly every Bohol Countryside Tour, perfectly paired with a trip to the Chocolate Hills and Loboc River.
Visitor numbers are carefully managed to protect the animals, but it remains one of the top three most-visited attractions in Bohol, with hundreds of thousands of respectful tourists passing through annually. A visit is quick but profound—you’ll likely spend 20-30 minutes quietly walking the forested path with a guide, spotting the well-camouflaged tarsiers clinging to branches.
Tarsier Treasures: Souvenirs That Don’t Scream
Since you can’t take a tarsier home (and you absolutely shouldn’t try), the sanctuary’s gift shop offers adorable and ethical alternatives. Look for:
Plush Toys: The cuddly version you are allowed to hug.
T-Shirts & Totes: Featuring cute tarsier artwork.
Keychains, Magnets, and Wood Carvings: Tasteful reminders of your encounter.
Purchasing here supports the sanctuary’s ongoing conservation work, so feel good about that souvenir splurge!
Eats After the Excursion
You won’t find major restaurants right at the sanctuary gates, but the nearby towns and the route back to Panglao are packed with options. Consider:
Loboc: This river town is famous for its floating restaurants. A buffet lunch cruise on the Loboc River is the perfect post-tarsier activity.
Baclayon: Stop at Bohol Bee Farm for a unique, healthy organic lunch with an incredible ocean view. Their homemade ice cream is a must-try.
Tagbilaran: The city offers a wider range, from classic Filipino carinderias to modern cafes.
Pair Your Visit: The Ultimate Bohol Day
Seeing the tarsier is a highlight, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Your tour will almost certainly combine it with:
The Chocolate Hills: The other iconic Bohol experience. Stare in awe at the geological mystery just an hour away.
The Loboc River Cruise: The perfect, relaxing counterpoint to a quiet forest visit.
The Bamboo Hanging Bridge: Shake out your quiet energy with a fun, wobbly walk.
A Historic Church: Such as the ancient Baclayon Church or the beautiful Loboc Church.
Visiting the tarsiers is a lesson in quiet wonder and respectful tourism. It’s a chance to connect with a truly ancient and unique creature on its own terms. So channel your inner ninja, quiet your footsteps, and get ready to be stared down by the animal with the biggest, most soulful eyes in the forest.